Would it be insane (as a lone parent/mature student) to move to London with a small child?

[snotbuster]

I am currently doing a degree and would love to move to London to do my MA next year (would help my 'career' a lot to be there). DS is 2.6 now and goes to nursery 2 days a week, to his Dad's a further 2 days (which I'm not all that happy about) and I get a lot of help/support from my parents who live reasonably near to us.
If I just had myself to consider I would have no hesitation in going - providing I get into a course! But really don't want DS to suffer and worry that it would be hard going for both of us without the family support we have here.
I would make sure that DS still saw his Dad reasonably regularly but, as XP is not the most responsible person, I would be relieved if they had less contact than they currently do.
I have a few friends in London but they all live in different areas and not sure how much help I could expect from any of them. Other worry is that we have a fairly nice house/garden here (though in a slightly dodgy area) but not sure I could afford similar in London. DS spends loads of time in the garden so would be hard for him if we ended up without any outdoor space.
Would welcome advice as this is the 'pipe dream' that keeps me going but would love to turn it into a reality that was good for both DS and I.

I think that London is a fantastic place to bring children up. Your son is young enough to adapt easily.
As for contacts you have school friends and work colleagues to meet, plus there are loads of amazing parks and really so much to do with children, you will be spoilt for choice!
Go for it

could you wait until he goes to school?
as brigadoon says, you pick up so much in the way of support and networks at the school gates (I emigrated and lived 6 months without school and when it started it opened up a new world for me)

Yes - thank you - that's part of what I'm trying to figure out. We could either go next year (when he'd still be nursery/preschool age) or a year later when he'd be ready to start school, which would give me more child free time to study. Would kind of like to go soon though!

bumping at busier time!

I Love London, it is a fab place to bring up kids!

BUT I have a few single-mum friends with school-age kids (partic boys) who do not have family nearby and life can be very hard for them. When the kids were at nursery, it was OK as they were well cared for all day till 6, but now they hav eto juggle after-school clubs, aupairs, etc and their own jobs. Many of the boys are finding it quite tricky and are not always the easiest at home or school. This is very tiring ans demoralising for them as they have no family to help out nearby.

I guess I'm saying that although London is brilliant, don't underestimate the usefulness of family support nearby as your son gets older - 7yo boys need a lot of exercise and guidance and love and patience and family can help with that!

I moved to London to do my MSc with DD who was four at the time. I'm also a single parent. In terms of childcare costs, would they be covered if you were to do an MA? (I know they are at undergraduate level, but I don't think much was offered at postgrad level). I was lucky that DD started in Reception at school and could go to after-school club if I had lectures/seminars etc. I also have family in London who were great at helping out.

In terms of location, I've been really lucky in finding a place to rent with lovely garden near to a good school and only 20 minutes by tube to Central London. The rent was covered by Housing Benefit when I was studying, and I claimed Income Support and Child Tax Credits. I live in Highgate (have to pay all bills myself now as am working), which is fairly expensive, but if you look more at the suburbs then rent isn't too bad. Finchley and Hampstead Garden Suburb have some nice places for rent with green space and good schools (I only really know North London).

London is fab for kids and single parents, but it's an extremely expensive place to live. have you considered costs?