Renata Hamvas

Hi Peter is this the Judith Kerr Free School? If not I'd be a bit concerned about saturation as that is in the pipeline and also Haberdashers Aske Temple Grove Free School in Telegraph Hill is due to be English/German Bilingual. Renata

St Augustine's Church (One Tree Hill, just off Forest Hill Road) Has stay and play little Acorns for under 5's every Tuesday Morning from 10-12am during term time. Renata

Hi all, I agree that communication over these works has had a lot to be desired! (I think I'm not council officers favourite person at the moment as I have been raising all your complaints about these works). Currently, TFL contracted works are going on. In theory all works at this junction are scheduled to be completed by the end of this week. They were actually timetabled to be finished by the end of this week, but the literature was inaccurate, stating that works would be completed by the end of last week; it was the resurfacing part that was due to be completed by the end of last week. I can't retrospectively sort out the communication issues that occurred in relation to these works. However, for future works, Councillors will be notified where letters are due to go out to, so that we can say if we are happy with this (or not) and also be able to check if this occurs in practice. Renata

Hello all, there was extensive consultation over this, there were public meetings (Open days with Council Officer attending at Honor Oak Rec, Camberwell Old Cemetery and a meeting at Tooley Street). The easiest and cheapest option was to have used Honor Oak Rec. Both local councillors and residents said no to this option. There was an extensive tree survey in this area of Camberwell Old Cemetery. Trees that are being removed are on the whole structural unsound or diseased. There will be new trees planted and also extensive planting along the boundary with Wood Vale. I know many people don't want a traditional burial, but there are also people who for personal or religious reasons do. It was clear from the survey that residents do want the option in Southwark of a traditional burial. For this reason Mynamehere, your suggestions would appeal to some but not all of Southwark's residents. I shall find out re schedule on this. Renata

Hi Monkey, I think you will find it quite difficult for that date as schools break up at the end of the week ie on Thursday 28th, so holiday clubs etc tend to start the following week. Renata

Hello all, I have received the letter (see below) which in summary says that unfortunately the works won't be completed by tomorrow but by next Friday, 15th. Following my complaint, I believe that letters were distributed to St Aidan's on Tuesday (Thanks to the St Aidan's Rd Residents who contacted me). The information on the planned distribution that I now have, indicates that letters were due to go to the part of St Aidan's Rd nearest to Forest Hill Rd in the initial distribution (and sections nearest to Forest Hill Road of all roads feeding into Forest Hill Road). Renata Dear Cllrs, Ref: Update on Forest Hill Rd/Colyton Rd junction Highways Improvement works We have noticed that there have been comments on East Dulwich forum (EDF) relating to works at Forest Hill/Colyton Rd junction I would like to update you on progress so far: ? Transport for London (TfL) signal installation contractor (PEEK) is currently on site installing the new traffic lights. ? TfL informs us that that new lights will be ready for commissioning next week, hopefully by Friday 15 March. ? We have noticed some concerns on EDF in relation to delay to our work programme. The letter sent to residents only showed programme for FM Conway works and mistakenly did not include duration of works for signal installation by TfL, which normally follows after Conway civil works. This lack of information on the notification letter may have caused the misunderstanding and we apologies for this. We are confident that the works will be completed next week as mentioned above.

I have had reports that this particular train is very busy and sometimes passengers can't get on it on Denmark Hill Peckham Rye, Nunhead. Renata

Hi Angela, I spoke to a local resident whose son was here until he started school in the Autumn. She said that her son was happy here and she found it a stimulating environment for him and they did some great things eg day trip last summer to Haven, All Hallows near Rochester Renata

Hi Chaveau, the works should be completed by the end of the week. Renata

Not that local but not hard to get to, there is the Wapping Wildcats in Wapping. I think their open sessions are on Tuesdays. London Overground to Wapping from OHP or Peckham Rye. Renata

Surrey Docks Farm. Honor Oak Park or Peckham Rye to Surrey Quays and then a 15 minute walk or bus. You can feed the animals and it's just by the Thames, so you can go boat spotting too! Closed on Mondays. Horniman Museum-lots to see there and also outdoor space there too Peckham Rye Park (adventure playground for the older one too). Coram Fields (near Russell Square). Very large and safe playground suitable for both boys and also some farm animals. Renata

Hi Vik, this in reality is not very helpful to parents as most schools have a banding system. Last place offered distances can be very different between bands (eg many SEN applicants may fall into one band, reducing the last place offered distance within that band). Also, siblings also have a major impact on last place offered distances. Additionally some schools operate a lottery system eg Kingsdale. Also secondary is affected by other factors eg do you prefer mixed or single sexed, what is your child good at etc. The only two schools I can think of it could be useful for is Charter or ARC All Saint's Academy in Camberwell as they go by distance without banding. Hi Hazel, I've never seen such a breakdown. Your primary head would know for that particular school. I know for Ivydale last year, Deptford Green was the most popular secondary destination. From what I've gathered in general for Nunhead, boys- Harris, Forest Hill (if close enough, maybe waiting list), St Thomas the Apostle; Girl's-Harris, Prendergast (if close enough, maybe waiting list), Sydenham Girls. Mixed, Deptford Green, Haberdashers Askes, Kingsdale. Also Kent and Bexley Grammars from Nunhead Station. Additionally, some going to St Michael's in Bermondsey and Coloma/St Philomena's/John Fisher etc via train from Brockley or HOP. Hi mumof3girlies Nationally 2001/2002 had a dip in the birthrate, however, the number of applicants in Southwark was up by 3% from last year. There was an increase in the number of places available in Southwark due to the opening of ARC All Saint's Academy in Camberwell (120 extra places). This was on the site of St Michael's and All Angels Academy that was closed by Southwark in 2010 (The council moved all the younger pupils to other local schools). I think this has had a bit of a knock on effect, but I think it's also to do with parents being more savvy and being aware that schools don't know where you place them on your CAF form and also checking admissions criteria before they fill their forms in. Also, parents are putting a variety of schools down in their top choices (you mention 7 schools plus independants!) Renata

Hi Boleto, I would suggest you contact Harris Girl's and explain the situation, and make sure they are aware of the sibling link (when you filled out your forms, was younr elder daughter already there?). If you need any assistance don't hesistate to contact me. Renata

Hi Penguin, there are some agreements in place eg with street lighting, so that you have the same lighting on one Street. In terms of Forest Hill Road, as it is quite a long road, I think this is why it switches council over the hill. Councils can work together, very successfully; a large scheme was implemented jointly between Southwark and Lambeth in the Waterloo area. Renata

I haven't yet had a response about St Aiden's road. I asked that in future that Councillors get notified which roads notification letters get sent to. The letters were sent out by Southwark. It is Conway's carrying out the works. Renata

Hi Boleto, am I correct in thinking that you moved into the area after the closing date for applications ie 31st October? Banding tests were sat at most schools in November and December. None of the secondary schools are under Southwark's control, they all set their own admissions policies. Most of them use some form of banding test and then take those who best fit their admissions criteria with a certain split in numbers between their bands. Kingsdale do banding plus lottery and Harris Girl's, banding plus distance. If your daughter didn't sit the banding tests, she would have been placed behind everyone in the rank order. This is also for the waiting list. Charter is different in that they go on safe walking route to school and doing their banding test in early summer, after place allocation. If you are too far from Charter and didn't sit the tests for the other schools you applied for this would explain why you were allocated a place at a school with vacancies. Depending on where you are on the waiting list, you may get a place at Charter once there is movement on the waiting list (after 15th March), an alternative would be to apply to the new Academy in Camberwell, ARC All Saints Academy, that is opening this September, selects on distance and banding isn't mentioned on their website. This may be closer to you than Academy@Peckham if you live near Charter. If ll Saints is of interest to you, you would need to apply for this via Southwark. I will be having a surgery on Saturday 10-11am at East Dulwich Community Centre on Darrell Rd SE22. Below are details of drop-in sessions for parents who are unhappy with their secondary school allocation, being held by the School Preference Advisor, Liam White Renata SPA Secondary Transfer 2013 Post-Offer Advice Session Would you like to discuss your child??s secondary school offer? The School Preference Advisor is on hand to offer independent, impartial support and advice to parents and carers concerning the school admissions process. The Southwark Learning and Business Centre, Cator Street, Peckham, SE15 6AA. Commencing: 6th ?C 15th March 2013 inc (weekdays) Time: 9:30am - 12:50pm and 1:50pm ?C 3:30pm. ?? The School Preference Adviser is part of Southwark Parent Partnership, an arms length service funded by Southwark Council. ?? 20 minute slots will be available on a first come first served basis. ?? Please note this is a parent only event; There are no childcare facilities. ?? Parents are asked to sign in on arrival and complete the SPA referral form before the discussion begins. Alternatively you can contact Southwark Parent Partnership ?C Liam White (SPA) Tel: 0207 525 5211 Email: [email protected] www.southwarkparentpartnership.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @SchoolprefLiam

Good luck to everyone waiting to hear about their secondary school application later today. Prelimimary data for Southwark Residents is: 93% have been offered one of their CAF choices All on time Southwark residing applicants have been offered a place for September 2013 2,442 (97.6%) online applications received - a 41.5% increase on last year's figures! Total of 2,500 on time applications were received, 64 more applicants than last year 1,468 (58.7%) offered their first preference school a 2.8% increase on last year's figures 1,362 (55.9%) 2,327 (93.0%) offered one of their preferences - 2.2% increase on last year's figures 173 (6.92%) families were allocated a school, fewer than last year - 195 (8%) As a result of the online admissions success, an additional 47 applications received after the closing date have already been processed. These late applicant families will be sent their offer letter in the first week of March, as opposed to previous years when families would have to wait several weeks after offer day to receive an offer of a school place for their child. Please note that these late applications have not been included in the data above. Applicants will go onto the waiting list of schools above the one they have been offered from their preference list (or all if allocated a school). There is typically quite alot of movement on lists between now and September. If you need assistance or want advice, Liam White is the School Preference Advisor. [email protected] I don't yet have the details of his drop in sessions, but I will post these once they are available. I am always happy to be of assistance too (contact details below). My fellow Ward Councillor, Gavin Edwards will be holding tomorrow evening's surgery at Rye Hill TRA Hall, on Peckham Rye East 6.30-7.30pm and I will be doing one at East Dulwich Community Centre on Darrell Rd at 10-11am on Saturday 9th March. Renata

Ifnobodyspeaks and girl82, I've asked about St Aiden's Road and why you haven't received a letter. These works are due for completion this week and then resurfacing next week. Renata

Hi, If nobodyspeaks, please could you pm me with your details and I will investigate. The light replacement works are due for completion by the end of the week, so they are probably at snagging/checking stage now, so this would be why the level of activity has decreased. Hi BigMacca1, these works were scheduled for normal working hours only (outside hours increase costs) Renata

Hi All, the pavement over the whole area up to just before the station is Southwark on one side of the road and Lewisham the other side of the road (Honor Oak Rec is Southwark). The road is Southwark from the northern end up as far as the top of the hill (ie P12 only section), and then south of this it becomes Lewisham eg where the P4 and P12 both stop, the road is Lewisham. This is why in order to get anything done, both Councils need to be involved. Renata

I received this today: Renata Re: Advance notification of essential highway maintenance work Forest Hill Road carriageway resurfacing The Council is about to complete junction Footway improvement works and Traffic signalization at Forest Hill Road junction Colyton Road /Dunstan?s Rd. The Council will carry out further carriageway resurfacing improvement from Forest Hill Road /St Aidan?s ? Forest Hill Road out side the cemetery. The works are programmed to commence week beginning 4 March 2013 and will be completed 8 March 2013 or until Completion of works. However, this date can be extended, if poor weather conditions or any other unexpected circumstances prevail. To undertake the works safely and to reduce disruption to traffic flows and pedestrian foot flow, the above section of carriageway works will need to be implemented during the nights (Monday ? Friday, 20:.00hours ? 05.00hours) when traffic and pedestrian volumes are reduced. We will undertake the very noisy works i.e. (the use of pneumatic breaker) before 24.00 hours However operatives will continue with other works i.e. using paver with flashing beacon for laying tarmac And delivery Lorries with reversing beeping sound to continue with the work on the carriageway. The Council requires your goodwill and co-operation to facilitate the works and to help the works to be carried out as quickly as possible with minimum disruption to you and all concerned. Also, we request that residents should kindly park their vehicles elsewhere and avoid the locations where ?No Waiting? cones and ?No Parking? signs are indicated. However, as a last resort, the Council being a highway authority has powers to relocate obstructing vehicles at the owners risk and cost.

Hi Laura, yes,the playground would be a suitable thing to apply for a CGS grant. Unfortunately the 2012/13 round is closed, so it would be the 2013/14 round.I will check if there would be any other way to fund upgrades to the playground at the present time. Hi Tomk, I've ask that before myself, it's staffing (they want some time off )and it's open on some Sundays (with the usual staff), but these are Special needs specific sessions. Renata

Hi Otta, it doesn't sound like you were at the main playground. There is an area with a couple of pieces of play equipment near the One O'clock club, and I think this is what you found! The main small children's playgrounds is in the south of the Park, and close to it is the adventure playground which is packed in summer, so I think children love it! Pickle, I shall look into what could be done with the small children's area. Renata

Hi Dbboy, I did say above that I would be contacting the Head and Local Police. I do think that when children on their own are crossing (eg older primary and secondary who travel alone) and adults with children or those who are not as fast on their feet may find it difficult crossing in the traffic gaps. Have cars stopped for you at the crossing point? I do agree that parents should be encouraged to walk or use public transport where possible to get to school; I believe that many of them do walk or get the bus. Hi Tony, thanks. I certainly don't condone parents parking unsafely. They could park a little further away and walk up to the school gates. Renata

Hi Dbboy, Q1: the purpose of the consultation was for local residents to give their opinion as to whether they found the junction functioned better with a zebra crossing or with lights. The consultation was done by Southwark. Q2: In terms of the upgrade of the Lights, that has been done by TFL. TFL deal with all London's traffic lights. So this was not a Southwark but a TFL decision. Renata