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29
The responsibility for the care of children in the Day
Nurseries is heavy and the presence of so many very young
children for six days in the week requires a large and
skilled staff. The staffing is complex, because of the
different types of experience, training and skill needed
adequately to meet the varying requirements of children at
different stages of development. To maintain the nurseries
at a reasonable level of efficiency is very costly therefore
it has been necessary to practise a careful system of
selection of children for admission.
Prior to 1st. April, 1946, the Ministry of Health gave
a 100% grant to make up the deficiency on cost of running the
Nurseries after the income from mothers' payments was taken
into account. Since that date the grant has only approximated
44% of the nett cost of the nurseries the remainder having to
come from local rates.
It is clear from the statistics that the nurseries have
met a definite and urgent need of a not inconsiderable section
of the people and in view of the waiting lists for admission
this need continues.
The Nurseries have been very successful in providing for
the children, as proved by their excellent physical and mental
development and their condition when they reach school admission
at the age of five years.
The Council's policy is being repaid in the health and
progress of these children.
I gratefully acknowledge the contribution made by all who
worked in and for the Nurseries, Including voluntary workers and
especially the Matrons.
Care of Premature Infants.
When the mother and infant were kept at home, close supervision
by the Health Visitors was carried out and all practical
assistance possible was rendered.