plum2 | ExpatWoman.com
 

plum2

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Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 13:20
There are dance classes available in Motor City itself. I think they are in the next mall on the left after you go past Spinneys. Can't remember the name sorry. Once it gets hot I think you would struggle to walk to some of these places in Motor City and around. I think there is now a bus from Motor City to MOE. There is a good range of shops and restaurants in Motor City but it's a long strip to walk from one end to the other. It is not quite the same as having easy access to the Mall and beach when you're in the Marina. <em>edited by plum2 on 28/05/2014</em>
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Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 13:18
Hi My nephew had a brace for scoliosis in the UK. He wore it over a t-shirt and then wore clothes over the top. It might be pretty hot here. I'm not sure how it would be for girls with breasts but they custom make them to fit, and make new ones regularly, so I guess it shouldn't be a problem. He coped very well with his. Are you going anywhere overseas in the summer where you could access a second opinion with a more specialist centre? I just don't think they see enough cases here to develop the ideal level of expertise.
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Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 22:28
Hi, Dubai is not the most special needs friendly place, and it can be hard finding the right support. We had 2 sessions at Reachout (I think 400AED each 3 years ago) I wasn't too impressed - I wanted an update on the diagnosis we had for DS - High Functioning Autistic, which we'd had from the UK 2 years before we came to Dubai. Got him a place at WSO with a learning support assistant. He's now 16 and we pay 64,000AED in school fees with an additional 45,000AED for the learning support, but don't have any additional therapies, as he is coping very well - lots of hard work and tears!. For us it has been a good experience (but we did have a rocky start), it is an expensive choice which I basically work to pay the fees. We have only one child, personally I'd find it very difficult to cope with the costs if we had another child - however currently we are having a great experience and it's worth our while. If your child needs additional help and therapies then unfortunately you can pay a huge amount of money, and finding the right and appropriate support can be difficult. I have heard good things about Kids First and CEMIC (I think that's how it's spelled) Good luck and many on EW will give you good and candid advice. x Do you mean CEIMC (Child Early Intervention Medical Centre) in DHCC? I can highly recommend them too.
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Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 16:45
How long ago did you apply? Hopefully the 12 weeks only applies to tose peopl applying now. I helped my mum send hers off to the UK when I visited her in Europe in the Easter holidays and she got it back about 2 weeks ago.
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Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 15:28
Oh no!!!
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Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 15:23
@Sanddy_dogg - can you not go to the UK and renew in person under the day service?
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Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 15:04
Hi Walk123 Where are you living? Is your child currently in a school and, if so, which one? With this info I might be able to recommend somewhere. Kids First offer a visiting therapy service to many schools although they often have waiting lists. There are a lot of speech therapists in Dubai but there seem to be waiting lists in most places. I would say the average price for therapy would be 350 dhs an hour (and up) Educational Psychologist assessments would be 3-5,000 dhs HTH
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Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 10:08
Hi I was at the big Spinneys on Al Wasl Rd last night and on the noticeboard there I saw a nice looking 5 bedroom villa with private pool for something like 284K.
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Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 22:25
Well I'm going to start sounding like I work for the admissions office at DESC but they should have places open for Year 6. However it's going to be getting down to the wire. There are so many new schools opening in Dubai in 2014 that finding a place won't actually be that hard. Especially for Year 6-7/8. Typically the older grades are more easier to get into than say FS1/2 and Year 1 (even at a new school). DESC is a secondary school and only starts at year 7. The feeder school for DESC is DESS (Dubai English Speaking School) in Oud Metha. It's a great school and worth a try.
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Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 15:15
As they are both new schools I would pick Safa as then you will not be having to move her again (and be searching for school places) in a years time. AR is a lovely community to live in.
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Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 20:13
Look at Widad Learning. Thir website was down when I looked the other day though.
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Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 10:12
They have an in-store sale on too - on till the end of the month I think they said. The cheapest model is now only 400dhs.
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 11:39
I was very happy with DESS when my children went through their primary education there. It is a much smaller school (5 classes per year group) compared with JPS (maybe 8 classes per year group?). It has direct entry to DESC for secondary school if you are likely to be here that long. I commuted from Umm Suqeim and didn't find it bad at all on Sh Zayed Rd but I went early as I had to drop them and be back at work for 8am.
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 11:26
I second Millicent Grim at Gulf Eye Centre 04 329 1977
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Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 12:57
So FS2 children born Sept-Dec will start at only age 3 - that seems incredibly young considering how formal the education in FS2 is and then they'll have to go back a year perhaps if they move. I don't think so. As I read it FS2 children will be 4 and have to be turning 5 before Dec 31.
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Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 08:47
II agree with Arch. It is not at all clear!
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Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 14:30
Dr. Njideka Nto at Arabian Ranches. Amazing female doctor. She always has time to talk to you, doesn't give medicine if its not needed and if it, only prescribes what is necessary. 04 453 4020 I can also recommend Dr N-J (as she is commonly known).
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Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 08:22
The Nicholas and Asp post-graduate Orthodontic Training School in Healthcare City does an excellent job at a very reasonable price. If you search there are lots of recommendations on this board. Total cost about 7,000 dhs compared with around 20,000 dhs at many of the other orthodontists in town. Assessment is free. Go and have a look. Both my teens had their braces there. Great service and they have beautiful teeth now.
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Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 06:01
An ETD is an emergency travel document from the Embassy.
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Latest post on 17 May 2014 - 13:16
There is a Jebel Ali Village Mums FB page.
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 22:09
There was another awful accident on Umm Suqeim Rd at the last traffic lights heading towards the Ranches just before 9pm. What is it about that junction? I have seen 4 awful smashes there now. Can only think it must be people running red lights. The road was blocked and I ended up going down past GWA to Hessa St and round that way. I saw crowds of people, one smashed car and one facing the wrong way. Does anyone know what happened?
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 16:53
I was also going to suggest Eve Michelle. There is one by Lime Tree /Spinneys at the top of the Beach Rd and one in the Waitrose Mall on Al Thanya. Good Luck!
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 14:47
That was a perfect answer, actually. I thought it would cost more. And I know for certain she will not want a nanny with him. I will contact Stepping Stones and see what we can sort out. Very much appreciated. It can certainly cost a lot more. Repton School charge 10K a month for finding and supervising a shadow.
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 13:21
Contact Rebecca Corley 050 7141094 She has a FB page 'Cooking in Dubai' where she recently posted pictures of food she had prepared for a boat party. Take a look. She has catered several events for me at home and her food is really delicious and a little bit different. Highly recommended.
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 13:04
There is a company called Edufun (i think) that makes a range of Nursery/school furniture in different sizes. Edited to add: it is www.edu-fun.com <em>edited by plum2 on 13/05/2014</em>
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 12:54
If you go to the Gold and Diamon Park and ask in Cara's they may well repair it for you for free. I took in some silver earrings for my DD (not bought in Dubai) as one post had snapped off. They soldered it back together and cleaned the earrings for me on the spot, all at no charge! Great service :)
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 12:52
I think you can be confident that Safa Community School will be good. Its sister school, Safa School, is a great school and has been running for many years. The new school is still under construction but work seems to be progressing quickly. I think as you are only arriving this weekend you could reasonably ask them for a week's extension to give you chance to have a look around.
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Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 12:13
Tha amount of support offered varies from push in or pull out support for one or two specific lessons up to full-time one to support. Some schools offer the former for free, some charge a termly fee. For full-time support charges can be up to 10K dhs a month. If schools have a Learning Support department then support should be coordinated and sustained.
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Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 11:14
Boat trips to see the Dolphins can be arranged through the Marina that is around the coast from Muscat towards the Al Bustan Palace Hotel. Can't remember the name of it sorry but we have done several from there over the years. We also did one from the Shangri-La when we were staying there.
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Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 10:46
I think anyone here on Visa runs has no alternative really than to go back to the Uk and do an urgent appointment at the passport office in person.
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Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 10:05
I think it is the awful red palm weevil. You can google it. My DH has treated our trees with some spray - no idea where he got it.
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Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 08:16
Sons over the age of 18 cannot be sponsored by their parents as far as I know. They can if they are still in full-time education. Once they leave school they need an employer to sponsor them. From the age of 18 the educational institution has to sponsor them don't they? No, the parent does it with a supporting letter from the educational institution. My colleague did it earlier this year.
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Latest post on 09 May 2014 - 10:09
If you enjoy group exercise then have a look at www.circuitfactory.ae They offer morning and evening classes at 4 different locations across Dubai and have a great social community going via their FB page. People of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels work out here. It is highly addictive! They run monthlong challenges every 6 weeks or so which is a great way to build good habits :)
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 15:37
I think if you sorted out the driving thing and were able to get to school yourself more often, you might get to know some of the other mums better which would probably be good for both of you. It's hard being a newbie but to be honest I met most of my friends through my kids when I was new here.
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 15:33
Most of the GEMS schools have excellent Learning Support departments (or Achievement Centres as I think they call them) and seem to have good inclusion policies. I have personal experience of JPS, Wellington International, Wellington Primary and Wellington DSO and all have been good. Horizon School also seem to be positively including students with special needs.
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Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 21:20
This is sound advice -- makes sense to check validity from now. Also, make sure that you staple the new passport to the old one with the visa inside... we neglected to do this once and nearly missed our flight as a result. Immigration actually don't like staples. They can interfere with the new machine readable passports. Best to just keep them together with a rubber band which can be easily removed if necessary.
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Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 13:25
From other threads it seems to be taking 7-8 weeks at present. They will not hurry it up. You just have to wait.
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 22:23
I can highly recommend Essa Beauty in JLT. They do Dermalogica and Elemis facials. I have Dani who is just lovely. My friend has Lydia who has won lots of awards. It's a really lovely small salon and has great free parking directly above in cluster G. They will email you a map when you make a booking or they have a FB page Essa Beauty. Enjoy!
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 13:07
Has your doctor or Orthopaedic specialist not given you any guidance? I am presuming you will have been prescribed some physiotherapy to aid in your continued recovery so maybe ask the physio too. Good Luck!
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 11:13
You can pay something like 500 dhs and go to immigration and get it swapped to the new passport but most people just keep the two passports together with a rubber band (they dont like staples!) until the visa expires. This is fine.
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 11:11
Along the same lines has anyone seen the 'light' ones with applicator for my DD? I can only find reg, super or superplus. TIA Are they the pink boxed ones? I have never seen them but will look when I go to the shop at lunch I'm not sure. She is not fussy about the brand. Thanks for checking. The best I have been able to find here is a mixed box that has something like 8 light and 12 regular tampons. I stocked up on light ones last time I went overseas but there is a limit to what you can bring!
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 11:05
Along the same lines has anyone seen the 'light' ones with applicator for my DD? I can only find reg, super or superplus. TIA
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 11:03
RSA have continued to offer me fully comprehensive insurance on an older car. They had to go away and get a special quote but they came back with one without any issues.
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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 12:58
I support the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre and would happily collect toys/books etc from you to pass on to the centre. The Rashid Centre is a not-for-profit school for children with special needs. Please email me on [email protected]
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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 12:15
You need to look at the curricula. DESC does GCSEs and A-levels Repton does IGCSEs and then the IB Diploma in the 6th form. This is a much broader course of study than the 3 or 4 A level subjects typically studied and can be good if students do not have a clear idea of what they want to do after school - it keeps more options open.
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Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 10:02
You could also look at Widad Learning. This is something of an 'alternative' school behind the Canadian University in Jumeirah. They do have a very inclusive policy with various levels of support available. Look at www.widadlearning.com
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Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 22:06
Dubai Netball Academy (see FB page) have indoor netball on Sunday nights at Star International 8-9.30 pm if that's not too late. Mixed young people and adults. All welcome. <em>edited by plum2 on 27/04/2014</em>
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Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 10:39
Where are you thinking of your 2 year old going to school? Motor City has the advantage of quite a few new schools very close (Gems Metropole in Motor City, the new Safa Community School just across Sh Z Rd, Nord-Anglia on Hessa Street, Bradenton Prep in Sports City). With the improvements on Umm Suqeim Rd it really is very quick to get to and from other places. Not sure where you work.
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Latest post on 24 April 2014 - 14:19
Hi Clairepe, there is a Waldorf Initiative (school) in Al Barsha and also a new school in the old Safa school building in Jumeira that are small and inclusive. I'm sorry I don't have contact details but I'm sure if you do a search something will come up.K12 is American Curriculum. edited by darlingboys on 23/04/2014 The school darlingboys is referring to is called The Oasis School. www.oasisschool.ae
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Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 18:29
If your daughter will not be 3 until October than she will not be eligible to join FS1 in most British Schools until September 2015.