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These two nurseries have continued their good work throughout the year. In
Chadwell Heath about one-third of the parents received assistance with fees and
in Goresbrook the assisted number is about half the total admissions. There are
families with only one parent, or an invalid parent or families suffering from
some other social distress. The remaining children for whom full fees are paid
are usually from families in poor housing conditions where the mother is working
in order to help pay for a new home or flat. Also there are children sent for
various behaviour problems which are much more easily resolved in a nursery than
by a harassed or bewildered mother on her own. This type of child may often be,
but by no means invariably is, an only child. Most of these children show
enormous improvement after only a few weeks in the nursery. If only we could
accommodate more of these in the age group 3-5 years, I am sure there would be
far less problems in the first school year. The ability to live in a group is
much more easily learnt at 3 - 4 than at 5 years of age, and it is very gratifying
to see these previously problem children behave perfectly normally in the
toddlers' groups.
Both nurseries are recognised by the Ministry as training centres for
nursery nurses and student vacancies are quickly filled. We fortunately still
have our senior staff who have been with us for many years, and I am sure this
accounts for the smooth and happy running of the nurseries.
Observations of the Matron on Goresbrook Day Nursery during 1963:-
"Two members of the staff and myself are very grateful for the
opportunity provided by Essex County Council to attend refresher courses.
From these courses we gained a lot of useful knowledge of modern methods.
This knowledge we were able to pass on to other members of the staff.
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