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A number of cases of illegal child-minding were referred by members of the public. Many disquieting
cases of "baby farming" were brought to light - in one case 13 children of various ages were found to be
daily minded in one room - and in another case of illegal minding two children were said to be cared for,
but the sound of children talking brought to light another four children hidden under the bed! Where
unsatisfactory care or unsafe conditions were found, the illegal minder was asked to stop child minding (a
follow up visit being paid to ensure that she complied) and in other cases the minder was encouraged to apply
for registration.
There is no room for complacency about the child-minding situation in the Borough. There may still
be a hard core of illegal child-minding which will be difficult to eradicate, but with co-operation from
members of the public and the continued vigilance of the health visitor it is hoped to improve the situation.
PLAYGROUPS
Established playgroups were visited during the year with a view to registration and several new playgroups
were started. The Assistant Nursing Officers concerned were invited to address a group of the Islington
Playgroup leaders in the summer.
At the beginning of 1969 there were 15 playgroups in the borough providing part-time day care for
approximately 300 children. All these playgroups were visited during the year. In addition a number of
enquiries were received from voluntary bodies and private persons who wished to start playgroups. In
February 1969, a meeting was arranged between the Chairman of the Personal Health Committee and
organisers of playgroups at which requirements for registration and standards of accommodation and
equipment were discussed.
STATISTICS (as at 31.12.69.)
Full-time nurseries registered 4
Children permitted 73
Part-time playgroups registered 12
Children permitted 260
Child-minders registered 62
Children permitted 180
HEALTH VISITING
As can be seen from the statistics below, the number of visits by health visitors has decreased. This
does not mean however, that the people of Islington have received less advice and education by health
visitors. The figures reflect the actual reduction in the number of children in the Borough, due to the
general fall in the birth rate and the increased knowledge of family planning services. The figures may also
reflect the fact that within a modern community a variety of problems may be present at any one visit,
which conrequently becomes more time-consuming. The health visitors are well accepted by all strata of
society and have become adept at coping with differing languages and cultures.
Visits
1969 1968
Children born between 1964 and 1969 18,048 (18,574)
Persons over 65 265 389)
Mentally disordered persons 106 140)
Persons (excluding maternity cases) discharged
from Hospitals (other than mental hospitals) 236 306)
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