Digbina

When I posted, the ad read 'mummies' and spoonty clearly stated that the company wanted to employ a mother, not a parent. That's not a 'potential' oversight, that is clear statement of an intention to discriminate. Look at the time stamps on the posts. But I'm in the wrong and unkind for not pointing out this breach of law in the nicest, kindest possible way so as not to hurt spoonty's feelings? Ok, if you say so.

I'm surprised and sorry to read that a majority of posters on this thread think that actively trying to recruit employees of one sex is 'a good thing'. Actually, it's against the law.

So if the original post had read: "We're all white so we'd like to offer the job to a white person" then it would also be an over-reaction to mention race discrimination laws?

Are you aware of sex discrimination laws?

Don't offer a net salary! Why would you offer to take on someone's unknown tax liabilities? I paid my nanny ?10 gross with a 5% raise when the second child came along. ?12 for overtime and babysitting.

Thanks tomo. I was impatient so called them and they gave me the 800m figure too. We're well outside that and if it shrinks to 500m in later years as they predicted then there's absolutely no chance. Sigh.

I know it's early days but I am considering this school as an option for my eldest for reception 2016. I've scoured various sites but I can't find anything about the last distance offer (it's worth knowing whether we have any hope before I take it further - bearing in mind that in 2016 there could be siblings admitted from this year's Y1 class, although hopefully not as many as for 2017). I'm also interested in hearing from any parents sending their children there this year. Can you tell me what 'sold' Belham to you over the offer made through the Southwark admissions process? I've seen some posts from Belham admin on this forum, so please chip in if you can help!

Why on earth would you want to expose your child to a disease that, yes, may be mild, but may have serious complications? I wouldn't play games with her health. Get her innoculated instead.

If they don't follow the national curriculum then presumably they aren't doing SATS so wouldn't have the info to publish?

I went once, and never again. We got a very perfunctory measure of my son's feet, then we were simply waved towards the shelves of shoes. Then when we did attempt to try things on, we got the 'hovering but no help' experience too. I was on the verge of complaining to the owners but then I couldn't be bothered as I wasn't going to go back anyway. John Lewis early on a Saturday morning is the best in my view. I've tried EM a few times but she never seems to have much stock and I got tired to going back to hear every time "oh new stock is coming, hopefully soon...."

Nannies do not 'charge' as they are not contractors or self-employed. HMRC is very clear that nannies are regarded as employees. They may have a salary expectation, but it is for you to offer a salary (or salary range) and see who applies. Don't forget to offer the salary in gross, you don't want to get caught up with an unexpected tax liability as a result!

I used a sleep trainer for both of my boys - it is definitely worth it. I used night nannies as well. We had Maya for our second as the trainer we used for our first (Chloe Hylton) wasn't available. I have to say I wouldn't recommend her - she won't work weekends so if it takes a while she'll leave you hanging and she got me up in the night to participate in the training. Definitely not what I was paying for! I agree with snowboarder about her style as well. She told me it was my fault my baby wasn't sleeping through as I was too responsive to him (!!!). We went then back to Chloe and had a much better experience. Expect to pay around ?160 per night to the sleep trainer plus agency fees. It is worth it though.

I've been very happy with the work of Natasha at Harlequin Fox. She's primarily a vintage wedding dressmaker but she did some alterations for me at a good price. She's based close to the South London Gallery.

Try the Camberwell Salavation Army baby bank. They take a wide range of stuff, up to 2 years' old. I don't have the no to hand but a quick google should bring it up.

You could also try the Salvation Army's 'Baby Bank' in Camberwell. I don't know if they take maternity clothes, but they took all my pregnancy books so it's worth a try.

No, I've spread my bets so they will get in somewhere. But the Villa is my definite first preference. I've learnt my lesson though - I registered the youngest for a school place when he was a few weeks' old!

It will be 2.5 years for my eldest and 2 years for my youngest IF they get in in 2015. What was bugging me was the 'I have a guaranteed place' posts as whenever I speak to them I'm told there are no guarantees even if you have waited that long. I was also a bit miffed by the claims to be able to bypass the waiting list by contacting the management. There are quite a few of those claims on this forum plus mums at playgrounds have told me the same thing (although there the favoured tactic seems to be to write a letter to the owner). Now I get that that is a sharp-elbowed technique but it seems that my elbows are somewhat blunt. If I ring again they will probably block my number!

Yes, that's right. It means you avoid having to do the 4+. I'm still keen to know how some people are given guarantees of a place and some of us are told just to be very patient and take our chances. This doesn't seem fair or transparent.

What about Artichoke Pilates near the Camberwell Leisure Centre. They have machines and do private and small group (2-3 people) sessions.

We used Night Nannies as well. Had one great and one less than great experience. PM me if you want names to ask for/avoid.

Interesting! I made several phone calls, wrote a letter and had a long email exchange with the manager expressing my keen interest etc, and still no place. Even now I've been told a place for 2015 is not guaranteed. By then my son will have been on the waiting list for nearly 2 and a half years. Ukdealguide and se15mum did they actually say your son was guaranteed a place because I am getting a very different message.

Places have been allocated for this Sept - we missed out. Fingers crossed for next year.

Thanks for the feedback. I wasn't surprised about the fee, more that I was encouraged to put my name down for entry this year given how long the waiting list is. In 2 years my son will be at school! I'll give them a call, but it sounds like I've thrown my money away. For a variety of reasons, I doubt we'll be able to take a place in 2015. Oh bother.

It's near Myatt's Fields - if you google 'the nest preschool london' their rather sparse website will come up. Has anyone heard of it?

Does anyone's child attend this preschool or know anyone who did? I visited, am keen (like the idea of my little one being allowed to climb trees etc) and have put his name down, but of course there are no guarantees as to whether he'll get a place. They did tell me that they had a two year waiting list but then they also encouraged me to put his name down to start this September. I have his name down at some full-day nurseries too but this would be my preference. Reviews and information on the net about this place are virtually non-existent and I can't find anything current. Have I been a gullible fool and thrown away ?25?