ryeme

New homes yes. High Rise yes- and there are plenty of tall buildings around there. But 27 storeys?!!! Seems excessive and profit driven only. What kind of community is that going to be? And what impact on the ground? I havent seen the plans and may include some lovely civic space- but could just be horrid wind tunnels...

Are there any local charities? The places named in the article are doing amazing work but based in west or north London

It's worth checking out the schools on the East Dulwich/ SE23 border too- Fairlawn, Horniman and Elliot Bank are all great and popular schools.

Agree with Duncan W I dont think there is any difference in what parents look for in prospective schools whether they are in or out of the city, i.e. somewhere their children will thrive academically and socially. The main incentive for moving out of the city is really down to the parents own social and economic aspirations. Schools may be used as a justification, but all the things you mention are possible in city schools too.

They are all excellent schools so if your children go to any one of them they will be fine. All have quite small catchments so it may come down to where you find a house. Dont just go by Ofsted ratings- they were all set a long time ago and cant be regraded any higher. My kids are at Horniman- it's the smallest of the schools so has a great community feel and strong on arts.

There is a recently built house in 'backland' Friern Road which was open to the public a few years ago on Open House weekend. It may be a different situation but I think they said it had got planning permission because the site was originally a market garden.

I have heard a few things about this nursery- good and not so good (as anywhere). Can parents whose children have left now confirm the deposit system worked ok?

It seems very short sighted to be closing a preschool nursery just months before the provision of free childcare for 3 and four year old is to be increased to 30 hours a week. And this will potentially bring an increase in funding for nurseries too. How will Lewisham be able to ensure adequate local provision if Fairlawn nursery is closed?

I experienced something similar a couple of days ago as another mummy driver. Driving up Underhill Road past the cemetery around 6pm a small black car car drove up very close behind me then over took me and a P13 bus just before oncoming traffic then shot off. Thought he was pretty irritable.