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35
with various aspects of child development and the adverse effects
that faulty upbringing can have upon a child in the critical formative
years of life which are generally recognised to be the first five.
Owing to social and economic conditions more and more
children are being looked after during their early years by persons
other than their parents. Many other children attend playgroups
for some part of the day because in the case of only children their
parents are anxious for them to have opportunities to establish
social relationships with other children and adults outside the home
as well as gain experience in what one might call pre-school
activities. When considering the registration of a playgroup the
local health authority has to be satisfied that the environment meets
with the requirements recommended by the Department of Health and
Social Security, also that the persons involved in child care and
the running of playgroups and nurseries have the knowledge, skill
and aptitude necessary to deal with children of various ages placed
under their care. Ideally the nursery nurse or nursery teacher
is suited for this important role but in Kingston it was soon
apparent that there were insufficient personnel with this type of
training to meet the heavy demand for playgroups. As a result of
this it was decided in September 1967 launch courses for training
playgroup leaders. The courses are arranged under the auspices of
the Education and Health and Welfare Departments, lecturers being
supplied by these departments. Attention is focused on the basic
needs of young children, their emotional development and the necessity
for them to be cared for in a stable but stimulating environment.
Special emphasis is placed on caring for the handicapped child, the
children with problems and the immigrant child.
Statistics
212 applications were made during the year
201 were approved
11 were not granted because of an unsatisfactory
environment or the poor health of the applicant.
At the end of 1969 there were 50 registered premises providing
1079 places and 223 daily minders providing 518 places.
CHILDREN'S HOMES
The Children's Committee has five homes in the borough and
one in Esher. The premises are inspected quarterly by a medical
officer of the Health and Welfare Department and a report is made on