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164
In many places throughout the country classes are being
held in the elementary schools for the older girls. In some
cases the practical work in connection with them is carried
out at neighbouring Creches or Baby Welcomes. In others
instruction is given on a doll. The scope of the work varies
somewhat in different schools, but the course includes instruction
on washing, feeding, clothing and carrying an infant,
making baby clothes and the elements of sick nursing. The
courses are given either by the teachers or health visitors, or
in a few cases by medical practitioners.
In Willesden an excellent class is conducted by Miss
Webster, the Head Teacher, at Chamberlayne Wood Road
Girls' School, and recently a class on similar lines has been
arranged at Mora Road Girls' School. Girls over fourteen
are taught thoroughly the methodical washing and dressing
of a young baby. Dolls are used, of the size and weight
of a month old baby. The class consists of eight to ten
girls, and the children thoroughly enjoy the work. The
improvement in method and speed after a few lessons is
marked. An extension of this work to yet other schools
would be of considerable value in the reduction of infantile
mortality rates in the future.
Mother Craft Schools.—Classes for mothers and
expectant mothers are being held in many places, usually
in connection with a "Babies' Welcome" or "Infant Consultations."
The classes are made known in the district by the
Health Visitor when visiting under the Notification of Births
Act, 1907, and mothers are invited to attend and bring their
babies for regular weighing, inspection and advice. In
some cases the classes are entirely conducted by the Health
Visitor, in others a Medical Officer attends on certain days.