This thesis explores the origins and progress of the open-air education movement in England and is the first to do so through the lens of the delicate child. The delicate child is a notable omission from the history of special education and, by examining a range of sources from Government reports to personal reminiscences, the study seeks to uncover who this child was. The investigation identifies factors that coalesced at the beginning of the twentieth century, including promotion of the value of fresh air, concerns about national efficiency, the importance of nature in education and the commencement of medical inspection. These led to an experimental form of education being provided for delicate children and the thesis shows how this was underpinned by a range of personal and professional networks that were crucial in the creation of open-air schools. The thesis explores how key influential individuals were able to shape the special education system according to their own ideals and exposes how the selection, categorisation and classification of ‘delicate’ children was given legitimacy through the conduit of the School Medical Service. Furthermore, it highlights the fierce debates between the local and the national, demonstrates the uneven and patchy application of policies and draws attention to the complexity and contradictions in the relationships between policy, practice and people. Finally, the thesis examines how the role of open-air education in the life of the delicate child can add to our understanding of inclusion and exclusion in special education. It concludes by revealing that the delicate child was one whose ill-health was largely caused by poverty. The open-air school, through segregation from its peers and by the provision of fresh air, good food and rest, gave the delicate child a place and space to recover its health, thus allowing it the opportunity to flourish.
| Date of Award | 1 May 2020 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Awarding Institution | |
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| Supervisor | Natasha Vall (Supervisor), Rosemary Wall (Supervisor) & Nigel Copsey (Supervisor) |
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