NHM Readers

NHM Readers Recommend: What to do if a sibling is allocated to a different school

Posted by juliet on in Education, NHM Readers, North Hampshire, Reception Year, School 0 Comment

I recently had a question from an NHM Reader ” Can anyone help please? My son has been allocated a school different to where his sister attends. Has anyone been in this situation? Any help appreciated.”

Thank you to the NHM Community for your responses, listed below:

NHM Reader’s recommendations for a sibling allocated to a different school

Helena said “It happened to a friend. Her children ended up going to different schools for 18 months until a place became available at her preferred choice (out of catchment) school for her youngest, where her eldest already was. I think she appealed but didn’t get anywhere.”

Joanne said “You can appeal the decision and see if that helps.”

Rebecca said “I’m in exactly the same position. You could appeal, but it’s very stressful (we went through 3 appeals for my son) and unless your second child has undeclared SEN or Hampshire School Admissions made an error (it does happen), then there’s really no point. One thing to bear in mind is that every appeal is pretty expensive for the school. We have decided to ask our son’s school if they can find out if an error has been made without going to appeal because we don’t want the school’s already stretched budget to be used for an appeal that has no grounds. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.”

Further information on the appeals process can be found on the Hampshire County Council’s website:

https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions/guidance/appeals

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NHM Readers Recommend: Pushchair Friendly Walks with a Tea/Coffee Shop at the End

Posted by juliet on in Babies, Basingstoke, Cafe's, Exercise, Health, NHM Readers, North Hampshire, Outings, Things to Do, Toddlers, Walks 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook if they could help with the following question: “Do you know of any pushchair friendly walks with tea/coffee shop at the end? Know of Eastrop, Beggarwood and War Memorial.”

Many thanks for your responses, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers Recommend: Pushchair Friendly Walks with a Tea/Coffee Shop at the End

Rebecca said “There is one in Rooksdown on Thursday morning. We haven’t started to yet but have been talking of ending the walk at a local Costa or with a picnic.”

Mary said “Basingwoods is good for buggies. There is sometimes a cafe in the popley fields community centre but i can’t remember dates etc. Also from there you can walk up to st Gabriel’s which sometimes has a cafe. I think you need to check their websites for times.”

Emma said “Sherfield on London is nice! Take the little ones to see the ducks, play on the park, walk all around the big greens and across the streams and then there’s a lovely cafe on the corner with a post office in the back”

Wendy said “Greenham common are on the verge of opening their cafe in the old control tower. It will be staffed by volunteers so not open every day. Check their facebook page for details. https://www.facebook.com/GreenhamControlTower/”

Lauren said “Beggarwood is ok and the community centre has a really nice cafe”

Karen M said “Kempshott/oakley multi user path and jolly ollie’s in oakley or kitty’s in kempshott”

Karen J said “Go on ready steady mum’s group”

Ruza said “Farnham great park, and the cafe is reality good.”

Ruchira said “Ready steady mums walk at Eastrop park on a Wednesday at 1”

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NHM Readers Recommend: How to Tell a Child a Pet has Passed Away

Posted by juliet on in Children, NHM Readers, Wellbeing 0 Comment

I recently had a question from an NHM Reader: “I have a very poorly kitty. Just waiting for the results but I think it’s likely she may need to be put down. My girls are totally attached to her, especially my eldest daughter. I was wondering if you might be able to do a question about how to tell a child a pet has passed away. And how they help with the grieving process?”

Many thanks to the NHM Community for all of your responses, listed below:

NHM Readers recommend how to tell a child a pet has passed away

Rachele said:

“The rainbow bridge is a good way to explain it. You have to be honest about it but just that when they see the brightest star it’s her watching down etc. It’s never easy.”

Marta said:

“This is very sad. I work as a psychotherapist and there are a few things we use in therapy to help with grieving process. The most powerful exercise is to allow children to write (parents can help if the child is too young) their own message”

Andy said:

“So, our daughter is three and a half. Her cat was hit by a car last month…We wrestled with the idea of allowing her to say goodbye. But decided that it was probably the best way to go.”

Wendy said:

“It’s hard because you have no idea how they will react until you have told them. My son has lost two cats, last time it happened he was four. He was OK, we just keep a few photos around and talk about our cat when my son asks. Use honest language, say dead not gone etc. We said our cat was no longer with us, someone then used that term to describe a nursery worker who had left, he thought they had died.”

Zoe said:

“When our elderly cats had to be put down my girls were small and didn’t understand. They came up with the idea that the cats had gone to live with Santa.”

Helen said:

“We said that our pets became stars”

Vicki said:

“There are some great stories about grief – Badgers Parting Gift is nice”

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NHM Readers Recommend: Clubs/Meets for a Baby and Toddler

Posted by juliet on in Babies, Basingstoke, Classes, Group, Mums, NHM Readers, North Hampshire, Toddlers 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook if they could help with a question I had received: “just wondered if you could ask people about clubs/meets etc for a baby and toddler.? 1 month and a 2 year old.”

Many thanks for all of your replies, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers Recommend: Clubs/Meets for a Baby and Toddler

Naomi said “Melrose Hall run a tot group on a tues and fri”

Claire said “Coffee & Chat at Brookvale is lovely. Toddler section and baby section. Just £2 donation. Friday’s from 10am https://www.facebook.com/NCTCoffeeandChat/”

Debbie said “Michelle runs tots play plus helps (I think) at coffee morning on Fridays at Sherfield Park.” www.facebook.com/totsplaybasingstoke www.facebook.com/bumpintomums

Any said “Basing Beans on Tuesdays 10-11.30 is great. It’s at Lychpit village hall. Lots for toddlers plus baby area and a cup of tea or coffee for you…https://m.facebook.com/groups/204635339562838”

Sarah said “I run Hartbeeps multi-sensory classes for newborns through to preschoolers in Hook on a Tuesday morning. You can bring your little one to Happy House Class with your older one. https://www.facebook.com/hartbeepsfarnham/”

Jo said “Caterpillar music”

Hayley said “caterpillar music is perfect, took my little one from about 3 weeks old with my 2.5 year old:)”

Jaz said “www.facebook.com/CaterpillarMusicBasingstoke Even better- siblings are FREE!”

Steph said “I run netmums Basingstoke meet ups once a month for people to get out with the little ones and make new friends…you can find the group here: https://m.facebook.com/groups/1833762103604347”

Rachael said “Under 5’s at Sherfield Park on a Tuesday morning and bump into mums on a Friday morning both 10am-12pm and both very welcoming and friendly”

Allison said “Two year olds are welcome to Tot Cross Buns…mummies are welcome to bring younger siblings too Www.facebook.com/totcrossbuns”

Kelly said “Www.facebook.com/jiggybasingstoke”

Anna said “I’m a midwife running a newborn and baby massage courses in Camberley available to book now https://www.mummasandbeans.co.uk/camberley/”

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NHM Readers Recommend: Gym Classes for 3 Year Olds

Posted by juliet on in Basingstoke, Classes, NHM Readers, Toddlers 0 Comment

In response to a question from an NHM Reader, I asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook: “I am new to Basingstoke and looking for a gymnastics class for my nearly 3 year old boy. Could you advise me on any please?”

Thank you very much to everyone who responsed. These are listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers recommend gym classes for 3 year olds

Active Life Centre

http://www.basingstokegym.co.uk/

Rachael said “Active life centre”

Victoria said “Active life, they have drop in groups daily if they aren’t looking for a structured class.”

Edie said “The Active Life Centre is great!”

Laura said “Active Life Centre! I love it there!!”

Natasha said “Active life centre – they do child accompanied with parents, child by self (3yrs), and free style (3yrs, small group in the smaller back room)”

Lucy said “Active Life Centre as the others have mentioned.”

Charlotte “Basingstoke Gymnastics Club, from The Active Life Centre. They’re fantastic, drop in free play, baby zone, parent and toddler, gym juniors (unaccompanied), freestyle.”

Lynden Dance and Gymnastics

http://www.lyndendance.co.uk/gymnastics.html

Sara said “Lynden dance and gymnastics. They do a little tots class. Check out the website”

Louise said “I’d second Lynden!”

Lucy also said “There’s also some classes at the sports centre I believe – a relatively new group also under British Gymnastics”

Mel said “Lynden at The Sports Centre definitely over Active Life!”

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NHM Readers Recommend: Someone to make a Taggie

Posted by juliet on in Babies, Local Mum Businesses, NHM Readers 0 Comment

I recently had a question from an NHM Reader: “I’m looking for someone to make me a Taggie which has a child’s name stitched onto it. Can you ask if anyone has any suggestions”.

Many thanks to the NHM Community for your responses, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers recommend someone to make a taggie

Madeleine said “Easy2Name may be able to help you…”

Stephany said “Lynsey everytime!”

Heidi said “Frames & Keepsakes By Liz”

Debbie said “Mandy sew whatever is fantastic and local.” https://m.facebook.com/Sewwhatever2016/

Hayley said “Danielle is amazing at that sort of thing”  Dreamy Owla

  • Kelly said “Yep def get Danielle on the case”

Katie said “Little menace made some for me and they were gorgeous. Super quick delivery too”

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NHM Readers Recommend: Weekend Music Classes

Posted by juliet on in Basingstoke, Children, Classes, NHM Readers, North Hampshire 0 Comment

I recently had the following question from an NHM Reader: ” I’m on a hunt to find a weekend music class for a 4 year old. Any ideas? Caterpillar Music and Monkey Music are all weekdays…..” 

Many thanks to the NHM Community for your responses, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers recommend weekend music classes

Jade said:

“I believe dinky disco runs on weekends”

Gemma said:

“Dinky disco runs on a Sunday at Bramley and is amazing!!!”

Jaz said:

“I am caterpillar Music and yes we only do weekdays sorry. But I would also recommend dinky disco!”

Lorna said:

I can also recommend dinky disco”

Susannah said:

“Yes, go to Dinky Disco – Nikki is fab!”

Lizzie said:

“Another vote for Dinky Disco!”

Kat said:

“I think Kids Kan Dance run classes on a Saturday”

Melody said:

“I can recommend Kidskandance”

Helen said:

“Dinky disco is weekends and also, may not be your thing, but some churches have great family services with loads of singing and games aimed at children. I hear St Mary’s in Eastrop is good.”

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NHM Readers Recommend: Where to Donate Old Duvets

Posted by juliet on in Basingstoke, Domestication, Free, NHM Readers, Organising 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook if they could help with a question I had been asked by an NHM Reader: “I’ve 3 duvets (2 singles and a king) all old but still usable. I wanted to donate them for the homeless or shelters but the Salvation Army bins don’t accept them, charity shops can’t take them due to hygiene, I contacted Camrose and they can’t take them as they can’t store them. Does anyone know where I can donate them? It seems a shame to throw them away when they could keep someone warm this winter.” 

Many thanks for all of your responses, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers Recommend: Where to Donate Old Duvets

Vicky said “Perhaps the Popley spotlight centre has a family in need?”

Sarah said “Pets at home will take them”

Rebecca said “You could try emailing the Night Shelter Coordinator?”

Louise said “Dog/cat charities will take them. Also old towels”

Jo said “Try Christ Church in Chineham. They took pillows which is kinda the same thing”

Sian said “Dogs kennels or animal charities”

Susan said “We have an organisation in Dorchester, Dorset Reclaim which helps destitute people set up in homes. They take clean quilts which other charities refused. Is there something similar in the Basingstoke area?”

Kerrie said “There is an organisation in Reading that has a homeless bus that may be in need of support.”

Naomi said “I know pro dogs direct take them”

Wendy said “The Dog Warden used to take them. The homeless shelters only wanted singles.”

Ruth said “I’m pretty sure AWE will take old bedding for their dog kennels, dont know about feather duvets though…what about community furniture?”

Rachael said “Why don’t you ask the homeless direct if they want them?”

Sian said “Julian House is a homelessness charity based in Basingstoke town centre. They may be interested”

Susan said “Try Julian House in Basingstoke, next to the Bridge Centre.”

Sammy said “There’s a lady involved with a night shelter bus, can’t think of her name. She was asking for some last week”

Sarah said “May Place have always taken ours”

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NHM Readers Recommend: iPad Apps for 4 to 7 year olds

Posted by juliet on in Children, Games, NHM Readers, Older Children, Things to Do 0 Comment

In response to a question from a NHM Reader, I asked the Friends of my  “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook “What are people’s suggested iPad apps for children aged 4-7?”

The responses are below, in particular order.

The following link may also be useful: NMH Readers: Suggested iPad Apps for 2 to 4 Year Olds

NHM Readers recommend iPad apps for 4 to 7 year olds

Toco Boca

As recommended by Jonathan

Sago Mini

As recommended by Jonathan

Lego

Emma says I’m biased because I work for them but the Lego apps are great because they don’t have in app purchases and are nice and simple to play”

My Very Hungry Caterpillar

Melanie says “My 4yo enjoys My Caterpillar (based on the Very Hungry Caterpillar)”

Pepi Play

Melanie says “The Pepi range (Pepi House, Pepi Doctor, Pepi Tree, Pepi Bath, Pepi Ride)”

Nessy

Liane says “The Nessy phonics apps are cheap, fun and amazing for teaching early reading”

ScratchJr

Jonathan says “Scratch Jr for coding”

Tinybop

Jonathan says “TinyBop apps for Science and understanding of the world”

YouTube Kids

As recommended by Jonathan
Emma says “You tube kids!”
Sue said “YouTube kids”

BBC iPlayer Kids

As recommended by Jonathan

Cbeebies

Andy said “BBC cbeebies”
Sue said “CBeebies playtime island”
Marie said “Cbeebies playtime app is quite good”

Apps for Mindfulness

Breathe for Kids
Pause
As recommended by Jonathan

Good App Guide

Lyndsey said “TheGoodAppGuide is best for this type of advice. Free isn’t always good, consider the lure of inapp purchases and the downsides of advertising.”

 

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NHM Readers Recommend: After School Drama Clubs

Posted by juliet on in After School Clubs, Children, Classes, NHM Readers, Older Children, Things to Do 0 Comment

I recently had the following question from an NHM Reader: “Looking to see if your lovely followers can help. Looking for an after school drama club for my 4 year old. Looking for Monday’s or not Stage coach as it’s far too expensive for us.TIA”

Many thanks to the NHM Community for your responses, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers recommend after school drama clubs

Karen said:

“My little one went to Perform in Bramley. I think it was on a Friday but I’m sure there are others around on different days. Great for building confidence and learning life skills. Not in anyway like stage coach. They do a termly performance but it’s really laid back and no pressure on the children to be perfectly forms performers.”

Rachael said:

“The Spotlight Centre not sure of the time table now as this was a few years ago. The person who we did go to has his own business now and is based at QMC but this is LAMDA I think he takes children from 7. It is called In Yer Face Productions.

“I think there is a group at Sherfield Park too”

Kate said:

“Is drama tots only pre school?”

Katie said:

“Merry go Round Storytelling offer fab Stage Craft classes – they are Andover based but I know travel, and are regularly in Longparish, Whitchurch etc. Worth looking into. Amanda is lovely”

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