rachel83

Ah yes, now you mention the Shooter's Hill class, I went there once, but we had to do it by public transport and it took forever and a day to get there and back. The teacher was kind enough to offer a lift from the nearest station but on the way back we did bus-train-bus. Even driving, it is quite some distance to cover. I am surprised there aren't any Colourstrings groups here as I think there would be the demand for it. However, setting up classes in ED is quite cost prohibitive as room hire at venues is expensive. In some ways, it is easier to go into schools and teach the program there.

About five years ago, we used to go to Auntie Moo's Kindermusik in Wimbledon but I just searched online and the website doesn't work so maybe that group has stopped. On Friday afternoons, there is the excellent Trinity Teenies course at Trinity College of Music in Greenwich. if you register now, they accept children from 3 or 4. I think the course uses a lot of Kodaly. There is also the Guildhall Kindergarten on Saturdays but further to travel. The only Colourstrings I know of is in Roehampton. I ended up choosing Suzuki because I couldn't find one nearer but this was a while ago so hopefully you find something nearer.

The Suzuki method relies on the parent learning alongside the child which is why they ask you to be present at each lesson. You also have to supervise the practice sessions every day ::o There is a scheme at Blackheath Conservatoire that lets you try out lots of different instruments over the course of a year. I can't find the details so contact them direct about it. http://www.conservatoire.org.uk/home I agree with telemum's post about hiring the instruments - don't bother buying them, they outgrow them very quickly!

There are two French Saturday schools in SE22 and Blackheath, details here. Very long waiting lists so do apply soon! http://www.cadetrousselle.co.uk/page12.htm

We go to one of the Suzuki teachers from Ivydale privately on a weekend as we are not Ivydale parents, nor able to sit in on lessons in the week. It is ?19 for half an hour, roughly 40 lessons a year so ?760 a year. There is maybe another ?100 a year to pay for books, Suzuki subscriptions, concerts and group lessons (?5 a session). If you want to attend the Summer Suzuki schools (usually 5 day residential courses), these are about another ?400 - ?500 a year. Hope that helps!

Kids meet strange kids all the time at the park and quite happily play together. If it means I get to eat and drink in peace, then I'm all for it!

I wish I was allergic to potatoes - then I'd be forced to stop eating so many chips and crisps!!! Tomato and other nightshades allergy tend not to persist too much beyond the early years, although everyone is different.

Tomato allergies are quite common in babies and young children. My daughter had this when younger but has grown out of it. We just stopped giving her tomatoes for a while and then she probably start eating them again when at nursery around 16 months. Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family meaning an allergy to tomatoes could also mean an allergy to potatoes and other veg/fruit but I can't remember which ones. Some info is here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/547936-a-tomato-sauce-allergy-in-kids/

How about using a childminder that will accept your son as and when you need the childcare? You pay a bit more for this but you can arrange at short notice. I use this for my daughter as I mostly work from home. I pay ?7.50 an hour which is ?60 for an 8 hour day so slightly less than what your nursery charges. The only other solution is a childcare swap but this isn't as reliable as a childminder.

Haberdasher's in New Cross and Kingsdale both do music scholarships, I am not sure if they are academies or not. It is nothing like the X-Factor. The test is a multiple choice written test conducted in complete silence with just a room full of kids at desks with their answer sheets and the test is played on a CD. Renata is right that kids that have not had any formal music lessons before may apply for the test and may well pass. At the audition, they can choose to sing, and if successful, will receive free or heavily subsidised music lessons.

The Next trousers sounds promising, and someone else suggested Vert Baudet and they do lots of slim fit trousers. The Jojo belts sound like a good tip!

We had some Petit Bateau bodysuits and they were a great fit - will investigate their clothes, thanks! Haven't heard of Green Baby so will look those up too!

No joy with skinny jeans from Gap, just gave a couple of pairs to the charity shop earlier this week. We have some in age 2 that are slim fit and they are baggy in the bum and short in the leg. We are currently buying 12 - 18 months in normal shops but the legs are ludicrously short. Even "jeggings" are baggy although I did once have a pair that fitted but I can't remember the brand!

Thanks, sounds like a trip to Bromley. I think we need to try out the clothing just to check what size to buy - do you choose your children's age or go for a smaller size?

H & M, Gap, Mothercare etc all way too baggy. Will check out Pumpkin Patch, do you buy online?

Can anyone recommend some clothing brands suitable for a slim but tall (nearly) 3 year old. Now that she is out of nappies, trousers just won't stay up, even 12 - 18 months are a bit too big, but her legs are too long for them. Trousers with elasticated waists aren't much better as they are still quite bulky. Thanks!

How about neighbours or someone from your NCT Group?