Angelina

I would call the Child Benefit Office and ask them for a letter that says you opt out - or call the school and ask them. There may not be much time to get the documentation in order so I'd call them first thing on Monday. If anyone has concrete evidence as they absolutely know, then hopefully they can reply but failing that I would get on it

hand it in at any tube station and the staff might be able to reunite the card/ owner - if it's registered they would have her details and she would no doubt be in touch with them for a replacement

Civilservant - you are brilliant having followed this up with such tenacity.

It could give more light and illusion of more space. Great idea

I think you should probably delete this post and report it as a crime. Not sure you should discuss a crime in detail in public?

Does it really matter, in the scheme of things? If a parent takes the kids to school and then can't park near their home because of people (who probably) drive into the area and park their cars all day so they can get the train to work, is that more acceptable than that parent trying to keep a space open? It then makes me think that there is probably a space nearby as the roads are not all full by all means, so it suggests a bit of entitlement which always annoys everyone, as it's just plain selfish. Maybe the driver is unable to walk far or has a baby or other reason they think this is ok. WE don't really know, but we do like to jump to conclusions, don't we. And as for skips - would we really begrudge our neighbor the ease of having a skip outside rather than trundling all their stuff up the road? Nice community spirit.

This is a brilliant scheme. I've not heard of anything like it before. Thank you for sharing this.

or a cafe? overpriced croissants etc?

agree - very bizarre behavior by the school. I wonder what drove that decision?

yes - agree - a move to lottery places has to be widespread or not at all. If anything the risk is our children all have further to travel. 2/3 seems the wrong balance.

The lottery system is designed to avoid the situation with some schools, where property is premium as proximity is more likely to guarantee a place. This is also noted as being unfair. It seems you can't please everyone.

have you asked the school?

Does our council not analyse such information?

There will always be a need for currency that does not run through audit/ bank records. Lots of people don't have bank accounts. Shops have the right to impose their own conditions. If you don't like it, you don't have to go. At least they're being visibly honest with their takings.

That is quite terrifying. I remember the Olaves incident but had though that was not common practice. Is it more than a one-off Renata? Are our schools doing this? I would hope that if there was a worry, that the information you advise I seek should be readily available. Is it? ".... the proportion of year 11 pupils staying on and the proportion of year 12 starters completing year 13".

Why is there no coordination between parties so the other roadworks stop and make space for the diverted traffic?

Slips

Thank you Bill and Flockerspotter. Also very good points. It's good to hear about real experiences - I've also been told the change can be detrimental as work starts at high pace and there is not the time to get to build relationships etc before it becomes full on.

Lisps

Force

try James Barber

carlybloom - keep calm. Make sure your daughter knows this is NOT HER FAULT. It is not the end of the world and many things change between now and school starting. Look for something positive. Please do not become overwhelmed but go to the drop ins, persist and look after each other in the meantime.

Thanks to all posters. I met one of the more senior mums who said that the girls, especially, talk about moving but end up staying. And to beware of moving to a place that's far.... There is so much to consider. I know where she is is a good place and she is very well supported there - and they have a great reputation and good results. Ultimately I want it to be her decision, but we will no doubt debate it many times.

that's been the case since late afternoon yesterday at least

we have Sky and it's great. No problems with speed/ downtime.