dulwichquine

We're looking at booking a football party with Soccer Skills School in Greenwich at the London Soccer Dome (Former venue for the David Beckham Academy). Just wondered if anyone else had done this and would give me some feedback? Many thanks.

I agree with all the above. We have used the website Aupair World. Best to have a clear outline of duties/responsibilities and expectations which you can type up and send to all prospective applicants.

Agree with all the above. Our pics were amazing. We ended up paying around a grand but don't regret it.

Yes, I think there is a muddle with the day/week rate on that earlier post. She must mean per week. BUT sixty five pounds per week is very low if you're looking at 25-30 hours per week plus option of two nights free babysitting, given the cost of living. We decided to offer ?120 for someone with considerable experience, given the responsibilities involved. Au pairs tend to not like sharing family bathroom and having room next door to parents/kids. So you may possibly need to pay nearer hundred mark to attract the right person if you're all on same floor. Re phone, we decided to pay for a mobile phone so we could make sure we could stay in touch with our au pair at all times. We bought a very cheap mobile and do ?12 a month with a certain number of calls and texts. Our au pair has her own foreign mobile as well.

Sorry but paying an au pair ?65 a day is really not true. A typical rate is ?100 per week for around 25 hours. We pay ?120 and include all food, board plus mobile phone. If you are hiring a nanny then that's a completely different matter.

We had a really lovely holiday in one of those apartments/houses in Lefkas. More than four years ago now but it was extremely good value. Childrens' club was fantastic, staffed by very experienced Brits. You had the option of dropping them off in the morning or afternoon. Very small childrens' pool and bigger adult pool, all fenced off so children can't wander in by themselves. You have the option to cook your own meals or get cafe food delivered to your house, which has a little outside seating area. You could also dine at the small cafe. Kitchen/accommodation very basic but we didn't mind as it was so reasonable and we had such an ace time. Only downside was the heat. I wouldn't advise it for July/August unless they now have air conditioning. Hope this helps.

Hello I have a very nice au pair who arrived at the end of August. She is 23 and from Poland. PM me if you'd like her details as she is keen to meet new people. She studies at the ELT in Clapham.

Exactly. See my previous thread of where to find a reasonably priced child's haircut! Lots of ideas from fellow forum users. Little Clipper's prices have risen very sharply indeed.

Thank you.

Hello Could you tell me how much you are charging per au pair per session and how many there are in your group? Also what time of day do you typically meet? Thanks!

There is a reasonably priced English Language School in Clapham, on the 37 bus route. Group lessons, reasonably priced and popular with au pairs. Off top of head, can't remamber what it's called!

Thank you again!

I used Taxing Nannies for a few years. They were fantastic and worth every penny. Too much hassle to do it myself!

Thanks for all the suggestions, very helpful indeed. There are alternatives out there! This is why the EDF is so good!

We used to go to the Little Clipper but they've put their prices up to ?13 which strikes me as really pricey. Anyone got any other suggestions? Thanks!

Thanks a lot. Sounds perfect!

Hello I'd love my young boy to start chess. He's going into year one in September. Is there a local chess club for kids or anyone who might be able to teach him? Ideas appreciated! Tks

Yes there is a service outage affecting lots of customers. We've just had a message via our tech team at work.

I've used Taxing Nannies for last few years. They've been brilliant and worth every penny. Taken out all the hassle and provide invaluable guidance along the way.

You should try the ELT in Clapham, very popular with au-pairs as the hours are good. Au pair can catch the no 37 bus almost direct to their front door. Not wildly expensive, either. Good chance for her to make friends as well.

Hello I have a lovely French au-pair who would be interested in meeting new people and making friends. Please pm me with contact details and I will forward on.

Thanks so much for all the ideas. I've gone for the Surrey Quays bowling but very interested in the camping one for the following year!

I'm looking for a cafe where Mums and kids go to hang out for a bit in East Dulwich and the surrounding area. Need to find one today! Does anyone have any ideas? Tks

thanks to all suggestions so far..... very helpful.

Just wondered if anyone had any bright ideas about how to celebrate a boy's 7th birthday with five or six chums?