HannahSE23

Thanks for replying both of you. And yes hazelnunhead, if you could find the details and it isn't too much trouble that would be great. Sadly my daughter was ill over Christmas and missed the whole thing so I'm really keen to make her birthday special, although without breaking the bank!

Hi there, my soon to be 6 year old is desperate to have a build a bear party. Has anyone else done this? Is it worth the cost? I'm wondering if there's anything else that's creative/arty but local that I could persuade her to try instead. I think someone mentioned a T-shirt decorating party on here once? Any thought/suggestions gratefully received. Thanks all!

Or wrap up some of the things you already have stored for him? If he's never seen them before he won't know any different. Then you can put the money you would have spent towards a lovely day out with him or something extra special for his next birthday!

I wouldn't feel reassured that teachers are leaving a school because of house prices! That's worrying...

Parents were sent home the report today and yes, outstanding again

We have a campervan to enjoy the countryside and it means we have a good balance. Lots of great camp sites an hour from ED. Never understood the thinking that London isn't good for kids, either. So many people leave once they have children but why exactly? I grew up here and loved it. So much more to do than for my friends in the sticks who were so desperately bored. Especially as teenagers! What's not good about experiencing all that a global city has to offer?? Is the reason for moving out house prices, traffic, schools, safety fears or what? Seriously I'd be interested to know!

Camping in France. Great in terms of cost, weather (better than here but not boiling), ease of travel (no car hire) and plenty to do for the children both on and off site if you pick a good site with swimming pool, tennis courts, playground and other kids!

Me three

Thanks it was really bugging me!

Kevin McLeod appears to be in ED this week. But where???

I went there, did nothing philanthropic whilst there and would not send my children there. Not worth the money. Most parents who send their kids to private school pay to shield their children from other kids they perceive as being from 'rough' families and not for a better education. Be honest... It's snobbery. The results are good but only because they've weeded out the less bright kids from the start.

I asked them if we could borrow their grounds for a local state primary school fun run. They didn't even have the courtesy to reply, despite several emails!

We're off to the Dordogne so I really hope it's not like the Costa Del Sol! What was your campsite called bawdy-nan? We've booked somewhere from the Cool Camping website...

optimum Wrote: ----------------------------------------------------- If we had > greater confidence in our local schools and got > involved I'm sure that they would become even more > successful. This makes huge sense to me!

Thanks EDmummy and heber jumble queen. Good to hear all the positives about HBAED. Will make an appointment and take a tour!

Heber jumble queen I don't think that message was meant as a direct comparison between the two schools... I would appreciate all feedback about HBED as so far there hasn't been any! What is it like for shy quiet boys? Especially in regard to it being single sex? Pastoral care etc? Many thanks!

Thanks for your reply. I very much like the sound of FH Boys - but I think it's getting rather popular and I do know of two people who didn't get in this year! I'm wondering if they'll do bulge years for secondary schools!

Thanks Mrs TP. I've also had a couple of positive pm' s about deptford green and fh boys. Appreciate your reply!

Thanks for the replies so far. Sadly ninbi we're not in a position to afford an independent school. If anyone else has any experiences, good or bad, please let me know - by PM if you prefer. Thanks!

Hi I know this has been asked a hundred times before but I have a very sensitive boy due to start secondary school and I'm worried about the choices. It's the same old story - too far from Charter, Kingsdale is a lottery, Harris is single sex and my son prefers the company of girls etc etc... Could anyone who has boys in secondary school please let me know what they put down as their choices, where they ended up and if they're happy? Honest answers gratefully received... Many many thanks!

Just reviving this post as Ladywell Gym has a year-long waiting list. Is there anything else in the area? Thanks!

Have a look at the VW t25 viking conversion. Masses of room up top!

Hi James, Can I add my name to the list even if I'm in Lewisham, though right on the Southwark border? Or does it have to be Southwark residents only? Thanks

Thanks Fuscia. Very interesting and exactly what I thought!

bornagain Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > Doctor / Teacher hmmm, let me think. It's a > hell > > of a lot easier to become a teacher than a > doctor! > > (not dissing teachers, but wouldn't compare > their > > qualification and study to that of a doctor) > > > > I don't think it's right for schools to hire > > unqualified teachers for subjects like science > / > > English / maths, but I think it's perfectly > fine > > to bring in experienced sports coaches for games > / > > PE, and I can imagine bringing people in for > > languages, and I see no problem with it so long > as > > it's closely monitored and supervised. Equally > > with that head in Pimlico, I don't think there > is > > so much a problem for an experienced manager > with > > very good people skills to run a school if they > > have a good knowledgable team around them. That > > girl was 27 years old and knew nothing about > > education. > > > > There is unqualified, and unqualified. > > Hmmm? are you happy putting the future of your > children in the hands of those unqualified to do > the task? Don't forget your children will be in > the sole care of those so-called professionals for > hours over the school year. It's just not enough > to be CRB checked? > > I am not saying that all qualified teachers are > good but surely for our kid's sake we could ask > for some minimum standards. As far as I can see > allowing non-qualified teachers into the classroom > is a cost-cutting exercise and a way to plug gaps > in subjects that they can't fill. > > I cannot see why you can't insist that a > prospective teacher should devote just one year of > their life (if a graduate) to get a PGCE > qualification - don't think that's asking a lot?! Did you know private schools also employ unqualified teachers? I have a friend who teaches science in a well known private school and he has no teaching qualification. Fairly common. Apparently a degree is enough.