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42.
DAY NURSERY

There are no Nurseries In the borough provided by Voluntary Organisations, the one
nursery being operated by the authority.
The need persists lor some 60 - 70 places In the day nursery, adequately to cope with the problems
of child nurture and care, thrown up In the community from day to day.
There Is little doubt much Individual suffering would be borne by a number of young children In
addition to the certainty of disruption of certain homes, but for the timely assistance of the day
nursery service.
Constant vigilance Is called for to prevent abuse of this truly philanthropic service, both In dealing
with requests for admission and In assessment of charges which can properly be made.
Transport Is still provided to take the children to and from the day nursery.
NURSERY AND CHILD-MINDERS REGULATION ACT, 1948.
There were no dally minders provided by the Council during the years and there were no premises or
dally minders registered under the above Act at 31st December In each year.
The Authority do not pay any fees to dally minders under section 22 of the National Health Service
Act, 1946.
CARE OF UNMARRIED MOTHERS
The Authority does not provide a Mother.and Baby Home, but, where necessary patients are admitted
to homes maintained by voluntary Moral Welfare Associations or by other Local Health Authorities.
It was not found necessary In 1956 to accept responsibility for the maintenance of any unmarried
mother In such a home. In 1957, however, the Council accepted responsibility for seven mothers In
recognised mother and baby homes, the periods of care varying from one week to eight weeks.
ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN (Circular 2866)
The Council do not employ a social worker for the purposes of the above Circular.
These duties are undertaken by the Superintendent Health Visitor, and close co-operation Is maintained
with the Children's Officer and the Chief Education Officer.
SECTION 23 - MIDWIFERY SERVICE
This service has functioned very well throughout the two years under review.
in 1956, in 291 domiciliary confinements the doctor was present at the delivery on 24 occasions
only, whilst In 1957 In 276 such confinements a doctor was present for 17 deliveries. The role of the
midwife cannot be overstressed when It is apparent the vast majority of deliveries at home are in fact
carried out by the four Council mldwlves assisted by the pupil mldwlves from the Plalstow Maternity
Hospital.