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61
CHILD MINDERS
The beginning of the year saw a positive deluge of names and addresses of
would-be registered child minders - proof that the publicity posters and cards in
shop windows announcing the implementation of the Act had not gone unnoticed.
Initial applications and inquiries totalled nearly 700. Visiting them would be a
formidable task indeed, and it was with relief that we welcomed an additional
Nursing Officer. Of 507 applicants visited during the year 272 had either moved,
gone to work, or were persuaded to cease minding. It is interesting to note that
a number of minders requested registration only to legalise their caring for the
child of a friend; they had no wish to continue when this child left them. Of the
remainder, only a relatively small percentage qualified for immediate recommendation
to the Committee for registration. The rest needed to comply with safety
regulations before such recommendations could be put forward - and getting
fireguards fixed during a long hot summer proved to be no mean task; many
applicants required several visits before registration could be recommended.
In a Borough with a population coming from such a wide range of backgrounds,
standards must be flexible. Where a child is happy and well cared for
the aim has been to raise the standard of care rather than reject the application.
Experience has shown that only by constant supervision can these standards be
maintained, and the questions of diet and the concept of play are two factors
where a change of attitude can only be encouraged by regular visiting - a task that
has been undertaken by the health visitors, who in many cases have already
formed relationships with the child minders on which they can build. Nevertheless
it is felt that it is necessary to "educate" Child Minders in a more formal manner,
and it is proposed to arrange visits of small groups to day nurseries and centres
during the coming year.
DAILY MINDERS AND REGISTERED NURSERIES
Nurseries and Child Minders Regulation Act 1948
Number of Premises registered at the end of
the year 41
Number of places 995
Daily minders registered at end of year 101
Number of children minded at end of year 333