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109
In a Memorandum on Teaching of Infant Care and Management
the Board of Education points out that there are three
principal schemes by which this teaching may be performed.
(1) As a separate course in School.
Lessons are given by a visiting teacher, and the teacher
endeavours to illustrate her theory by practical demonstration
with a large doll.
(2) Instruction given at a Creche.
Girls selected from the upper standards (either nominated by
the teacher or sent at the request of the parents) should regularly
spend half-a-day at a creche for a period of about two months.
While at the nursery they would receive instruction from the
matron in the care of infants and young children and the work
done by them would be under her supervision. A small sum
(say 10/6) might be paid to the creche by the Education
Committee for each pupil and the scheme would be subject to
the approval of the Board of Education.
(3) Combined Teaching in the School and at a Creche
Here the course consists of theory and practice. The theory
is taught at the school and one lesson a week is given on such
subjects as the baby's sleep, airing, food, ailments, dress, etc.,
and the lessons are followed by discussions in class.
Practical demonstrations are given at a creche which is
visited weekly and 4 or 6 girls go together once a week for six
weeks. They are shown how to undress, bath, dress and put to
bed infants and little children.
They are also taught how to prepare " bottles " and how to
feed a baby.
Of these methods the third appears to be the one which
would produce the best results.
There should be a course of lessons at the school followed
by practical work at the creche.