katgod

Those sound very sensible options - I am glad that some positive steps are being taken to address this issue. Thank you for a very informative post Councillor.

This thread amysed me because for many years I was happily chopping cakes instead of mixing them in my kenwood, partly because I had forgotten where all the bits were and partly because it just hadn't occurred to me that a different attachment would be needed. My cakes were not prize winning, but certainly edible. So wouldn't worry too much. Ps I use electric whisk now for cakes- is that right??

I don't know for sure, but I saw a leaflet advertising Dulwich College Sports Club's own easter coureses - swimming, tennis etc (individual sports, not a multi sports) so suspect the venue was not available. I know they were mentioning Charter, but maybe the details could not be finalaised in time.

Hmmmm cannot help thinking that if we applied the 'Syrian mothers test' to most of the EDF it would pretty quickly close.

I think this under 2 'rule' is a hang over from a previous era when there was a specific visa scheme for au pairs, when they were more in the traditional teenager living with a family to learn English and help a bit mode. To protect teenagers from exploitation I would think, there were rules about what was and what wasn't an au pair role. Also a nanny would look after younger children, and nannies are employees and so were not entitled to the more flexible visa scheme afforded to au pairs. With relaxation in migration policies the visa scheme is no longer in place, au pairs are no longer just teenagers, and working from home is now more realistic. Each family has their own requirements and circumstances. I expect some agencies stick with the old rule to avoid exploitation of their candidates, and it is easier to have a fixed policy rather than decide on individual cases. But if you recruit your own both sides can determine what the arrangements will be.

as explained above, each nursery seems to do it differently. There is a 'correct' way that FUschia explained several years ago on here, and there is the reality of nurseries around here. Mine deducted a chunk equivalent to the grant value in arrears each term. That was a full daycare kind of place. Another nursery we attended discounted the rate monthly to allow for the grant amount. A national scheme does not take into account the extra rent etc that nurseries in LOndon charge. Some private nurseries won't give any discount. The only way to guarantee getting 15 house free per week term time is in a nursery attached to a state primary school. Otherwise you just have to go along with what the business chooses to do.

she'll be entitled to 15 hours free at a nursery attached to a school, like Ivydale, Heber, Goose Green from the September after she turns 3. Or Oak Tree on Tell Grove, Buds at Goose Green - loads of threads on this, if you can't wait til next September (guess that's when she's be eligible - mine turns 3 in April so I am hoping for a school nursery place in September 2013). .

I think what you describe is true of most children (altho mine have always loved being read to). If I try to teach them writing, reading, maths, they are bored and we seem to get nowhere. I tried with my eldest, we both got frustrated and I was worried. But he went off to Reception class and was reading by Christmas. They are teachers, they are trained to do this and children react much better to someone other than their own parent doing these things with them. My children's school holds curriculm evenings for Reception children where they show you what they are doing in school and how they are taught, so you can follow up and reinforce at home. Lots of children in Reception will not be reading and writing, so don't worry about that or be taken in by the number of genius 4 year olds there allegedly are. Let the teachers teach them, and if there is no progress (unlikely) then reconsider tutoring. NB, hats off to home educators, maybe they have special powers, but my children are motivated and learn from the teachers far more than from me. And thank you also to the primary school teachers, doubt they read the EDF as most do not live locally, but their skill and patience is much appreciated.

Crystal palace one 0'ckick club definitely open? Really hope so. Thanks

Thanks bluesuperted. I haven't been, but have read the positive comments on here about it. It is a bit out of my way and, generally I just prefer to have my child sat up where I know she won't inadvertently cause an accident. The food does sound good though. (Edited because in reflection it is impossible to get tone right in these things and sometimes it is best just to steer clear!!)

Does not exist IMO. There are child friendly venues that will serve child portions and not complain if there are a lot of crumbs. But 2 year olds should not be roaming around in a venue where there is food being served as it is dangerous because staff can easily trip over a toddler. Peckham park cafe is the best bet. If the child can't sit still to have lunch, better off at home. I have a 2 year old.

White walls, red and blue vaguely nautical striped blinds, and a variety of duvet covers, all red, white and/or blue, so plenty of flexibility. Room decorated when he was 4, now 9, can't see it changing ever (not into decorating at all and son s very happy). He ad a pirate duvet cover when small, now Union Jack. Neutral with changing cushions and bed dings as tastes change must be way to go.

Having just visited my sister in law with new baby out of London, I now realise even more how amazing the service from the Lanes (and probabaly other local teams) is. My sil has been 'dischsrged' from midwife care - pretty sure she would still be having daily visits if she was in ED. No experinece in past 2 years, but had Erika for all 3 and thought she was fabulous.

PMd.

Haven't been for a while but went to elvedon when children were 18 months and 3 ish and it was great. Our days went potter to dome thing for pool, potter back( through woods with squirrels, lakes, ducks etc all very exciting for small children) lunch at the chalet thing, rest/nap and read the papers, then either back to pool or cycle to somewhere, think maybe a golf centre ( within the parc anyway) where there was a bar with a big indoor play centre- wooden not soft play ) have a coffee/beer, back to chalet, meal ( took my slow cooker- would not be that organised now). Did book one activity for toddler but he was way more interested in pool and squirrels. NB the toddler pool at elvedon is closed at present. It does not say it on web site but some friends are going next weekend and found out somehow. No idea how long for. The toddler area was fab, so hopefully it is a refresh and improve. Obviously check when booking, they are not daft this must be off peak so gets time to do it. And sure will GE for shortest time possible. Overall I like it there, it can be peaceful, the pools are great the cycling and sport are good.

No Ell at Denmark hill, been here half an hour and seen one Victoria train.

Yes, EASY is a great ' routine' in that there are no times/rules, it is just about getting into good habits like not feeding to sleep. The language is cheesy with phrases i can only assume were intended to sell her as a Brit in the Usa. but the ideas and philosophy i really liked. and it helps you understand crying and really looks at it from the baby's point of view. so ignore the style and enjoy a friendly helpful book.

good luck with that. For my family we are struggling to find anything under ?4000!! But we are 5. Was def cheaper last year. Thompson, Thomas Cook, First Choice. Longwood all have Egypt. And Canaries although have heard weather not reliable in Canaries in March? And Turkey does not really open for beach holidays til mid April - if anyone can confirm that I'd be grateful!er

Two was a no brainier for me because I am an only, and despite a happy trauma free childhood with nothing to complain about, there was no doubt in my mind that having a sibling was better. I was not aware of that so much as a child, but as an adult I am envious of those with siblings ( I get that there are people who don't get on with siblings, but the vast majority of my real life friends do, and even if they are moaning about them, the is a closeness there that i don't have, a connection that eludes me. As I child I could not understand it at all, now I want it.) I look at my children playing, giggling and messing about, and yes sometimes squabbling, and think it is fun, loud and messy and fun, and in contrast with my quiet, sensible, controlled childhood. Nothing wrong with my chilhood objevtively, but I prefer the version my children have. Someone mentioned a special closeness between only girls and their mums. Of course people base these views on their own experiences and interpretations, but I would say the self reliance that onlys have to develop can mean they are less close with other people. That's my opinion. I was told when pregnant with second not to worry because the love does not need to be divided up, it just multiplies, and have found that to be true. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks all, based on a pm I have opted for nano blocks which is teeny tiny Lego like bricks, in guitar and drum kit sets, which I hope will be cool enough!

Don't see them very often, not too sure what they are into. Did Amazon vouchers for birthdays so would prefer to get something to be a proper gift. Around ?10-15 mark (each). Any ideas welcome! Thanks

Rainbow fairies series. Terrible but they all seem to like them.

Changing from ELL to Jubilee line at CW there is a bottle neck escalator. I wait til most people have gone down. It is still quicker and less stressful than being held in at the 'Jubilee Gateline' (aka ticket hall) at London Bridge. The train from PR to CW was half empty this morning. The same was true when it started from Forest Hill 2 years or so back, but as word gets out it gets busier. Worth the extra walking time to get to PR in order to avoid London Bridge for me.

My son attended their DV branch. He didn't like it. Probably depends whether you like the Montessori ethos or not. I think it was quite true to the ethos, no toys, no dressing up, a lit if drawing triangles. It seemed unnaturally quiet and did not suit us at all. But that us what Montessori us supposed to he I think. I had not realised that was what I was signi g up to, so it was my mistake :-)

Interestingly, despite objections from 3 local pharmacy businesses, dame tessa, the lib dems with a petition of 1,083 people, LINK southwArk with a further 31 representations including the Bara Association (local tenants),Gumboots after school club, Gumboots nursery and others, it still got approved. Local democracy in action.