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might be obtained by negotiation with the owners. It is most
desirable that a nursery should be located on a bus route in order
that the strain of travelling on both mother and child should be
reduced to a minimum. Recreation Close would be an excellent
site if a bus service were available. Approximately f-acre of land
would be required at a cost of £1,500, and the erection of a prefabricated
building similar to a war-time nursery for 60 children
would cost approximately £6,500. A further £1,000 would be
required for equipment, making a total cost of £9,000 or a capital
cost of £150 per child place. Maintenance cost would be in
addition.
In view of the difficulties of obtaining labour and materials
there would not appear much likelihood of opening a day nursery
before July, 1948.
I believe that the need for nursery provision will be more
acute in the new year, as several Mitcham children, at present
being admitted to nurseries in neighbouring areas, have been
informed that they will not be admitted after January 1, 1948.
The need for nursery provision might be satisfied by the
establishment of a number of "Daily Minders"; mothers with
suitable accommodation undertake the care of four or five
children belonging to neighbours who are employed in full-time
work, establishing, in fact, a miniature nursery. These "Daily
Minders," their premises and equipment would be required to be
registered and would be subject to frequent supervision by the
Health visiting staff. It would be necessary to guarantee
registered " Minders " of a weekly fee of, say, £ 1 per week per
child, the mother contributing 6s. per week, the same charge as
at the nurseries. It is possible that the Council would need to
provide on loan certain articles of equipment, for example, cots,
play-pens, etc., and in addition some couponed good such as
towels.
It is certain that some additional rations would need to be
offered to " Minders " to make the scheme a success. At present
there is no provision for this except by registering each " Minder "
as having a catering establishment. It would be necessary for
the Council to approach the Ministry of Food for the necessary