mumum

What is the best laundry service in the area of Dulwich/Sydenham that picks up and returns the clothes ironed? Is a laundry service more cost effective than having someone come in and do it?

Thanks

Anyone know when/if they are opening again? Thanks!

I suppose you mean working mums!? I work more or less full time, but my working hours are flexible enough to pick up at 3pm some days. My child has been there for a year. The kids can start their day at 8 am and stay until 4.30, but it might be different as they get older. The after school clubs list from reception onwards looks very inspiring: lego club, mandarin, football, ballet, etc, but why not call the school up for a list and times? In my opinion, DUCKS is incredibly supportive to working parents. A lot of parents seem to be teachers there and in the families I have met, many parents are both working. The teachers and staff at DUCKS make enormous efforts for the children there. It is a wonderful place. We have a nanny picking up once or twice a week to give me some longer days, and many parents have childminders, nannies, grannies (lucky ones!), and au-pairs picking up and also share pick ups.

Thanks all. We have a great nanny, just wondered if she was due a pay rise, especially as she drives her own car now, she only does a day a week, that's why she is ok with a bit of ironing etc, her role has always been partly mothers help. But sounds like we are paying her the going rate, it's been the same for almost 2 years though. I will just stick to one good rate for all hours.

What is the going rate around here for a good nanny with own car looking after 2 siblings, 2 school/nursery pick ups, driving, cooking, ironing, laundry (housework when kids are not around) but then some of the hours just babysitting (watching tv), and is it acceptable to have 2 different rates? Thank you.

Kids have grown out of a lot of toys and we are moving, is there somewhere to donate 2 big boxes of toys?

Thank you, yes that is a good idea! My 4 year old was actually in stitches with a friend trying to make the little one name different things. I think I have been too focused on my older child, as she started school and didn't realize my little one was suddenlly old enough to talk. The bilingual thing shouldn't slow her speech as such or disencourage her interest in naming the world around her, but I realize that it is not without some problems. I am expecting to say a word in my language and for her to repeat it in English, this is what my 4 year old used to do...so no wonder she is confused! I am confused! I am bilingual myself so couldn't imagine things different though. Thanks again for all the posts, we have so many things to start doing.

Thanks for all the posts, especially the article was interesting and also concluded bi-lingual children don't necessarily speak later, they may even speak earlier! But that there is a limit to how much vocabulary they can store in their head. I am going to do sing and sign with her and have her assessed. I think she struggles mostly with pronunciation, seems to roll up her tongue an awful lot! Also will start talking to her more...have been too busy screaming at my 4-year old...

Our 21 month old child hardly speaks, and doesn?t seem interested in repeating words or language. She "is" bilingual in theory. Our older child is bilingual and was speaking a lot more at this age. What are the best local classes to do for speech development and has anyone got experience with local speech therapy? And bilingual speech development? I don?t think the bilingualism is really the problem though, I have heard it is a myth that bilingual children have slower speech development. Just wondering if I can do some more things to help her. Any tips greatly appreciated.

Hi, we are considering ducks nursery for our youngest child (yes, we have been on the waiting list for 2 years). I am just wondering how it compares to herne hill school and nelly's? I quite like the idea of a continuous place from 2 to 7 years and the beautiful setting. Any experiences shared would be most valued. Thank you.

Our little girl started reception at shs this year. It wasn't our first choice, and we had some doubts. But she absolutely loves it, and is very happy when I pick her up, even after a long day. I haven't actually seen her so happy anywhere. She has in the short time there achieved two big milestones (for her) and has become much better behaved at home. She is pushed well within her capability, which i find really clever, as it makes her feel excited and empowered, not just overwhelmed. I was always impressed when looking around schools with how confident, happy, and independent the shs girls seemed, and how quiet and concentrated the reception children were there. I have been impressed with the teachers and structure of the school so far, and find it spatious, airy and light. I thought some other schools were really dark and chaotic in comparison. Also, there are only 10 girls in her class! I like the idea of a man being head teacher in a girls school, primary education seems so dominated by women. I think he will make some positive changes and improvements to the school.

Can anyone recommend a party entertainer for a girl turning 4? Thanks....

Can anyone recommend swimming lessons locally to East Dulwcih-Dulwich for a nearly 4 year old, ideally a holiday intensive course (considering the one in St Dunstans, thanks to the person who posted that) but wonder if there is something nearer? Could also be private one to one tuition. Thank you!

Simply childcare is the best, they send out a list of questions and all the info you need when you hire a nanny. You can even phone them and talk to them and they are so helpful. Even with putting up your ad and talking through any problems along the way. To me it was very important how the nanny spoke about her previous family and her charges and how her relationship was (is) with them. The nanny needs to be a person who can form a genuine loving bond with your child and must be truly excited about looking after your little baby (I can?t believe my luck! What a fun job!). A trial period is also good, then you can see how they treat the baby and how they function in your house and routine and how you get on with them. You need to feel comfortable, and with such a young baby there is a lot of sleeping where light housework like ironing, dishwasher can be done. She needs to take being a nanny seriously and take some professional pride in it. Later on, it is very useful if the nanny knows the area and playgroups, is sociable and has a group of nanny friends for play dates. But that can come with time. There are many strange people out there, and different nannies suit different families, and sometimes even a friend?s nanny won?t suit your family. There are many lovely nannies too, hope you find one soon.