nunheadmum

I think there is a reasonably relaxed ballet class at Harris Girl's school on a saturday morning - don't know more than that. But have heard of little ones going. Also Beckenham Spa runs ballet classes over the summer on a drop in basis - on a Monday afternoon and possibly a Thursday, I think (best to check). I did them last year and it was a great way to let your LO try it out. Kids turned up in all sorts of kit / fairy costumes etc and they could do it in bare feet.

Southwark are running a scheme at Ivydale school over the summer. It's open to all Southwark kids (and those from outside but it's more expensive for them) and I think it does do full days (8am-6pm), not sure where they stand on half days. I don't know much more than that - others may know more - or check directly with Southwark.

The children's centre is very baby friendly and I'm sure you'd be more than welcome to feed there.

There are plenty of 'middle class' areas (or at least, not hard up) areas around Glasgow and the Gorbals where they probably have just as much left over stuff from kids growing up as we have. This should be able to operate locally. But I think there is a much bigger stigma of second hand in the area than there is around here. We have the comfort of doing it to make ourselves feel better and there is even a bit of kudos in being eco and not indulgent - when you're wearing hand-me-downs or charity shop clothes and the other kids are having a go at you, it feels a bit different! And there's a much stronger under current up there about presenting a good front. I guess lots of folk remember not having had as much (I know I do) and there's more of a culture of showing that you've got past that. I'm not saying that there isn't more that could be done - and maybe London second hand would have more kudos in the playground. But it's not as simple an issue as it might seem. In a way though quite scary that things could get to the point they seem to have (sorry didn't see the programme) when there are resources locally that could help. Hopefully it gives the local folk a bit of a kick up the backside to put their old built in approaches behind them and take the risk to try and help. I'm sure it's not a true lack of goodwill that's the problem.

Your little one's birthday may affect when it kicks in too apparently. We're being told that Southwark do it in 'terms' so while my LO turns 3 mid June, because the 'term' started in early June, we don't get it till September when the next 'term' begins. So 2.5 more months of full fees for us!

On the question of staying at home for them when they're at school. I've got 2 kids (5 and 3) and went back to work part-time when they were about 7 months each time. For me I really didn't think being a SAHM would work - my job was a big part of me and I really felt that I'd resent it if I gave it up. Also hubby was self employed so I've had to keep my hand in, in case I ever need to take over as main breadwinner. But I was made redundant at the end of last year and decided to take 'a couple' of months off to catch up with myself. It coincided with my eldest starting school. 4 months on, I'm still not working - it's hard to say how much is market conditions and how much is choice. But I have certainly felt that my eldest has been happier having me around to do the school runs etc. It's hard to put a pin on what exactly it is that makes it better for her. And when I'm not there, daddy works at home so he does pick up etc so she's not exactly having a hard time. But I think, certainly at the start, the school environment is so different for them, it really takes it out of them and having mummy there to give you a cuddle and a slice of home comfort is nice for them. How long that continues to be the case, I'm not sure - I'm not there yet. I certainly feel that I appreciate the kids more, now that I get some time to myself, to catch up on all the jobs. I think that's a real plus of being a SAHM with school kids - there's less of that constant conflict between the different things that you need to do while also looking after little ones full time. That said, the decision as to whether to go back to work or stay at home is a really complex one and I'm not sure which side of the fence I'm going to end up on.

There has been a real change in the intake at Ivydale over the past few years. The area itself has changed in its social make up and this has been reflected in the kids at the school. The results of the older years at the school reflect more where the school was in the past - it's hoped that this will pick up as the newer intake works it's way through the school (although I would also say that it's a school that's not purely academically focused and tries to bring out the best in all the pupils, in lots of different ways). The new head also seems to have a slightly different focus - the school has done great things in art, music and literacy and now it's looking to also increase the opportunities in the areas of maths and science too. My eldest has just started at the school and I had qualms too when choosing a school - I heard a lot about the touchy feely stuff but wondered about the academic. But I've been impressed with what I've seen so far. It's a lovely class with lots of smashing kids who look genuinely delighted to see their teachers and while I often wonder what exactly they do (why will kids NEVER tell you what they did???), my LO is progressing well with the basic stuff and keeps talking about concepts and issues that I know we haven't covered before at home so I can only presume she's doing it at school. If you want more info, why not contact the school and ask to see round or come along to some of the playgroups at the Children's centre (Mon & Weds am and Fri pm) where you'll doubtless meet other parents with kids at the school. As with any school, it's important to visit it and form your own impressions.

If you're worried, call Seldoc. I've found them great for calming my fears and with little ones they invariably get back to you reasonably quickly and tell you to bring them in, just to check. I know Fuschia and others have had different experiences, so always follow you're instincts if you're not happy with what you're told and escalate it if you feel you need to. But I think it certainly is worth giving them a chance and I've heard more good stories than bad about them.

Why not try semi-skimmed and still dilute it (increasing the water till she's on water alone if you want). Obviously still keep giving her non-diluted milk at times or yoghurt / cheese etc to keep the good aspects of dairy. I think nutritionally, semi-skimmed is fine as long as they're otherwise on a balanced diet and probably helps build good habits for later in life. (Though I'm not a nutritionist in any way, just a mum.) I moved mine onto it around age 2 - just because it was easier to buy 1 kind of milk rather than 2 and we didn't like full fat. I'd love to know how many kids drink 6-8 cups a day? I don't think either of mine are anywhere near that (another bad mummy point for me!).

Beckenham Spa do still do some gym classes for little ones - baby gym up to 3 years and mini gym for 3-5 years. We did the mini gym and it was run by a proper gymnastics coach but I'm not sure if she's still there or not (I heard she was leaving). My LO loved it and came on a lot in confidence with physical things. I think the differential between the classes (baby / mini gym) was as much to do with the ability to follow instructions as the mini gym was without parents and more structured.

The buggy thing at Telegraph Hill is a bit of a bummer. But other than that, I've found it quite a nice little set-up - particularly the tea and toast you can buy. That said, I tend to get there fairly early when it's quiet and my kids are past the buggy stage. It's not massive, so I can see that the staff may get frazzled more when it gets busier. The park itself is nice - a little different from others around with the long slide and the toddlers little house/slide. But not so big. Last year there was a van selling nice coffee and lunch bits in good weather - not sure if it's back this year as haven't been up there recently.

I'd say, yes, look into get a referral just to be sure and if nothing else, to put your mind at rest. But at the same time, don't worry too much. If he's eating something, even if it's puree, then he's not going to fade away. I think there's a lot of pressure / concern about what they should be eating at what point (and it goes on even as they get older). But provided you give them the opportunity to try new things and they are eating enough and a variety of foods, I wouldn't worry too much about the consistency. He's taking a bit of finger foods so he's developing the skills he needs. Most kids will get there in their own way, some slower, some faster.

You Can Be A Ballet Dancer - by Dulwich Ballet School (also do one called How to Be A Ballet Dancer but don't have that one). It's a little dance class which leads to performing a little show at the end. (But be warned, there's 2 characters in the show so you may end up having to be one unless a sibling/friend can step in!) Dance Like the Flower Fairies - different 'fairies' have different dances to work through. Good range although takes a bit of DVD remote skills unless you put it on the 'play all' option. Both a winner with my 5 year old - the latter could probably go a bit older too.

I was consistently told that my first was a 'small' baby - I got scanned every few weeks from 20 weeks and went off buying premature clothes for when she was born, expecting her to be tiny......in the end she was totally normal and too big for all the clothes we had....my mum was delighted to have to rescue us with normal sized baby clothes. If the scans are picking something up in terms of size then it's probably better that they are aware there is the possibility of there being an issue. It's better you/they anticipate a big/small one and then it doesn't happen than the other way around! But don't rely on it.

I found my elective a much nicer experience than my second 'natural' birth. I took the music I wanted, it was all very calm and friendly. I had a little fight to make sure the baby was delivered onto me (midwives said doctors wouldn't like it, consultant said the midwives didn't like it) but in the end she was and, bar a quick once over a few minutes after she was born, we stayed with me well into the recovery room till she finally wee'd on me and I relented and let the midwife put a nappy on. I think at 4 you stand a better chance that your daughter's 'big sister' tendencies kick in and she'll want to take care of the baby and you. Good luck!

Do the sleep times suit her? With my second, I found that the lunchtime nap never worked for her until she was much older. I ended up with a mid morning (10-ish) and then mid afternoon (2.30-ish) for quite a while. Not ideal with a toddler, I know, if they still have a lunchtime nap but I just had to work around it. Also my second ended up being fed on demand (fell into it rather than having planned it) till around 3-4months when, due to bad day and night sleeping, I tried to move her onto more of a routine and she resultingly started taking bigger feeds and sleeping better in the day. But if your LO has reflux then she may not be able to deal with bigger feeds.

From the map on the link above, it looks as though the water feature is fairly low key, more natural than those at say, Brockwell Park (although I understand this one is being revamped, not sure how). But the map doesn't really give that much away - would be helpful if someone who knew more detail (Renata?? Vicky???) could post.

I'd advise checking with the school - different ones have different policies and may even change from year to year according to different issues which may affect the decision. Also if the arrangements don't suit you, it may be possible to speak to those in charge and arrange something different, depending on your circumstances and the constraints of the school. I'd say, call the school and speak to them - you won't be the only one asking!

I think Ivydale has a theatre group running on a Saturday morning so the school is open. I don't know how much space is used / available. Would be great if you did do one there - my 2 would love it as they really respond to the yoga bit of Waybuloo. I know Goodrich school also has a theatre group going on a Saturday morning so may be able to accommodate something else.

Is it okay to take a 3 year old? I thought it was meant to be 5 years and above - wasn't sure if it would be beyond a 3 year old and they'd just be in the way, trying things they can't do. Is there anything to keep the younger ones entertained?

There's a class tomorrow and Tuesday at Push - Street Dance - from, I think, 10.30-12pm. It's a holiday class. Not sure of the price. Think there's a later one for older kids - first is 5-8 and later one older. Sorry, slightly late and vague but hopefully of use.

I heard Artastic ones have been cancelled due to lack of interest! Guess lots of folk like me were still weighing up options.

Thanks gwod, sounds like what I'm looking for!

Factorising equations???? Total blank in my mind. Which is worrying as I used to LOVE maths and did it up to sixth year / first year at uni level. I can see I'm going to have to re-teach myself loads of stuff if I'm going to be able to help the kids when they get there. At the moment I'm struggling with phonics with an English accent and modern approaches to simple arithmetic - are there any websites which explain these things and other common school topics / approaches? I will ask the teachers but feel it's possibly a bit more than they can really cover in the snatched 3 minute conversations by the classroom door.

I was just commenting on this the other day, that our CD version was actually the original - I think all the other versions we have, have been doctored in some way or another, even amending the story (why Jack stole the hen) and what happens to the giant. It does all seem a little like the world gone PC mad or protecting our kids from the horrible nightmares that the original story gave us (not!). Nothing wrong with eating English little boys!!! (And I don't say that just because I'm Scottish!!)