Moving to Newcastle - recommendations & advice please!

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Hi Mumsnetters,

We will be moving to Newcastle (from London) in 3-4 months. I'm already finding the thought of moving with a DS (who has a few (now mild) medical issues and really hates change) slightly daunting. We have no contacts there and I have never visited - although I've heard it's a friendly place.

We're moving as it's a good career move for OH and we can hopefully offer DS a better life there - a similar job here would not really change our current situation.

I'd be grateful if anyone can recommend:

• A reliable removals company that could pack
• Nice areas for a young family which are commutable to the centre of town (we'd be renting on a budget of, approx. £600 pcm) and near a nice park - the plan is to eventually buy.

- Good nurseries for a 2.5 year old which have some decent outdoor space

• Nice, friendly toddler groups (it took me a while to make good Mum friends here)
• Other ways to meet Mums (I'll be freelancing for some companies in London 2 days/week while DS is in nursery so won't meet anyone there while working).

Many thanks if you've got to the bottom and for any recommendations/advice you can share! x

I only know East Newcastle really but I will throw a few ideas in re schools.

I'd consider getting in catchment for;

South Gosforth First School

Cragside Primary

If you're Catholic

St Oswald's in Gosforth

St Teresa's in Heaton.

As far as early years private nurseries I have heard that the new nursery Kids 1st in Jesmond is good.

The great North children's hospital is based at the rvi and I've good experiences with them (although allergies rather than gastrointestinal and neuro).

My brother is an adult but travels from the west coast to Newcastle for his complex neuro care.

Thanks, AmyInTheBoonies - Cragside has come up before but will take a look at SGFS.

Sam - thanks, that bodes well for DS' care. I could just keep attending our appointments in London (I think?) and it would give us an excuse to meet with London friends when we come for appointments but if the hospital's relevant departments are fine in Newcastle, I'd rather transfer to them.

The coast really isn't much colder than further inland! Places such as Monkseaton/West Monkseaton are just up from Whitley Bay and there is so much here for families! The schools are excellent too- we have a 3 tier system which has fantastic schools right through.
We moved to the coast several years ago with a toddler and it was absolutely the best decision for us.
DH and I both work just outside of Newcastle and although we both drive, the Metro is a brilliant amenity.

I really like Heaton it has a lovely feel to it, lots of interesting quirky cafes etc. When you pick an area, make contact with charity called napi (newcastle action for parent and toddler initiative) that will give you a full list of all toddler groups across the city, with price days they run, what they offer etc. They have a website and a Facebook page and know all there is to know about toddler groups .

Schools wise in low Fell look at catchments for Kell's Lane and Oakfield schools both excellent but both very different. If you pick Low Fell as a serious area for contention feel free to PM me some questions and I'll suggest some different things to look at and Google to give you a feel.

You can in principle carry on with a appointments in London but you might have to persuade fairly hard to get taken back on if you give them up.

Db has severe brain damage and epilepsy with vagus nerve stimulator. DM is happy with the care in Newcastle as they are prepared to listen to her experience when managing his Meds.

I do the commute to London regularly and it is nice and quick

My experience with the Great North Children's hospital was good, though not those areas.
Archibald First School and Archbishop Runcie First School in Gosforth are both Ofsted outstanding, and the Middle schools they feed into are good/outstanding. They all go on to Gosforth High (Academy)also outstanding.

We live out by the coast on Northumberland now. Not much colder than Newcastle itself if I'm honest so don't rule it out, and despite being fairly North I can be in Newcastle within 30 minutes so good for commuting.

The Great North Children's Hospital is very good, i don't have masses of experience with it (DD1 had to go for testing for epilepsy and DD2 has some allergy issues) but all of my experiences have been extremely positive.

In terms of nurseries, I can advise looking at the Northumbria Uni Nursery if you decide to go central, we sent DD1 there and it really is a lovely place.

Oh yes, come south of the river. Low Fell is lovely. I live in a less upmarket bit of Gateshead but am often in Low Fell because it's got great amenities for kids. Lots of groups etc going on, and really Gateshead feels like part of Newcastle. DH cycles to his work in Newcastle City centre and has got it down to 8min door-to-door!

Dd has very complex medical needs. Newcastle RVI is flipping amazing for paediatric care and we are so, so glad we live here because of it.

Please feel free to PM if you fancy a coffee once you're up here. Why aye.

Hi Everyone, I'm feeling more confident about moving and have lots to go on - research-wise - thank you for your time and kindness .

Cataline - good to know you love it with your toddler. I haven't ruled out the coast - I do wonder if it will help DS sleep better.
Birdsdestiny - napi is an awesome tip - thank you.
TheInternetIsForPorn - Low Fell is going to be one of the first places I scout out on a day trip - I'll definitely PM you if it's a go-er for us. Thanks x

SamPotatoes, JulesJules, RayofFuckingSunshine, theeyeofthetigerbread - I really appreciate you all sharing your area knowlege and experience of the hospital. Puts my mind at rest.

@ FeckinCrutches we're about to make the move to Newcastle from Surrey, do you mind me asking, how much you paid Rapid Transport for your moves, please? The whole removal business is a mindfield. Thank you