mima08

I second John Hudson - he's been teaching my husband for over 10 years covering lots of different styles.

Some years ago I used moo.com - they do small print runs, were good quality and reasonable in price. But this is 4+ years ago...

Thank you - yes, has all been done.

I have done, several times with mixed results. I completely appreciate the very tricky environment that teachers and school operate in, just had higher expectations. The Friends do not influence the aspects I mentioned (class disruption levels, being stretched academically or discipline in school) - yes, I am actively involved with them. @gebbjane thanks - I appreciate that it's one meeting per year here but having it this late in the school year (mid/late summer term) makes it less effective. My aim would always be to work with the school to achieve the educational goals but with a few weeks left in the year, there is little scope for that. Incidentally, I know other schools (not in Southwark) have one parent/carer evening per term... I know how busy teachers are (ha e several in the family) so try to avoid requesting individual meetings. Not saying the school is bad in any way, just more average compared to the hype that existed a few years ago.

Hi, my child is in year 8 and tbh our feeling is a bit mixed. Had high expectations of Charter East but it turns out more average. Year 7 was a mess, a lot of discipline issues eith many kids, that seems to have settled down. Classes vary in terms of disruption, some great teachers, some not so but for a while too many substitute teachers. My kid is very academic and stays out of trouble which means just left to get on with things rather than actively being stretched. I keep hoping it'll get better but the fact that we still haven't had a parent evening /meeting does not fill me with hope. Others might have reasons for much more positive things to say.

You could check out the various sites like Yelloh Village - static caravan sites/holiday village in France (and other places)

I have some outgrown school shoes that are beaten up at the back of the collar (where foot slides in) but still in OK condition otherwise. Feel bad to bin them but not sure they're good enough for charity - any suggestions what I should do with them?

We went to the Alicante region in Spain last half term for a week - lots of small places to stay, nice beaches and alicante itself was lovely for a few days.

I had previously seen a notice on one of the large trees saying it was going to be cut down as it was diseased. Don't remember what disease but didn't see notices on any other trees...

I highly highly recommend Daniel at the dulwich chiropractor - he is excellent and has helped me over the years - last time early this year's when my back flared up (first ime in 5 years) git was so bad I couldn't sit, lie, sleep, walk - anything without excruciating pain. Daniel's help sorted it out over a few weeks (some immediate improvements) and I'm not back to doing all the sports etc. Give them a call!

oh thanks - I'll check for that Skateboarding info! Yes, he goes to a D&D club at school - will see if I can encourage an out of school setup too (happy to have them at mine as I work from home)

thank you - those are great tips, will investigate. And if anyone knows of any local clubs like dungeon's and dragons (?) or skateboarding - I've googled but not found anything so far...

Thank you - that's a great idea about climbing! ( not sure his flute experience is up for band playing yet...)

Thanks - yes, his school has a few but not many and they are very frequently cancelled, unfortunately...

In an attempt to reduce screen time after school, I am looking for afternoon clubs for my 12-year-old son in the local area... Interests are pretty wide: table tennis, tennis, badminton, skateboarding, chess, dungeons or dragons, trampolining - anything where he can have fun with other kids his age (he already does an art class). Wonder if anyone has any suggestions or can share clubs their kids love? Thanks!