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This is an appropriate time to consider such a measure, as the strain on
the toddler group is likely to be a little relieved by the appearance in
Dagenham of various pre-school play groups run by independent associations and
taking children for half-days. These are very well run but do not have the
trained staff who can deal with problem children; and I feel that if we find
our waiting lists for the toddler nurseries are reduced in the future, it would
be a great service to consider a scheme for assistance with fees in recommended
cases.
Both nurseries continue to function as training centres for nursery nurses,
and as such are inspected regularly and approved by the Ministry."
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Observations of the Matron on Goresbrook Day Nursery during 19642:-
"Despite the acute shortage of staff, the Nursery has been able to maintain
its daily routine. The children's attendance has been good; infection nil.
I find that most of the children at four years of age are really ready for
school; they are very receptive, wanting to learn, and full of energy. The
Nursery doesn't seem big enough for them. We in the Nursery have gone as far as
we are allowed to go in teaching them without poaching into education fields,
although it is a pity we do not have more nursery school equipment.
The installation of new heating is most satisfactory, and we are now able
to receive the children into a nice, warm Nursery."
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Observations of the Matron on Chadwell Heath Day Nursery during 1964:-
"The past year has seen the admission into the nursery of many young babies,
indicating once again the pressing need for young couples to buy their own
house. Many are unable to do so out of the husband's income alone.
These admissions have given our students plenty of opportunity to learn how
to care for young babies. Indeed, at one time we were bemoaning the fact that
we had no small babies, and were not able to teach all that was necessary about
them. Now having had a few very exhausting months of continuous feeding,
sterilising of bottles, etc., we are glad that many of our babies have now
graduated to mixed feeding.
Apart from this we have had an increased number of children admitted whose
social development has been hindered through varying circumstances. These
children often present no problem at the nursery, but appear to thrive in the
atmosphere. This often helps parents to regain lost confidence.
To the well-adjusted infant the nursery is simply a stepping stone along
the way. For the difficult child the nursery does provide some emotional
release, and possibly his behaviour problems would be greater by the time he
reached school age if he had not had the nursery to help his development.
The students' transfer to Homchurch College of Further Education at first
caused a little disquiet, but now having attended there for over a term, they
are settling to their new surroundings and routine. The newly-formed Advisory
Committee that has been established should be of tremendous help to all
concerned in the students' training.
We are looking forward with mixed feelings to the transfer of the nursery;
this of course coinciding with the Boroughs' amalgamation.
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