Jessie

The previous government did much more to help working families - as a single mother, there is no way I could have afforded nursery fees way back when without Mr Brown's support. Now of course, all of my tax credits have gone...and I am still a single parent, on a pretty modest income! And yes, OP, no one should treat their nanny or au pair as a slave. And WoD, I find your remark about non British families fairly offensive and a bit weird.

My son was in reception class there in 2009, so my experience is a few years old. Anyone wants me to answer any questions, do DM, but bear in mind this was *our* experience so very subjective, and schools can and do change very quickly, hence my reluctance to write openly about our situation on an open forum.

Surely there must be a line drawn between begging and being homeless? Semantically, at least. Begging is such a perjorative term. We are all at risk of homelessness one way or another in these financially risky days, and goodness knows if i didn't get housing benefit and income support at the age of 17, it could have been me. I tend to gravitate towards big issue sellers, and also give away lots of tobacco and buy extra coffees etc to homeless people. And yes, I do sometimes give money to people, depending on them and their situation. And how much I have.

Brilliant! Well done Goose Green!

I find the chuggers - trying to sign people up to charities - or whatever they're called much more of a nuisance and sometimes downright rude.

It's an amazing school and I would thoroughly recommend it.

I'm with Katy on this. A good balanced response (and I am a parent with a child in an east dulwich primary school).

I have a v creative boy - I save all the safe and clean(ed) recycling for him, with some child-friendly scissors, some non toxic glue and paint - let him go mad. Newspaper on the floor (mostly...). I'm perhaps one of the messiest people in the world, so I think the fact i don't stress about the mess he makes helps him (and my sanity). He's going to Artastic every Wednesday through the summer holidays

A) Renata is brilliant And b) Oh my god, they can't close the one o'clock clubs. The peckham rye one literally kept me sane all those years ago when I was a v scared and lonesome new mum. It's vital for the community (though yes I can see how a POW hut is now not fit for purpose) .

Yes, must say it's about 50/50 for me - sometimes v v easy to see a dr, sometimes v v hard. Part and parcel of inner London oversubscribed life.

I find trying to get an appointment at cpr dmc vexing if not impossible on the rare day(though they *always* see my son). But I have nothing but praise for the admin staff there.

Poor kids - what a sad story

Hi Sarah I went freelance in April and have found it a bit of a mixed experience. At first it was brilliant, but then I experienced a definite feeling of loneliness and isolation. I do go into an office two days a week, so that is abated somewhat, but there's still that feeling of not being in a team which I miss. But! The dust is settling now and I'm getting much more used to it, and appreciate the other side of freelancing (this week starting work at 7 so getting a head start on the bonkers world of publishing). My job though - publicist - is very people-orientated so I guess that helps with the feelings of isolation etc. I'd say don't panic yet, give yourself some time to adjust. There's no perfect scenario and being around at home more when you have kids is such a massive bonus. Hope that helps. Jess

Well done Tessa - she was brilliant a few years back when the school places crisis first hit - her and her office.

Inside 72 did great veggie burgers, which satisfied a stupendous pregnancy appetite circa 2004. Seems a lifetime ago! ETA in fact, it was a lifetime ago for my son!!

Once when my son and I were waiting to cross the Melbourne G crossing and the usual x amount of cars blatantly ignored us, there was a police car lurking, and pulled some of the cars over for a ticking off. Needless to say we soon got across the road once the other drivers twigged they were being observed by the police. But of course in today's world of cuts, cuts, cuts, this was more a coincidence than a road-crossing strategy by the Met!! Still, food for thought.

Cars rarely stop at the zebra crossing. It's really infuriating, and potentially dangerous. Down with these selfish drivers. Boo.

My son and I were approached to be miked-up for the series. My son was at that floppy stage, fever of 105, not even really knowing who I was. Seemed a bit bizarre. However, think the programme is fab and shows just how amazing those doctors, nurses and other staff at the hospital are.

Just to say my 7 year old thoroughly enjoys Artastic with Annabelle - good creative and laidback club for him

I have a son in Year 2. This is our second school and I thank goodness we were given Goose Green - it's been a positive, affirming experience for my son and for me. If you'd like any more reassurance, feel free to DM me.

Hi Neela, This all sounds very familiar - my son was at reception at a school where he was bullied and was bringing home 'pink slips' regularly - inexplicable bruises, bumps to the head. All the time. The teaching staff didn't seem to have the time or resources to deal with the problem, so it was with great relief for both of us when he moved to Goose Green. I must say, the school's been brilliant for him. What happened to him has obviously left more than a physical mark, but the patience and dedication of the teaching staff has restored mine and his faith in primary schooling. Good luck, and I look forward to exchanging 'good mornings' etc with you in June. Best wishes, Jess

My consultant at Kings has put me on medication which was originally for epileptics which I have to take every day - at one point i was getting one or two migraines a week. Now - touch wood - it seems to be one or two a month, stress-levels permitting.

Just to say, my son and I have had a rocky couple of years in terms of schools and also emotional/learning problems with him and Goose Green have been absolutely fantasitc. The Head is just wonderful - she - and the school - never once gave up on him, and now he is flourishing and I think it's down to her more than anything.

Hello Fidgetsmum and Mich I have first-hand experience of Rye Oak - have PMed you both. Jess

I don't know DJKQ or what she has or has not been up to, but this seems very much like a forum witch hunt