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the least of which is the forthcoming course to be held there for senior
nursery staff. Perhaps this is one way in which we can look forward to an even
greater understanding and closer liaison between health and education authorities,
which in turn will enable us to give an even better and wider service, both to
parents, children, and the students who are appointed to train in our nurseries.
Goresbrook Day Nursery - Matron reports as follows:-
An uneventful year. Our biggest problem has been shortage of trained staff.
Owing to this, the intake of children has now to be reduced. This is a very
unhappy situation. Apart from liking the nursery working to full capacity, a
certain amount of hardship must be caused to the parents who have children on the
waiting list, especially the unmarried mother who is keen and willing to support
her child.
PLAY THERAPY
During 1966 our play therapy sessions continued to give excellent service.
During these sessions the child (2-5 years of age) has a wonderful opportunity
of 'letting off steam', and this' evidence may be illustrative of an underlying
emotional upset. This group of children, deliberately restricted in number to
about 8 to 10, all have come emotional problem but are of infinite variety and
type. Included among these children may be the child who is 'withdrawn', a
possible psychotic, the child who is being 'killed by kindness' by one or both
parents - usually an only child, the child who is 'difficult' or even one who is
getting on mother's nerves with disastrous effects on both mother and child.
Ac an observer, it is fascinating to watch the child who on his first visit
remains aloof and an outsider, gradually at each succeeding session make tentative
approaches to the other children and the staff. The latter welcome this
approach, respond immediately, and eventually a most satisfactory rapport is
established between them. The development of the child's own individual
personality is encouraged and guided by the staff in charge (who hold the
National Nursery Examination Board certificate).
Each child is admitted on a doctor's recommendation and the doctor may be
a general practitioner, clinic doctor, or in some cases a consultant from Great
Ormond Street or similar children's hospital.
In the first instance, the child is introduced into the group for a period
of approximately three months but this may be extended if it is considered to be
advantageous, due consideration being given to the 'waiting list'.
At present the play therapy sessions operate twice a week at Northbury
School (as accommodation at Central Clinic is so limited), Thames View Clinic
and Julia Engwell Clinic. Each session functions only for two hours, and again
the short duration is deliberate to avoid the child getting the impression that
his mother is trying to 'get rid of him'
I think it is true to say that the parents of these children are most
grateful for the help they are being given and are receptive of ideas given by
the staff, as we are all beginning to realise how much a child's emotional
development can be encouraged by the stimulus and understanding he receives from
his parents and the other adults around him.
In all groups 91 children have been helped. We had waiting lists for all
groups. It is hoped in the very near future to establish another unit, but this
has not yet been realised.
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