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105
modern approach with the aim of detecting, at the earliest possible
moment, physical and mental handicaps in order that suitable
action may be taken and, where necessary, for special arrangements
involving medical and education problems to be planned.
Statistics for 1965 relating to Child Welfare Clinics are given
in the following table: —
Attendances
No. of Children born 1965 3,575
No. of Children bom 1964 3,498
No. of Children born 1960/63 4,173
11,246
Sessions held by:—
Medical Officers 323
Health Visitors 219
G.P.s on Sessional basis 1,822
Hospital Medical Staff
— 2,364
No. of Children Referred elsewhere 502
No. of Children on 'At Risk' Register 31.12.65 933
Day Nursery
Admissions—On 1st April, 1965, the Borough, unfortunately,
did not inherit a day nursery but was allocated ten places in such
an establishment under the control of the London Borough of
Lewisham. These places were usually over-subscribed and priority
had to be given to unmarried mothers and widows who needed to
work. Such rationing of places necessarily involved much hardship
to handicapped and deprived children who needed to be in the
company of others in their age group. Local play groups and head
teachers of normal schools helped as much as possible but, due to
staff shortages and the relatively large amount of individual attention
needed by such children, it was difficult for them to accept more
than one handicapped child in each group. It is to be hoped that
this great need will soon be filled.
Council Places in Day Nursery
In Waiting
Unsupported Mothers 5 2
Lone parent 5 4
Mother ill health - 1
Deaf children — 1
* Recommended by hospital — 5
* These children were unable to enter the nursery due to restricted
numbers or lived too far from nursery.