barrybrains

All taxpayers contribute to the cost of the nation's schools; Catholic taxpayers no less than any other taxpayer. The suggestion, therefore, that Catholic schools are being unfairly funded by taxpayers is entirely fallacious. The Catholic community actually pays more for its schools as 10% of the capital expenditure has to be provided from the Catholic community, whereas it is provided by the Government for other maintained schools i.e. they receive 100% funding. In addition to their taxes, the Catholic community provides in excess of a further ?20 million per annum to its schools for capital expenditure. It also saves Government and arguably other taxpayers money, which they would have to find, were pupils in Catholic voluntary-aided schools to be educated in community schools.

OK, I shall refine my comment to "the church has some of the best schools in East Dulwich" as the two you mentioned are Lambeth and Norwood. I personally think that Dulwich Village Infants and St. Anthony's are two of the best schools in the area. The parents, pupils and OFSTED certainly seem to back that up. That's not to say the other schools aren't any good, but I definitely think these two are the ones that stand out as being some of the best.

I think a more sinister meaning lurks behind the British Citizen comment, but then I am a peace-loving liberal and am willing to not pursue it any further as it's irrelevant to the original post. I hope you all get your school places sorted out soon, good luck.

Surely private schools expose the children to an idea that they are for special or different people - i.e. those who can afford it? littleED, I'm with you on the discrimination thing, that is slightly at odds with embracing diversity, but let's face it, East Dulwich is not exactly known for welcoming diversity with open arms. However, the churches do have the best schools, and I'm perfectly happy to take a bit of "fire and brimstone" if it means a fantastic school. By the way, it's not as unsavoury or inappropriate as your own experience of primary school. I think you'd be hard pushed to find a pupil (or parent) who isn't happy with the school.

I was just perplexed by your reference to being a British citizen. I guess you are implying that some 'immigrants' got places at Goodrich instead of you? Otherwise I can't see the relevance as most people applying for school places are likely to be British citizens.

Rye Oak is on the number 12 bus route, not really Nunhead at all, just the other side of Peckham Rye. Hopefully you will be allocated something nearer, especially as you are a British Citizen! God save the Queen...

Hmm, not sure which one in Nunhead then. I think there's a panic that anything outside of East/Dulwich is going to be rubbish, but that's clearly not the case as there are some very good primary schools to be found all over the borough. The Nappy Lady Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Bessemer not in Nunhead, is behind DKH Sainsburys. > Also a friends child started there last year and > they are really please with it - were worried when > allocated but after visiting and meeting the head > felt completely different. > > Big issue is distance tho - crazy to have a > trek/drive to school when you live 2 streets from > one that is your first choice. > > M

That is absolutely no problem for the many Catholics in the area, who probably wouldn't apply to Dulwich Village as they are not CofE, so it all works out in the end. And yes, I'm with Fliss, enough of the church-bashing. If people want to go to church, then so be it ClareC Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Being christian isn't enough though! You have to > be catholic!

From another discussion on here, it seems to be Bessemer Grange that is failing, although it's probably fine but just a bit of a trek, and annoyingly not really reachable by public transport that easily. The Nappy Lady Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Really feel for those of you that didn't get first > or second choice, but do try not to panic too much > yet as going by previous years a lot does sort > during the shake down, especially if you are very > close to your school of choice. > > Such a horrible thing to go through tho. > > Molly > > p.s. Also curious re the Nunhead failing > school????

The majority religion in this country is Christianity. Admittedly, not that popular these days, but popular enough to lead to St. Anthony's, Dulwich Village schools and other religious schools in the area being highly over-subscribed. There are many religious schools in the UK, such as Jewish schools (mostly around North London). Do you object to these too as they have the same entrance criteria?

Most religious schools have entrance criteria as such. As we are a Christian country, I think it's perfectly acceptable for the state to fund these schools. Anyway, digressing from the original thread... taper Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > It is so depressing that the state funds a school > with entrance criteria like that.

The Bright Horizons nursery in Sainsbury's car park is really good. Waiting lists are around 1 year but they do have spaces arising quite often if you keep calling them up to check on availability.

heh heh!

Valerian is not OK whilst breastfeeding unfortunately. Just checked the packaging of my tablets. They do work pretty well though. Passiflora may be OK, best to check with a doctor.

They have space inside for buggies. When it's the Jellybabies session for the young tots, there are plenty of buggies piled up inside the changing room, they kind of have a designated space. I imagine you have to book for Rafts, although I've only taken my daughter to Jellybabies, but you definitely need to buy your ticket 6 days in advance for that one as it always gets sold out, particularly when the weather is a bit warmer. You can't book over the phone unless you are a gym member, I believe. Best to go there in person a few days in advance to buy a ticket, it's hard to get through to them on the phone as they are so busy on reception.