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54
Many creches state that when the children are old enough to
go to school, it is possible tc distinguish them from the other children,
not only because they are healthier looking, but because they
are better behaved, have better manners, and are more obedient.
Creches are under medical supervision, and the promptitude
with which a case of sickness is treated often prevents more, serious
consequences.
The mother is required to bring the child clean; better methods
of feeding are learnt; and the cleanliness and discipline of the creche
insensibly react to the advantage of the home.
A misapprehension seems to exist in the minds of some of the
opponents as to the nature of a creche. It is assumed that all municipal
creches must be of the same pattern and managed in an uniform
manner. The establishment of a large creche, which would entail the
segregation of a large number of infants, would be a mistake. It
would expose the children to the risks of infectious disease, as well
as depriving the majority of them of their mothers' milk. These results
need not follow if the creches are small and if possible numerous.
The creches would then be conveniently situated, and the
mothers encouraged to attend twice a day or oftener to suckle their
infants.
A creche has been started in the neighbouring district of Hammersmith
through the agency of philanthropic persons. Possibly,
some liberal-minded philanthropists may be induced to try the experiment
in South Acton. The French, who are the pioneers in this
movement, consider that the ideal creche should be conducted by a
private body and inspected and partly supported by the municipality.
This plan ensures personal interest and proper public supervision and
control. Such a creche might also be made an educational centre.
The Inter-Departmental Committee on Physical Deterioration recommended
that wherever it was thought desirable, owing to the employment
of married women in factories, or for other reasons, to
establish municipal creches, girls over fourteen might be made to
attend occasionally, and the teaching of infant management to such
girls should be eligible for aid from the grant for public education.