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.

Just to give the other side of the coin.... My son is an August boy (17th) and while I was a bit sad to see him going off to school so soon after his 4th birthday, he has never had any problems with being the youngest in his class - academically or emotionally. Obviously, it all really depends on the child and the school - but I don't think you should assume your daughter will find it hard just because she'll be one of the youngest in her class. My son was ready, and loved the structure and learning. The Reception year really is very gentle. Personally, I think going into Year 1, without having had the experience of Reception, would be a big shock to a child coming from preschool. As well as the basics in phonics, reading and numbers, the children learn about school life - the rules, how to sit and be quiet and how to forge friendship bonds with classmates. I think it's a really important transition.

I've been to Little Clippers twice and both times had to ask them to take more off my son's hair after they've done the bare minimum, taking all of 5 minutes. I found them quite surly and unfriendly and am not inclined to go back - only problem is my son now expects to be able to watch Tom and Jerry at the hairdresser! I used to go to Myra at GM's on Melbourne Grove and liked her a lot. Will prob go back there next time.

The Carnegie Library on Herne Hill Road has a children's chess club on Saturday mornings.

My son got the islabike balance bike for his 2nd birthday. He took to it straightaway - partly I think because they're so well made and lightweight. They are a bit more expensive than other balance bikes, but very worth it. My son progressed to a pedal bike, without stabilisers, very quickly as he'd already mastered the balance and steering on the balance bike. Basically, I really recommend the islabikes!

Are you thinking of the Definitely Daisy series? They're by Jenny Oldfield - illustrated by Lauren Child.

The Emily Brown Books are good and very funny - by Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton - That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown, Emily Brown and the Thing, Emily Brown and the Elephant Emergency.

Definitely worth it! My son had the Isla balance bike from when he was two, and has recently (aged 4) moved onto the cnoc 14. He was riding it without stabilisers within about 15 minutes! They're lightweight and incredibly well made - and made to last. I highly recommend.

Thanks for everyone's advice. I will definitely have a look at the possibility of asking one of the school's teaching assistants, and see if any of the other parents fancy setting up sone sort of swap. Thanks again. Alice

Pasta, we moved from Southwark to Lambeth in the Summer before my son was due to start in reception. We had to do a late application form and my son was then placed on the waiting list. Once my son had started reception at the school in our old area (in Southwark), I had to complete an in year change of school application. From what I gather, places are more likely to be found further up the school years than in reception and year 1. It's a pretty hideous system and I had a nightmare being told different things every time I phoned Lambeth and Southwark.We're still waiting for a place to come up at the school we want him to go to... Best of luck with it all.

Hi - yes, that might well be a solution. Problem is getting the children back from childminder near my son's school would mean not being home until abut 7 - which is something I want to avoid as they'd be tired and with all the faffing around I wouldn't get them into bed until v. late. Also, my daughter loves her childminder (as do I) and I'd rather not have to find another one. It's all such a pain...and I haven't even begun to think about what will happen in the holidays!