Mellors

Thanks - I tried them, but they only had ladies - much as I love my pigs, I do not need a houseful of the little critters :D

Thanks very much, I've contacted them both.

Hi I wonder if any of you lovely forumites can help. I have a male adult guinea pig (Squeak). Unfortunately Scruff, Squeak's buddy died a few weeks ago. We need a new playmate for Squeak, but pet shops etc. only seem to sell baby pigs, and I am told it a bad idea to put a little one in with a big one in case of bullying. Any ideas on where I can get Squeak a new friend? Thanks

Wells Park is on. 363 to the Dulwich Woodhouse and walk down the hill, or 176 etc to the Woodman and walk up.

How awful. I swim there regularly all year, and never have a problem (its normally quiet) but I have to say that this Monday was awful. It was absolutely chaotic and I can well imagine how this could have happened. I only lasted 20 minutes and got out. It definitely needs to be better "policed" at busy holiday times. I also don't think it helps that so much space is laned off, leaving only a relatively small area (with an even smaller shallow end) for all the kids to play in. It would be better to rope off an area widthways for small kids I think, and have two lifeguards on the width of that end. The teenagers need to be sent off down the other end away from them and controlled better.

I don't know why Au Pair World etc say ?70 - ?85. I've never known a London au pair to get less than ?100 a week, and believe me all the au pairs chat to each other about it (and I am nosy and ask!). I think the lower end must be based on inexperienced girls doing a max of 20 - 25 hours a week. In London a lot of parents need longer cover due to commuting/longer days, so the hours are more like 30 - 35, and tend to choose more experienced people for that reason hence the uplift. Of course anyone is free to pay an au pair what they like, there is no minimum wage as such, but if you want them to be happy and stay then you obviously need to consider how attractive the package is.

?100 - ?120 depending on experience/hours required plus private use of car/gym membership. They've always had their own mobiles with Giff Gaff and topped up themselves. Current au pair is going into her third year with us.

Hi I have an au pair contract and handbook I wrote ages ago which sets out the basiscs. if anyone wants a copy feel free to PM me your email address and I'll send it over to you. xx

I've always got mine from Au Pair World. I put up a good ad setting out exactly what I'm looking for with photos etc. Weed through all the replies (e.g. I need somebody over 23 so they can be insured to drive) and then interview the final contenders. I have done Skype interviews, although actually I prefer it if they are already in the UK and can come to our home see their room, meet the family etc. Might be more difficult in Reigate though? I have a contract and an au pair handbook and set everything out up front so we all know what is expected in terms of hours/duties. I've never had a problem. Our current au pair is absolutely part of the family and is staying on for her third year :)

I work locally and we've just had about a week's worth delivered at once, despite getting dribs and drabs in every day.

No, although my kids get the children's version of The Week and we love it. Some news, but also experiments, quizzes etc.

I also have a toddler bed that is free as well, if anyone knows, youngest now outgrown it and it needs to go, seems a shame to send it to the tip.

Have you considered part time schooling? My daughter is 30th August, and I discussed it with our school who would have been happy for her to attend reception on a part time basis for a while until she was able to cope with full weeks (in the end she loved it so we didn't, but the idea was a good one I though).

I've got one - I've just PM'd you.

The Dulwich Woodhouse is lovely now - nice outside space, very kid friendly, good food and you can go in the woods after for a play.

Would she be an au pair - people do that for the summer. She can advertise through au Au Pair World. She is possibly a bit young though?

I've never used an agency as I like to be in control of exactly who I recruit. I use Au Pair World. I put up a very specific job advert setting out who we are, what's expected etc. and some photos. I then go through replies and bin anyone who isn't the right fit (e.g. I need to have over 23 for car insurance, so anyone younger gets binned. We have three children so I need experience of looking after kids of different ages). I also check their general info and see if I think our personalities would match. I do a shortlist then interview. My preference is for people who are already in the country so we can meet face to face, show them their room, see how they are with the kids, but if not then a Skype interview (I would be a bit less fussy for a short term position I think). I have a clear contract and an au pair handbook on arrival, and we spend a fair bit of time settling them in. So far its worked brilliantly - my current au pair is in her second year with us and is part of the family.

Crystal Palace is by far the best indoor pool by miles round here. 50m, proper lanes, always quiet. All the 25m pools are too busy and too hot.

My son loves these (and is also a Walliams/Dahl fan): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Horowitz-Wickedly-Children-Collection-Confection/dp/1406366242/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1452593488&sr=8-3&keywords=horowitz+anthony

I have a great flat next to the Austrian ski slopes you could use (self catering) - great all day ski school for the kids ;)

Lewisham require you to submit your Council Tax bill

Just to say that Junior Parkrun in Brockwell park is ACE. My kids age 4, 7 and 8 love it. The big ones do the full two laps, and the little one does one lap with me. Everyone cheers and they like to beep their barcodes at the end. Combined with a trip to the adventure playground and hot chocolate in the Lido cafe its a good way to pass a Sunday morning. There were 87 kids last week :)

Yes, also agency. I haven't; used them personally, but I'd ring these people and get the low down: http://dulwichchildcare.com/

After school sole charge nanny - ?10 to ?12 an hour net. Might struggle as they would need another job to fill the hours if its their main income. Some people use them for longer hours as a housekeeper/cleaner as well to up their wages and make it more attractive. Have you tried childcare.co.uk? There are normally plenty on there, and you can put up your own advert as far as I know. I have a similar issue and went for an au pair in the end, although I need more days a week etc.

Also Horniman - has spaces in some upper classes (near Fairlawn)