edanna1234

The Carnegie Library now hires out a few different sized rooms, perfect for children's parties. https://carnegiecommunityhub.org.uk/room-hire/

If you do your calculations on ?12 per hour, net salary then that will give you a good indication. That seems to be the going rate for London, though there are of course differences based on experience, and any additional perks or duties. I hope that helps

Hi Hayley, The Friends of Bessemer (f@b) are holding a welcome picnic for all new reception starters on Friday 21st June, 12o'clock in the school nature garden. I hope to see you there. Anna

We have an Octavia. You haven't specified which car seats you are considering. In my experience, with a baby and toddler maxi cosi it was very uncomfortable. Now with two high backed boosters it's ok - the adult can do up the seat belt, and so be safe. Still only recommended for relatively short journeys.

Friends of Ruskin Park have set up a crowdfunder project to raise ?5,000 to keep the paddling pool open this summer. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-ruskin-park-paddling-pool/

Thanks all. Following Etta's recommendation I have just had a really useful chat with Margaret at www.rearfacingtoddlers.com, and feel far more confident!

As our baby has almost outgrown his maxi cosi, we are looking to buy his older brother a new car seat. Is almost 3 too young to go for one which just uses the adult seat belt with no additional restraint? Our son is tall for his age, but I'm concerned he might be able to wiggle out of the adult belt, or even release the buckle itself. If anyone has any advice on navigating the huge array of seats and brands it would be greatly received. Thanks

Great question. For our second boy we appreciated items that our first child had worn out, but that we could not justify buying new ourselves. This includes clothes, but also teethers, soft toys, board books and bath toys. Also, if it's feasible, the offer of a few hours of babysitting is always welcome.

The new Health Hub underneath Herne Hill train station is also offering vaccinations, including chicken pox for children over 1, if that is convenient for you.

We have just started using the mini in the last 6 weeks. The deciding point for me was maximising my stride length, as the mini doesn't stick out as far.My toddler seems to manage fine with the smaller board and just adjusts how he stands to fit around the carry cot. Given the cheaper price the mini made a lot if sense.

Party Superstore, Clapham Junction - if you don't mind spending the money

We do this over two days - which adds to the overall cost, but means the holiday starts at our front door. This is only with one toddler, so makes overnight options easier. With that in mind, we start after breakfast, and first stop is the London Museum of Steam and Water at Kew Bridge. This is an hour from ED and just moments from the M4. Our 20 month old loves the big steam engines, and playing with the toys in the 'splash zone' There is a nice little cafe for lunch with some good child friendly options. Our now tired toddler will then sleep on the motorway, and we can cover some good ground. In our most recent trip the other memorable stop on route was Glastonbury. This made sense because we cut cross country from the M4 to M5 to avoid the Bristol traffic jams.