flutterby

Signed and sent. Traffic and pollution in Dulwich Village is much worse than previously. As a pedestrian, plumes of smoke to contend with and drivers eager to get going are driving through amber/red lights. If this is what the majority choose, fair enough, but let's have some discussion around it and the opportunity to have a say.

I too have had issues - I couldn't purchase my permit and whilst I was online trying to do it, was ticketed! I reported it to parking services at the council and am in on-going contact with them. They say they have reported my issue to their subcontractor who will look at the issue. I will copy the thread and send it on.

I'm just wondering whether anyone else had seen the demo/large group of people occupying Goose Green roundabout on Bank Holiday Monday May 7th and knew what it was about?

My twins have just started there and I'm really impressed. I spent several hours settling them in over the past few days and I can only say what a positive environment it was. The staff are gentle and caring and the place has a calm yet active feel to it. Yes, the admin is terrible. I rung and emailed several times before I managed to get a response but it is definitely worth persevering.

I've just had various treatments from Kayleigh and am over the moon with the outcome and the price. She's very professional and was incredibly patient around my twin children who wanted to touch everything. Kayleigh deserves to have a successful business....and I for one will continue to use her great service.

Thanks very much for posting - really helpful.

Thanks Edanna - Yes, all very disappointing really. The local authority are a big employer so really should be able to accommodate flexible working/home working. I've made one last attempt to resolve this matter with them and have come up with another alternative, which means me working longer hours than my original proposal with some home working. I've also contacted ACAS re conciliation.

The cost of childcare for twin babies in my two closest nurseries is roughly ?240 per week per child (for a 3 day week). ?480 per week in total. I earn ?400 per week. Working from home would mean I could reduce the childcare costs - family and friends have said they could take care of the babies whilst I'm on the premises working upstairs. They don't feel confident or comfortable looking after twins with me being over an hour away.... juggling twin babies is pretty demanding. They would however do so for half a day in the knowledge that mum is close by. It is not the right of the individual i.e. me to go back to work flexibly, but it is a statutory right for my employer to carefully consider my proposal - and they haven't done that. The reaction I got when I first muted this was 'we need bums on seats'! Where is the reasonable consideration in that?

Thanks Princess. I've looked at this and am entitled to some free legal advice. I can choose a law firm (and top up the costs) or use the panel solicitors approved by the insurers (and have costs paid in full), I take it, from your response, this is what you did. From doing a bit of surfing people have questioned using the panel solicitors because they are often use associates to do the bulk of the work(i.e. not long out of law school)? I'm not sure about that....?

I've sent you a PM with more details. There is a more detailed explanation of detrimental to the function of business. I was in a union for ten years then changed jobs didn't join the union and thus now don't have union support! I'll have a look at all your suggestions Fuschia, thanks

Thanks for the info. They've stated detriment to the function of the business. I suggested a trial which they turned down. In fact, I've suggested a couple of options but they won't budge. I will look at Acas link now.

I'd be working in my office in the loft while the children would be cared for by a friend/family member downstairs. I'd only really come down if there was an emergency. But, none feel comfortable with looking after them without me being close by.

Hi, I'm not sure if anyone out there can help me? I have been trying to go back to work part-time after having my twin babies. My employer (a local authority) and I have not been able to agree on a flexible working arrangement that would satisfy us both. I have been through the two complaints/appeal procedures and offered options, but to no avail. They have offered me 3 x 9 hour days in the office but that won't work for me as I need some homeworking to reduce childcare costs, which are astronomical for twin babies. I offered them 30 hours which includes office time and some homeworking. They said no. So, we are now at an empasse. I don't want to give up my career as I enjoy my job but at the same time, I also want to be a parent. But as I see it, my options are limited. Resign and resign myself to trying to find something else or resign and go legal, which I'm told could cost up to ?25K if the case goes to tribunal, which often happens when going up against a local authority. Has anyone had a similar experience? Or, anyone with some advice? Thanks f

Thank you everyone for the great advice and info. 7 days and counting til we jet off to Koh Samui (the quiet part.... though I'm hoping for a few cocktails at sunset).

We are taking our twins to Thailand in December - they'll be 10 months old. Does anyone have any advice on what to take? We've bought a playpen and a portable tent/baby cot but we're not sure what else could come in handy.... clearly, there's a limit to how much we can carry and the weight allowance on the plane. Also, we're flying with BA and have been told we can't pre-book the bassinet seats - has anyone got advice on how best to secure them? (arrive 3 and a half hours before flying is advice from BA). All helpful tips welcome. Thanks F

Thank you to everyone for congrats, views and helpful hints. We have found someone to help us out for the first few weeks, then my husband is taking some annual leave - so for the first month or so, I'll have a trusty aide. I've also joined the Dulwich twins club which will be a great source of support and help no doubt. Oh, and I also just picked up a book on twins and multiple births from the library. I know nothing can quite fully prepare me but this is a good start.

I'm due to have twins in March and wondered if anyone has used a night nanny and how that worked out? As I don't have family close by I'll be looking after the babies - my first! - solo during the day, with an hour or so respite from my husband when he gets back from work.... hence the need for someone to give me a hand at night. I'd love to hear from mum's who've been through similar and get some recommendations, advice and tips. Or, if mums think I'll be taking on too much even with help at night, then perhaps a word of warning.... its all new to me. Thanks, F x