MaeveW

Thank you all for the help and advice - having looked round a few of the local schools now, and all your wonderful feedback, I am feeling a bit more positive about the whole thing!

Thanks for that. I went to the GG open day this morning and definitely liked what I saw, and it has reassured me in some ways. I guess my OP was more along the lines of, if I put as my first choice a school which is around 1 mile away, is that a wasted choice? Do I stand less chance of getting into some of the schools which are closer as a second or third preference? Should I therefore be a bit more realistic about selecting schools I am close by too, and discount the further away schools Finding it very confusing to get my head around the whole process! Children seem to grow up so quickly - it felt like only yesterday we were looking for nurseries!

thanks for that. Is it common for people to move children after school has already started, if they then get a higher preference? If so, any issues with children settling in after term has already started? Interesting that your child is at Goose Green as that is one of my options - how are you finding it?

Feeling slightly limited by the choice of primary schools in my area, and just to ask some advice. In a previous post on this topic, it was stated that, for most popular community primary schools, the catchment area is generally around 300 m. Does that mean if you live further than this, there is not really any point applying? Do I have to settle for the 2 - 3 schools that are within this distance from my home? If so, what is the point in filling out 6 choices? Thanks

I don't know what the situation is now, but when I went back to work in April 2009, we received quite a lot of help via tax credits. My situation sounds similar to yours - 2 children in childcare 3 days a week. We are still receiving payments and have not had cuts since new government, but obviously we were already in the system, and I don't know how it is for new applicants. It is obviously means tested on your income as a family, but I understand they can pay up to 80% of childcare costs. Definitely worth looking into - if you do a google for tax credits you should be able to get the number. It made the difference for us in me going back to work part time or not at all, as meant there would actually be some financial benefit and I would not just be working to pay childcare. Good luck!

I have this repeated problem in buying trousers for one of my twin girls - she has even developed a habit of constantly holding her trousers up when she is running as they are always falling down. However, M and S have a good range in adjustable waistbands which I think are the best. Trouser legs are normally a bit long but better to have turn ups than falling down trousers any day!

My daughters go to Uplands and enjoy it there. There has been lots of recent maintenance done, particularly in the garden, which have greatly improved the environment. Staff are lovely and my girls are well settled and enjoy the acitivities they do - would definitely recommend it.

Thanks for that - yes I think I am going to have to think carefully about this one - and I'm sure it will take a bit of planning

I was very interested on the recent thread about people who have switched careers and retrained after becoming parents. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any grants or financial support available for people who are looking to retrain after having children. Having 2 small children and a mortgage, it seems like the idea of going back into education is out of reach at the moment...

I had my very premature twins at St Thomas and had amazing support. Having heard other people's stories of neo natal intensive care units in other hospitals, and support from staff and midwives, I think I got the best treatment I could have hoped for. Of course, I don't know what a 'normal' birth would be like there - but have to say I was very impressed by all the care me and my babies were given.

I know there are always hundreds of posts about local schools, but I haven't picked up on any in this area. Does anyone have any comments/experience about the following: St Johns on Adys road Goose Green Bellenden primary school ... or any other schools in the Bellenden area? Thanks!

Tend to agree with Mockney Piers - if you don't like it, enough said. Why continue to slag it off along with other people's parenting skills

My daughters have been going here for last year. Yes, it is not as bright and shiny as some nurseries, but I have found the staff to be caring and activities well planned and stimulating. Despite your concerns about cleanliness, to date they have not contracted any terrible diseases.

I have the same!!! who broke the plate - even mummy got blamed before guilt was finally acknowledged!!!

Hi Ruth, I totally emphasise with your situation. However, is there no way of solving lack of sleep without professional help? My 2 year old twins are STILL waking up in the night, and will only settle with milk. After watching that channel 4 documentary, we tried cutting out night time milk feed, but only resulting in screaming for 2 hours and anxiety on all sides, night after night!!! For us, we can't afford a sleep expert so it is not an option. I really hope you manage to solve your sleep problems - and any tips much appreciated!