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MY NURSERY SERVICE
Children are admitted to the Council’s Day Nursery
(1) Where the mother is the sole wage earner
(2) When there is sickness in the family or where home conditions
likely seriously to prejudice the health of the child exist
(3) Where, upon consideration of individual circumstances, it
appears to the Council that admission is necessary in the interests
of the child.
The situation of the nursery near to the North West boundary
makes it inaccessable to many parts of the Borough. Consequently
27 children normally resident attended the nursery in Middleton Road by
arrangement with the London Borough of Merton and 2 children attended
nurseries in other Boroughs. 2 children were placed by the Council in
private day nurseries. 52 places are available in the Council's
nursery, the average daily attendance at which was 32.3.
Children attending the nursery are medically examined at six
monthly intervals and medical officers and health visitors pay frequent
visits.
CARE OF THE UNMARRIED MOTHER AND HER CHILD
In making provision for the residential care of the unmarried mother
and her child the Council rely mainly on voluntary organisations. There is
an active Moral Welfare Association in Sutton which runs an 18-bed mother and
baby home. The Council makes a grant to the association and in return receives
the services of a moral welfare social worker and free admission of mothers
up to one third of the total number of beds available.
A number of girls. prefer to go to mother and baby homes some distance
from their places of residence and at times the Sutton home is unable to
accept all the Sutton cases. Under these circumstances, a suitable home is
sought elsewhere, the Council being financially responsible for the girl's
maintenance, less any contribution she may make of her own or from financial
help from her parents or the putative father.
The total number of Sutton girls admitted to the Sutton mother and
baby home from 1st April to 31st December, 1965 was 14 and the number
placed elsewhere was 17.
The length of stay at a mother and baby home is normally about
twelve weeks - 6 weeks ante-natal and 6 weeks post-natal.
Before leaving the home mothers are assisted to find accommodation
and employment and in making arrangements for the care of their babies.
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