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All three nurseries had waiting lists throughout the year, but admissions
were limited by reason of staff shortages.
To ease staffing problems a shorter working day was instituted for a
trial period of three months-the nurseries opening 45 minutes later in the
morning at 8 a.m. and closing at 5.15 p.m. instead of at 6 to 6.30 p.m.
Mothers and employers co-operated in the revised arrangements, and the shorter
hours were subsequently adopted as a permanent arrangement.
Goresbrook Day Nursery
Matron reports as follows:-
"It is now a year since the new nursery hours were introduced-8 a.m.
instead of 7.15 a.m. and closing at 5.15 p.m. instead of 6.30 p.m. I thought
this would cause a lot of trouble and complaints, but it is amazing how the
mothers have co-operated and adjusted themselves to the new hours. The shorter
nursery day means the children have more time in the evening at home with their
own family before bed-time.
"As usual we have been busy with lots of very young babies which we are
delighted to have for the students' training.
"All the students were successful in passing the N.N.E.B. examination. Two
are continuing in nursery work, and another has gone for teacher training."
Annie Prendergast Day Nursery
Matron reports as follows:-
"The year of 1967 was the first complete one in our new nursery, so in the
summer months we were able to enjoy the freedom our larger garden gave us.
"The number of visitors we received when the nursery first opened gradually
dwindled and the staff and children were able to settle down to an established
routine. The visitors who did come, however, were very welcome; they seemed
to enjoy their visit and, I hope, felt at home with us.
"Our intake of students increased, bringing the total number to seven. The
two students who took their examination were successful, and now hold the
National Nursery Examination Board Certificate. Havering Technical College
held its first refresher course for senior nursery staff in the autumn, which
lasted for seven days. The course came about as a result of the meetings
between the Nursery Nursing Advisory Committee and the College, who felt that
such a course was needed. Authorities from Southend and the neighbouring London
Boroughs and Dr. Barnardos sent members of their staff, who enjoyed the course
tremendously. It was, in fact, so successful that the College envisages this
becoming an annual event.
"The mixed age range grouping of the children which was started two years
ago is still "workable". There are a few difficulties, but being aware of them
is, it seems, half the battle. For instance, with a group of 2-5 year olds
there is a tendency to "play down" story telling to capture the interest of the
younger listeners, which we found was not really fair to the older children
whose vocabulary and intellectual powers were greater. So there are times when
the age groups are separated to enable the children to follow pursuits most
fitted to their age and capabilities. We even have a sewing circle with some
pretty good wielders of real neediest
"The two open evenings held during the year were again pleasant and, thanks
to the health education section, instructive. Attendance was not 100% but the
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