Gooders79

Jags sports club do some physical activity options

We have found Bessemer Grange to be brilliant for our children so far, we had one in nursery last year who is now in reception and another one this year. A kind, nurturing, stimulating and gentle approach to developing both of the boys with their own unique attributes fully recognised and supported. We transitioned them both into Bessemer at age 3 for the year before reception from a private nursery. The aim by the end of nursery is for them to be reception ready, gentle structure like short amounts of carpet time, support with phonic knowledge, weekly reading, writing name via mark making and the golden rules of behaviour standards I thin make reception flow very natural for them. Bessemer has amazing outside space shared between nursery and reception and the lovely nature garden too. Really would highly recommend it.

Try time rugby on Friday mornings at Belair park is great

Gladwins farm is great; 2 hours in car, animals to feed on site, indoor and outdoor play aviators for kids and indoor pool. They can organise babysitting for you if needed. Reasonably well stocked kitchens from equipments perspective and 'cook' freezer meals available too.

Swimming was always v challenging with 2 little ones. For a while we did consecutive classes and I stayed in the water whilst my partner dressed/undressed the children. Some pools will let you take 2 little ones in but depends on the personality of your children whether you feel this is a safe option. We've only recently started taking them both (5 and 3) together with one parent as our 3yo is really over confident in the water.

JAGs normally do a holiday but I can't see dates on their website yet might be worth a call?

I have alarms set on my phone for 5 mins before we need to leave, I've always done this and so far it seems to work

Kings children's a and e are always grateful for books and toys.

Nicola Watson at child sleep solutions will provide you with a plan for implementation following full consultation re the issues normally you implement yourself but she has on occasion said she's done the sleep training too if required.

Simon turgoose at the vale practice is excellent

Agree with others that travel with a 5 month old will be relatively straight forward. Mine have always slept at some point in a sling on a flight. Your window of opportunity will likely coincide with school holidays so prices will likely vary wildly. We've had a couple of great holidays to Dubai; jebel ali beach resorts and jumeirah zabeel saray were both excellent. The time difference flying east means you can keep the baby up with you and not suffer any effects of jet lag, west is harder going I found.Turtle beach in Barbados had good facilities and room setup with babysitting access, Cyprus might be worth a look too.Ritz Carlton abama might work but pricey these days. It really depends on your priorities do you want childcare, good food, a room set up for the baby or living space for you, thinking about whether you will have started weaning yet would all influence my decision. Canaries might still be cool and pools might not be heated. We are off to princesa Yaiza suites in lanzarote at a similar time this year but have 3 children in tow now so have different needs. In terms of booking destinology have been useful for information and competitively priced too.

Last year I took 6 months unpaid leave from work and it provided a really useful opportunity for reflection on where we were and what could/should change to give us some more balance. We changed to the following; I drastically reduced my working hours and am now available for school drop offs and pick ups 4 days a week which is great for all of us We changed from a nursery to nanny for our paid childcare For me it was important to retain some work from a productivity, financial independence, professional perspective but also I knew I wouldn't get back into my career at the same level with a break, it would take years again work offered me a lot more than money With respect to childcare a nanny is so much easier than nursery in terms of balancing work and home, coming home to fed children who you can give 100% attention to rather than walking through the door and having to cook them dinner and not worrying about who would take a day off to look after a child with a low grade fever. I think it's an entirely personal decision and I'm still not sure we've got it right but day to day it's less stressful (although I must say I find it lonely and loss of professional role is also hard) good luck.

We went to see the snail and the whale today at the Albany in deptford; was great. Might only be on for another couple of days though.

Counting (mostly) works more effectively for us too, more turn taking than actual sharing occurs with our younger one

We have used sitters a lot and always been happy with the service both locally and when we are away etc

we share your experience; last year I remember seeing a link to something similar to this which has always stuck in my mind of things I should go back to and remember when the boys started school http://www.b1057.com/blogs/sean-copeland/seans-blog/25-questions-ask-other-how-was-your-day

We use a baby zen yoyo for travelling, the yoya is a cheaper version also with reasonable reviews. Reasonable sunshade, will go into overhead locker on a plane so can be used as carry on and my large 4 year old still fits in it at a push. I never got on very well with maclarens but I know they remain popular.

David atherton http://childrensdermatology.co.uk Excellent

I think jags ones are 4+? Dkhap are too I think.

Agree with Daniel Tweedie recommendation. Personable, thorough and responsive

Bit further out maybe; http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200064/local_history_and_heritage/1081/kingswood_house/3

We have been allocated bessemer and are very pleased. Our oldest is at preschool there and it's been great for him. A happy confident and thriving little boy. Was it one of your choices? the environmental space is good for a London school and the nature garden is a lovely resource; in terms of education and teaching methods I can't really offer an opinion yet...

I have popped in with bits to the reception before, they were very happy!

Kings college hospital children's emergency department are always grateful of donations

Babyzen yoyo seconded here too. Excellent piece of engineering!