citizenED

Vik, that is a real pity, but all I'd say is that it is early days so hang on in there for DKH. Having said that, I had a look round Bessemer two years ago when we were offered a place there for our little one and it was great. At that time it had a great Early Years provision. The teacher who showed me round was particularly impressive. If our son had ended up there he would certainly have been in good hands. Since then, of course Bessemer has had a very positive Ofsted, so pehaps that offer will turn out OK. PS we ended up with Goodrich, (our first choice)

100 ClaireClaire; whilst not wanting to pinpoint where you live exactly, I would be interested to know how far you are from Heber, and from Goodrich. I felt it was generally assumed that you couldn't be in the "catchment" of both.

In my house, currently: A tap that's been dripping for 2 weeks. A dodgy kitchen lightbulb fitting means we are making dinner in the semi-darkness The bathroom door handle is half off There's still a piece of cardboard filling in where a glass panel was smashed.....

Hmmm.... I got up with the kids at XXX, entertained them, made them breakfast, set up drawing for them as I started cooking Sunday dinner. No cards, no presents, and Mrs CitEd not emrged yet at 10.15. But... that is a pretty perfect day anyway - she worked a night shift last night and I got a lovely kiss on the cheek from my oldest (6yr)with a brief line about Father's Day...

But the story behind it here, (Sorry Quids) (and having said that I can't what would make it the photo-journalist picture of the year anyhow.)

Yep, I like that one too. Apparently those CIA, FBI and other dark-glasses bedecked special service goons have everyone's phone tapped and can track the micro movements of your everyday existence; Kinda in that incisive way they homed in on Osama in just a matter of ten years.

We'd already clocked this one and were planning to go tomorrow so ccheers for the recommendation

I have just taken two hours of my precious time to watch "Black Swan". I wish I hadn't.

All the posts drafted in my head and never posted.

nashoi, re "Monsters"; just got to see this film on DVD and had been describing it as a "kind of road movie" and then this thread is bumbed and I saw your comment. It's a kinda love story too. Haunting and thoughtful film, too.

Hey, SJ, as was said a little matter of 18 months ago, can people stop effing on this thread!

Braised onion on toast?

Another study suggesting that breastfeeding has positive outcomes for babies. Here

Well if no one looks in the What's On section I'm going to let you all know that the Artit's Open House Event starts tomorrow. If you have some spare time pop along to have a nose in an Artist's house - all this weekend, 11 - 6 and next weekent too. Dulwich Festival Open House

Wonder what Malumbu's keepy-uppy record is?

If you have been following any of the discussions about Admissions to Secondary schools in Southwark - and it isn't for the faint-hearted - or simply if you have a child in Primary school or even younger then you might want to know that Southwark Council is review their procedures. There is a questionnaire to fill in here, though you only have unitl 13th MAy to do it.

about 30 mins ago I was setting the scene for a painting, colouring, mask-making, rocket-building kind of morning with my two boys, cheesy disco classics blasting from the CD player. Then my anti-royalist missus floated in - music off, TV on and now she is glued to the TV with the two boys kissing each other and cheering. What gives?

Helena, I was suggesting that by airing grievences on a public forum people are creating a negative (though not necessarily accurate) picture of the school. I think the best way to ensure future continued success for the school is to support it, not destabilise it. On a thread a few weeks ago, when a mother of a child who had been given a place for next Sept asked about people's opinions of the school, the response was wholly positive.

I don't know about watching the Royal Wedding tomorrow but I've just watched the Royle Family tonight. Creased up.

So, like me, you want the best for your child?s education at Goodrich: You got together with some other parents who have a few misgivings about the Headteacher, attended a couple of meetings and voiced some of those worries. You felt there was a groundswell of opinion so you were emboldened. On a thread on the East Dulwich Forum one or two of you chipped in with further gripes that caused anxiety in the school community (and it got unpleasant enough for Admin to pull the thread). Now the story goes national and on this thread some of you fan the flames further. Anyone reading this thread might think there is trouble at Goodrich. Some might be disinclined to put Goodrich as one of their choices next year. Thanks for contributing to the destabilisation of our school. Just to put new and prospective parent?s minds at ease, most of the parents I meet are happy with the education and care their children receive, as am I. There is no serious trouble at Goodrich. Read again the Ofsted information that Alice posted on page 2 of this thread. In 2005, under the previous headteacher, Ofsted said ?Goodrich School provides satisfactory quality of education with many good features, but some important weaknesses.? It also said ?Leadership and management are unsatisfactory overall.? In 2008, under the current headteacher, Ofsted graded Goodrich Satisfactory. It said, ?This satisfactory school is moving in the right direction under the clear direction of the new headteacher.? It also said ?Leadership and management are satisfactory and steadily improving.? In 2009, under the current headteacher, an Ofsted monitoring visit stated 'The strong and decisive leadership team has demonstrated its commitment to improving the school.? In the autumn the school will have it's next Ofsted. I trust all parents join together to support the headteacher and her management team in the run up to it.

Welcome to the Forum traveller1

If it's special you are after (since you are only 21 once!) there is, of course, this place: The River Cafe

We've been twice this Easter break already - with a 5 and a 3 year-old - it's an amazing facility. Also been to the Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground last week. Loved it. Seems to be aimed at a slightly older group and is not run by Southwark Council. Open 11 - 6 weekdays during the holiday. Check out their website here

or you could have a look at Verona Hall.

Sounds like a nice idea for the weekend PR. Looks like a striking building. Won't be there on Saturday but will pitch up at some point.