I don't find I use it that much in conversation Knitting, I think it is pretty much on a par with "on the contrary" in English, ie used infrequently. But it is used every now and then (more often than not, as you say, in formal business meetings/ serious radio discussions/in written communication).
Colloquially, I think you would say "non, c'est l'inverse" or more directly, "non, ce n'est pas vrai".
I still try to dissuade dd from using 'got'!
That is very reassuring about your dh and langs btw - thank you - wish dd would look up words in a dictionary so assiduously!! (We've bought her loads but they are rarely opened!) She does read lots in French though. And she occasionally deigns to look up a word on the Internet!
I need to look at the lang situation long term I know, but at the same time, it's important dd doesn't get behind from the start. I just worry that we are setting her up to fail and the task ahead is too hard. (It was bad enough in primary when I could keep up; it's going to get much, much harder.) We'll just have to see, and have another opp to meet teachers end of Oct so will assess then.
Good to hear your garden now the cause of so much pleasure after all of your hard work!
Astimegoesby Cannot find your thread! It must be really worrying for you when your ds goes without food at lunch. I would hate that. Hope general wisdom of Mumsnet comes up with some solutions for you.
Good you have got to the bottom of the cause of your allergies! Amazing that an allergy can be triggered by carrying keys! I have the old-fashioned plaster issue too.
I try and do the "all sit down and eat the same thing" thing (mainly owing to major laziness and not wanting to cook different things) but I can see if it is totally different if allergies involved or strong dislikes and I cheat anyway because I only tend to cook what I know dd will eat. Dh and I eat v differently when on our own.
[Couldn't believe it last night. DD and a friend were nibbling on crisps and dips prior to dinner with friends. I overheard her asking about the hummus and trying it and saying it was "quite nice"!! Couldn't believe it! I have been trying to get her to eat hummus for about 6 years!! Peer pressure can be v helpful sometimes!]
Can'tsee can see mini batch cooking is a brilliant solution to stopping waste and worry and hadn't thought before about all the implications of not being able to eat out, or school trips etc. Must be so difficult.
But glad EU legislation (about the fish and chips) good for something occasionally 
[If you want the ref it is www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/food-allergen-labelling-technical-guidance.pdf - happen to know this as it is something we deal with in office occasionally]
Glad you are feeling better Fuzzpig! Good luck with the Flying!
Dh getting ready for long business trip today. Usual chaos of getting ready. DD over-tired and snippy. Furry one a bit barky. He is very attached to dh and can sense when he is going and goes and lies in his suitcase 
. I know from experience there is absolutely no point in doing Flying until dh has vacated premises as he usually leaves a tornado trail of clothes and papers and cables in his wake ...
Big waves to everyone else!