Tru Blu | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tru Blu

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 September 2016 - 08:32
Hi Ladies, Does anyone know where I can find Beef Brisket? Thanks in advance!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2016 - 14:15
thanks for this.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2016 - 16:24
Hi Ladies, I want to drive to Muscat but my Australian passport will expire in 3 months. Does anyone know if this will be a problem or how I can find out if it will be. Thanks in advance!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 March 2016 - 08:02
lovely post and I am sure it will bring comfort to a lot of mums. We had a tough time with assessments but my son is thriving now as he is in the right school. Thanks again.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 15:46
I've done it several times. It's easy and safe. I always go via Al Ain, Hafeet border station. From there it's a comfortable drive on a brand new highway (should be fully finished by now). Enough petrol stations along the way, and if you need a break there's Ibri and Nizwa for a convenient stop. thanks for this. I actually want to stay a night at a place near Nizwa so sounds perfect! :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2016 - 19:12
I would be interested to know more about this, even though it all happened a long time ago. Did people seriously loose thousands of dirhams and never get any of it back? Can anyone say what Financial Company here was recommending it etc? Especially if they misinformed people and they didn't do what their clients requested. That would be one way of stopping it happening to others.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 January 2016 - 16:13
Hi LaDiDa, I have read your posts on a few of the threads and I feel your pain. It is hard not to take it all personally! I find the assessment process completely ridiculous anyway, - they are sometimes 2, 3,4 years old!!!! Honestly it would just be a case that there are very few FS2 spots up for grabs. Most people put their kids into FS1 for fear of what is happening to you now, but honestly, when you look back on it down the track, you will be glad that you held out. I didn't manage to secure a spot for my son until the second term of FS2, I probably could have got him in somewhere but I wanted to wait and push for a school that I really wanted. I think the fact that he hadn't been placed in the first term helped my mission to hold him back a year as when he was assessed he was academically behind (this was not a reflection of him, rather my inability to properly homeschool him as I was in the midst of a depression with three younger children in the house. I think 3 years old is so young to start school (maybe it is an Australian thing as we often don't start until 5), but in any case, I don't judge others for the decisions they make, each to their own. I am not sure what I would do in your case however, it could be tricky having your kids in the same year... I am not sure how that would work. Two different schools would be a nightmare and probably not an option. I read somewhere recently that parents never regret holding their kids back a year, whereas parents often regret not holding back when they were torn. Anyway, sorry, I am probably not that helpful. Just wanted to say that I feel your pain and hope you get it sorted soon and find a really nice school. Let me know if you have any specific questions. {{HUGS}}
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 January 2016 - 15:59
thank you!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2016 - 19:58
the Bathroom shops are in Salahuddin (sp) Road near to Muraggabat police station ok, thank you. If I put the police station into my google maps will it take me walking distance to the bathroom shops? thanks again!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 December 2015 - 07:41
I am very happy with the school. I have two kids there (year 1 and 2) and next year I will have two more in FS2. They are a grounded school and I feel like they really know what they are doing. The teachers are amazing (they stay long term as they are treated well and this infiltrates through as far as I am concerned). I think they are one of the more "academic" schools. The kids are pushed more than they would be in the Australian system but yet they get a lot of support and they progress really well for the most part.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2015 - 19:43
Gosh if he is breaking down doors and threatening to call the police I would encourage her to get out of here. Maybe she could leave for a while and come back in a year or so.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2015 - 19:41
Jones the Grocer have been good the last couple of years. You are probably too late though...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2015 - 19:16
why fishy lovingthesun? two new users?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2015 - 19:14
Can you name the school? it could also shed some light. It is ridiculous beyond belief how they can say a child is not socially ready for FS1. I would say that most children are not ready for FS1 (personally think its too young but hey). Do you have a plan B? what month is your LO born in?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 November 2015 - 07:42
Reading this post brings back awful memories of two years ago at the same school. My son passed the assessment, was waitlisted and we decided to hold out as we were told that he was "top of the waitlist" and unfortunately I did not have a plan b. I only had his name down at that school which was a massive mistake. Horizon were absolutely dreadful to deal with from the Receptionist, to the Registar to the Principal. I remained polite and patient at each step although I made it clear that I was in a tough situation (I was home schooling him from Sep-Dec while waiting for a spot and I also had 3 younger siblings including baby twins at home!). They couldn't care less and were rude and arrogant at every step. Mumonboard, do you have a plan b? I hope so. I have friends at Horizon and none of them are happy there, seriously. Although, the kids seem to like it which I admit is also important. Anyway, sorry, I obviously have a thing against the school. They did eventually offer us a spot but at that point I was bolting in the other direction.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 November 2015 - 09:40
I also think its really controlling for a husband to give his wife an allowance. Its quite a vulnerable time when a woman leaves the workforce to have children and we suddenly need to be dependant on someone for the first time in years. He could adjust to this new role of sole income earner with grace, appreciation and recognition of your pivotal role in the household or he could turn controlling and make you feel like a dependant. Sounds like he has chosen the latter.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 November 2015 - 07:39
When I held my son back there was no FS1 at DESS. He entered FS2 when he was 5. It was a mutual decision between the school and I and I think it is something that they try not to do very often. I found myself in an awful situation because I only put my sons name down at Horizon school and although he passed the assessment he was not offered and immediate space and rather put on the waitlist. Admittedly this was my own fault but I had three other younger children at home who were not even at Nursery yet! Horizon were dreadful to deal with, thoughtless and uncaring. I did a very average job at Home Schooling (I was having a bit of a break down at the time) and DESS were kind and reviewed our situation on an individual basis. I feel like the school has heart unlike many over the other money making enterprises around. I think that some schools will allow you to hold kids back if they are June/July/August babies. Tru Blu, Thank you so much for your response, I really appreciate it. :) One last question - at what stage in the admission process did you discuss with the school that you wanted a late start for your child? Also, did you need to get the Khda involved for this to happen? Hi yes, I should elaborate a bit more. I was in a very difficult situation and actually my son was not given a place at the one and only school we had his name down at (Horizon). I was therefore home schooling him for the first term and not doing a very good job at it. I really had my hands full with three other kids under 3 at the time. I think I mentioned fairly early on that I would like him held back but they didn't say much at the time. It was after the assessment I was told that he probably would fair better in the year behind (the year group I was hoping for). As it turns out he probably could have gone into his actual year group from an academic perspective, but socially he fairs much better where he is. Can I ask which month is your child born in?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 November 2015 - 07:45
Schools that were previously supportive to the idea (not sure if they still are as my experience was 2 years ago). Horizon DESS Safa
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 November 2015 - 07:26
When I held my son back there was no FS1 at DESS. He entered FS2 when he was 5. It was a mutual decision between the school and I and I think it is something that they try not to do very often. I found myself in an awful situation because I only put my sons name down at Horizon school and although he passed the assessment he was not offered and immediate space and rather put on the waitlist. Admittedly this was my own fault but I had three other younger children at home who were not even at Nursery yet! Horizon were dreadful to deal with, thoughtless and uncaring. I did a very average job at Home Schooling (I was having a bit of a break down at the time) and DESS were kind and reviewed our situation on an individual basis. I feel like the school has heart unlike many over the other money making enterprises around. I think that some schools will allow you to hold kids back if they are June/July/August babies.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 November 2015 - 11:09
Its an amazing school. I have two attending now and another two starting FS2 next Sep. I have no complaints about the school. It is long established and I feel like that is part of the reason that they really have things running well. Depending on where you live the school run can be quite long, but that can also be Dubai in general. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 November 2015 - 10:21
Hi, sorry I missed these posts. My husband applied for our Maids visa and unfortunately I cant remember the name of it (I think it was something like temporary entrant or something - I think it was the same visa that performers etc apply for). It was really annoying as the Australian Consulate would not advise us what visa to apply for (they are not allowed to advise) but I eventually got hold of someone and managed to squeeze it out of them (I worded my request in such a way like " please please please - you don't have to outright say which visa it is, but could you perhaps kindly make a suggestion as to which one could b a good idea to apply for...." totally ridiculous I know, but it worked. Our Maid had to be interviewed for this and so I took my young kids a long for the interview and let them run riot in the visa section. I wouldn't say that you want to take your Maid for a holiday to see the sights, make it sound as you desperately need the help i.e - if you have kids make out like they are a serious handful etc.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2015 - 07:02
Hi Beachgirl. If you are just selling products online then I think you can get a license in the freezone. If you want to sell to businesses that are not in the freezone then you need to get a full Trade License from the Department of Economic Development. It is most certainly possible but it is most certainly expensive!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 October 2015 - 12:13
Thank you. Yes, just called them and it will be around 100aed! many thanks
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 October 2015 - 15:19
My biggest tip would be to introduce/eat more sprouts in your diet. They are so incredibly good and beneficial. If you can get your hands on organic, even better. I think you can buy a sprouting machine and grow your own. Really good for your Partner to eat them as well. Good luck!!!!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2015 - 16:08
Innon obviously didn't mean to upset anyone and is probably just searching for some answers to her own problems. People could be a little more caring towards her, especially as she is being so apologetic. Innon, I didn't have an fertility problems here but a lot of my friends did. Actually a lot of my friends conceived first time around in their home country and then moved here and were unable to conceive number two or had recurrent miscarriages and then eventually succeeded. One such friend had five miscarriages and lived very close to the power lines in The Springs. They moved back home as she sunk into a depression and she ended up conceiving fairly quickly. She swears it had something to do with the power lines (their house turned out to have a very high radiation reading). As much as I love Dubai and call it home, I really do think that it is a deficient society in terms of clean fresh air etc... it is marvelous but so built up and unnatural. It is also incredibly fast paced here and that can add to stress. If I were having difficulty conceiving I would no doubt go for IVF and would also meditate/yoga, eat really well (lots of organic if possible), lots of sprouts (I swear by this!) and install a reverse osmosis water filter so I wouldn't have to drink bottled water (plastics of all kinds have been linked to hormone disruption). Anyway, just my two cents. I truly hope you are successful!:)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 September 2015 - 19:33
If I had to choose between the two it would be Horizon International. I have dealt with both and have close friends with kids at both.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 September 2015 - 19:48
Rosalie Sant is the best in Dubai for this. I have had a few friends (one of whom had 5 misscarriages in a row before going to Dr Sant) and she saw them all through the whole journey and delivered healthy babies. Good luck!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2015 - 19:09
Thank you Ladies!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2015 - 09:53
Sorry to hear this Cherpie. Sending you love and cyber hugs {{{}}}} I hope that one day there is a way out for you and your children. It sounds like that is what needs to happen but I understand it may feel near to impossible. Don't loose hope though
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 20:19
My oldest son wears glasses and has been doing so since he was 3 years old. It was a big shock for us but its fine. One of the best things about living in Dubai is that people are so accepting and tolerant because there is so much diversity here. I am pretty sure that if we were back in Australia he would be teased (particularly as we need to patch one of his eyes at school every day), but here, no one has said a thing. We spent thousands and thousands of dirhams here on lenses, frames etc.... until my husband discovered coolframes.com They have an extensive range, prices are cheap, and they will replace frames damaged within the first year. Best of luck x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 March 2015 - 17:38
With DED.. email me Tru Blu and will send u details. deb4220at live dot com thank you Basil, you have mail!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 March 2015 - 07:36
They DO allow it as have just gone down this road. I found one for 30k. If you want more particulars let me know Yes, I would love particulars. Is your license with the DED or in a free zone?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 16:49
There are companies that offer a desk only, like Serene business center. I am not sure how they do it but you effectively just pay for a desk a they provide you with the necessary paperwork for DED. I am not sure whether you have to set up the company through them though. I know there are many other companies like that. Your PRO should be able to help you. Also sometimes local sponsors are able to offer office space. Hope it helps and good luck with your business! Hi Bluebutton, gone are the days of the flexi desk. They don't allow it anymore. The office space needs to be 200square feet minimum. The ones at Serene are all about 80k, but given that I don't even need to use it, I was hoping for more around the 40k mark... <em>edited by Tru Blu on 23/03/2015</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 09:19
Hi Ladies, My son (6 years old) wants to put some wax in his hair occasionally (just like his Dad). Does anyone know any natural product around? Thanks in advance! Original sprout, it's organic You'll find at favorite things, marina mall or caboodle Dubai mall. perfect, thanks/
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 08:40
Hi Ladies, My son (6 years old) wants to put some wax in his hair occasionally (just like his Dad). Does anyone know any natural product around? Thanks in advance!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2015 - 15:22
Hi I am looking for good cook. Mostly we prefer South Indian Cook from Kerala. Anybody knows please reply. I know of an excellent cook in Sri Lanka and he wants to come to Dubai. He has been a cook for a private 5 star villa for years. He can cook all types of cuisine. We would have brought him back with us but we already had two Maids at the time.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 19:58
True that it is not as popular and that it doesn't have an outstanding rating as other schools but I don't see this as a negative thing. I should have added below that the current Principal used to be the Principal at JPS and the school moved from a good to outstanding rating under his leadership. I wouldn't pay any attention to the ratings. Just saying...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 19:48
Thank you for sharing OP. Great information! bubble_trubble, my nephew is autistic and was diagnosed before he was 3. There is so much to gain from an early diagnosis because therapies are so very effective in the early years. If there is any chance that your little boy is on the spectrum try to get him assessed ASAP. I would recommend starting at Kids First or the Developing Child Centre.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 19:50
Totally weird. Mostly the drinking part!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 19:40
I see him regularly for my 3 year old daughter and yes, he is the best in Dubai. If you are after a hearing test for a toddler though, he is not really equipped an will refer to someone else. I have been to American Hospital and really didn't like it. I found it rushed, expensive and had to wait ages for the appointment. The next time we needed a hearing test a friend recommended The Hearing and Balance Centre at Wafi. They are well equipped to do a hearing test for a toddler, just as well if not better than American. The ladies name was Sarah Darwish but she was pregnant when I last saw her so could be on maternity leave. It was cheaper too which is a bonus.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 February 2015 - 09:02
Hi Mariska, Before I recommend anything can I just ask if you are planning to stay in Dubai for several years or will it just be a few? also where do you live and what is important to you in a school?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 February 2015 - 20:23
You can search for all registered business names on the DED website, if you put in 'elite' you will see all companies that have that word in their company name https://eservices.dubaided.gov.ae/Pages/Anon/TNSrch.aspx?1=1&PID=10106&LID=&sname=Search_Trade_Names&srp=-1&sfn=-1&ifn=38530626&pn=173956&pn2= hth thank you, this was a good option, but no joy.... cowboy, it is some sort of sports store
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 February 2015 - 20:10
Yes, I totally recommend it. We had one installed about 6 weeks ago. It was nearly 3000aed so not cheap, but so worth it. I felt worried/concerned for years using bottled water full of junk and stored in plastic. The water tastes 10 times better and I feel worry-free! My husband really didn't want one (thought it was a waste of money) but even he is glad now. We used a company called Advanced Living Solutions. The guys name is Archie. They bring RO filters from the US. Sorry, I don't have easy access to the number, if you cant find it online let me know and I will try and dig it out.:) <em>edited by Tru Blu on 12/02/2015</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 19:34
I think the one at MCC allows you to take a ticket so you can go off and shop as they call you just before your number comes up. ( I can't remember if it was Du or etisalat there that offered that service but I think etisalat that sounds great, although I don't really live near MCC and I have such little time! Wish I did live close though, it is my favourite shopping centre in Dubai, hands down. <em>edited by Tru Blu on 10/02/2015</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 17:59
I don't particularly feel like spending all morning there. Has anyone got any tips i.e what stores have less traffic etc I have been to the one at MOE a couple of times lately and just can't do it again... thanks in advance! Times Square or barsha mall thanks Ladies, just realized I am posting in the wrong forum but hey, I have answers! thanks I am right near Time Square but have never seen an Etisalat store there (although I don't tend to go there much....) where is it?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 17:58
Somewhere between the two. I have to agree with Wisteria Lane even though I have my gripes with the school. The kids are all really happy there from what I see/hear and that is definitely the most important thing.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 15:16
Re DESS no priority to British familes but to siblings, also DESS and DESC both have way more applicants than available places every year, so wait lists are long. Have you looked at http://www.hartlandinternational.com/about-our-school.php or Nord Anglia? Both are too expensive Lolacat. Yes, they are really expensive. I think Safa school on Meydan Road is a really nice school. It certainly was a couple of years ago but haven't hear recently. I don't think it was bought out by Horizon.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 09:07
Hi there! I should start by saying that I have no first-hand experience with the school. I dealt with the office/admin staff only (that was enough!) by the time I was actually offered a spot I was running in the opposite direction. I have several friends with kids at the school. None of my friends are happy with the school, not one! but that said - the children seem really happy there and love it. I guess that is the most important thing! A few years ago it had a brilliant reputation. I really like the ethos that it encompasses (or at least did) and they had many things right. In recent years however, it has been bought out by a Company who is intent on cutting costs, and ultimately the children suffer. I wouldn't go near it but it also depends how long you are going to be here for? If it were just a year or two in the early stages (ie FS1, FS2, year 1) it would probably be fine. What other schools have you considered? Do you have any other options? <em>edited by Tru Blu on 10/02/2015</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2015 - 20:09
Thank you Ladies. Much appreciated!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2015 - 19:59
Can I just point out a few things that seem to be un known or are just not being acknowledged here. Especially for new parents looking for school places, its not fair or accurate to make out that JESS,DESS orJAPS are the only schools really worth getting in to. Firstly, the above schools are [u'>academically selective[/u'>, that means they take the brightest children. Of course this means that their results will be excellent and that these children will go on to get the JC/DC places. In primary particularly, its your child's individual teacher that you need to be most concerned about. My friend moved her 2 very bright children to DESS, one of them had an outstanding teacher and really thrived, the other had a good enough teacher who was very dis-organised and the child stagnated. I know of a teacher who took herself and her children out of JESS and I have a friend who moved to another gulf state with her child who had been in JAPS since FS and her child is happier now and her needs are being met in a way that they never were in JAPS. My point is, guaranteeing someone that their child will be happy if they move to any of these schools is ridiculous as every child is different, their needs are different and every teacher is [u'>NOT[/u'> very good just because they are working in these schools. I have lived here on and off for quite a few years and I am a teacher. There are so many authorities on education in this country/on these boards who sometimes, quite frankly, haven't a clue. Unless you are in a school as a parent (for more than a wet weekend) or more tellingly as a member of staff, you cannot know what's really going on For the people concerned about staff leaving schools. In every profession, there is movement every so often. As not for profit schools, DESS&lt;JESS&lt;JAPS pay more than for profit schools and like with you or your partner people move for a better deal, traditionally, teaching is simply not well paid. IF there is high staff turnover every 2 years, that is a major red flag. If your child's school is following the curriculum correctly (this is where parents need to do their research and be informed and up to date),they see that their child is happy and [u'>progressing[/u'> and their individual needs are being met, well that in my opinion and experience is a 'good' school. edited by darlingboys on 12/01/2015 I agree with this, even though my kids are at DESS. I love the school and have no complaints, but have no doubt that there are many other good schools out there. Also, JESS in particular has way too strong an academic focus for my liking. I wouldn't want that for my kids but totally understand how some parents do. I really like the idea of not for profit schools though. The worst is when a good school like Horizon gets bought out and turned into a cost-cutting and money making enterprise that will ultimately have adverse effects on education. <em>edited by Tru Blu on 21/02/2015</em>