simonethebeaver

The steering group has taken two roles. First, to spread the news about the campaign - many local primaries have had leaflets and posters distributed, with the agreement of headteachers and governors. We've set up a Twitter and Facebook account. Second, we discussed potential providers, agreed which to approach, and made it clear that this is a parent-driven project. We have approached strong providers with a proven record and we're confident that, should this go ahead, local parents will be pleased. We have not spoken to the Harris Federation. We're still in negotiations but would hope to hand the bid over to the provider to carry forward, retaining a role in providing local input. The provider will have expertise in every area. In discussing who to approach, we considered existing schools and their facilities and policies, and our aim was to ensure we could find someone to provide a co-ed, non-faith, non-selective school for children in the local community. We also bore in mind views expressed on here and discussions with other parents.

Hurray for the target. I am on the steering group and I can confirm that it is formed of a collection of parents from a wide variety of local primary schools, and is not politically driven in any way. Material that has been branded Liberal Democrat, for whatever reason, is being superseded by non-partisan versions, at the steering group's request. The Twitter and Facebook accounts have never been linked to a political party. James has done really well to push this forward, and the steering group is extremely grateful. As can be seen by the numbers, there is a genuine strong demand for an extra school in East Dulwich. Let's hope we can make this happen.

Haha. I'd held back on saying any of this as Kim isn't worried about getting new customers, but shopping with him is one of my true pleasures, and well worth the time. We had lamb from him last night that was superb, and his sausages have no equal. He's not the place to go if you want to be in and out in a couple of minutes, but his queues are always full of happy people. People on here talk about wanting independent shops like the old days - well, that's Kim. My mother-in-law loves going there as it reminds her of her childhood.

I am still in the process of having work done, but from my experience so far, I can't recommend Sky High builders enough. The price is reasonable, the team is friendly, very hard working and thorough, and the boss, Marvin, knows his stuff inside out, and is a pleasure to deal with.

There's a great butcher just round the corner, at the bottom of Wood Vale.

Baby Booters at JAGS is good fun, and you pay ?4.50 a session. I don't know how they compare for content, but might be worth trying out.

Which system seeks applicants? I don't think a single Lewisham school lacked applicants altogether in a particular band. They may well have different numbers of applicants in each, and distances will vary, but I don't think any target bands they are 'low' in. Obviously when you band applicants to a specific school you run no risk at all of not filling all your bands, but you can't be completely sure you reflect the local or national spread of abilities because your group is self selecting and could conceivably all be at one end of the ability spectrum, divided into bands within that. Outside the theory of it, the reality is that children mostly apply to their nearest school so long as it meets their needs, so the banding will just be dividing up the local kids.

There are two ways of banding. Lewisham bands all their primary children in year 5 through a non-verbal reasoning test. All the children are put on a continuum and this is divided into five bands. The child's allocated band is included on the CAF and the schools participating then take equal numbers from each band on distance. The other method is used by several local schools and involves schools administering their own NVR tests to those who have applied. They are also divided into equal bands and offers are again made on distance within bands to achieve equal numbers. The slight difference is that under the second system, the school cannot be short of applicants in any one band.

I know I'd read about the case loading teams on here long before getting pregnant. I rang Oakwood as soon as I got a positive test and breathlessly asked if they might be able to take me. They laughed a bit and said I was a FHR patient so of course they would! But I know other patients there that didn't get on their list at busy times, so I should thank the EDF for the tip off.

Not the park itself. The hill goes on further. Walk along Horniman Drive and over to Ringmore Rise.

I'm sure there will be, but just in case, you can also get some fantastic views from the hill behind the Horniman.

Harris CP has an admissions area A which runs on distance, and an admissions area B, which is around the edge of area A, which has a lottery. IIRC area A is 90% of places and B 10%. They also band the kids for entry.

Why not think about becoming a teaching assistant? Especially if income is not the issue. Although I think both teachers and teaching assistants do quite a lot of 'caring' alongside the teaching!

I'm another one who wants to be a midwife. The work/life balance thread has been great food for thought over the potential timing of it, as I'm very keen to leave my current job and start training, but I have two very small children.

Poor you! I rarely wear make up as I'm too lazy. But when I do make the effort, my top buy has been Nars The Multiple. It's not cheap but it's a shimmer cream in a block that can be used on eyes, cheeks and lips. It's pretty subtle but is a quick way of looking more glamorous.

I'm so pleased to know that! We are on our last few classes before I go back to work, and I feel quite miserable about it. Chee says she's never knowingly had anyone manage to bring a third child, so maybe there's an ambition for me!

My mistake. Point stands though.

Don't forget catchments change every year, and on the whole are shrinking, so past precedent isn't the best thing to go on. The school website, I think, will tell you the furthest distance of a place offered in the initial round last year, so you can get a rough idea of whether Friern Road is still possible. Also fewer kids from the East Dulwich side now get in since the Charter was forced to change its admission policy to include as a 'safe walking path' a route through to Denmark Hill. The whole thing was played out on here if you search.

Reviving this thread to share... Ours, back from an amazing week away with friends, is now complaining because he's been told to do a chore. Apparently he is so overworked compared to the average 11 year old that his blood pressure is 15% higher than normal!

The Milk Spots are fantastic too. The lactation consultants are stars.

I was curious as I'd not heard of them, and local midwifery is a bit of a hobby of mine! Turns out they are the new name for the group replacing the much-missed Albany midwives. If you google them, you'll see how fantastic they were, and what a great resource they were for women. You'll be in very good hands.

Glad you're excited! Happy to meet up whenever.

Oh, what is WRONG with people? If those people whose love to be Right On The Internet trumps their ability to sympathise with people ever become victims of crime (and it can happen to anyone, however careful you are), then I hope they won't come looking for support. Ann, sorry this happened to you, and thanks for the reminder. It is very easy to forget about security when distracted.

I've had two home births and also happy to chat about them to you. I also know someone who may be able to lend you a pool.

That's odd then, Jollymummy, as your friends seem to have leapfrogged my neighbour.