devsdev

Most nanny contracts are 4 weeks notice (from either party) and immediate (or max 1 week) notice during the probationary period which is usually the first month. The "Notwithstanding" could be read either way, but your best bet is to argue convincingly that the probationary period is not subject to the 8 week notice period and that you therefore have no required notice period to give her (should she question it). If you are happy to give her 4 weeks pay in lieu of any notice period then do so to avoid any arguments since ultimately she's being paid for not working and can look for a job herself. If you are not happy with her then definitely terminate the arrangement as soon as possible - you should be able to leave your kids in childcare (nanny, nursery, childminder) and walk away without any concerns. Working is stressful enough without constant concern about your children's welfare! Having said that, have you had any conversations with her about your concerns? If you do look for a nanny in the future I recommend getting a contract from one of the nanny tax companies or from the forum (happy to share ours) so you have control over the terms.

Does this apply to children in school nursery as well? Just about to book holidays during term time!

If you have a car and drive regularly then definitely get a high back booster.

Bugaboo Bee, especially for transporting in a car or for travelling (just make sure you don't open the buggy up by pulling on the handles as you will end up eroding the brake and needing to replace it). If you are buying the latest model of the Bee then it has a carry cot (with the cocoon you have to strap in the baby which is tough when they're swaddled/sleeping) and a much bigger hood, which were the only two design flaws I felt the Bee had. I have heard really positive things about the Uppababy Vista so worth looking at that too (it can also become a double - if having a second in the next couple of years is on the horizon). I think it folds down into two pieces though, so similar problem as the Chameleon. Good luck!

We inherited a corian worktop (we had NO idea what it was or how expensive it can be). We generally make sure we don't put hot pans directly on and have cork coasters out for that purpose. The occasional hot dish hasn't damaged the surface. We wipe down the sink area after washing and last thing at night. Am guessing it's been treated, but it looks great and is easy to maintain. If you think about the kitchen as one of the rooms you will use the most in the house and how much a less-than-perfect worktop would aggravate you (plus spread the cost over the number of years you plan to have the kitchen before upgrading) then the cost of the ideal worktop may not seem too high. Good luck!

Thank you all for the responses. I was feeling quite conflicted about the school because I did feel like we were getting the run around - but I went in and they have resolved everything and been very apologetic. Turns out nursery is not governed by local authority admissions since all schools (state included) run their own nursery intakes though they get LA funding for the spaces. If they hadn't resolved it then my only recourse would have been to argue that they purportedly use LA admissions criteria for nursery spaces too and per that criteria you cannot rescind an accepted offer after 7 days (or 7 working days) as far as I understand. Anyway - crisis averted. Though she will still be the only kid starting middle of the school year. Kids are resilient, right?

Anyone?

Hi all, My daughter is due to join nursery at a local school in January (she's October born, was offered a place to start in September, school realised in July they wouldn't get funding and then delayed her start to January). I spoke to someone at the school this evening to enquire about the teacher home visit and was told the school is trying to fill some yr 1/yr 2 places (which are apparently "mandatory" to be filled?) and will have to provide a nursery place to the family as well. The implication being that my child will have her space taken away. Lewisham Council was shut by the time I got off the phone so I couldn't speak with anyone yet, but are they allowed to take away the space? This is the closest school to us and I would hope she gets in for Reception as well as its our closest school. She would also hopefully be in nursery for 5 terms since she isn't due to start school till September 2017 (I was planning on asking today if we should reapply for September right now but got derailed by the other information). We turned down 2 other offers once we accepted this one so it feels abundantly unfair that she could lose her space - she is so excited! Does anyone have any experience with this or any advice? Thank you so much!

In case of constipation (which may not be the problem here) - there's the poop smoothie! (*does not contain poop) http://www.jamieglowacki.com/struggling-with-getting-poop-in-the-potty/ This woman is awesome btw, her potty training method really worked for us...mainly because it was child led/parent guided. I still had my freak out moments, but reading her book made me chill out marginally.

Had my first BB (the nano-keratin treatment - is that the same?) at Rush last month. What a revelation! I definitely want to have them again, so was thinking of Carly. For people who have used Carly, does she do the nano-keratin version or another version? Would you recommend her? Missjojo - a bit of an old question, but my hair is in fantastic condition. I'm using the sulphate free shampoo and it's been fantastic (I have frizzy/curly hair which is a pain). I still blow dry and straighten, but is much faster and lasts much longer. My hair is probably a bit greasier than before, but as I generally have dry hair it doesn't bother me. I think it'll just slowly revert back to it's old ways. I must admit it's just been a month and it's already wearing off a bit, but will probably last for another 5-6 weeks at least.

Sounds really stressful. With my daughter I've found that whenever we've tussled over the toilet (i.e. when I insist she needs to try to wee or poo etc) then she's pushed back and tried to take control by refusing. It's really hard, especially when you can anticipate there might be an accident (or a deliberate choice to not use the loo). Drinking wine, having cheap underwear, going with pull-ups seems the way forward. Let him have his control and decide on his terms. Not worth the battle since it'll just make you all more stressed. Good luck!

You can rent from the South London Sling Library - might work out more effective. Plus you can try out a few to find the right one.

Digbina, unfortunately it's only recently that people have started moving to nanny paye being agreed gross. In reality when you interview nannies they are looking at a net rate because that's what they've had previously. I absolutely agree that you shouldn't be exposed to additional tax liabilities, which is why you look at a net rate and then gross that up with Nannytax/Nannypaye and agree the gross rate in the contract. This would exclude things like student loan, not having any tax free allowance left etc so you're hopefully not out of pocket. Also, I'd have to argue that nannies _are_ in a special category of employee - they take care of your children when you can't. And they are in your home. Our nanny is fantastic and I would do whatever is reasonable to ensure she is happy with her working conditions!

Why don't you look at a Touran or C-max if you need 3 car seats? You won't fit 3 car seats and an adult in a saloon. Actually, not sure if the C-Max will fit three car seats - am sure there was a thread about that previously.

By the way - Firstbike have a big sale on if anyone is interested: http://first-bike.co.uk/

Frozen vegetables are a lifesaver - broccoli, mixed vegetables, corn, peas, corn on the cob, spinach are all staples. Soy beans are a good snack while food being cooked (with a bit of lurpak and a pinch of salt for an older kid). Can be used in many of the meals people have suggested including omelettes etc. Frozen fish (I bulk buy fresh and freeze it or buy frozen cod/salmon) is another good one to have if your family likes fish. I also put meat like mince into freezer bags so takes less space in freezer. Bulk buy with a fortnightly shop delivered to the house. I also make my own bread once or twice a week (depending if I make it home in the evening!) so it's a handy fall back that I don't feel guilty about - it's a no-yeast soda bread which takes about 5 minutes to weigh out/mix and then takes 45 minutes in the oven. 500g plain flour (I use about 50-50 wholemeal spelt and white spelt to reduce wheat consumption, but can use any) 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1/2 tsp of salt (or more to taste) 300ml full-fat yogurt (Greek yogurt has worked best) 200ml milk (whole or semi) Mix the dry ingredients together (use a hand whisk to blend the ingredients). You can add things like pumpkin seeds or dried fruit as well. Mix the yogurt and milk. Mix the wet and dry together - like a cake batter, just need to ensure all the dry flour blends in. Is quite sticky. Put some oil on baking tray and pour batter out. No need to shape - will form a rustic loaf. Bake for 45 minutes at 200c. Take out of oven and cool before moving to cutting board.

The micro scooter bike looks great, though not tried or seen it myself! http://www.twowheelingtots.com/micro-kickboard-g-bike/ - they gave it a good review (this site really is awesome!).

Balance bikes are great - I extensively researched and the FirstBike is excellent, though pricey at around ?100. We bought for our daughter at 2, but she was ready around 2.5yrs. It has an adjuster to have seat very low and then you can take the adjuster off to increase height. This website is great: http://www.twowheelingtots.com

Also, am sure you have done this, but look for resources online that might arm you with sufficient information to ask questions of your employer. Certainly if you are being made redundant etc. you will have information rights at the very least and if you can clearly articulate these you'll be on a better footing. See for instance https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/basic-rights-at-work/ and http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4663. Also, of course, read your contract and any terms and conditions attached to the contract. Good luck!

Follow up on this thread - does anyone know where can I get the nasal spray for an 18 month old? GP won't do it. Haven't tried Boots/Sainsbury yet but will do. Thank you!

Good reminder to get my nearly 3 year old vaccinated - they do the spray for free at the GP. She had it last year. My younger child was premature and susceptible to respiratory problems so I'm getting the jab and will be getting my husband to have one too. Want to ensure she is protected as far as possible.

Thanks Saffron! And I hope it isn't CP midivydale...good luck!

Hijacking - sorry. But wondering if anyone (Saffron?!) can clarify - am I OK leaving a longer gap than 8 weeks between the two chickenpox vaccines? In the US it seems they leave a couple or more years between shots. Reason is I want to get my kids the second Men B shot but not at the same time as the chickenpox booster. The first round when they had both shots at the same time was just too much for them - both were out of sorts for days. Alternate view is to just deal and get it over with I guess...

Managed o get it from Peppermint and fixed the lock as it was getting desperate. Turns out the locks were completely worn down as a result of us always using the handlebars to pull open the folded buggy (as everyone does I imagine!). So remember to use the frame to hold onto when you pull open the buggy rather than the handle!

What is the problem? I've managed to get spares parts and fix a couple of things (including a dodgy handle-bar lock which was my achievement yesterday!).