edanna

Haven't seen any with water. Ruskin park had no water on Friday. Generally the councils don't seem to put the water on except in July/August I think.

Just to say because I haven't spotted another thread on this topic that there were lots of really great things about the fair!

I think it should be a requirement for next year that the bouncy castles are run by people who at least slightly like children and who aren't running a total rip off. For example the guy who runs the bouncy castles at Crystal Palace park is a really friendly chap - he even smiles at the children and their parents. I meant to say this to the organisers last year after one of the grumpy guys hired for the Goose Green Fair grabbed my daughter really roughly (she'd only just turned 3 at the time and was very shocked and upset).

You could try contacting Sue at http://www.kidsentertainers.net and ask who is particularly good on circus skills. I think Sue herself used to work in circus so she would know.

I haven't done this but I know someone who did because they were moving house. He hated the fact that he'd been left behind at nursery when all the others his age had moved on. He was so unhappy they ended up starting him in reception 2 weeks after the start of term. I don't know what your daughter's nursery is like but in my experience you can see a big change when all the older ones go and then the class gets filled up with much younger kids.

Thank you - great tips.

Hi maybeED, it really depends where you are commuting to and what you think is too long/too many changes.

Interesting thread. With apologies for another hijack can anyone recommend any good family friendly campsites easy to reach from here (up to 1-1.5hrs drive)? Thanks

Sounds fairly normal! But maybe your health visitor would be a helpful first port of call if you're concerned?

St Faith's hall on Red Post Hill has a lovely garden - I don't know if they allow bouncy castles though.

Agree NappyLady - there are definitely improvements to be made but I'm pretty shocked at the half-hearted attempts to engage with families using the park. There needs to be proper consultation online and offline.

I think the Tower of London is a great day out - didn't go for ages because of the cost but you can get deals such as the National Rail 2 for 1 offer. There is so much to see and do, it really is a full day out and you get a unique perspective on the river and Tower Bridge from the walls of the tower. There's a kids' trail and a badge and pencil saying trainee princess/knight. Our kids 6 and 3 loved it.

You'll be welcome Chocky! Fingers crossed for you getting a place soon.

Great thread. I've got a long way to go on the organisation front. But something I've recently started using is trello https://trello.com - it can be used to manage quite complex projects but I really just use it as a to do list - you can have different boards so I have one for work and one for home and the iPhone app is v easy to use so if I suddenly remember something I need to do I quickly add it as a card on my phone - you can drag the cards up and down in order of priority or onto a different list eg 'done' or whatever works. It's free and IMO more reliable than emailing myself about stuff.

I know this point has already been made but James I think you need to change the title of this thread. With every gratitude for the time and enthusiasm from yourself and the steering committee you can't be certain that the many people who signed up to support your efforts to get a new ED secondary are actually in favour of Haberdashers - speaking for myself but I'm sure I'm not alone, I am in favour of the idea of a good co-ed non-faith secondary and still have an open mind on provider.

What happens if someone opens a business in a unit not approved for that use?

Hi bubblebob, I don't know about private schools but don't give up on your state school situation changing - there will be loads of movement. Get yourself on every waiting list and something will happen.

Pleasure. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

It's a terrific school, lovely atmosphere, dedicated staff, striving for the best for every child, really good SATS results, good Ofsted. The Head is amazing and she and the senior team and all the teachers and TAs work incredibly hard to keep on improving. It's not that close to us geographically but it was my first choice for my son - now in year one - because when I visited I loved it the moment I set foot inside. My daughter has just been offered a reception place. Another thing they are good at is engaging parents in children's learning - they hold workshops to explain how phonics and maths are taught, with resources for parents to take home and use themselves. They also have a lot of space, with three separate playgrounds for different age groups. It backs onto JAGS playing fields, which they sometimes use. There is a nature garden across the road used by classes and also for PTA events. And there's a new building about to be built across the road for y5-6. Have you visited the school? There are tours every week. Do PM me if you'd like more info.

Dear MrsC, there will be lots of movement. And you could also put yourself on waiting lists for schools not in you original 6.

Hi Renata, surely all the plans could be online with the ability to comment if they are not there already - sometimes it's hard to make in-person consultation events. I'm pretty amazed that an online option wouldn't be available especially following the precedent of all the online info for the choice of sculpture for Dulwich park.

It depends what you're looking for. If you want a proper castle then Bodiam, Hever or Leeds. The thing that is great about Groombridge is the play equipment in the 'Enchanted Wood' - really fun and active, but no castle.

Good spot Fuschia. I went to Groombridge on Thursday and the kids had a brilliant time.

London Transport Museum?

That's lovely to hear Gina - I remember what a difficult period it was for you. I hope others feeling nervous about offer day will take hope from your experience!