philosophie

Two inductions. First experience at King's in 2020 wasn't great. Recently gave birth and had an amazing midwife who read my birth plan thoroughly and gave excellent care. Was seen by a horrible doctor who did try to push an unnecessary intervention but midwife backed me on giving me more time without. It maybe helped that I had more confidence this time round to voice my concerns and assert my wishes. Postnatal care was good, too.

My vote also goes to Blue Brick, although it's a tiny space and service can be slow (although v friendly!)

I've had a good experience with 306 medical centre - it's not perfect but so much better than others I've tried in the area!

I really recommend too. I used Sharon after having a baby and with no idea what size or shape of bra to use with my 'new body' postpartum. She found me loads of great styles, without any pressure to buy, and seemed to intuitively know what would fit me well!

Wow, this is a horrible and hostile thread to read. I remember being 17 (many moons ago) and I really was a child, despite thinking I was all grown-up. I also remember how precarious self-image and mental health feels at that age. To the OP: I'm so sorry your child experienced that and I hope they realise, with time, that for every abusive person there is someone with a kind word too x

Ready, steady... Go:

Just an update to say that we moved here and are so happy - thanks for everyone's advice. It's like a little oasis of calm and loveliness. Everyone on the street is so friendly and it feels like a real community, and dare I say it, it feels more 'normal' than other parts of East Dulwich we've lived in (plus points)! We're also enjoying spotting jay birds in Green Dale and Peter Crouch in the Sainsbury's 😁

Thanks so much everyone , that's really reassuring. Does anyone know when the football stadium redevelopment is happening? I can't find much info online. I know there's also lots of housing planned, which is great, but worried we might be stumbling into a building site as not sure where those are going? So might be a bit out of the frying pan into the fire for us! (We're moving from somewhere very noisy, hence our obsession!)

We are thinking of moving to the area and this street in particular. We have a young child so peaceful and family-friendly are good buzzwords for us! Has opinion changed in the last six years? Is it still a nice part of East Dulwich to live? How noisy are Dulwich Hamlet games (bearing in mind we have a light sleeper) 🙉 All intel is very appreciated!

We haven't sold round here yet but we bought through Pickwick (with mixed feelings). On the tenancy side (which surely translates into how they handle sales), we've had terrible experiences with both Daisy Lets and Winkworths. Another time with Haart who were pretty communicative and decent - no complaints.

Biff in Dulwich Village is good but I've felt under pressure to buy shoes I really can't afford a couple of times now. Wish they had a mix of more affordable items too. I also asked for my toddler's measurements and they were a bit cagey about it, saying it would be different in different brands - probably because they knew I might take my custom elsewhere and somewhere a bit cheaper. I do like supporting them as an independent but also felt a bit like a walking ?? symbol to them. And contrary to popular belief, not everyone who lives round here is knees deep in cash.

Yes, it was apparently a minor breach of their outings policy and the manager subsequently contacted parents to let them know. As a counter view, I've had a couple of parents contact me privately on here with nothing but praise for Gumboots so I'm far less worried. It is definitely a busy nursery and whether you/your child like that or prefer a more homely one, is down to the individual. (On the plus side, it sounds like they do loads of fun activities and are very stimulating!) I do think that everyone should report where they have concerns, it's easy to sweep these things under the carpet and worry you're making a fuss. But we should be fussy when it comes to young kids! Saying that, nursery workers are only human and kids do fall over, accidents do happen, etc.

The off-menu veggie sausage sandwich at Blue Brick is delicious. Love the dhansak from Tandoori nights. The sweetcorn fritters or Gobi Manchurian from Spinach (mmn-hmmn).

I've seen a complaint registered to Ofsted re: Gumboots nursery - https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50165906 It looks like action was taken but it mentions 'a breach regarding child protection and managing behaviour.' I just wondered if any parents of children who attend the nursery have any insider info on this and if it's anything that parents with a potential placement at Gumboots should worry about? I'm not sure how frequently these sort of complaints get lodged with Ofsted...

Anyone know what this might be - just had to close my windows as the smell was so strong. Couldn't see anything bad when I went into garden... Am around Colwell Road / Playfield Crescent. May be just a very overactive BBQ bu t the rain made me think not!