alice32

The Empty Stocking by Richard Curtis and Rebecca Cobb is lovely and also Snow Day from the same pair. And I love Alfie's Christmas by Shirley Hughes.

Thanks very much for all the info - really interesting. It does sound like the school is out of step with other school's set-ups. I think I'll get in touch with the Head and investigate further. The school didn't get a particularly favourable OFSTED report recently, so I think they're squeezing the day to try and make progress as quickly as possible - which isn't very fair on the children. Many thanks again. Alice

I'd be really interested to hear how other primary schools in the area structure play time. My son, in year 3, has been complaining that the play time they get is too short. They have 10 minutes in the morning after assembly, at around 10.30, and then 35 mins at lunchtime (15 of which is spent actually eating lunch) - so really only a total of 25 mins free play in the day. I believe there is also the opportunity to have a longer or shorter play time depending on performance in spelling and maths tests. It all seems rather measly to me - but perhaps it's normal? Would be grateful for an insight to how other primary schools structure play time. Thanks so much.

Hi, I'm looking for a one-to-one swimming teacher for my 7 year old boy. Would be very grateful for any recommendations. Thanks v much, Alice

This is all so helpful - thank you. She's managed to get a private appointment for today, so very relieved. Thank you again for these suggestions. Alice

My friend's newborn son has a tongue tie which is seriously affecting the baby's ability to feed as well as causing her (and her nipples) serious pain. After an initial assessment today, she has been told she will have to wait 5-7 days for the actual snip appointment at Kings. I wondered if anyone had any suggestions on how and if this could be brought forward. She's pretty desperate and 7 days feels like a very long time. Any advice very welcome ? thank you!

My daughter is starting at the Nest in September and I know lots of parents of children who have attended the nursery, and only have very positive things to say about it. I put my daughter's name down about 18 months ago, and got a call recently when they were allocating places for this September's intake. So I think it's probably unlikely that they will have any places going for this year - but don't think it's unusual to have to pay to register with nurseries. Seem to remember others that asking for a similar fee.

Great - thank you!

The tiny gym at Camberwell sounds great - my 3 year would love it. Would day/time is it on, please? Thanks, Alice

My 6 year old boy goes to a football club in Ruskin Park at 10 til 12 on Sunday mornings. He loves it. The company who run it is called Southwark Dynamoo and it's ?5 a session

I'm looking for an after school piano teacher for my 6 year old son. Ideally somone who can come to the house (we're just off Herne Hill Road). If anyone could recommend a teacher, I'd be very grateful! Thanks, Alice

It took a long time to sort out after school care for my two children - and it was a bit of a nightmare, so i sympathise. The websites I tried were findababysitter.com and simply childcare.com. I also found a really nice girl on gumtree.com, a nanny who worked mornings and was looking for extra hours. Depending on the age of your children, it may be worth putting ads up in places like Camberwell Arts School - as the hours often suit students quite well. Good luck - hope you manage to sort it out.

I'm sure you probably know this, but it's so easy to get in a negative rut and find yourself in constant telling off mode. Whenever my son goes through similar phases - he's 5 now and behaviour certainly went a bit haywire when his sister was born 2 years ago - I have to check myself and try to remember the power of positive praise! It's hard and takes a concerted effort, but everyone's a bit jollier as a result! Sorry, not particularly helpful or practical advice, but just something I have to remember to do with my son.

Perform in Dulwich is good - they do classes on Tues and Thurs in St Barnabas Church. My 5 year old son goes and loves it.

The Clarice Bean novels for about 7 up are very good. Funny too.