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The holding of a "mini¬fete" with side shows etc., (which helped to swell
the toy fund), the kind gift of a very large portable paddling pool from the
parents of one of our children, enjoyed by children and staff alike, a
sponsored trip to the London Zoo by a small group of children and staff, these
are some of the things we particularly remember about 1969.
The end of 1969 marked the closing of a pretty memorable decade for those
of us who were here when the old nursery closed down, and we were temporarily
re-housed until our re-opening in 1966.
All our four students were successful in the N.N.E.B. examination.
Desirable qualities of candidates for training are that they should be
well balanced, forward thinking, imaginative, good humoured, with a pleasing
personality. A good standard of speech, and vocabulary is also desirable.
It would be a tremendous step forward if nursery education were provided
not only for the under¬privileged child, but for all pre¬school children,
from the age of three. They would benefit in 60 many ways, by contact with
adults apart from their own family, by pleasing associations with other
children, and by the variety of play that can only be offered in places larger
than the average home.
We know that "education" begins at the mother's knee and in a homely
environment but with the pace of life to¬day many mothers have not the time
to spend on their energetic and enquiring 3-5 year olds. If, as is suggested,
at no other time in his life does a child reach this peak of desire to learn,
than during the two years preceding entry into school, not to satisfy this
need could delay educational progress.
Eastbury Day Nursery
Matron reports as follows:-
Nursing staff shortages were our greatest difficulty, but we managed
to care for our children and continue with the training of our students.
Our five nursery students were successful in passing the N.N.E.B. examination.
In April, together with three second year students and four children,
I spent a most enjoyable day at Colchester Zoo. We were accompanied by
Mrs. Isaacs and Mrs. Herd, Course Tutors from Havering College, and a party
of students and children from Dr. Barnardo's Home.
Close liaison with Havering College has been ensured by frequent visits
of the Course Tutors to the Nursery and my attendance at the Matrons' Advisory
Committee Meetings at the College.
The children's Christmas Party was the usual noisy but happy event, very
much enjoyed by children, staff and parents.
Goresbrook Day Nursery
Matron reports as follows:-
During 1969 there were many changes of staff. All four students were
successful in passing the N.N.E.B. examination, and moved on to work in other
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