stardust

She should be entitled to 15 hours, (i think), free a week during term time. In a private nursery, they spread this out over the whole year, so you receive the discount all year round including holidays. It should start the term after her 3rd birthday, so if she was born in May, it will start in September. The nursery should do it automatically, but best to ask the manager how they do it, and confirm that they follow this, (I don't think all private nurseries do). You can transfer her into a school nursery, but you have to apply at certain times of year and it will only be for a certain number of hours a day, (depends on the school). First step would be to ask your current nursery how they go about doing it. Hope that helps

Thank you - the suggestions for activities are fantastic and will definitely give them a go. Will also check out youtube

I did a long haul flight to India with my twins when they were 10 months. We had bassinets, but to be honest they wouldn't settle in it for very long periods at a time - one probably would have been enough. However, they did try to seat us at opposite ends of the plane. There is the safety thing that you cannot sit 2 babies per row, due to the number of safety masks that they have, but as I was breast feeding babies at this time I found it very frustrating that they wanted to sit us so far apart. However, i think we managed to swap with other kind passengers, (who obviously did not want to be sitting too close to two screaming babies!) As for what to bring, mosquito repellent, hats and sun block a must. Small toys for the flight, and as many books as you can carry! Good luck!

Thank you, it is very helpful to hear this kind of feedback. Does anyone know where you can get hold of Jolly Phonics books or dvds? Is youtube the best bet? Does anybody have any thoughts on writing letters?

i know that stages of development obviously change so much from child to child, but I am interested to hear what the average age that a child starts to read, write and recognize letters is. Everybody on the forum always seems to have very good advice, and I would also appreciate any techniques or suggestions on how to help a child develop these skills. thanks

I also would like to add a recommendation for Dorothy at Emmanuel Marshall. She spent a very long time fitting shoes for my girls, and a lovely choice of styles. Prices are similar to clarks/startrite - and we even got a 10% discount for being twins, even though I only bought one pair of shoes. She was also very happy to fit and comment on a pair of shoes I had bought from another shop. Will definitely be back for another visit

I would also be interested in knowing the reasons why you did not like this school, as am considering putting it as an option for my daughters. I have not yet had the chance to visit, but have heard positive things about the school from others... would you mind PMing me with what you didn't like? Thanks

I would definitely be interested in an evening class - my caesarian was 3 years a go, but if you are planning to start a general one, then would I would be keen!