dontpanic

About to sell our Roland add+ bike - DM if interested. It's a tag along type bike that attaches to the back and was about ?300 originally. Really sturdy and great for age 5-8.

No they didn't call back! Not happy about that

Thanks Renata - I know the way it works but apart from really wanting to know I also know we wouldn't ever get a place on distance alone. Its a case of 'on the list or not'. The world won't end if I don't find out but, well, I'd really like to know!

Thanks Renata. I've just posted another thread because some schools have not told candidates for bursary places whether they got one or not. Norwood school in our case. How are we supposed to finalise our choices?

Got through to admissions - apparently 'you will know by the end of term'. I said that's no use to me - I need to know today - someone in the know is supposed to call me back. Considering they specifically said in the introductory talk that you need to put them first if you have a bursary etc etc this is a bit backwards... hmmmmm

Yes lovely school - only issue is distance for us. Thanks I will give them a call in the morning

My son did the Norwood School art bursary day on 15th Oct. it's now three days until the secondary school application deadline and I haven't heard either way. I know a friends dughter heard about the music one but wondered if anyone has heard and by what method? It definitely hasn't gone in my spam folder....? Can't get to anyone on the phone either. Thanks for replies

Also wanted to note the Norwood School - visited last week and had a really good vibe. It has a visual arts, music and performing arts bursary that is associated with a place and also lots of added value opportunities.

Oh Barry thanks! Never heard of this school! Looks most interesting.

Hi Renata, We live near Rye Lane. Its the places initially as well as the provision. I want to pursue all opportunities as we are in a bit of a blind spot for school choice; and with a child with some SEN but not EHCP. This means for us and many other parents that for most schools we don't get any consideration for the extra needs for the child in the application process; and of course for us the decisions about suitable schools need really really careful consideration. We have issues with maturity, impulsiveness, and resilience to consider. - Oh, and a child who is good at art (!)

Thanks Kingsdale does lots of arts stuff I know, but it's too big for my son, he needs a smaller school to thrive. I was wondering because so many schools have places on offer for music, sport etc, but I've only found the one with places allocated for art.

Anyone know of any state secondary schools that offer art and design scholarships for places? I know of lairs of sports, music, maths scholarships but have only heard for Chestnut Grove in Balham offering an art one. Google not helping - anyone care to tell me thoughts? Bonus if good SEN provision (dyslexia, ADHD) TIA

Just bumping really as I still need a recommendation, thanks in advance

I have an exterior door that needs changing - any recommended companies to change it for us - the whole door needs changing really Thanks!

I am speechless. Really. The next appointment is on the 29th January. Really really fed up with them. Where else is there - which GP is not a total nightmare? Thanks in advance.

Our front garden needs a new wall and we'd like to reinstate Victorian/Georgian style railings and gate to match other local houses. Anyone know of a company that does really good authentic reproductions, and the pediment/wall to install into? Thanks in advance

Just announced for this gig at the Peckham Liberal Club - a star addition to the line up - and one not to miss: Suzanne Vega is going to play some numbers with her regular collaborator Gerry Leonard at his band 'Spooky Ghost's gig tomorrow at the Peckham Liberal Club. As well as this we have the force of nature that is Daphne Guinness (yes, she the fashion muse) playing some of her songs from her Toni Visconti-produced material. If you saw the well-remembered Bowie gig at the Liberal Club a while back you will also remember its vocalist Malcolm Doherty - he's here as Daphne's Musical Director. Also on the bill we have Jessica Lee Morgan playing some of her electro-folk music. Jessica has legendary producer Toni Visconti as a father and her influences are eclectic. The hall fits 265... Tickets stil online and also available at Review Bookshop, Bellenden Road. Proceeds go to the upkeep of the club. http://www.wegottickets.com/event/316144

Rightlight "Adding an off-site nodal point would open a can of worms and could result in a new consultation which could delay the current proposals." I think you're invoking a spectre there to close down debate. Everyone is concerned because they want the best and fairest solution for the long term. I think nearly everyone wants that, even if they don't agree on what that is yet. A consultation should be exactly that. Not a fait accompli, and not an acceptance of something with no clear explanation of why. That's why proper up to date stats on need are important

Oh Thanks! I will go and have a proper look at that. FYI I've managed to get a link from Southwark's rather unwieldy maps page to a map with all the wards on together: http://maps.southwark.gov.uk/connect/southwark.jsp?mapcfg=defaultmap&mylayer0=S_Boundaries_WardAndCouncillorsNew&x=533699&y=175390&z=7

Had a pizza delivery from Il Mirto last night - it was lovely, really nice proper pizza, the first I've had delivered round here that's ok. Not sure what the problem in previous discussions was as they are deleted, but I wanted to give them their due. Only took 40 minutes and also the Tiramisu was top notch. Will use them again.

So Hollybush I agree that the survey isn't what should be used to decide on catchment

I'm in favour of actual evidence re: nodal points. The nodal point should address *actual* need and not those of us willing to put our name on a survey (the usual suspects, I'll admit to my middle classness). Show me actual need stats and I will be happy. The school was approved because of a local need that was identified, and it's that need that should be covered. We are very lucky that a suitable site has been found that broadly corresponds to that need, and it is vital that the school itself is very careful to consider that need in their admissions process. Whether the nodal point is 'on site' isn't the point, it's finding out the real need. Has Charter done this research into actual stats Simon?

It's also worth considering this attitude in the context of the current climate with the new EHC plans - much less regulated and anecdotally harder to get. I'm another one with a child who gets help in primary school (but not at the threshold of an EHC plan) who feels that it does not lay down a statement of intent that reassures me that my child will be welcome and supported to reach potential, even if they do get a place.

Littlek1cker I think its an erroneous argument to stick a pin in the easternmost part of the actual site and use that as a nodal point because 'it is at the most Easterly point on our site ...whilst remaining on our site' It makes no odds whatever if the nodal point remains 'on the actual site' as it's a notional point on a map. Making it a few hundred yards further to the east to correspond with the area most in need of additional secondary choice would certainly reduce any overlap, allow a distinct notion of Charter ED from Charter 1, and still make a very local-focussed school where pupils can all walk there.

Flanter - try the Peckham Liberal Club. ?25 per hour except peak times at weekends. Hall is very warm.... There's an orchestra, yoga and a few other things on evenings but by no means booked up..