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such requests into our day nurseries, as handicapped children
require more time from staff for care and supervision.
Again, as in previous years, the nurseries have suffered from
shortage of staff in all grades—cooks and domestic helps as well
as nursery nurses and assistants. On occasions it has been necessary
to limit admissions to the nurseries because of staffing
difficulties.
Special Unit
The special unit at Summerley day nursery, which provides
places for up to six children who show signs of mental handicap,
continues to provide a very valuable service. The training and
care given to these children helps them to make maximum progress
before a decision has to be made concerning their future
educational needs.
Private day nurseries and child-minders
Various sections of the Health Services and Public Health Act,
1968, created administrative and practical problems, leading to
the appointment of a senior nursing officer with special responsibilities
for this work. The appointment was taken up on April 1st,
1969.
Throughout the year, pressure of work regarding the registration
of private day nurseries, playgroups and child-minders, and
their subsequent supervision, has continued to increase. Apart
from the number of applications for registration, advice was
sought by private individuals, industrial concerns, hospitals,
colleges and associations, wishing to open day nurseries or playgroups.
Persons seeking registration and those registered requested
advice and guidance on good management and the support of the
senior nursing officer. Although creating additional work, this was
welcomed.
At the end of the year there were 56 private day nurseries
(including part-time playgroups) and 119 registered child-minders
(which include part-time playgroups held in private houses). The
extent of the increase in this section of the work is apparent
when one compares these figures with those of a year ago, viz.
52 registered private day nurseries and 50 registered childminders.
Under the new Act, requirements for registration have become
more stringent. During the year, there were 106 withdrawn applications
and 22 cancellations. An encouraging aspect of the work
has been the obvious efforts of some applicants to meet the new
requirements relating to the day-care of children.
At the end of the year, there were still some 300 outstanding
applications. Every effort is being made to meet this demand.