Lacey

Hi Simone Yes that's right. are you looking at the figures for 2012 entry in the southwark admissions guide? I think in the doc James posted on the other thread it gave a last offered distance of about 1500m for Bessemer for this round of application. Worth noting too that it has bulged the last 3 years now. more generally, as others have said, the bulging strategy of the various councils and how it is communicated is a big issue.

When we were applying a couple of years ago, we were also in a 'black hole' (but in Lambeth). When it became apparent we wouldn't get into our two closest schools (because of bulges in previous years and the resulting increase in siblings), and to avoid being allocated our third closest school which we did not want, we researched other schools that would work for us, even though they were not particularly close. So, we put Bessemer, Goose Green and Jessop down on our list. We got a place at Bessemer and haven't looked back (we would have been happy with places at the other 2 schools as all three are doing really well). We have since moved a bit further away and it's almost 3 miles from where we live but practically it actually works well for us as we are able to drive (but we can also get the train or bus there fairly easily too) - we can drop off and then get the train from North Dulwich to work. Obviously, distances have shrunk a bit since we applied (and it seems we were very lucky to have applied to Bessemer when we did!) but, if you are able to look further afield, it may be worth visiting other schools outside your closest 6 schools so that you have at least one 'realistic' choice that you would be happy with in your particular circumstances. Good luck to those of you going through this for this year - hope it all works out ok.

We took our 2 and 6 year old to this a couple of weeks ago and they both had a brilliant time. Definitely recommend.

Our 5 year old has always been a big thumb sucker -for comfort, in times of boredom etc. His dentist says we've 'got away with it' in terms of his teeth but now he is beginning to lose his baby teeth we need to work on it. We've tried the varnish but he just became accustomed to the taste so maybe thumbguard is our next approach, if gentle persuasion doesn't work. Anyone had success with it? Our two year old meanwhile is a finger sucker and the effect on his front baby teeth is pretty noticeable.

I've done knitting lessons at Sharp Works, the shop in herne hill by the station. They have a rolling programme of evening classes (eg, as well as beginners, they have ones on making up techniques, knitting with colour and knitting socks) and they are v reasonably priced. I've since popped in every now and then for help on particular projects (usually correcting mistakes!) and they've been super helpful. I have done the scarlet peacock beginners classes too which are also good.

It may be a bit far away if you are in East Dulwich but we attend St Simon and St Jude in Streatham Hill (Hillside Road, its not too far from Tulse Hill). 3 out of 4 weeks, the younger children spend part of the family mass at 'Little Church' in the adjoining church hall (usually doing crafty activities connected to that week's gospel). Send me a PM if you'd like more info.

We are currently going through this with our 5 year old having had a recent bereavement in the family. There's a lot of guidance on the Winston's Wish website - more for how to support children who are grieving but you might find some helpful stuff there (and they have a reading list of books for different age groups). We have bought the book Badgers Parting Gifts which was recommended to us by a few people. Some of the useful stuff on the website is eg try to avoid using language like passed away or that someone died in their sleep, or that they are looking down on them (eg children may be nervous they might be seen being naughty!) Sorry, I know its not a response to your actual question but may be worth looking at the site.

There are some nice cafes, bars and restaurants in Streatham (Beyrouths, Earl Grey & Rose, Boyce de Roca, Pratts & Payne, which is a newish Antic pub, plus chains like Pizza Express). The shops include a very good selection of charity shops and a few basic chain stores. You also can't escape the fact Streatham High Road is a long, busy road! Would echo the points Sarah made about West Norwood too - the monthly community lead West Norwood Feast is on this weekend (Sunday 10-4, and Saturday evening from 4pm with a Christmas light show, food stalls and kids activities). Re Lambeth - waste and recycling collection is weekly, you need to pay for a garden waste permit (collected fortnightly).

Hi bemusED. Our son is in Year One at Bessemer and we are very happy, basically for many of the reasons you list and others. Our son loves school (so far!) and we've been really pleased with other things such as the breakfast and after school club, as well as the range of other clubs and activities available. Great you spotted the nature garden - a group of parents has been working really hard with regular gardening sessions and we have lots of exciting ideas to develop it further. I agree with Edanna re possible reasons for not being oversubscribed historically (it has also bulged the last couple of years). It is a bit hidden and so it may just not be as visible on a day to day basis - but for us, its location is a big positive. Am also happy to answer any questions by PM. For others applying this year, the deputy head does a very comprehensive tour every Tuesday morning in term time at 9.30am (just turn up at office via red gate).

Hi - it's Wednesday!

Hi mickyd, people do tend just to get the school book bag but it will be fine to take the bag you've got at the beginning, until you've got the book bag. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hi - yes, you just need navy bottoms and white polo shirts. There is a school jumper and book bag but perfectly ok to buy these from the office at the beginning of term. The school is about to launch a new website which is great news.

As it will be an in year application, it will depend on which schools have places in their reception intake and then how close you are compared to others on the waiting list? Might be a good idea to check out in particular schools that are bulging in 2012/2013 as spaces may come up more quickly? Eg Bessemer and bellenden (i think bellenden is bulging?) Bessemer has a bulge class for 2012/2013. My son is entering year 1 and we are all very happy with it and it's doing very well on its results and Ofsted etc. The deputy head does a great tour every tues at 9.30 during term time. But, definitely, speak to council schools adviser for more guidance.

We've just been. Great fun but a long queue - we queued for about an hour. It's fairly obvious - right by the playground and near one o clock club.

It's on the cricket pitch near the penge west entrance (not sure where that is exactly!) according to a tweet I've just seen from them. Open 10-6.

Yes, it's on til mid September. Have a great time.

Minder - the tree is still there in the Early Years playground and it's in the new logo (which is on polo shirts, coats, fleeces etc, just not the jumpers). The new logo was designed by one of the children after a competition.

Hi Vanessa The uniform is the red school jumper with Bessemer on it, plus navy bottoms or pinafore dresses etc. There are also polo shirts available which have the new school logo on - we've got a couple of these but have also got plain white polo shirts. There's also the book bag. I think there are a couple of inset days before term starts so you may be able to phone the school then (Mon 3 and tues 4 Sept) and speak to someone re buying uniform before term starts. Otherwise, perfectly ok to buy at the beginning of term. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the Hall Place suggestion Pickle! We went today and my five year old loved the trail, in the beautiful gardens as much as in the house. Definitely worth a visit.

That website is a little confusing as it talks about pram storage further down the page. Also, if you click on the football spectator guide, there is a map of the venue which shows the pram storage area. Maybe it's just that it's outside the venue and so you may have a long period without it once you are in?

My understanding is all venues have a buggy park? OP - I don't know about your carrier and whether you could take it to your seat, we took the Ergo as it's light and can fold up. Maybe you could call and check? We didn't go overboard on snacks either. I think the website has an FAQ section dealing with what you can take in.

We went to the gymnastics this morning with our 19 month old. We took him in his Ergo (he is quite happy to nap in it) and got there quite early and got through security quickly. We could take the carrier in and were allowed to take in his water. We also took some snacks with us - the queue for Starbucks was massive! I saw people with pushchairs but we decided easier to negotiate tube and crowds with the Ergo. He was fine and seemed to enjoy it.... Don't know about arrangements at Wembley but enjoy!

We like Norwood Park (not too far from Gypsy Hill train station, near Paxton Green roundabout - never had any difficulties in parking on the street by the playground entrance). It has got a relatively new water play and sand feature, and there is a small One O'Clock Club (not sure of its opening hours) and (basic) cafe (outdoor eating space only). Great views out over London also!

Hi Etta The Deputy Head at Bessemer does a really informative tour every Tuesday during term time at 9.30. Definitely worth going along if you can make it. We are really happy with the school and our son loves it too. Happy to answer any queries by PM too.

Check out the Southwark Let's Go Summer Guide (sorry, can't do a link). Lots of activities on at various Children's Centres over July and August. Eg Bessemer Children's Centre has messy play, French, football plus other sessions.