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A new Supervisory Warden was appointed in November to fill the vacancy left by Miss Tyrrell. The toy-making
class at Mortimer Road has continued under the direction of Miss Ross. Bunk-wood has been supplied for this
purpose, through the co-operation of the Borough Engineer. During the year a grant of £200 for toys was made.
This sum was used to provide a climbing frame for each nursery. These climbing frames are a source of endless
pleasure to the children.
Medical Supervision.-The children have been regularly inspected by the various Medical Officers, and have
attended the Health Centres for dental and other treatment. Diphtheria immunisation has been carried out at each
nursery. The mothers greatly appreciate this service.
Clothing.-Overalls and knickers only have been provided this year as only three coupons per child may now
be expended on such articles. Mrs. Baldwin continues her voluntary work of mending and making towels and
napkins.
Buildings, Repairs, Redecoration.-Constant minor damage has been caused to fences and windows by local
children. Damage through burglaries has been considerable. Chain-link fences are to be erected, when supplies
are available, to afford better protection to the Nurseries.
Staffing.-All Nurseries have remained adequately staffed during the year. The quality of the Junior Staff
is improving.
Training of Students.-The National Nursery Examination Board has taken over the responsibility of the
Students' Examination. Under the new scheme students from 15½ years attend Hendon Polytechnic from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. on two days each week for general and vocational tuition. There is no practical examination, all results
depend upon a written paper and an oral examination. The consequence of this change is that the elementary schoolgirl
of average intelligence, who could usually pass the Nursery 'Nurses' Diploma, finds the new too examination
difficult. Many a good practical nurse is lost in this way. Four candidates entered for the National Nursery
Certificate, three passed, one failed.
The Future of War-Time Nurseries.—A Joint Circular, issued by the Ministry of Health (221/45) and Ministry
of Education (75), upon the Nursery provision for children under five years, was considered by the Council and
resulted in the decision that as the present arrangements under the Ministry of Health cease on 31st March, 1946,
War-time Nurseries continue on their present lines, admitting children 0 to 5 years, as and until Nursery Schools
or classes for 2 to 5 year olds are provided by the Education Authority.
SPEECH THERAPY, 1946.
Speech Therapy continued in the Borough in the form of Group Work. Two Centres were started and the
children attended once or twice a week.
There is still a growing list of cases requiring treatment and by the end of 1946 there were approximately
100 children who had been examined and found to be requiring treatment, and a further fifty requiring re-examination.
REPORT ON THE ESTABLISHMENTS FOR MASSAGE
AND SPECIAL TREATMENT.
The Council decided that as from the 1st May, 1946, the provisions of Part XII of The Middlesex County
Council Act, 1944 (dealing with the Control of Establishments for Massage and Special Treatment), shall come into
force in the Borough. By-laws were subsequently approved by the Minister of Health and adopted by the Council.
Up to the 31st December, 1946, twelve persons had been granted a licence and one person had received
exemption under Section 363 of the Act.