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(ii) of persons in their area who for reward receive into their homes
children under the age of 5 to be looked after as aforesaid.
The amendments introduced by Section 60 of the 1968 Act considerably
extends the coverage of the Act by including within the requirements to register
anyone who minds children to whom she is not related for a reward for at least
2 hours a day. The Act gives clear definitions of fitness of persons and premises
It widens the powers of Local Authorities to impose requirements and at the
same time increases the penalities for failure to register.
Registration of Premises
Persons proposing to open a day nursery or playgroup are visited by the
Deputy Medical Officer of Health or the Assistant Senior Medical Officer and the
Playgroup Organiser who inspect the premises concerned and outline the requirements
the Council would be likely to impose if registration were recommended.
Advice is given on staffing, equipment, the need to obtain planning permission
and the need to obtain instructions on fire precautions.
At the end of 1970, 44 statutory registered private nurseries and playgroups
were providing places for 945 children.
Child Minders
Visits of inspection as described above are carried out by the Deputy
Medical Officer of Health or the Assistant Senior Medical Officer and the Playgroup
Organiser to persons who are required to register as child minders. These
visits are essential, not only for inspection purposes but to advise and assist
the child minder in the care of the young children in her charge.
At the end of the year the number of statutory child minders had increased
to 247 (102 in 1969) providing places for 467 children (200 in 1969).
Urban Programme—Playgroups
I indicated in my report for 1969 that approval has been given under Phase
2 of the Urban Programme for the appointment of a Playgroup Organiser and for
financial assistance, up to a total of £30,000 to aid the formation of 20 non-profit
making playgroups.
The Playgroup Organiser was appointed in April 1970, with the task of
stimulating public interest in playgroups, encouraging their formation and maintaining
standards by inspection and advice.
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