MelissaVF

I'm also a big fan of the Royal Docks. Via same Actio/ Nocwa system you can swim at the Docklands Watersports Centre - slightly (not much) closer, and different vibe to Royal Docks. Easy to park if you're driving and both that and the Royal Docks are a really nice cycle from east Dulwich.

The advice sounds like it has really varied. I pay via Nannytax and they have been really helpful - underlined the fact that they are non essential workers as per government advice (unless you are both key workers/ vulnerable) and helped with the furlough process. At no point did they recommend or encourage making nannies redundant. Live-in employees is the only situation they have suggested may be treated differently. Most people I know have paid for some hours for their cleaners but are not having them due to unnecessary travel and mixing households.

According to Nannytax Nannies who are paid by PAYE can be furloughed.

I'm a big fan of the Natureo rose. It's ?5.99 from waitrose/ Ocado and 0%

I do understand and agree with the sentiment of PeterW's message. However in isolation the initiative is fanciful. He says it should have been introduced as wider changes. It hasn't though - and perhaps as a result, perhaps regardless - the results of it are exactly the ones which the scheme is meant to address. If it is meant to get people to use main roads the no right turns out of Champion Hill and Grove Hill Road should have been lifted. Instead it is just kicking the can down to other residential roads. Also what about the residents on Grove Lane? Are they meant to (quite literally in terms of emissions) suck it up as they are on a more main road? Champion Hill is actually a fairly wide road that isn't difficult to drive down (certainly better than Quorn, Pytchley and Bromar where I now am forced if I want to go towards East Dulwich. If it is meant to address pollution - it isn't. Idling traffic now taking longer and clogging up the roads doesn't really do this especially given the location of Dog Kennel Hill. If it is meant to improve cycling - as I mentioned in earlier post I live on Champion Hill and cycle pretty much daily - this hasn't improved it. Also my mother who lives with us and is in her 70s with ankle issues can't exactly hop on a bike can she?! I'm sure still the argument back would be 'but you have to do something' but this should not be the case when the net result is negative.

Totally agree - it's utter chaos and I am at a total loss to see any benefit to anyone. I am a resident and was against all the changes...I drive, I cycle, I walk along Champion Hill. Driving and Cycling it is worse than before. Walking no change I guess apart from at the moment all the traffic feels like added pollution. All my car journeys have been longer. Colossal waste of money.

They finally started to address this today - flattened and finishing off in the next couple of days. Area fenced off until they finish. I believe the school did report it too - it was over a hole from a water leak so also was the concern that it would give way again!

I also saw and had similar chain of thoughts- I didn't see enough to report on though...I think. PM me if you think worth following up on.

Hi - this problem is affecting loads of people and, as you say, Thames Water are just rolling out the same line repeatedly. One thing that is apparently important to do in order to pressure them in to action is to lodge an official complaint - apparently phone calls and social media aren't logged as such. Either by email or letter: [email protected] Complaints resolution team Thames Water PO BOX 436 Swindon SN38 1TU

I used Gumtree which surprisingly got us several good candidates. Simply childcare also is meant to be good. Look around at other people's ads and this should help you shape ideas of what you want and then write your own job spec. So much is chemistry and gut feel as well, which you can't really work out until you meet them. I've got twins as well and I don't think it's essential that the nanny have twins experience, but I'd definitely want someone who had managed more than one child before. Ofsted registration is the easiest way to go about ensuring that they have the DBS (what CRB is now called) and it also helps indicate that they have a good understanding of professional requirements of being a nanny. Also for me was needed for childcare vouchers. but ofsted reg not essential and if you don't want to insist on it just request the DBS - and I think fair for you to pay. Good luck

Hi, I'm working with the Professional Association of Childcare and Early Years and, given combined interests of the Family Discussion thread I thought I'd flag an online Q&A with an expert panel for all childcare and child development queries. Detail in link below - questions asked via Twitter/ Facebook, or here and I'll pass on. http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/news/1141999/pacey-invites-practitioners-questions-experts

We went to a travel clinic in Moorgate (city doc) Perfectly good service and near enough to the London Museum that good distraction afterwards! V easy to book in as well.

I think it works fairly well to avoid the bad stretch of Lyndhurst way by turning up into Lyndhurst Grove and then take a right onto Vestry road to either rejoin peckham road of cut through to Southampton road. It is basically up and down a hill though - but safer turning and a road with even surface which just about makes up for the extra effort needed...

I also came down to ED post N1 and thought I would really miss it, thought it was far out etc (I am v near dunstans) Admittedly I do have kids now, so slightly different life stage but I think the location is great - the bus link to Peckham rye v easy, where lots of train options, v easy cycle commute to city as well if you want. Nearby shops on Forest Hill Road also pretty useful (French Cafe particularly nice) And Peckham is also good if you are more hipster set and l.lane near enough if you want good pubs etc. I've also really enjoyed having a lot more green space around. My sister-inlaw and husband also just done same switch from N1 (to HOP) and really enjoying it too. I wouldn't do it if it is just about affordability, no point, but in terms of area within SE22 I think it's great.

Hi, A work-related favour to ask. I'm working with the Professional Association of Childcare and Early Years and we are compiling a report on what it means (or should mean) to be 'school-ready.' Specifically focussing on children going into Reception (academic year turning five). We are working with child development experts and have carried out a wide reaching survey with parents and childcare professionals. Now to support this we are looking for contribution from primary school teachers and unsurprisingly now into August it is not the best time! So we are looking for primary school teachers to fill out this very quick survey (it shouldn?t take more than 5 minutes) and there is a prize draw at the end from the respondents to win ?60 Debenham?s vouchers. Link here: http://www.surveytool.com/s/SchoolReadyteachers and in attachment as well. Thanks very much!

Yes no sighting but I'm glad it has had so many views. I like the idea that the EDF will force them out to be named and shamed!

Hi, Thanks for all the tips - I didn't know how straightforward it is to track down a car. Unsurprisingly no one has come forward so am on the case with tracking them down!

Hi, Is this your car or do you know who's it is? It was witnessed pranging my car, taking a look at the damage and then driving off. Nice. Was about 3.30pm today, on Blackwater st, just off Lordship Lane. Thankfully a nice couple of builders working opposite wrote down the license plate. If it is you be polite and send a pm so we can sort out. Otherwise I'll go via my insurance. Thanks.

You sound like you are looking for a nanny/ housekeeper. Their pay is similar to nannies but they do the job as you describe. Au pairs should only really do light domestic chores - i.e. a bit of washing ironing, not full house cleaning and it is also quite a lot of sole charge as well. I agree posting on findababysitter or gumtree is a good place to start and if you google nanny/ housekeeper you'll find a lot of e.g. job ads and descriptions

Ooh that sounds great - thanks. I'll PM you my details. melissa

So balance bike looks like the winner. Luckily a friend has one we can borrow to try. And luckily the twin-carrying + the third-child-carrying life has provided strong arms which sound like are very needed!...Thanks for the help!

I was a bit swaddle obsessed and all 3 swaddled with miracle blanket, and then arms swaddled on top of gro bag until 6-7 months. They just shook it off then so no hassle weaning off it (I just felt a bit self-conscious that it was a bit late, but looking back it seems a silly thing to have worried about and prob got me more sleep in early days - and they all slept through fairly young and still do now)

So what is the deal and what would you recommend - balance bikes or stabilisers? Or try both and see which they (twins shortly to be 3) prefer? I learned with stabilisers and i can't remember any problems... And whilst I am debating either ors - arm bands or no arm bands for swimming? All helpful comments appreciated!

Thanks for all the helpful ideas and pms - pretty much all look great so lots to follow up on! Melissa

Any recommendations for - fairly reasonable - birthday cake makers? Twins shortly turning 3 and kitchen mid renovation so the perfect excuse not to have to make them this year! thanks