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Demand for places is high and admission is determined by a system
of priorities. In certain cases where it is considered attendance at a day
nursery would be beneficial to progress, certain handicapped children are
admitted without charge. The present categories are deaf, partially deaf,
children of deaf and dumb parents where talking environment is desirable,
children showing behaviour problems and finally for suitable physically
handicapped children.
Training facilities are available at the Headstone Drive Nursery for
students seeking the qualification of the National Nursery Examination
Board. Each year the number of applicants for training far exceeds the
posts available.
Nurseries and Child Minders Regulation Act
Private day nurseries and child minders are registered under the
Nurseries and Child Minders Regulation Act.
On receipt of requests for registration, arrangements are made for
the applicant(s) to be interviewed by a Medical Officer at the home or
premises where it is proposed to carry out the daily care of children.
This gives an opportunity of assessing the applicant's qualifications
and suitability to carry out this type of work and also to discuss the
standards which the Council would require in order to effect registration.
Following registration, periodic visits are made by a Medical Officer
to all premises and in addition visits are made by health visitors to ensure
that the conditions of registration are being observed and in general to
give advice on the well being of the children.
The numbers registered at the end of the year were as follows:—
(i) Child Minders 22
(ii) Private Day Nurseries 22
Priority Dental Service
There was a substantial increase over the previous year in the number
of pre-school children attending for treatment. A total of 440 new cases
were seen compared with 246 new cases in 1965. This improvement
reflects the close co-operation between the Welfare Clinics and the
Dental Clinics. The tendency is gratifying as experience shows that
children receiving treatment at an early age usually continue as patients
after reaching school age.
There was a fall in the number of expectant and nursing mothers
attending for the first time. The total being 59 compared with 74 in 1965.
Marriage Guidance
The Marriage Guidance Council have a local office in the Borough.
This is at 88/98 College Road, Harrow, Tel.: 427 8694.