nunheadmum

Our nursery are very big on teaching the kids to say 'Don't do that' whenever any other kid take a pot at them. I'm not sure about the theory behind it (I'm suspecting it lets the kid have a reaction that's non agressive, rather than an option of fight back or run.) I think you're right not to make a big thing of it with him but don't be too afraid to talk about it. Just stress (in a 'this isn't a big thing' manner) that the other children are being naughty and he's right not to reciprocate. Other than that, I guess it is just a thing about growing up.

My daughter had the same (1 MMR at 12 months and another shot a few months later) and is now 3.5yrs and due her pre-school booster. I was talking about it with the practice nurse as I booked the appointment and she confirmed that she's had her 2 shots of MMR so only needs the 1 pre-school booster which is the multiple deptheria/tetanus/polio one. Maybe those you are speaking to are confusing the different jabs?

Thanks Molly - that sounds like it's able to cope with a range of abilities then. It would be nice to think that if the intake changes, the profile of the school will improve further. But I guess it's a bit of chicken and egg - do people wait till the school improves to send their kids there or send their kids in the hope that by doing so, the school will improve. It's a bit more of a risk at secondary level. Although I suspect that, as with primary now, by the time our kids are at secondary, there may be little true 'choice' in terms of secondary either and, unless you get in via particular ability (music, sport etc) you'll go to your local school. Which brings it's own pros and cons....though probably not too bad for us. Though maybe all local schools will be Harris by that point anyway!!

But given its subject focus, will Harris girls really be a good choice for more academic focused kids? As it's our closest secondary, I'd love to know how it intends to develop. I'm quite aware that there are lots of kids who may not want such an academic focus and still need a good school that serves their educational needs. But does Harris intend to develop into a school that copes well with both aspects or...? It's a few years off before we have to make decisions so not sure what we'll be looking for but I'd be interested to know more about how it's coping on the more academic side of things. (I see their results are improving but statistics only say how many - not necessarily which subjects.)

Can't comment re effect but Ivydale (Nunhead) is taking a bulge class this year.

Other schools do have Parentmail - Ivydale does - so it can't be prohibitively expensive. It is really helpful for keeping in touch. Maybe if enough parents ask, it may convince the school.

Excellent - thanks for that!

Want to go swimming and tomorrow is the prime time but I know there are usually swim lessons on in the morning. But thought, given time of year, the classes may be off? I tried calling but got the usual 'lines are busy' response.

I suspect it is but thought I'd check just in case. Got to get the kids out the house before they go mad trying to resist the presents under the tree!

Beckenham Spa have baby gym sessions on a Monday. We used to do the mini-gym sessions which followed on from these classes - from 3 years - and they were run by proper gymnastics coaches. So I suspect the baby gym ones will be decent ones with more focused activities for the kids that can do that i.e. not just baby activities. Always thought the Tumbletots classes looked great but never managed to get ones that fitted with my work days.

We did the pillowcase/tinsel option and got told last night, very grumpily, that 'No one else had a raggedy cut up sheet!'. Ooopps!! She'd loved it when she was at home.

The cardboard bit you pull out the tissue box when you open it....my two fight over it to draw on!!!

Beckenham Spa pool is great but I've found it REALLY expensive, compared with the ED pool (and I presume, Peckham). Meaning 15quid for 2 adults + 2 kids versus around 5 at Southwark pools. I don't think even getting their equivalent of the Leisure Access card cuts it by that much. Or am I missing a trick???

The PTA parent in me is thinking "We've missed a trick" but then, in reality, I think some things should remain sacred and every parent should be able to see their child in the nativity play. Remember that some parents will already have had to find costumes so, at least, have made an effort to make it happen. Imagine having to tell your kid that you weren't there because you couldn't afford it...that would be horrible. Schools need to build their communities as much as make money for funds. By all means, sell tea and coffee and cake etc if you want to raise money but keep the entry itself free, I think.

Is your LO old enough to make some biscuits / cakes.....or a card. Makes it possible to give individual gifts without having to shell out too much cash and surely the staff will appreciate something made by those in their care as much as a shop-bought offering. But remember, it's the effort that will be valued...not necessarily the perfection of the finished product!

Ivydale are having their Christmas Market on Sat 10th Dec 2-5pm. For more info see: http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?6,794457

When mine are ill I do tend to break the rules if it helps (and when little that often meant going back a stage food-wise) but try not to worry too much about how much they are getting. From what you've said, it sounds like your LO is doing not too badly if she's not feeling great. I think it seems to be the case that the more you worry, the worse it seems but it doesn't help them to eat more. Give it a little time and try to relax. When they're better you'll be in a better position to judge....and move back to the more normal rules of food. Somehow mine always seem to get back on track after being ill without too much of a fight. I think if you stress, you pass on messages to your LO's that there is a problem with food and then the bigger problems develop. Easier to say with hindsight, I know.

Fiona Foster's classes are definitely more fun for young kids. My 3 year old's class has some corkers in it (my daughter being one of them - more enthusiasm than control!) but Fiona is lovely and encourages them all. The kids love her. I'm not sure where her classes are now in ED but if you Google Fiona Foster Ballet, she has a website with the info.

It had to happen really - there aren't many schools left which haven't bulged already. Does anyone have any experiences from other schools - any problems which have arisen or positive experiences? The bulge won't affect our decision but it would be good to be able to raise any issues in advance and maybe help make it as positive an outcome as possible.

It's a real shame about the Tuesday morning one - would have been perfect for us, had we known about it. Weds pm doesn't work.

Definitely ask at your current nursery first - most would be prepared to do the paperwork, I'd think. (In fact, I think it has to be done by the nursery, not you.) They may well be expecting to simply do it automatically - I know ours does. Make sure you check with them when it would kick in as it starts according to some concept of 'term' dates (not sure if it's the same as school ones) so e.g. my daughter's birthday was mid June so she missed the summer 'term' which started before her birthday and therefore the grant didn't start till September and we had to pay full fees until then. If the current nursery doesn't deal with the scheme (e.g. their terms don't comply for some reason), then you probably need to shop around for a new nursery, making sure that they are able to deal with the free hours.

But where are you? It's likely that you'll only have a chance in your closest school. There are more kids than state school places in this area. Any good state school will be filled from the immediate area so you really don't have a choice of 'good' schools. Hopefully you're close to a 'good' school and stand a chance of getting in. It's worth noting though that more schools in the area are performing well - the one benefit of the surplus of kids is that all the schools as getting a better intake of kids who are well supported by their parents, which helps them peform better. So don't only look at past data - visit the schools and make your own assessment of what is happening NOW in the school.

My youngest never took to the lunchtime nap when little and we ended up with a longer morning sleep and a later afternoon nap. With my eldest, I remember the nursery encouraging us to drop the morning sleep around 9 months. Both eventually did get the lunchtime bug and continued with it till school-age. Regarding putting them down early, I've always found with my youngest (the stronger willed, feistier one) that putting her down early for her nap gets a better sleep. Even now at almost 3.5yrs, if I can get her down around 12.30 she goes off with no problem and sleeps for almost 1.5 hours (or more) but if she's left till after 1pm, it's a real fight and she sleeps far shorter. In your case, I'd agree with Pickle- shorter am nap and earlier lunch/nap. Hope it works - I know how precious that time is!

Saw this is John Lewis the other day http://www.johnlewis.com/231105064/Product.aspx Not sure if it gives options for sorting out the bits inside as discussed above but it is stackable so can get more and more and.......

What happens when the tots get bigger and move into school.....do you anticipate us still being welcome? We'll still be mums (or dads) but no tots in tow.