Browncoffee

Kes, well done for starting and motivating me to do same. Planned to start on 1st June too but in Center Parcs for the weekend. Will get started when I'm back home. Can't wait!:-)

Hi Roopa, I highly recommend Oaktree Nursery on Boveney Avenue. Pls send me a PM if you would like detailed info. Best wishes, BC

Glad to hear you've looked around and loved it, born&brED. We have to make a decision this week and I haven't had a chance to view it and can't view this week as it's half-term:-o My eldest is also due to join reception in Sept 2014. How time flies!

Ahhh...Jollybaby: I'm still suffering from separation anxiety! Mr BC's attachment to scooting to work (or should I say, avoiding public transport) means we need to be closer to the City. Regardless, who knows what'll happen in a few years;-)

Loving the blogs, ladies! Following on twitter too (objcoaching)! Kes: love the science bits! I'm also a Scientist but non-practising. Still love to dip in though hence the attraction to your blogs. Pebbles: I couldn't find you with new twitter name:-o Off to start Day #1 of 30-day blog challenge!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to post and for your PMs. Here's summary of my lessons learnt: - Move if there are other benefits (such as moving to better accommodation, from renting to buying etc.), not just for 'right' primary school as a school's position on League Tables, Ofsted rating etc. can change (for various reasons including but not limited to change of Heads, which is totally unpredictable) - Moving to get into school and then moving back is more hassle than it's worth, plus can be unsettling for kids (as most kids build a network in the local community and unfair to uproot them again, particularly as they get to adjust to new school, new friend etc.) - Consider secondary schools in the area you're moving to, if you plan to stay long-term - Don't rely on ratings, league tables etc. for choosing the 'right' (whatever that is for you) primary school! Make sure you visit first and make up your mind about what is right for your children before you make a decision - If possible, rent first and get a feel for the area before committing long term (buying) - And one from me, don't underestimate the value/power of EDF. Would miss it too much if we moved:-) Thanks again everyone and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

It's on my list of things to do for my business. Someone recommended a really good blogging challenge book which I intend to use when I get round to it. It's called the 30 Day Blogging Challenge, Kickstart your Blogging by Nikki Pilkington. It's ?4.55 on amazon and has great feedback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/30-Day-Blogging-Challenge-ebook/dp/B00563SEKE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369387152&sr=8-1&keywords=30+day+blogging+challenge It suggests a topic ever day (e.g. Day 1 - something topical, Day 2 - top tips, Day 3 - end your blog with a question, request etc). This has prompted me to kickstart mine again so I'm moving up my list:-)

How common is this? I would love to hear from parents who have made the move. Any regrets? Any tips/ideas? Thanks

Thanks Vez. That's very reassuring. I've also heard back from a couple of parents who are happy with the school. My little one will also be in reception next year which is why we're starting to think of schools. I will also post on SE23. Thanks again

Considering moving close to Stillness Infant School in Forest Hill/Honor Oak and would appreciate any feedback from parents of children there. Ofsted rating is outstanding and KS2 results are great - but I know from experience (mine and others) that nothing beats feedback/recommendations from parents. Many thanks, BC

Sorry for not posting earlier. I did get lots of feedback and my daughter has been there for a few months. We absolutely love it there and are really happy we made the move. Happy to provide more detailed information, if needed. Best wishes, BC

Hello everyone, I work as a coach and will be on a 'relationship systems intelligence' coaching course next week and my homework is to coach two individuals currently in a relationship (on Tuesday night, anytime after 8pm). It could be two siblings, friends, a couple, business partners or colleagues-as long as they have an existing relationship. You will not need to prepare anything in advance although you can think of a topic you would like to explore. Any volunteers or know anyone who might be interested? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, BC

Hello everyone, I work as a coach and will be on a 'relationship systems intelligence' coaching course next week and my homework is to coach two individuals currently in a relationship (on Tuesday night, anytime after 8pm). It could be two siblings, friends, a couple, business partners or colleagues-as long as they have an existing relationship. You will not need to prepare anything in advance although you can think of a topic you would like to explore. Any volunteers or know anyone who might be interested? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, BC

We have the Baby Jogger Select and highy recommend it: http://www.babyjogger.co.uk/cityselect.php

Another vote for Catherine Hirst's workshops. Learnt a lot and it was lovely 'me time' as the workshops were in the evenings (after bedtime). Unfortunately I haven't had much time to practise (although have knitted a few items since), but this has prompted me to dig out my knitting box:-)

Unfortunately my 'homework' client has had to postpone our session so I'm looking for a practise client for a free 60-min telephone (or F2F, if in ED) coaching session to take place on Saturday at 8.30pm. If you are available and would like to take advantage of the offer, please send me a PM. I have no doubt you will benefit from the session and I am happy to send you various client testimonials, if required. Best wishes, BC

Another vote for Bosch!

How about Center Parcs (Longleat)? Haven't been but have heard great things and planning a long weekend soon.... http://www.centerparcs.co.uk/index.jsp

I'd recommend a Mothers Inc massage. They have a creche so the kid(s) can be taken care of whilst she has a massage. They offer slots for couples too, so you could all go for a lovely meal, followed by an hour of 'just us' time. Their masseuse are awesome! Hope you find the perfect present. Well done on the effort front already. Might just forward this thread to my husband.....just in case he needs ideas for mother's day:)

Same process as Ipe - get the service through work. The corporate rates are much higher than the individual ones. From what I remember when I asked them about direct hire, they charge a booking fee of ?25 per booking and you pay the nanny ?8ph, so looks like the nanny cost is the same as Sitters but the booking fee is what pushes the cost up. I tend to use Sitters if paying directly and use Tinies when using company-sponsored childcare allowance.

I'm looking for a new practise client interested in a free 60-min telephone/skype coaching session on March 2nd as part of my coaching training program. You wouldn't need to prepare anything although if you like, you can think about an area of life where you would like some change, feel stuck or have a goal you would like to reach. My job as your coach is to give you a compassionate kick up the backside to get you going, and to keep you on track so you get where you want/need to be more quickly than you would on your own! I will need you to be available for a coaching call on the evening of Saturday, 2nd March (as that is part of my homework for that weekend). If not you, perhaps you have a friend/relative that could benefit from some coaching? The individual doesn't have to live in London. Please send me a PM for more details and thanks in advance for your time/any referrals.... BC

I'm looking for a new practise client interested in a free 60-min telephone/skype coaching session on March 2nd as part of my coaching training program. You wouldn't need to prepare anything although if you like, you can think about an area of life where you would like some change, feel stuck or have a goal you would like to reach. My job as your coach is to give you a compassionate kick up the backside to get you going, and to keep you on track so you get where you want/need to be more quickly than you would on your own! I will need you to be available for a coaching call on the evening of Saturday, 2nd March (as that is part of my homework for that weekend). If not you, perhaps you have a friend/relative that could benefit from some coaching? The individual doesn't have to live in London. Please send me a PM for more details and thanks in advance for your time/any referrals.... BC

Had my daughter's first birthday at The Florence, Herne Hill and it was awesome. I think they take two bookings - one at 12pm and a second one at 2.15pm. They have a lovely kid's play area which came on very handy for the little ones. If you can get the conservatory which is just opposite the play area, it'll be easy to keep an eye on the kids. I think we had a party of 25 and the space was just right. Enjoy! Here's their website: http://www.florencehernehill.com/

Second vote for tinies. I have used them a couple of times and they're great! It is quite expensive and fortunately my work paid for the service. A cheaper option is sitters.com. They also have nannies who are local. Either way, I agree it's better to work from home when you use the emergency nanny (with a sick child), particularly if it's the first time you're using that nanny. Best wishes, BC

I'm doing some research for my coaching practice on the above subject and would be interested in hearing from parents/step-parents who deal with the challenges of shared parenting, particularly where there is no love lost between the parents involved. I would be asking volunteers for a 30 minutes phone conversation and offer a free 30 minute coaching session as a 'thank you' for their time, if needed. Please send me a PM if interested and pass on to your friends/acquaintances who might be interested. Thanks, BC