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Child-Minders and Private Day Nurseries
Section 60 of the Health Services and Public Health Act, 1968,
demanded more stringent control of persons and premises registered
in accordance with the Nurseries and Child Minders Regulation
Act of 1948, by 1st February, 1969.
Such a formidable task required the combined efforts of the
Medical and Nursing staff, Public Health Inspectors and administrative
personnel for its completion and, in March of the current year,
the number of applications awaiting registration was approximately
425. Moreover, new applications were being received at the rate
of 60 per month.

Unsuccessful applications, as given below, were refused mainly
on the grounds of unsuitability of premises:—
Applications for Registration of Play Group Refused —
Applications for Registration as Child Minder Refused 16
Applications for registration are now running at approximately
6 to 7 each week thus indicating a considerable interest in this work
and a willingness by the public to comply with the new regulations.
Despite the high proportion of children enjoying pre-school
activities, which is very gratifying, there is still a need in certain
areas for an extension of this service.
In order to add to the value of the useful work already carried
out in this field, supervisors and staffs at Day Nurseries and Play
Groups are encouraged to participate in one of the courses of
training which are becoming increasingly available.
Registration of Nursing Homes
In accordance with Part VI of the Public Heath Act, 1936,
Part III of the Mental Health Act, 1959, and the Nursing Homes
Act, 1963, registration and inspection of nursing homes is a responsibility
of the local health authority.
As in the previous year and under existing legislation there is
only one nursing home registered within the Borough and this
provides accommodation for 19 persons as under:—