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KINGSLEY HALL DAY CENTRE
1962 in Kingsley Hall has been a year of settling down and consolidation. Most of
our “ teething problems ” were over, and a clearer picture was emerging of our aims and
ambitions for the Centre; our place in the structure of provisions for handicapped
children was clearer.
A routine of admission, care and training is now established. When a child is
proposed for admission, all records concerning that child are gathered together, including
specialist reports, infant welfare records, and a health visitor's up-to-date home report.
The parents and child are then interviewed by a Medical Officer, and if acceptable for
Kingsley Hall the Medical Officer will explain the provisions available and invite the
parents to visit the nursery and talk with Sister-in-Charge before deciding to accept a
place for their child.
Fairly lengthy gaps are allowed between each admission. This we find greatly
benefits both child and staff; the newcomer gets much attention from the staff in the
first few days. Invariably, he will find one person to whom he becomes particulary
attached, and it will be that member of staff who will introduce the child to the nursery
routine and begin his training. This scheme of single admission also allows the staff to
become well acquainted with the new personality and more easily observe any signs of
stress that the change of environment may cause, and make an early report on his particular
needs.
Our first aim with a new arrival is to bring his health to its best potential by careful
supervision of nutrition, rest, play and fresh air. The dietary requirements of each
child are carefully assessed. In the early weeks we have found that supplements of
vitamins, high protein and iron are usually required. At this point we must congratulate
the kitchen staff on their co-operation, our requirements are sometimes exigent and must
appear to them to be a little eccentric to say the least, but they always produce the right
thing.
We have found that this care in nutrition has paid dividents. The children invariably
put on weight (except those who start off too well endowed!); Mr. Sawallow,
Senior Lecturer in Dentistry at the London Hospital has congratulated us on the children's
teeth; and their attendance has been excellent, despite the terrible weather in
November and late December.
Our average attendance for 1962 was 16 children a day. The majority of absences
were due to hospital or dental appointments and holidays. Sister now supervises all
dental and hospital appointments, arranging transport where necessary and occasionally
providing an escort. We now have excellent liaison with many of the hospitals where
our children attend and most provide us with a detailed and helpful report.
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