srisky

Private versus state debate usually results in polarised views with each end vehemently defending their choice, whilst giving negative examples of the other system - what's the point of these anecdotes? I can think of examples of negative examples from my state school but it doesn't mean that all parents/children from a state school don't give a monkeys about education, equally not all parents that use private school are pushy and their kids don't all snort coke. The state system worked well for me but may not for others. Whilst both systems exit, I don't think any parent should be criticised for their choice. A debate about whether a private system should exit at all, as well as their charitable status, is probably more reasonable (but may be less fun). I'm not sure how the extra pupils from the private system would be funded if they all entered the state system, given that their parents already pay tax. Would taxes need to be increased? Would those deemed more wealthy (i.e since they could afford private anyway) have to start paying towards state education (think winter fuel allowance for the wealthy elderly)? Would it be a slippery slope with all, apart from the lowest earners ,paying fees (as per higher education, which I am saddened about)? This is probably a whole new thread. Re: snobbery and avoiding the 'riff raff' - I only really know of the catchment areas around Heber, Goodrich and DVI and that's not exactly slumming it. It may be a case of paying a huge amount of money for a house in the catchment area or buying in a cheaper area and paying for private school and there will be those that can not afford either. In that sense, a great state school can become unaffordable to many. Either way, there is definitely a financial bias (with the occasional exception). Ultimately, wherever you go, it is natural for people to gravitate towards and mix with others from a similar background and mind set, whether you are the riff raff, the extremely wealthy or the inbetweeners. Re: charitable status - I know nothing about if/what JAPS and Alleyn's contribute. However, some schools have a linked school in a poorer country which they support financially, supply equipment, provide bursaries for students and staff visit to provide training. I don't know if JAGS/Alleyn's do anything similar. ETA: I don't know if there is a proviso that they have to do charity work in the UK in order to have a charitable status.

My 3.5y daughter is keen to learn to ride a bike. I've seen younger kids on balance bikes and have been impressed with, well, their balance. It seems that once the balance and confidence is there then it is a matter of developing the coordination to pedal. So, are balance bikes they way to go or is it better (and cheaper) to go straight to a standard bike with stabilisers? If balance bikes are better to start with, which ones would you recommend? From my POV, one that's easy to carry (or even better sling on to the back of a buggy) would be ideal. As would pedals that can be de/attached as and when. Thanks!

rahrahrah Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > What the hell is a Hipster anyway? I am not sure I > could hate anyone for the way they dress. I could > dislike people for judging others quite > superficially tho. My thoughts exactly.

Ghost rider

You are missing my point. I wasn't saying it should or should not be reported. Just querying the case law. If it has been argued to death then why bother contributing to the thread, particularly with sarcastic remarks? Are you in fact a southwark camera car driver?

Jeremy Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Oh yeah... real dangerous. Lucky nobody was > killed. I didn't say it was dangerous but potentially dangerous. There could be all sorts of caveats in attempt to clarify every situation but then the law would become very complex.

Salsaboy Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Illegal parking by a camera car whilst in pursuit > of illegal parking is not an offence. There is > case law about it somewhere, just can't remember > where. I get that to some extent but if they are doing something that is deemed illegal due to it being potentially dangerous e.g using a hand held device with engine running (i.e deemed not to be fully in control of the vehicle) then surely there are only very few situations when that would be justifiable. I suspect this was not the case for southwark camera car driver.

The Color Purple?

I think there is an illusion of choice. Definitely visit the schools - no point putting down a school that you really don't like or dismissing a great school as you haven't visited it. As others have said, try not to waste a choice on a school that is clearly too far away. Find out if any are having bulge years, as you may get a place in a school that would normally be out of catchment. Bear in mind, you may be well within a catchment but can miss out due to sibling places. Good luck!

Yes, Yak, you are right, my son is at nursery - thanks v.much for the heads-up!

Thanks both for your replies and others for your PMs. Mathilda - yes, I thought it was a second child thing or just that they have different personalities. However, so many times people have said that 'he's boy' that I began to wonder if the differences were at least partly due to just that.

Could you use a sling for the few months and then once baby starts getting too heavy you could use a buggy board for the elder one? Our age gap is greater than yours (25 months) and our elder's temperament is conducive to walking/buggy boards (not sure if my younger one would have managed if the roles were reversed), so this may or may not work for you.

Has anyone read either of these books and would you recommend them? I have a 3.5y girl and a 1.5y old boy and despite them being raised in the same way so far (same toys, nursery, play experiences etc) they are totally stereotypical girl and boy, completely poles apart. I always thought I would raise my children equally, whatever their gender, however, apart from loving them equally, they are not the same person (sounds obvious, I know) and clearly do not have the same personality. I'm mindful of not reprimanding behaviour in one but tolerating it in the other based on their gender e.g. she mustn't climb on the table and throw toys versus let him climb on the table and throw toys, he is just being boy. But maybe I am going too much the other way and not letting my son be a boy? Anyway, enough of my rambling thoughts, I know you can't raise a child from a book but this would be my first foray into parenting books - wold you recommend these particular titles? Thanks!

Heart shaped box - nirvana

Destiny calling - James

Opine

Broom

sylviamaria Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Since my second daughter 8 months ago I am still > losing a significant amount of hair! Every time I > brush or wash I feel I loose a whole wigs-worth! I > have been pretty bad with taking my post natal > vitamins though. I feel for you - I 'll keep an > eye on this thread for any solutions. X Sylviamaria - you are may be experiencing the normal hair loss post-natally, which typically happens around this time. During pregnancy the normal daily hair loss is much less than in the non- pregnant state, so once the pregnancy hormones settle you lose the hair that you 'gained', if you see what I mean! It should settle back to normal soon, if not, as others said, ask your GP for advice.

If all of the above fail, then ask for help from kind forumites and offer some cake/wine in return.

Could you buy/order online from somewhere like homebase and get them to deliver to her?

Cereal bars - brilliant idea! Definitely know what you mean about the carb hit. Thanks :) I'm not worried about tiredness, as she does 8-6 at nursery 4 days/wk but she does eat a lot and nursery do give snacks/ light meal around 3 so it's very likely she would be hungry then. It just never occurred to me until it was mentioned on this thread. I do have an excessive amount of second hand uniform to avoid laundry stress, well that's the idea anyway!

Great thread, thanks for all the advice and tips! Any suggestions for snacks at pick up times? All the Organix type snacks are i) expensive over a school year and ii) not very filling. School will be packed lunch so sandwiches twice in a day would be a bit much. The only thing I can think of is a banana....hmmmm, I need inspiration, please!!

Thanks for all your suggestions. I went with the 2:1 ratio in the microwave, which worked a treat giving perfect consistency with minimal washing up. Looking forward to trying the different toppings!

Or more specifically, for your kids in the morning? Our daughter starts school in sept so breakfast will be at home. The only thing that keeps her full for more than 20min is porridge but I find it a bit if a faff to make in the morning and it takes ages to cool down. Any tips, please? I remember a couple of years back there was a thread about it but can't seem to find it. Thanks!

Single with bed guard, for us too, our daughter moved into hers from a cot at 23 months. Added bonus of storage space underneath.