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44
The Cynthia Mosley Day Nursery
The day nursery has continued its successful career during the
year, and the need for further nurseries is emphasised by the
demand. Applications for admission are rather more than double
the numbers which can be accommodated, and the disappointment
caused to so many unsuccessful applicants renders the provision of
other nurseries a matter of some urgency. The Council have agreed
in principle to three more nurseries so that there shall be one in
each of the four Parliamentary divisions, but the practical application
of the principle is still under consideration.
The day nursery forms an integral part of the Lambeth
Maternity and Child Welfare scheme, and is now included in the
scheme of the Minister of Health made under section 101 (6) Local
Government Act, 1929. It has also been recognised by the Board
of Education as a nursery school in respect of the toddlers' side.
To meet the requirements of the Board the number of children
accommodated has been reduced from 50 to 45 in the winter months,
of whom 30 belong to the nursery school. There were 12,197
attendances during the year upon 254 working days, giving an
average daily total of 48 children accommodated. The gross cost
per child per day was two shillings and fivepence, of which the food
represents ninepence farthing.
The medical officer in charge examines half the children each
week and prescribes special treatment as required, such as ultra
violet light, from the apparatus installed on the premises.
Applications for admission are made at the welfare centres in
order to insure that those most in need are accepted, and each
must obtain a recommendation from the health visiting staff of
the local welfare centre, who, naturally, have first-hand intimate
knowledge of the home conditions.
The administration is directed by an executive committee composed
of representatives of the voluntary subscribers and of the
Borough Council.