Do you live in or around Tooting Bec?

[Kalypso]

If so, could you tell me a bit more about it?

At the moment, we're renting closer to Clapham South, but can't really afford to rent somewhere with two bedrooms there.

Would you say Tooting Bec is a good area for families with young children? Does it feel safe and friendly? Are there lots of activites (e.g. playgroups) for children? I know it's only just down the road and we have been there, but that doesn't necessarily tell you much about the area.

Thank you!

I'm in Clapham South, but know Tooting Bec quite well. There are lots of families there and certain amount of activities (although not quite at level of Northcote area) - depending on the age of your children, I would say the problem may be schooling as the best school is very oversubscribed Catholic one (St Anselm's). Fircroft and Fransiscan, the two non-church schools, are not nearly so well thought of. But then, schools in Clapham South are a bit of a lottery as well.

hi there,

i have just moved here a few months ago and it's a great place to be with kids. i have 2 kids (2years and 5 months) and i have met the friendliest mums here. There are loads of playgroups in tooting and furzedown. The best one is Friday frogs at the church at the bottom of church lane.

an example of a great community for families is a xmas party that was organised by a local mum in the church hall this saturday. loads of families attended and it was really good fun!

as for schools sellincourt has greatly improved and is doing really well. furzedown is also good as well as fircroft.

i would go for it and the houses are much cheaper!

Thank you both so much. Sorry for the late response - forgot to check this thread.

The information about schools is much appreciated. We actually had our heart set on one of the independent schools in SW11, which we may be able to afford, but if we can't then that's definitely something to take into consideration. DS is only 10 months at the moment, so we have plenty of time. Sonia, thanks for mentioning Furzedown and Fircroft - I will look into those.

The Christmas party sounds great! I love that kind of thing. I'm actually finding it a bit hard to meet other mums. I do get chatting to others at playgroups, but I'm trying to find a way of suggesting coffee (and a good natter, obviously) without it sounding like a come-on

Kalypso - i know exactly what you mean! i have moved from streatham to tooting and although i have met a few mums i too find it hard to take it further and swap numbers etc...! if you do move down here we can meet up. I have a 5 months old and a 2 year old.

Another vote for Tooting Bec, the Furzedown area especially.
I moved here 1.5 years ago and never looked back.
Lived in Battersea, Queenstown Road before and the change to quiet, friendly Furzedown was the best thing I've done moving wise.

I don't have many experiences with play groups and schools, DD is 2.6 and goes to nursery but I heard Penwortham is a good primary school and am thinking of sending my DD there.

I am sure you would love it here!

Thank you, it's really good to hear people like living here. We've put in an offer on a place in Tooting Bec, so fingers crossed!

Hello, I’m a kiwi nanny with over 20 years experience. I’m looking for a full time position in the tooting/ Balham area. I have excellent references which can be confirmed by previous employees all of won I am on good terms with.