LynnonRye

I did first aid training at First Place in Chumleigh Gardens and it was free, so you could ring Elena on 0207 740 8079 to see if there are any upcoming courses. I think it's also taught as part of the Best Start for Babies course which is run at The Grove and other places in Southwark. You could start by ringing 1st Place (see above) and the Grove (020 7701 6629 - ask for Lorraine) as they might know where it's next running.

My understanding was that they are taught in both languages from reception, but at a relaxed pace. I found the reception teaching plan on the website and have attached a copy. I was worried about the head leaving as she was a fantastic presence at the open day, but I'm going to give it a chance as I was really impressed when we visited.

Peckham Library gets very busy, but The Grove on Tower Mill Road near Burgess Park is a much more cosy group. I used to volunteer as a peer support councellor untill I had to go back to work on Tuesdays. It's 1pm-3pm Tuesdays, and Vanessa (the midwife) and Kathryn (peer support) are lovely. I'd really reccommend it. I had a similar problem to you and although I did combination feed for a while, the support I had from the cafes helped me to keep going and eventually cut out the formula. BF cafes run on the following days in Southwark. Monday: Albrighton Community Centre 10-11:30 Tuesday: The Grove Childrens' centre 1-3 Wednesday: Southwark Park Play room,Hawkstone Road 10-11:30 Thursday: Peckham Library (5th Floor), 10-11:30 Friday: Ellen Brown children centre, Grange Road, 10-11:30 I've attached a file with full details, but PM me if you can't access it or need any other info. Best of luck Lynn.

Unfortunately it is possible to have chickenpox a number of times - my hisband had it when he was an infant and again at 23 and it was horrible. The main reason that the vaccination isn't widely offered is because it only provides limited immunity and it could increase the risk of chickenpox and shingles in older people. Well that and it's only a mild illness in childhood. Don't know if I'd deliberately want my son to catch it; I'd rather not know beforehand.

Hello. I went to an open day and liked Hollydale. I was encouraged by the new head, small class sizes and the children I met. It really seemed on the up. The only reason I didn't put it on my list is because it was a bit far away, but I don't think I'd have been unhappy to have got it. Good luck.

Bump - we had an offer for a 2014 reception place, so I'd be really interested to learn about experiences of parents with children at the school. Thanks.