Mellors

Perfect. (Plus that's my Christmas list for my 9 year old sorted). We should do a joint EDF list for kids of each age group then we don't all have to rack our brains this Christmas! E.g. Boy/Girl Age Range Gifts/book ideas

Key issue: how far away are you. Both are outstanding, but have tiny catchment areas.

Sydenham Hill is significantly more dangerous since the 20mph zone has been introduced. Everyone used to happily tootle along at 30 without a problem. Now the odd person does 20, everyone behind them gets gets furious and overtakes wildly. Bonkers.

No, its grim - could you use Sydenham Hill instead (depending where you are travelling to) - much less stressful/fewer people/no gap, although its step access? Herne Hill is always packed and getting on a train is a nightmare, let alone with kids.

Horniman - 1 class, 30 children in one separate classroom with its own little playground. No nursery.

I have paid between ?100 and ?120 a week depending on experience. London is expensive and I think that's the going rate round here for c. 25 hours a week. Agree re the cleaning - we also have a separate cleaner, and with the point about EU only. I always recruit from Au Pair World, and prefer somebody who is already in the country so I can met them in person beforehand if possible. If you need them to drive (I do) then they need to be 23+ for insurance, and check the premium first - ours went up by ?400 this year, quite a big expense. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Renata is right - if you're in that area you have no chance of getting into anything other than the really local ones, so no point visiting e.g. Eliot Bank, Fairlawn, Horniman (just bulged this year), Ivydale, Goose Green etc.

All schools start in the September term after your child's 4th birthday. Bessemer Grange? It is likely you will be allocated the one which is closest to your house as catchment areas are so small in this area, so I wouldn't bother visiting ones miles away.

Wells park in Sydenham also have two courts that are rarely used during the day midweek. Free to use.

No - the Ride100 route is Central London out to Surrey via Putney.

Absolutely yes to them packing if you can afford it. They are amazing, and you can just leave them to it whilst you go out and enjoy your maternity leave. Best money I have ever spent (three times!).

The French Caf? has reopened as the French Bistro in the old restaurant further up and is lovely (and still a daytime caf?).

Hi I have au pairs for our three children, now age 4, 6 and 8. There are no strict rules either way, but the general feeling is that sole care for under age 2/3 is a bit too young for an au pair. They are traditionally for before and after school care for school age kids (not least so they can tell you what the au pair is like when you are not there!). That said, my last au pair had my youngest when he was 2/3, and she was great with him, so experiences vary. He was in nursery as well though, so it was only before school (with parents around) and then after school for a while, 4 days a week. I always have older au pairs (23+) as I need someone who can drive confidently and who I can insure. I had some fantastic candidates apply from e.g. Spain who were primary teachers who needed to do a year in the UK to up with English skills. I would have trusted them with younger children due to their extensive experience. In short: it depends on who you recruit - be very clear about the role and your expectations up front and see who applies, then interview thoroughly. I prefer people in the UK already so I can invite them to our home to see how they got on with the kids, check out their room etc. Feel free to ask if you have more questions.

I have always advertised on au aupair world and recruit from there. I do a full description of exactly what I am expecting (in my case they have to drive, so must be 23+ for insurance purposes e.g.). I then wheedle it down to my last 2/3 and interview them. I prefer people already in the UK who can come to our house, see their room, meet the children etc so I can get a proper feel for them. Our current au pair is an absolute marvel, has been with us for a year, and is staying for another year (hurray!). I agree with the above poster - pay well, treat them well and don't take advantage and it can be immensely rewarding for everyone.

Thank you all, much appreciated. I am going shopping... :)

Sounds about right, but I used to read with them myself every day. I quickly ditched the (boring school books and let them have whatever they fancied of the right level - regular trips to the library saved me a fortune. Must have worked because my older two (now 6 and 8) are avid readers. Oldest boy still prefers more "fact" based books/dictionaries/encyclopaedias than stories though.

Featherdown Farms are ace fun (but not cheap) - they often have deals in May/June. Centreparcs in Suffolk/Woburn isn't far, and is cheap(er) out of school holidays.

Sorry this is a bit of a dull question, but I figured you guys would know! I have solid wood worktops in my kitchen and I hate them, they always look tatty and worn, even though they are three years old and I have oiled them (and I chose them - should have known better). Is it possible to retrofit new work surfaces? Is it a massive/expensive job? If its possible what do you recommend - I need something hardwearing and hassle free - I'm thinking quartz?

Outs goes out in the playground every morning so all the mums have a rummage before school. The rest of the time its all together near the cloakrooms so you can go and have a rifle through any old time. Sometimes they get it all out in assembly as well and make the kids look through themselves. Finally at the end of every term there's plenty of warning before it goes off to the charity shop. My son is hopeless, but with regular rifling through I've managed to keep hold of all the important stuff so far (who knows where the PE kits end up though?).

We went for an au pair, who has been an absolute godsend in so many ways, has now been with us for a year and will be staying for another year at least. Its not always hard work!

I thought this looked like a good touch typing course for children - Saturdays and Summer hold - does anyone know of any others? http://www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk/index.html

I could have written exactly the same post. I have tried for years to get some proper help with my son's handwriting. School don't think he is dyslexic due to good reading/maths. He went to Sunshine House for OT assessment (school suggested referral by GP as quickest way to do it). They said he is off the scale (bad) for fine motor skills/hypermobility. Unfortunately other than the usual "play with Lego" etc. they haven't really given us any other advice. Does anyone have any?! Or words of hope? Its so difficult as he loves school in other ways, but is so frustrated as he just cannot seem to write. I am definitely onto the touchtyping thing soon (he is now 8), but am concerned as soon as he discovers a whole world of not needing to handwrite he will never do it again and will fail to gain basic life skills?

I definitely forfeited my deposit when I declined a private school place in favour of state. I remember running round on the day it was announced to get my letter in to avoid paying the term's fees penalty!

We did a short term rental locally with our three kids. Pricey, but we factored it into the cost of the works, and was worth every penny. Ours lasted four months though.

I've just come back from Elveden - it was voted "best holiday ever" by my 8, 6 and 3 year olds :D My top tip is to go in the morning of the first day, dump your car and go straight to the pool for swimming and lunch - its quieter as everyone else is leaving/arriving - then you get a full day there on day 1. I also ordered a box of food from Hello Fresh for dinners (you get the exact amount for the recipes), so no need for taking stuff then bringing it home after. Shop was v good though. Pre book for cr?che and spa, they were busy. Take nice coffee if that's your bag (they have a cafetiere), and maybe some kids DVDs? Can't think of anything else, but feel free to ask if you have any questions. We can't wait to go back, but damn the school holiday prices!