HannahSE23

Just a small additional but vital point. Many kids in the southern end of SE22 and eastern end/Nunhead used to have the 'option' of Forest Hill and Sydenham schools as their admission systems were based on banding and distance. However, Lewisham have just changed their admissions policy so that all schools are based on distance only, meaning that kids in the southern end of SE22 and Nunhead are definitely too far away from FH and Sydenham. What with the changes at Harris to lottery as well, they're really at a disadvantage and a potential black hole. Therefore to 'serve' those children it would seem only fair to use a different nodal point. It isn't those children's fault that the only site available was the Dulwich Hospital site, nor that Lewisham and Harris have changed their admissions. Had a site been found east of ED I'm sure people in Camberwell would be calling for a nodal point to the north! All said in the spirit of Trine Adams call for unity of course!

So if you did decide to move out for schools, a good life for teenagers and stuff going on that's not too far from London where would you go? Does the idyll exist?

Not sure it's true that by moving out of London sending your kid to grammar school can be a 'firm plan'. They still need to pass the 11+. My aunt is a tutor in Kent and says grammar school places are fiercely competed for as those that miss out know they'll end up in slightly rubbish sports or technology academies. She had mums and some dads in tears in the run up to the exams panicking about their child's future. State education is still a 2 tier system in some parts... DaveR Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Lots of posts pointing out (correctly) that on > average London schools are as good or better than > the average in other areas. That doesn't alter > the fact that if, for example, you are set on > sending your child to a grammar school, there are > places you can move to within commuting distance > of London where that can be a firm plan rather > than a vague hope, nor that there are other places > where there are concentrations of very good > schools so the chances of getting a place at one > are higher than SE London, where different > admissions processes etc. make it all a bit random > (or at least it feels that way). I'm not > surprised that some people move out and cite this > as one of the reasons. > > On the wider question though it seems pretty clear > to me that generally London has never been safer > or more accessible to teens than it is now, and > that is a huge positive, notwithstanding that the > 'booze drugs and boredom' stereotype of growing up > anywhere else is undoubtedly exaggerated on here. > FWIW, I'd at least consider moving back to my home > town (Cambridge) if work permitted, but there's no > way I'd commute from there to London. Plus, > Cambridge is not exactly any old small town, and > the houses are as expensive as round here, so no > great incentive.

Yes Lewes and Tunbridge Wells seem to be the two favoured places to 'escape' to. Still commutable I guess. Interestingly, I do also know of one or two people who made the break from SE London and then c back because they never settled in the country and the commute was a right pain. But some other (slightly smug) friends who've made the move certainly have a habit of making me feel like we're letting our kids down by raising them in a city, hence the wobble!

slh2009 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Interesting what Otta says.....I was raised in a > small town and couldn't wait to move to the city > as soon as I could...I've been here over 20 years > now and while I have loved it, now I'm a parent I > must say I am thinking more and more about the > nice, quiet (safe) upbringing I had! Of course it > had it's down sides like always having to be > chauffeured by our parents for a night out, but > living in Sydenham I am feeling slightly nervous > after this week's murder, not least because it's > the third one in the 5 years I've lived here. > > I'm definitely not scared of anyone who is not > white or middle class(!) but I do wonder what the > secondary schools are really like, particularly > for a boy. I've no doubt the teaching is as good > if not better than elsewhere but it is the other > stuff that bothers me, gangs etc I suppose. But > then I am sure there are gangs in other places > too......It's a tricky one, I would really miss > London...multiculturalism, convenience and > entertainment on my doorstep but if it means I > sleep easier at night then I might be tempted to > go....decisions, decisions! slh2009 I think this is exactly why my friends are leaving. Not the secondary schools themselves necessarily, but the gangs, muggings, violence etc that they fear their teens could get caught up in... I think that's what I wanted parents with teenagers to reassure me about... how bad is it really? And is life for a teen really better in the country? Thanks all for taking the time to respond so far. Your comments are really valuable.

I'm beginning to feel really unsettled. .. three of my really good friends are moving out of London over the summer primarily because they don't want to send their children to a secondary school in London. Plus last year four kids from my eldest's class left for the same reason. It's making me start to question if we should do the same. We love it here but are secondary schools really that bad? Is bringing up teens in London really that scary? Do people who stay find that it starts to settle down in terms of the countryside migration? And can people who have left explain the reasons why they left and if they really are happier out of SE22? I'm really surprised so many are leaving and it's making me question our motivation for staying. I'd really appreciate your thoughts! Thanks!

Tomskip... It's expecting fairness out of a school that's no longer under local authority control that's too much to ask for. Harris is an academy... sadly they can do what they like re admissions. And given that this government wants to create more academies and supports free schools we can only expect increasing disparity, confusion and unfairness when it comes to school places.

Hi I wondered if you brilliant forumites could help... does anyone know of any good art or pottery clubs/workshops that run during the summer holidays? My 6-year-old is very keen! Many thanks!

Pair of dunnocks and then a pair of nuthatches in my garden yesterday! The dunnocks dancing around on the ground and the nuthatches hanging off the feeder. Also swifts high above!! Very exciting...

It sounds about right. At my daughter's school (yr1) they read once a week to a teacher and more if they're stuck on something. They change their books weekly, but get three at a time. Every day in literacy they also read to themselves in a book corner or with the help of ipads on one of the reading apps. But the school is pretty insistent that children should read to a parent every day - even if it's just for five minutes! The more you can do with them at home, the better. I think in reception a good phonics grounding is good, so it's great your school is focussing on that. I also think that if you have any concerns talk to your child's teacher. He or she will be able to explain exactly what they're doing and how often and exactly what their reading aims are! Good luck!

I'd recommend Kuki Hair on Bellenden Road. My son just had a great cut there with Pauline.

Whoops sorry posted in wrong place!

Well used Le Toy Van Wooden Knights Castle... One of the turrets will need fixing as shown in second pic and it's generally a bit rickety so will need some tlc! But otherwise perfectly good for battles! Can throw in a trebuchet and one or two knights too. Please PM. Collection from Honor Oak SE23

In our school they put out lost property on rails and in a big plastic bucket in the playground at the end of every day. It takes a bit of organising but it means items get returned more quickly!

Great news about the head. In answer to your question LondonMix, I live near the top of Forest Hill Road - distance of 1.6km from the new school as the crow flies - and sadly I don't feel my kids would have a chance of getting in given the small charter 1 catchment this year (and the likely equally small charter 2 catchment in 2016). And the reason I don't want mine to go to a Harris school (our nearest school) is that I strongly feel they would be better off in a co-ed school and not single sex. Anyway, I wish the new Charter all the best and I'm pleased there's a new school in the area. It's much needed. Just wish it (or we) were closer!

Totally agree about the velveteen rabbit. Went today and it was the most gorgeous piece of theatre. Kids and adults all loved it... I even shed a tear!!

Porchester Spa in Bayswater is fab!

Hi sorry to hijack this thread but does anyone know of a campsite that allows fires, groups and VW type vans that's between London and Bristol... somewhere along the M4 corridor? Thanks!

Johnjohn Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > BlahBlah > I didn't say I wanted a guaranteed space outside > my house at all, read my post again! > The point I was making was I think abandoning a > vehicle outside someone's house is inconsiderate. > I know they can 'damn well' park it there (sounds > almost spiteful!) and how could I possibly object > to someone parking outside my or anyone's house... > But if it is going to sit there for months, is it > unreasonable suggest parking somewhere else, on > one of the many sections of road not right outside > a house. The van hasn't been sitting there for months. When newboots spoke to the owner it had been there less than 3 weeks! Now the owner's on holiday and will sort it when he gets back from holiday. End of story surely???

I don't see what the fuss is about... you don't own the space outside your house, the vehicle is taxed and the owner is going to sort it out once he gets back from holiday. I wonder if you'd feel the same if it was a broken down Bentley outside your house? Sometimes vehicles break down, sometimes life circumstances mean it's not easy to get them fixed immediately... if, as you suggest, he's a neighbour then he has every right to park on the road, as do you. It's not very neighbourly to complain about it on this forum.

Hi there, can anyone recommend a thorough but competitively priced solicitor to do a will? It's something we've been meaning to do for years but not got round to yet so any advice/suggestions gratefully received. Please PM if you prefer. Thanks so much!

I'd recommend Kung Fu at the United Church in Red Post Hill on Saturday mornings. My son loves it and feels very much part of a club. It's great for self defence and fitness but they also learn about discipline, respect and they meditate at the end of each class! They are graded regularly which keeps them motivated and the teacher, Richard, is brilliant. Here's the website... http://www.fwckungfu.com/

Yes I second Kuki hair - though Pauline gets very booked up now as she's so popular. Sometimes i have to book her up to a month in advance to get the day/time I want!

When we moved we couldn't officially apply to the school of our choice in our new area until we had exchanged on the property we were buying. We then got an official letter from our solicitors to the school admissions team to say we'd exchanged. However, you can still apply for schools in ED as you still officially live here until the date of completion. Hope that helps. Moving is a stressful time when you have to factor in schools.

Thanks all. The advice and tips are great and much appreciated!