Lower Clapton, Hackney with kids, what is it like?

[Booklover]

Hi there, just wondered if anyone knows the above area or lives there? We consider moving there but I have mixed feelings about the area....Just wondered if anyone can give me some advice? Are there any nice parks, playgrounds, playgroups (Sure Start etc), nurseries?
Not to sure about the High Street either, where do you go for coffee etc? Also wondered about the levels of crime......

Hi, I know Lower Clapton quite a bit, I live on the other side of Hackney though. There are definetely lots of nice families living in LC, there are definetely two good schools, Rushmore and Millfields. I have used the tiny playground in Clapton square with my ds, the square is great for kids learning to ride bikes. I didn't like the look of the nurseries for little ones though, but they may have improved in the last few years. I think there is a playground in Millfields park, better double check though. There is definetely a playgroup on Lower Clapton Road at the Salvation Army, it runs pretty much every day. Chats Palace is also great for activities for bigger kids. From Lower Clapton you can also walk to the London Fields/Homerton and Victoria Park parts of Hackney where there are hundreds of Sure Start initiatives. As far as crime is concerned, as long as you take reasonable precautions you should be fine. I have lived in different parts of Hackney for many years without any problems.