lollol

https://apple.news/AZzzO5gK5SAm0W0w6n0Rs5g
Labour’s private school tax raid could cost the taxpayer £1.6 billion a year. 
 

Just adding a recent article for those that think I only posted one side to the story! Would love others to share articles as much as possible that include independent data sources. 
 

I was also amused with the recent thread of someone asking about renting to get into North Dulwich Charter. Another way of using money to get a better education for their children but it an opaque way! 

Thank you, that’s helpful and a start! 

Hi

My son’s current football club has changed fixtures from Sunday to Saturday meaning he won’t be able to attend matches due to another Saturday commitment that cannot be changed. I contacted a club that was recommended that does weekday trainings and Sunday matches but they are full at the moment. If you have any other suggestions, I would be grateful as he loves football and being part of a team! Thanks!

On 19/02/2024 at 13:48, micromacromonkey said:

The fact that the current economy of private schools is built on tax avoidance is the concern here. Labour are rightly closing the loophole.

It is beyond doubt that earnings potential of privately educated kids is higher than state kids (on average), but why should that be delivered within a charity model? Certainly in our area kids get educated by the state pretty well, so the thing you are paying for is actually a salary uplift in their adult life. It's hard to see how that kind of service is not VAT-able.

The supposed 'cost saving' to the state due to privately educated kids not using state resources is ~3.5bn. VAT on ~10bn school fees will raise ~1.7bn. Realistically, say this causes 10% of kids to exit the private school system. The government spends an extra 350m on educating them, plus it loses 170m from the tax take. So it's still net positive by 1bn+ for the country (and net positive for all the ski resorts where the parents can spent the cash they saved).

I love the ‘parents save cash to spend on ski resorts’ I save my cash for my child’s education! 

I shouldn’t have posted this on the ED Forum. Of course if you live in a £2-3m house next to the state Dulwich schools, you have the top state schools at your doorstep! It’s a bit like Labour politicians who put their kids in state schools but they are the best ones in the country. We opted for a smaller cheaper house outside of Dulwich to afford school fees as our local state school was failing our child. We pay taxes which includes an item for education - we don’t take up a state school place (other countries actually give you a tax deduction when you don’t take up a school place!) I am allowed to voice my opinion that it is not fair that VAT will be forced on school fees within a few months if Labour get elected  (interesting … no VAT on nursery or university fees or tutors / private tuition companies). You know … those tuition companies that people use to get their kids into grammar schools (pay money to get their kids ahead to get a state school place!)

 

On 23/01/2024 at 11:01, airellemarie said:

I'm glad someone else commented on this post. Sorry but I'm not going to sign the petition, plenty of great state schools around. 

I’d love to get a list of these great state schools you are talking about that are not oversubscribed or require a banker’s salary! Unless you say we should rent and cheat the system or live in a 1 bed flat?

On 23/01/2024 at 12:18, jazzer said:

Can I suggest that you actually explain what the petition is about rather than being well sloppy and putting an unclear description in the heading, no explanation and a  link that you expect people to open and read through. 

I would expect anyone to read a petition’s manifesto before signing .. also note the ‘please consider signing’ Not bullying or forcing anyone to sign it! 

https://www.change.org/p/stop-labour-from-adding-20-vat-to-private-school-fees-and-forcing-kids-to-change-schools?redirect=false

Cancer Research and Sue Ryder on Sydenham High St are taking books too! 

Looking for uniform items 8-9y for my son who will be starting at Dulwich Prep in January. Thanks!

Thanks!

Looking for recommendation for venue that does nerf gun birthday party or similar eg laser tag. Found online places that do outside forest laser tag but they are all far away ! Thanks in advance!

Thanks all for your messages! It?s been super helpful!

We go to a lovely local primary school which has child wellbeing at its heart and a focus on children enjoying learning, being curious etc. I am completely bought into this concept and we love the school.

There has been a big emphasis on reading as well so from Reception, children have a book to read each week. There has never been any other type of homework. My son is now entering Y3 and I am told by parents with older children that the school does not give homework and children get tested but are not aware they are doing a test. I am concerned on the impact this will have and the shock of going into secondary school without having those early homework habits and that yes unfortunately, there will be tests / exams in life and you will get marked and unfortunately compared to others. Also I grew up abroad where we had homework and tests as well as report cards with marks from Year 1. Is this common in the Uk primary state sector? Also we get the end of the year school reports and it just says whether they have met the expected standard or exceeded it or are below it; again no clear marking scale - is this again common in Uk state primary schools? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

We?ve done something similar - kitchen set up but in a very large hallway with microwave, fridge freezer, toaster and kettle. Used old piece of worktop and added in shelves for food storage. Builder helped with moving it all and setting it up. They set up the washing machine in one of the bathrooms and took care of everything including moving it upstairs. I am on the look out for a portable hob if anyone has one to sell! Thanks!

Hi

Looking for recommendations from companies that you have used - looking to convert loft space into storage space only. We are in a conservation area so are unable to convert as would need to raise the roof and are restricted as to size / type of dormer extension - already explored in depth with reputable architect in case you are wondering. Thanks

Hi Elsa

Apologies I did not see my inbox was full! Let me empty and you can message !

Have Pmed you!

Hi all

I am in the process of starting a French playgroup for bilingual children with a friend in SE23/SE26 after alot of interest.

If you are interested, please message me and I will add you to the Whatsapp group as we try to set it up!

We are looking to get the tiles in our hallway cleaned and restored - more like a clean is required as only a few tiles are loose. I am looking for recommendations of a good company to use. I have found so far London Mosaic in Forest Hill - if anyone has used them, I am keen to hear your experience or if you have used anyone else and are happy. Thanks!

I actually had the same question for a nanny share where there would be 4 children but one would be only after school (for less than 3 hours) and the others full time with the nanny but the family is expecting a 50/50 split. Does anyone ever due a split in proportion to the actual hours per child?

Looking for recommendation for high quality carpenter with experience in particular of fitting skirting boards and building shelves / alcoves

Thanks

Hi Priti

We used Lucy Scala and were very happy with her work.

http://www.lucyscalaphotography.com

Thanks all for your responses!

Hi

I am sure there have been some threads on this but cannot seem to find with the search engine. Would someone be able to tell me a few things about hiring a nanny:

- Going rate range - gross hourly rate eg 10-13? ph gross

- Other costs to factor in if any that are not included in the gross pay eg pension?

- Do you pay holidays?

- Does the hourly rate change based on number of children? Eg different rate for 2 versus 3

Anything else you can think of!

Thanks

If you could do an after school option - this one is good on Weds after school:

http://www.ecolecadetrousselle.co.uk/en/structure

We moved to Sydenham a few months ago having lived 6 years before in Forest Hill. Forest Hill and Easy Dulwich are nicer but the high street is very handy, Mayow Park is lovely and the transport links are great and there is a great community here. We were also able to get a big Edwardian house in a calm street and we have lovely neighbours! We looked at HOP and CP but did not like the busy road and there was no park nearby so depends what you are looking for!