bumpy

Not what the original post is about but this came though recently from a blog I follow and thought it may help a few of us who want to encourage the kids to play independently. I'll definitely be trying them out!

http://www.positiveparentingconnection.net/independent-play-using-play-invitations-to-encourage-imagination-and-learning/

Melanie upstairs at Health Matters on Lordship Lane

I guess it depends on how the child plays but yep so far so good for us, we have the main garage plus the fold out add on and yes some of the smaller bits (lamp posts etc are broken or fall off. I would say he plays more with the garage itself as loves racing the cars from top to bottom in one go, filling up with petrol and using the lift?! He would love the spiral race ramp & the parking garage but as crystal7 says they're BIG so have vetoed any more extras to it?!

More than happy for you to come by and see it before purchasing.

We have the ELC Big City one, bought on here?! :)

http://www.elc.co.uk/Big-City-Garage/125154,default,pd.html?CAWELAID=1638586435&cm_mmc=Google-_-Action+%26+Adventure-_-Product+Listing+Ads-_-PLA+-+Action+%26+Adventure+Top+Products+-+PLA

So far so good, yes it's plastic but seems to put up with lots of use and has great add ons that can be bought if you have the room.

Hi, would anyone like my sons Rugby Tots place? It's at Dulwich College on Sunday at 10am. There's 5 more sessions and the t shirt & shorts are also available. The classes normally cost ?7 each. Sensible offers appreciated. Thanks

http://www.francis-stone.com

If you need more there's a number of posts already on here with various people being recommended

Good luck

Still not claimed

Starter pack and build from there?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marbutopia-Marble-Starter-Helter-Skelter/dp/B000KDS6PS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1384347294&sr=8-9&keywords=marble+run

Why not ask The Little Disco Company if they do parties? They're on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thelittlediscocompany?fref=ts

Our very near 4 year old was given a marble run about a year ago and LOVES it. Will play with it for ages BUT at his age cannot build it 'properly' by himself

On Nutfield Road. Has distinguishing marks. PM me if it's yours

This sounds great. I'd like to bring my 3 year old but what is there for the under ones?

What about family style games?

Board games a la hoses and ladders

Hungry Hippos

Pirate pop up game

We were at Bessemer today for an open morning and the head teacher confirmed that the new site is due to start next summer and yes they are going to a permanent 3 class intake

Are all the children of similar age? We've had one child in a nanny share with 2 older children and have always split the costs 50/50 as the other boys were of school age so our child had one on one care for a large percentage of the time. Also do you share the hosting, again the other family have always hosted and by default our child ends up eating their a lot of the time which we don't pay any extra for. Not really helping you with answers but just offering food for thought on alternatives!

Just used Lee from http://www.francis-stone.com/stone/index.htm

Brilliant. Fast. To the point. Creative with his thinking.

Hi everyone, donated some bits and pieces on Monday and Nancy mentioned they were in desperate need of buggies and mens clothes

Sorry to hijack your thread but does anyone have any comments on the benefits of buying a single bed over say a cabin bed with storage - what age do they grow out of a cabin bed and will we end up buying yet another bed at the age of 10...!

Just that I've seen a fab cabin bed with funky storage but can't decide if we're wasting our money

Not much help to you but just to say I went through 2 generic footmuffs before finally buying the Bee one as nothing but theirs seemed to fit correctly. Have sold already so sorry can't help on that front but hopefully you can pick one up on here or ebay as are really well made and tend to last. Good luck!

Thanks folks. Yep, hopefully get in to DVIS but wasn't sure we could only put the one school on the form?! 😄

Due to a delayed relocation we're now looking at school options for a September 2014 start date. Obvious choice of the village infants school is top of the list but can anyone advise on what other state schools we would / should be looking at? Many thanks

Our boy has been there for just over a year and have nothing but praise for them. Kind, caring, great interaction with the children, lovely outdoor space, have recently introduced hot lunches and longer hours for those that need it. Feel free to PM me with specific questions.

I can highly recommend our nanny. We're parting company at Christmas, initially because we're leaving the area but also because our boy needs to start building up hours at pre school before starting school in September 2014. She's going travelling in January for 6 weeks but will be available after that. If the dates work for you then very happy to pass on full details.

Came across this which has some great tips to encourage them to speak about their day

http://www.positiveparentingconnection.net/positive_parenting_25questions_school/

Thanks so much kemurf and mynamehere