lollol

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 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!

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?

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!

Hi all I have a 2.5 year old as well. My husband and I are both French but my son goes to nursery in English. Would be happy to meet up!

I am also a Marie Kondo fan! The book will cost you less than having someone come in and in any case you have to do it yourself!

This table does not include all schools so is potentially misleading for people that are not familiar with the area i.e. moving into the area. For example, for us, it only shows 1 option when there are 2 - one of which is an outstanding school! So beware!

There is also the Rose Montessori school is Forest Hill that does alot of outdoor activities.

I had my baby at St Thomas that required intervention and was very pleased with the midwifes, doctors and nurses. It is one of the leading hospitals in London. I do think though that you rely on the staff there and then which can make a good or bad experience. But I would go to St Thomas again. Further, the after birth support particularly for breastfeeding is excellent and from friends having gone to Lewisham and Kings, seems to be more supportive.

British Red Cross and there are some free ones at the Children Centres by SureStart too

I have heard that even if the legs are folded or squished, it is safer for babies to be rear facing. And the head not going over the top is the most important. http://www.rearfacing.co.uk/

I also very much enjoy baby sensory and my baby boy loves it! Chee really connects well with the babies and love the fact there is a different theme every week, well worth the money!