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one wonders how long they will remain clean; not long on a healthy
and energetic Nursery child—in fact, in about 10 minutes most
overalls have lost their first bloom.
Milk and rusks is the first form of refreshment offered, and
this is quickly finished, as there is so much else to do.
Out in the garden the sand pit is a hive of industry, and
there is a wonderful view from the top of the Jungle Gym. The
three and four-year-olds rush about in carts and on bikes, and the
two-year-old, if not tenderly watched, is amazingly happy pulling
off all the fattest tulip heads within reach.
A period for story and music gives the 3's and 4's a chance
to settle down and get their breath, so to speak, and then there
are all sorts of thrilling occupations to be extracted from the cupboards.
Beads and puzzles, teddy bears and tea sets, clay to
kneed, dolls' clothes to wash, water to play with. There are tea
parties and brick-building parties in progress. There is also a
great deal of noise, but it is purposeful, it all means something if
you are only wise enough to understand.
Putting away is also part of the game, and everything has fo
be tidy ready for dinner. Everyone is very thankful when the
dinner wagons do arrive. Just supposing Cook had forgotten!
Fortunately she never has done yet. The Helper at each table
sees that everyone is served, and there is a great scraping of
plates; if no one is looking you lick your plate very vigorously—
Cook won't need to wash them.
By the time dinner is over the beds arc down, and after a
wash everyone settles down under their blanket. "Ah, sleep it
is a blessed thing." You really would not know the Nursery
School, it's all so quiet and peaceful.
All good things come to an end, however, and sleep time
over everyone is bursting with energv. Beds are put away
and everyone finds something to play with until fruit conies
along. By that time there is a large gathering of mothers,
fathers, grannies, elder sisters and brothers outside the gate.
Coats and scarves are put on, and the children go home.
We have not had time to go into the details of wet days and
foggy days, of the delight of being given cod liver oil and malt,
of the excitement of medical inspection, and of the utter dejection
of one's first day. These and many more mysteries must be seen
to be believed.
There are two Voluntary Day Nursery Schools in the
Borough. No statutory medical examinations have taken place
,.'n the schools, but children under 5 years for whom operative treatment
of Tonsils and Adenoids is required are referred for treatment
by the Maternity and Child Welfare Department.
1 have to thank Miss Peet for the following details of the
Dockland Settlement Nursery School:—
The year 1936 has been a very healthy and happy one for the
-children in the Nursery School.
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