Cora

Thanks Minder just wondered if there was anything particular 'happening' on the Bank Holiday...but doesn't look like it!

Just wondering what to do.....

I think there is a potential research study in all this - boys with messy handwriting and under diagnosed hypermobility etc.. My son's problems really came to a fore when they started joined up writing. Another sign was writing that gets smaller and smaller across a page as they try to keep control of the pencil. I think touch typing is really important to prepare them for longer work at secondary school. The OT we saw at Sunshine house showed me how much effort my son was putting in just to write a sentence...it affected his whole posture and explained why, although enthusiastic, he was exhausted after a couple of sentences. He now has a posture pack and cushion that he uses at school as well as a yuk-e ball to squeeze on throughout the day. We have sourced extra big pencil grips (pm me if you want details I'll look them up) and he does lots of exercise to strengthen his core strength. He is not obviously hypermobile anywhere else so quite subtle and easily overlooked. Feel very relieved we caught it in time to be able to support him.

Would ask for him to be referred to sunshine house for OT assessment - our son very similar....turned out it was due to hypermobility in his hands...

Can't seem to find anything....so recommendations very welcome....or if you're into this type of thing there seems to be a gap in the market - please fill!

You say you will put details of the new head on the website...is this the old Charter website or is there one for the new school? Thanks...just so I know where to look to keep up..

Azurh, if you are happy with the private nursery and you feel it is stimulating your daughter then I would keep her where she is. A good school nursery may stretch her a bit more if she is getting restless where she is but if she is happy then stick with it as friends and attachments are important too. If you do want to apply to a school nursery then do so now. I am not sure when they allocate the places but it will be in the next month or so and you need to be on their lists. You apply individually to each nursery direct (they will be able to give you a feel of whether you have a chance of a place - some go by distance, some birthdate and some by first on the application list). Applying for reception is one application (you have six 'choices') done the year before she would start (which is the September in which she is or becomes five) - I'm a bit vague on that now....but phoning the Southwark admissions team at the council will give you an exact date and deadlines to apply but it won't be now...probably this autumn depending on her birthday. Hope that helps a little....

Thurs at The Goose Green Clinic - my son and his friend goes and loves it.

PLEASE complain to the NHS number/email provided earlier in the thread (I think James Barber has also given a reference number somewhere to quote - it really is easy and is the only way to get results) especially about saying you can email for appointments when infact you cannot, especially you Richfish as you could forward them the email they sent you (with personal details removed if you want to stay anonymous) specifying that you cannot despite offering the service on here and on the website.

I think it seemed a great school too and I know of one parent who was SO pleased to get in as sons friends were there and very happy. They have a great pastoral transition system. Apart from distance I would be very pleased if my son got a place.

Yes agree, woolly....does 'greater use of access arrangements' mean more sending patients to New Cross for appointments!....

Please put in an official complaint to the nhs choices complaint links/numbers listed earlier in the thread it is really important if we want action.

Try contacting the Goose Green Clinic - I know Kat does an excellent de-stress meditation class followed by yoga class one evening a week. Sorry can't remember which but my partner found it really god during stressful times!

Thanks Bawdy-Nan. And thanks to James Barber for working hard to get a new secondary school for East Dulwich a priority on the political agenda.

Is it me? I can't see Charter on here? Or Haberdashers?....

I would be wary incase of complications...for my third I took my mum along. Thought it would be something special that she wouldn't have experienced in her pregnancies but knew she could deal with any arising issues (which there were but luckily without consequence in the end!)

I've heard great things about Pam too.... Just a heads up to check whether your son is hypermobile in his hands. My son is great at literacy but his handwriting just wasn't improving...turned out he was hypermobile in his hands and so couldn't control a pen - or could, but by holding pen very strangely, affecting his whole posture and tiring him out quickly. It could so easily have been overlooked but a referral to an occupational therapist at sunshine house, some big pencil grips and a posture pack to use at school are all helping him. He is also getting touch typing sessions at school to prepare for secondary school. I suspect there is a lot more of it out there than is diagnosed.

Is that because you live in Southwark but the school is in Lewisham? I seem to remember something similar for primary schools. I think Southwark automatically put you on their choices above but you may need to ask to go on Lewisham ones...surely the over subscription criteria are distance though...so everyone should meet that, however far down? Would be really grateful if you would keep us updated on this and how you resolved it.... Renata seems to understand these things...any ideas Renata?

Would be really interested to hear which schools are being allocated to those that didn't get their preferences?

I have only heard positive comments from local families whose boys are there....I've had my feelers out because we have to make the decisions next year. And again it is me with the doubts, my son loves the idea - so I would go in with a genuinely positive mind, it's an 'outstanding' school after all. You can keep him on waiting lists and when you get offered a place elsewhere make your mind up then whether it is worth moving him. (But don't buy the uniform until just before term starts!) Also, don't know if you looked at Deptford Green in New Cross if you want co-ed, you may get in there on a waiting list.

But why is there still a 45min wait despite pressing repeated re-dial to get through? Can you tell us what immediate plans are being put in place to get more phone-lines, terminals and staff so your ill clients are not wasting their time and depleted energy to get through to you. I would have thought a couple of week's grace to sort this out should be sufficient. Temp staff booked initially if necessary, technology ordered and installed and three days training.

Just to update o enjoys post...unfortunately they didn't get enough donations so they now have to charge but still a cheaper way for treatment. ?35 for new patient and ?25 follow-up.

It's a trek but really recommend the osteopathic centre for children now in Wandsworth...I think their website is something like www.occ.uk.com 37 bus goes within ten minutes walk from it.

As well as an email to the address given by James I can also recommend phoning the NHS England complaints number...I can't be sure it is the same number I rang but after fuming last time around it was good to relate my issues direct to a human being who took down the details which are then passed on to a case officer. Best route - contact by phone, email and the surgery! NHS England complaints number: 0300 311 2233

I don't remember ever having a letter for any of my children about their immunisations and my eldest is ten.