doctornicky

I also have a daughter at Sydenham high. She started in year 7 after finishing at Dulwich Hamlet. A bit less than half of the year 7 entry came form schools other than Sydenham High Junior and they all seem to have integrated really well. Whilst we really liked Dulwich Hamlet, I think you can see the difference you get for your money. The classes are very small ( 17 in her form group), and there's loads of really good extra curricular stuff and all the girls seem to take part in something. My daughter is particularly looking forward to a netball tour to Barbados next term! They work them hard enough, and have exams twice a year which they are expected to revise for, but overall it's not super-competitive or pushy, and the emphasis seems to be on having well rounded, happy and successful girls. I'd say they are particularly strong on drama and do fabulous productions, but whatever you're interested in I think you could thrive there. Downsides are lack of on site playing fields, and possibly being a bit small and protected to give you a full sense of the real world. It seems that although they love it there, the majority of the girls go somewhere else for 6th form, possibly because they want something a bit bigger and with boys around. However, overall we're really happy with the school.

We got the razor spark scooter for my son a year ago when he was 9 and he absolutely loves it. It's fairly light weight but not flimsy and has survived several unfortunate crashes. Apart from the sparks ( which are quite impressive) it probably isn't the best for if you want to do skateboard style stunts/ jumps but for my 9 year old it's all about speed and this certainly does the job and I think is excellent value.

we really enjoyed a holiday at les Tournels in the south of France. Yes, again it is a campsite, but upamrket ( if a little big) in a beautiful setting and with a good range of facilties ( not as much as centre parcs but then you do have a fantastic beach the other side of ther vineyards.)

Hi Samantha Just wondered if you might be interested in a nanny share? We have a slightly unusual arragement in that we have 2 older children ( aged 8 and 10) and for the last few years have shared with families with babies or young children. essentially we only need the childcare after school, holidays and the odd sick day, but we've had the same nanny since my oldest was 6 months old, and she's so great we just don't want to lose her. It means that baby we share with has a sole chareg nanny most of the time, and gets to meet with their "big friends" later in the afternoon, and both sides save some money. Drop me a line if you might be interested. Best wishes Nicky

Hi We have a 4 bedroom house in the south of France whcih we rent out which might be of interest to you.It's advertised on the Owners Direct website. property reference FR21249. Let me know if you wnat to know anything else about it. Best wishes Nicky