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We've noticed a massive increase in the number of cars on our road in the few years. Two families have moved to houses opposite us with two cars each, when the previous occupants had none, and a family next to us now has FOUR cars... Why do you need four cars in London??? I'm slightly sympathetic to a CPZ as it's a way of taxing excessive car ownership in an already polluted and high density part of London.

We had a good experience with Biddy Kulkarni, great with my son and very professional. Only had the initial assessment session but wouldn't hesitate to use her again. https://biddykulkarni.weebly.com/

Worth trying Really Maria on Lordship Lane or StagandBow in Forest Hill. Not sure if they have exactly what you need but Stagsndbow often have kids workshops. The Old School Club in Battersea has kids sessions but a bit further afield.

Hi Tara, we're so lucky all the schools are good around here and your child would probably be happy in most of them! And definitely go with your gut instinct, when we first moved to the area we assumed our kids would go to our very local primary school but I absolutely hated it when I looked around. Schools can change a lot in a few years. My son is in Harris reception and, if you look past the travelodge feel, it's a really caring environment, both nurturing and stimulating. The teachers are amazing; my son's classroom teacher knows him so well and genuinely wants him to just try hard and be happy. The fact it's a 2 minute walk away is a massive plus and there's something to be said for going for your nearest school. But apparently Goose Green school is getting the Dulwich Picture Gallery Pavillion installed in its playground next summer, massive plus! If you like Goose Green, go for it, don't be put off by previous reputations, a good new head teacher can turn it around.

Morning, our son is in reception and loves it, we have absolutely no regrets sending him there. It's a stimulating environment; the outdoor area is full of interesting stuff (mud kitchen!) and the reception teacher knows exactly where he is when it comes to his reading and writing. He has come on leaps and bounds from September and seeing the way he's learning is really exciting. The teaching is fun, inventive and personalised. I can't speak more highly of his classroom teachers! Pastorally they're on it too, any problems with friends they deal with quickly and genuinely want the kids to be happy. I've never been made to feel that my worries were silly and the TAs are super lovely (to the mums as well as the kids!). In no way do I feel the kids are being trained up for testing (which is some of the criticisms for Harris in general). There is a lovely community feel to the school, lots of stuff going on for parents (social and school stuff) and the head teacher or deputy is on the school gates every day... and knows every child's name!! They do get homework... maths, phonics and a Philosophy for Kids question which takes some getting used to. But you get the impression that the love of learning is at the heart of everything they do. Everything Harris does from parent workshops to clubs is done with professional excellence and, most importantly, warmth and care for your child.

Russell is the only tradesman I would recommend again from the many I've got off the Forum. He's done numerous jobs for us, all with minimum fuss and competitive pricing. We definitely trust him with our (many) roofing problems.

Possible description of the attacker in today's newspapers... https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/aug/31/police-issue-description-of-croyden-cat-killer "He is said to be a white man in his 40s with short brown hair, dressed in dark clothing, possibly with acne scarring to his face. It also says he may be wearing a headlamp or carrying a torch."

The flight paths vary slightly according to wind direction and if it's westerlies we don't get them over us at all (only about 25% of the time though.) http://www.heathrow.com/noise/what-you-can-do/make-a-complaint-about-noise You can complain to Heathrow on above URL ... probably makes no real difference but at least it goes on their stats.

My son is very happy there; caring staff, good range of activities and has made lots of lovely little friends. But definitely go with your instincts, I remember visiting nurseries which friends raved about and thought were awful! Having said that, First Steps has a very caring atmosphere and low staff turnover (which says a lot).

Morning all, does anyone know the outcome of the inspection they had in December? Thanks.

... also wanted to add that my days now are definitely more tiring (veering between frustration and absolute joy within minutes!) but so much simpler. And there is something for simplifying your life if you have the chance. Feel free to pm if you need a pep talk (or the unvarnished truth!).

Hi there, I was in exactly the same situation and it's a really tough decision (and whatever you decide to do, you'll have moments of regret!). You've probably considered this but how easy would it be to return to work? Are there part time options? Could your other half come back early at least once a week so you don't get all the 'second shift'? (This was the killer for me, coming back at 6 to have an hour and a half of craziness and overtired children!) Also, if you go for it, maybe do something for yourself every week away from the home. I found the loss of identity a bit of a shock and it really surprised me how much of 'me' was about work. But it's been great really getting to know the kids, pottering around and going to the Horniman one too many times. And you'll have time to spend with your oldest after school and finding out about his/her day which will be fab. New doors also open and you might find yourself doing something completely different in a few years time. Could be exciting!

Thanks so much Norfolkvillas! I was getting worried about the no responses ... very useful.

I'm also interested... anyone?

Thanks for link Bellenden Belle. Anyone with more recent experience?

Does anyone have any recommendations for private therapy sessions? It will be for our 3 year old son who has some pronounication issues... not really sure what can be done at but his nursery thinks there is an issue. We're having to wait months for our NHS sessions and just want to get the ball moving as soon as possible. Any suggestions much appreciated!

Oh good thread, looking for ideas for a 4 year old... Magna Tiles have been a consistent hit for the last year.

I have a bit of sympathy for Frazier71 (aka pop9770... hilarious), we live right underneath the flight path but in our neighbour's house across the road, it doesn't seem half as bad; you can hardly notice it in their garden. Perhaps it makes a psychological difference if you can see the planes? All I'm saying, is location, even to the meter, seems to make a big difference to the noise.

Heber Road has another open day Wednesday November 16th. Think that is the official one... Head teacher seemed a bit bemused by so many of us turning up today!

Try Ali Rendu, not sure if she offers what you need but she is very sympathetic and I'm sure is happy to informally chat about what you need. She works from the Therapy Rooms on Lordship Lane. https://alirendu.com

FYI the next Harris is on the 19th of October, 9.30 and you have to book. Anyone interested in Forest Hill, Kilmorie School has their open days every Monday, 11am and again you have to book.

It's just dawned on me that there must be open days coming up (ek, how did that happen so soon?!) and after searching intensively, can't find any dates online. Will phone schools on Monday but does anyone know of any soon? We're really after Heber / Goodrich / Harris but any would be useful (and further afield for others might be useful?).

Am seriously thinking of trying a Brazilian Blowdry after reading this thread... I'm fed up of frizzy hair! Anyone with recent experience?

First Steps? Only 6 in the youngest room (1.5-2ish years old), 12 in the next room (2ish-3ish). Think that's quite small for nurseries...