sbain

I'd also be interested.

Hi, Here is a link to the Southwark local offer (http://localoffer.southwark.gov.uk/) which outlines services available to children with special needs in the borough. If you haven't already you could ask your pediatrician to refer you to KIDS (portage) they support the families of children with disabilities in the borough and help with placement at nursery. We've found them really helpful. Although ultimately for many reasons we decided to opt out of nursery and my son (who has some fairly complex special needs) is at home with either me or his nanny. We are currently going through the EHCP process for my son which tbh is a fairly annoying and inadequate process but there you go. PM me if you would like more info. SBain.

we also talk about the best and worst thing about today, like MrsBoris (worryingly I often get playtime was the best thing and learning was the worst). I also ask what made you laugh today? What silly thing happened today? and if he seems in bad form "Did anything happen to make you sad today?"

Dulwich Picture Gallery?

Totally agree with tomskip. Definitely worth doing and makes a huge difference.

Babbo is fab (although its been ages since I was there) http://www.babbonyc.com/menu/dinner/ pricey though. Plus now that it is in London maybe less special. I also really like http://www.gramercytavern.com/

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/nov/15/vegan-tea-party-raspberry-cookies-chocolate-cake-ruby-tandoh I make the chocolate cake here for my dairyfree son and we all love it.

We stayed at Runnymede-on-thames - it was fab. Really great with the kids, there is a playground and a swimming pool on the grounds and the restaurant is very child-friendly. http://www.runnymedehotel.com/rooms/staying_with_kids/

Not sure that I'm that keen on escaping winter but if I could live anywhere for 2 months it would be Japan.

Hi James, I have a feeling the wheelchair accessible roundabout is no longer there following the installation of the new playground equipment.But I'm not 100% sure as my son is small enough that he dosn't yet need wheelchair accessible equipment. Also to be honest while the accessible roundabout and wheelchair swing in dulwich park are great and to be applauded, they are very much the disabled equipment in a mainstream playground. An inclusive playground would be great. One where children of all abilities could play together. The best inclusive playgrounds around here I find are the sand park by the horniman triangle (playing in the sand is a big winner with both of my boys) and the sound garden at the horniman (which again allows them to play together (albeit for a relatively short period of time).

It would be amazing ot be able to build an accessible playground for East Dulwich/Peckham. My son is disabled and the only pieces of equipment he can really use at Goose Green or Peckham Rye are the toddler swings and the tyre swing (and the toddler swings will be too small for him fairly soon). There are some great (if v elaborate ideas here http://www.special-education-degree.net/30-most-impressive-accessible-and-inclusive-playgrounds/) and for ideas closer to home the Thames Valley Adventure Playground is fab (http://www.tvap.co.uk/).

I'm clearly going to come across as v irritating but, the accessible changing rooms are intended for people with disabilities as I understand it not families. I have to bring my "buggy" in because my nearly 3 year old is unable to walk or stand by himself and I need to be able to pop him safely in his buggy rather than on the wet floor while I get changed after hydrotherapy (he could and would fall off the benches if I left him on them without holding him). We occasionally end up missing out on the begining of hydrotherapy as parents with young children are using the rooms which are clearly marked as for the use of those with disabilities. And before anyone asks, no having a typically developing younger child is not in any way the same as having a disabled nearly 3 year old. Recently my lovely nanny had a very unfortunate encouter with one of the staff in Dulwich who wouldn't let her bring the buggy into the changing room. It is unclear to me what we are expected to do, either leave him on a bench where he will fall and hurt himself or leave him on the floor where he will get wet.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/02/02/roald-dahl-measles-letter-viral_n_6594344.html In case you need more reasons to vacinate - read Roald Dahl's letter about his daughter who died after contracting measles then vacinate your children.

If you are looking for a private OT there are 2 good ones that I know of around South London. We use Kiki's clinic and have found the OT we see there to be excellent. I would highly recommend her. However my sons difficulties aren't specifically related to SPD. (http://www.kikisclinic.com/therapies/sensory-integration/). While we have no personal experience, friends have recommended http://www.otforkids.co.uk/index.html specifically for sensory integration therapy. We do also see the OTs at Sunshine House and have a great experience of them.

I too would be interested - my son is 4.