Sleeping in the car with loads of wine and snacks probably!!! :) xx

That's so great!! xxxx

I would contact your Local Education Authority, double check exactly what your children are entitled to, tell them you have already signed the paperwork at the nursery and enquire if there is any reason why you are still being charged by the nursery. Remember to get a name for the person who gives you the quote. I am sure it is the nursery getting things wrong, but once you have spoken to the LEA you will feel much more positive about going in with all guns blazing. The nursery won't be able to fob you off either, 'cos you'll know all the facts.

I'm not going to discuss this here as it generally ends in an attack of misguided myths. There is a colossal amount of misunderstanding out there about this subject. There are two subjects I really feel I can't openly discuss with you guys and this is one of them (my faith being the other). But I will always be happy to answer pm's for anyone who has a genuine interest in what we do. I am not out to cause offence and just ask people to respect my reply here xx

Lovely to hear you've found cloud nine and that, by the sound of it, it has a silver lining! Brilliant news.

I see it's gone up to 15 hours which should be free from the term after their birthday which would be the 1st April. You shouldn't be paying for it!

I used to get 5 afternoons an afternoon from 1.00 to 3.30 for free

We had a great day there at easter a few years ago when we were staying at Ruda. We loved the fact that once you are in then pretty much everything is included so with our six that meant a lovely day of saying "yes" rather than sorry no, it's too much money. The sheepdog herding ducks is fab, there is a great indoor play bit too, plus you can do a return visit very cheaply within a few days I think, or you could when we went so you may want to factor that in. Our kids still talk about it now, they remember bottle feeding the lambs etc.

Is it artifical though Rachel? Does life not throw people together? I think school is fantastic for teaching kids to socialise with, mix with and cope with people from different backgrounds and with different values. I think that is a very valuable life skill that will stand them in good stead in the future. Many people, in their careers, will have to relate to people from different backgrounds and growing up going to school with all sorts of people can only help that. Both our local primary and secondary have kids from poor, middle and affluent backgrounds and I think that diversity offers all the kids a great experience.

We are doing Alton Towers and Snowdonia this summer, I can let you know how we get on if you are interested in those areas hun x

Brilliant! Here's to happiness!

we have a moho and live in edinburgh and love zipping up to the highlands the best thing about it is as it's not very populated, you can 'wild camp' in lots of places (i.e. not a campsite) we tend to mix it up: wild camp one night, campsite the next and at the end of august the scottish schools are all back so it'll be quieter come to scottyland! :D

How does this work? Alan signed the relevant documents at nursery, but that must have been 4 weeks ago and they haven't called us or written to us to tell us to pay less, so weekly we are still paying the same. This isn't right is it? They are claiming 15 hours for two children and then we are paying for it as well! Surely it doesn't take this long to sort out?

Lovely post. Enjoy x

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww....x x x

yep, and that's what is artificial about it isn' it?

You'd resognise me!! I'll be the one with the stars in my eyes and the butterflys in my tummy.... (cheerleader) I've really been knocked for sick and i feel like i'm floating!! >:D< He asked if i'd like to be his girlfriend after 20 red roses and a romantic dinner in the country i of course said Yes!! There is 30 miles between us and 5 kids to juggle but i'm feeling so optomistic and happy :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D Just wanted to share my little ray of light. x

No, I know that Rachel - that homeschooled children only meet other homeschooled children... I was just thinking that is must come as a shock to them & their parents if they have to catch the school bus to school - you know the language & jokes I mean. And to play in the playground wither other children & the swearing & things that go on there. Mostly you wouldn't deliberately put your children together with other children who swore or told lewd jokes. (which of course you can't control when they're out of your sight & in a bedroom or something). But at school you're all thrown together.

vicky, I could have written exactly the same list as you!!

If you use vinegar dont fill it, just 1/4 fill cos it all boils up and out the spout, I know from experience, lol..