The Rushden Echo and Argus, 24th July, 1942, transcribed by Gill Hollis
While Mother is at Work
Children Cared for at New Rushden Nursery
America’s Help
Warm and gaily coloured quilts received as gifts from America will protect tiny Rushden children during sleepy-time at the Rushden War-time Day Nursery, which opened on Tuesday.
Built near the Tennyson-road Infant School, the nursery has been provided by the Health Department of the County Council and is the first in the area though not in the county. It will care for children from two to five years of age whose mothers are doing war work and find it difficult to look after the little ones.
Not many mothers who saw this bright place for little people would hesitate to leave their children there during working hours. Everything is designed for health and happiness, and a well-chosen staff has been engaged. Mrs. O. B. Lean (wife of Dr. Lean) is the matron – fully qualified as a State Registered Nurse – and has as assistants a nursery-trained lady and two others who have taken courses. It is hoped that in time a teacher may be added to the staff.
Meals and Play
Though the daily routine could not be settled in every detail before the nursery opened, it was decided that the children should receive a light lunch of milk etc., dinner and tea. Early morning arrangements will be based on experience, and it would be quite possible to prepare breakfasts if necessary, the establishment having a small kitchen. The dinners come from the school canteen in Portland-road.
The toddlers should be happy in the two airy nursery rooms, where the low tables, at each of which ten kiddies can sit in tiny chairs, are heaped with pleasing toys – supplemented by wooden engines and the other rolling stock of the floor.
Each child has its own tooth mug, towel, face flannel, brush and comb and tooth brush. These outfits have their own distinctive markings in the form of animals and birds, and the staff has been very busy applying the figures to 200 articles. The mugs ranged in rows make a bright splash of colour.
Warm Bye-Byes
America’s kindly gifts are seen in the room where the children snuggle to bye-byes for two hours – perhaps more – each afternoon. They cover low-built cots, and each has a tab revealing the place of origin. One day the U.S. Red Cross ladies will receive interesting messages from this nursery.
The other arrangements, including the wash-basins with hot and cold water supplies, are on the miniature scale which makes the whole place look so interesting. Two air raid shelters are also provided.
On Monday the nursery was open for public inspection. On Tuesday the children already on roll settled down to their new mode of life while mothers were helping to win the war. It is hoped that within a short time the company will grow until about 40 little ones – none under two and none over five – are in the fold.
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