Pam50

Wordsworth knew what that song was about... Will no one tell me what she sings?-- Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow For old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago: Or is it some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day? Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain, That has been, and may be again?

Love Eric Clapton playing it...simple. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP-VCRyNIC4

Even those already reduced. Good deal!

My flatmate has planned to make 'Egyptian' necklaces with her Y3 class this week and has tried everywhere to resource cheap beads(teacher paying as usual) and some kind of fairly stiff thread/string/fishing line?? Does anyone know of anywhere locally that sells these? Thanks

Hi Gussy My house in the midlands is similar with cold and draughty sash windows. I've found that attaching a simple layer of 'window seal' type double glazing in the winter months makes a huge difference, especially on windy nights! It's dead simple to apply, you just put a strip of double sided sellotape stuff (provided) up around the frame, stick the plastic sheet on, then use a hair dryer to shrink it to fit. It lasts through the cold months, them you simply whip it off in Spring. I get mine from Wilko http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/Insulation/Seal-Window-Seal-Pack-6m2/invt/0097195?htxt=CGjMCwoVW44%2FYekNfjqJ31BldgV4FC4By%2FzFwl81XvqDYMKhU7UYr65IssL95aoNvA5ozMe5CMOy%0Aa3lqUaRALg%3D%3D who also do internet orders, or I'm sure the DIY places here would sell it too. Good luck! Pam

OK...I'll read the mathematical excuse. It might end up on http://billybullshit.com/

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed the sudden mating habits of the No.12 bus??? Seriously...there's none for 10+ minutes; then two appear at the same time looking very sheepish...or three even. What's occurrin??

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Theres-Going-Baby-John-Burningham/dp/0763649074/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1287176369&sr=1-5 Looks good!

Yes Tiddles, in principle, the ideal pedagogy would be to watch, wait and give extra time to those children who just need a little longer to absorb the learning. However, we have a school system which puts enormous pressure on children attaining prescribed levels of attainment well before they are '9 or 10.' Schools, teachers and children are graded according to how well they all follow this model of education. Sadly too, children who do not manage to 'keep up,' may lose confidence and some will develop behavioural problems if they are not given support at the right times. There is now a global body of evidence supporting the value of early intervention in education. School budgets are being cut and help is rationed. Parents may choose to buy extra support themselves, in the same way they pay for hobbies, sports, music etc and other enhancements to their child's development.

Well Millie...they can start as young as you like...here's one from this week's Private Eye!!;-)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Constipation-Withholding-Your-Child-Soiling/dp/1843104911/ref=pd_sim_b_5 Found this link on Amazon. There's another funny picture book'Potty -Poo-Poo-Wee Wee', that we used to demystify the process...and I can recommend the 'Everybody Poos' as well. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Potty-Poo-Poo-Wee-Wee-Colin-McNaughton/dp/076362781X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1284031137&sr=1-1

Tutoring isn't always for those reasons however. Sometimes children just need a bit of individual support to catch up with learning, especially if they are very young or have had speech and hearing problems. I have taught big classes of 30+ for many, many years and know only too well how difficult it is to meet every child's needs. Now, as a tutor, I have the sheer luxury of dedicated time and the pedagogical freedom to teach what works, rather than what is dictated by the latest government directive. It is very satisfying to watch how a child's confidence grows when learning starts to make sense!

http://www.johnlewis.com/Sport+_26+Leisure+/Outdoor+Games/Outdoor+Games/Scooters+_26+Skateboards/Micro+Scooter/-/Brand/5814/ProductCategory.aspx John Lewis do them...and in other colours. They are amazing!

One of my friends used the LaLeche league helpline when she was in difficulty and had really good advice. Good luck! http://www.laleche.org.uk/pages/about/helpline.htm

My nursery class 'didn't like' and wouldn't try unusual fruits, so we used the safety scissors (scrubbed and sterilised) to explore a variety of fruits. I sliced, seeded and peeled. They selected, cut up and made their own fruit salad in a paper cup. It was gobbled up with relish and parents were being asked to make more! Watermelon was the favourite. Might be worth a try with older toddlers!!

Agree about Tripp Trapp. Simple, well designed and attractive...I use it too when the kids aren't here. Check out http://www.backinaction.co.uk/tripptrapp

Hi, I'll send you a private message, Pam

When my son was born in March 1979, Simon and Garfunkle's 'Bright Eyes' was playing on the radio. If it were now, I'd fancy Aqualung, 'Everything Changed' 'you came into my life so small, altering everything, everything changed..'.

thank you!

Any suggestions for somewhere in a reasonable radius to find a mother-of-the-groom outfit? Peferably one that doesn't look like a bit part in Dynasty and doesn't cost toooooooo much. Thanks, Pam

Any idea when your B&B rooms will be ready? We've got a family wedding on June 4th and bodies that need beds! Good Luck and Thanks Pam

Back in Action http://www.backinaction.co.uk/tripptrappbuy I've used Back In Action for Stokke stuff in the past..very effecient, 24hr service and they will price match any other Tripp Trapp deals. You don't really need the cushion set tho they look cute. We didn't use s harness either. I'm sitting on a Tripp Trapp writing this..the older grandaughter still uses it to draw and paint at the table too ... They really are a good bit of kit!! Best Wishes, Pam

Thank you! A really useful site.

Thank you Hal; I'll contact them. I was hoping there might be a group of volunteers that did one to one support at home. I was involved in such a scheme many years ago (in the days before our jobs took up most of our time).

Does anyone know if there are any schemes in Southwark where volunteers can help adults with basic literacy? I am a nursery teacher and one of my children's mums desperately wants to learn to read and write so that she can read to her son. She just has not been to school to learn. We're based in SE17,just off the Old Kent Road. I'd be grateful for any suggestions, thanks, Pam