Cora

What time is the Wildlife garden thing please?

I think Penolope Leach writes beautifully about the development of children. A good mixture of practical and theory.

I would go for Fairlawn and Bessemer (both pretty different catchments) from what I have seen and experienced. Fairlawn has had a great reputation for years, is a really mature school with strong academic, creative and emotional aspects. I too find the architecture off-putting but once you're inside the ethos is quite amazing. We are at Bessemer and really pleased with it. We have a relatively new headmistress who brings regular new initiatives to move the school on and improve things. Recently rated 'Good and improving' by Ofsted (meaning I think, that the only way is 'Outstanding' if things continue?) - It took a bulge this year and the catchment area is tightening as people begin to discover it but compared to the others it is a really good 'realistic' choice too (ie you don't yet need to be living 300m from the school gates). One of the things that I really liked too when I first went round it was the site it is on. Really quiet and looking out on the large playing fields behind the school (unfortunately not Bessemers but JAGS, although we do get to use them!). Happy to answer any more specific questions. I have a friend who has a kid at Horniman (didn't get into Fairlawn) and is really pleased with it, likes the atmosphere, although I do not know academically.

Bessemer Grange Primary would probably be your nearest school - Just got a 'good' ofsted and rising. Great school.

185 to Victoria then there is a bus (sorry on holiday and can't remember which one?!) that drops you off 5 mins walk from the museum.

No need to...the classes at the Goose Green Centre on Tues 5pm are continuing after half term and are great! Really recommend to any boys out there wanting to have a go...first class free. (No connection to people who run it).

5 flats no extra bins delivered.... no response to my complaint....erggh...

Yep....maybe I should have stressed my nephew's 22! Not a kids film...

Darn...wish I'd known the DVD was out..Nephew's birthday on Sat, remember when watching it thinking that it would be perfect for him and his student friends....hey ho, first Christmas present bought (selling on Play.com ?9.99)- recommended.

The Albrighton have a Saturday club which is drop-in, ?1 per child. They have various activities, breakfast and secure outside space and toys for kids to run around. Very chilled.

If saying it looks awful isn't a good arguement to put to the planning people can those in the know suggest more effective ways of putting it? And is there an online link yet that we can go to to comment?

Our son has also just joined and loves it....it is the same group that have run the popular classes at St Barnabas Church hall, Dulwich Village for a long time, so this is an extra class for the East Dulwich boys!! Get Dan'n'Dance.....(PS no natural aptitude needed just a love of loud beat music!)

Amott Road nursery is worth having a look. It is parent run which means they have professionals looking after the children but ask for parental involvement. This makes it a cheap and rewarding alternative. They may well have places for 3yrs olds in April. Their sessions are mornings only.

My son (aged 7) tried this out on Sat and talked science all the way home! He really enjoyed it...and phoned up his grandad to challenge him to get a pin to float...(he is yet to call back...stumped I presume by my sons genius?!). Anyway really glad to find something that has fired him up and encouraged him to see science as exciting. (And no, I have no connection). Below are the details: Science Club for 7-16 yrs from Sat 10th Sept at the Albrighton Centre. The group will run term time from 2.30-5PM. All staff are fully qualified and CRB checked. The group will be divided into 2 mega groups GCSE science support group and Science experiment and enquiry, which will then be divided as needed. There are spaces left. Marina ([email protected])

Bessemer Grange Childrens Centre had a Grandparents slot...great because it comes with the toyroom! I think I'm looking at the latest timetable and it says 10 - 12 on a Wednesday - Grandparents Stay and Play. Their phone number is 0207 274 2520 Option 3.

I have seen clubs at Alleyn's, Charter and I think the Green Dale scout hut mentioned somewhere here but can't trace them. Any info gratefully received.

If you're passing they have a leaflet.. Their phone number is 02072742520/2618 option 3 I know they were planning to keep most of their normal weekly activities going through the summer with a couple of trips and fun days thrown in.

Bessemer Grange Children's Centre Weds 10th Aug 10.30am - 13.30pm Free fun activities Dylways SE5 8HP

Anyone arrived from a train from London Bridge recently? Are the trains still running normally? Thanks

Yesterday the deputy mayor was asking people to get off the street so that the police could concentrate on the perpetrators (spelling?), could also cause a point for confrontation?

Amott Road is term time only and from 9 until around twelve each day, so not early enough for you I don't think. Although as a place to give you a bit of a breather each day while on maternity leave it might help. I don't think their list is long for over 3's doubtful they would have space for under (they take from 2.5).

Southwark will be subsidising the place that you are being offered. If you do not use that full allocation then the subsidy is being wasted - basically the nursery is taking money from the council but not using it for the child. I would think you would be at risk of losing your place if you didn't attend the hours agreed. Not blaming you for not wanting your child to be full-time at this stage - It sounds like the nursery is the one that is being inflexible in this and lazy not offering part-time places. I guess it's easier administration wise to get the full allocation for one child rather than twice the paperwork and juggling for a 'place-share'. An unfair system in my opinion - would make me question the nursery's priorities.

Bessemer Grange Children's Centre summer fun days: Physical Fun Day - Tues 2nd Aug 10.30 - 13.30 Messy Play Fun Day - Wed 10th Aug 10.30 - 13.30 Imaginative Play Day - Thurs 18th Aug 10.30 - 13.30 Think these tend to be aimed at younger kids (8 and under).

The Albrighton Centre had a three wheeler pushchair for sale...worth calling by on Saturday it may still be there.

They'll still be loads for her to do....just need to make sure that they will split the kids up by age so she is not hanging round with the others while they queue...I have a 6 and 4yr old and had a pass last year. Most of our trips we made a point of not queuing for anything and they still had a fantastic time.