MrBuggins

Marianne from fireworks music school teaches both and is fantastic. Currently teaches our son piano but I know she does cello too.

Been through something a bit similar but with a younger child. The school told us the fastest (non-private) route was to get a GP referral to a paediatrician. We waited about 6 weeks I think. The assessment was fine... not stressful for the child at all, just some play based observations and activities. It lasted about an hour and a half. The paediatrician did say at the end that he felt it wasn't dysphraxia but could be dyslexia but this can't be assessed for until children are at least 7 and an assessment would need to be organised via the school who will have access to an educational pathologist. I found I had to push for everything (despite it being the school that raised concerns). The Senco was great when engaged but I had to push and query every follow up as there was no proactive communication at all. The best advice I got from a teacher at another school was that regardless of there being a definitive diagnosis there are identified areas in which support is needed and the school should do a plan of how these can be supported. E.g. poor writing is an issue in our case so one of the actions might be to use pens or pencils designed to improve grip. Happy to chat more / share numbers via PM if useful.

My 3 year old son started buds this year. I am so pleased with it. Main thing for me is that the staff seem to genuinely like children and he is really happy there.

Would a baby bjorn sling and lightweight travel cot be useful? Also what type of baby milk would be best - premade liquid or dry powder? Fantastic to see the support you have. Thank you for organising this.

Hi, our extension is a work in progress so not sure how well it will work but we are closing off the door to the kitchen and putting a tiny wc in the space between that and the cellar door. This gives us more worktop / cupboard space in kitchen. The kitchen will be accessed through what was the dining room but will now be playroom with some built in cupboards to hide the noisy plastic junk. Our living room is still separate though at front so a bit different to your layout. Good luck with it whatever you decide on.