Pip pip! Moving to England and have questions

[cassandra]

Oh dear Jbeany, its called 'creating employment'
Come to think of it,,,never saw a vacancy for that really.
Must look into that tomorrow.

love Cas

[MooseMom]

Oh, how I used to rail against the TV license!  That seemed to be the most bizarre thing to me, but like everything else, I just got used to it and now mourn the days of no commercials on the major networks.  But then Sky appeared, and suddenly we had to pay both the TV license AND fees for cable. 

Rupert Murdoch changed the media landscape in Britain forever.  It really was because of him and Sky that the Premiere League was created.

[cariad]

Doesn't anyone else in America remember Ma Bell knocking on the door to count your phones? I guess there was some sort of per-phone fee? I have a vague memory of my parents hearing the door and scurrying round frantically whispering 'hide the phones, hide the phones!!!'

I am fine with paying a television license. We won't be getting cable and it's only something like 300 quid a year, right? I think they should just tack it on to everyone's taxes and stop spending more money than they can stand to gain by hunting for freeloaders. You don't get excused from paying for schools just because you don't have kids, so why worry about giving a small break to people who shun television. But I suspect you're onto something there with the creating jobs comment, Cas.

OK, this is probably my greatest concern, and it's a general opinion question so may not be easy to answer. How have you or your friends/neighbours/acquaintances been affected by the austerity measures? Do you feel a real difference from it in your daily lives? Are services more difficult to access? Have they slashed school funding?

As an example, here is how Scott Walker's measures have affected my kids' schools: they lost SAGE funding, only to regain it in the eleventh hour. SAGE keeps the younger class sizes (grade 3 and below) at 15-18 max. Our librarian was supposed to be replaced by occasional volunteers, but la directoria pulled some magic out and found the money. She lost her AP (assistant principal) and we lost math and literacy aids who had years of positive results to show for their efforts. We lost our art teacher, so the individual teachers had to pick up that slack. Have not had music in ages, so I rang the Milwaukee Symphony and La Directoria listened to my information and managed to enroll the school in their community program. We lost physical education, but the PTA held a fundraiser for a program called PlayWorks that trains young people (Aidan was one) to be coaches, and they have an anti-bullying theme. In short, the school had too many kids in the older grades and no support staff, so the parents and administrators had to be creative and collaborate in order to piece together what they could. It's not as good as having an art or PE teacher, or math/literacy coaches, but I feel like my kids still got a decent (not brilliant) education. Then we pay for the afterschool program, and that is nothing short of superb, but is not really meant to be academic.

So, that is the sort of information I would love to hear - anyone with personal experiences in how austerity has changed schools, the NHS, or any other service/program that you might access there (and we will probably need one day).

Also, still would love to hear any further information about specialist schools for foreign language.

Thanks everyone. Gwyn made it and meets with his (presumptive) new employers in a matter of hours.

[cariad]

You need a telly licence if you're watching or recording 'live' telly shows, whether it be on the computer, on the telly, on your phone or via a games console.

You might find this site useful ... lots of info on lots of things: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/

Also, I was looking for something and found this, which made me think of you.  I don't actually agree with league tables, but you might find it useful, although I expect you've stumbled upon it already: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/

 

Yay, thanks for the links, Poppy! The schools one was exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. Now if I can only find a site where parents review the schools as, like you, I think there's only so much one can learn from test scores and other stats. On greatschools.org, if the parent reviews aren't almost all 5 stars, I keep looking no matter how high the school is ranked academically. I imagine I can find parents writing their thoughts about schools if I just google individual school names. Otherwise, I'll ask the school administration to connect me with established parents once we're over there.

[cassandra]

I don't have kids, but when I did my workplacement for my Modern Language Teacher in some schools, I found them all below my Dutch language classes experiences, and very different per school. But still was impressed with the enthusiasm from the kids themselves. Most schools offered Spanish, German, and French. Think I also saw some offering Chinese. This was more than 10 yrs ago though.

TV license is £145 a yr at the moment.

I personally haven't noticed anything from the austerity measures here. I do know that my consultants in the NHS had to sign up to a knew contract though. They weren't happy about that, but I know they are still very well paid.

I have to prepare my 'I want to have Nxstage home hemo now' packet for my appointment Wednesday, otherwise I would Google some 'parent opinions about their schools' sites. I'm sure there's quite some around, as some parents are really involved.

Good luck with your preparations for your journey Cariad.

lots of love Cas

[cariad]

TV license is 145 quid? Has it dropped, I thought it was over 200 pounds more than 10 years ago when we were there. Oh, British people. Our cable bills have all sorts of nonsense fees like Universal Something Charge - 12 pound per month seems entirely reasonable. OK, I'll shut up....

I am hoping to find an immersion program, a school that will be similar to what we are leaving, in that they will teach history, science, maths in Spanish. I find that the hour a day of going over grammar and having kids engage in mock discussions that I had does not really lead to true fluency. However, I'll take what I can get and look into tutoring. I think Aidan is overwhelmed with his 3 languages, Liot claims he wants to learn *all* languages, but he is also a kid who will say he speaks 'a bit' of French because he can say 'Bonjour'. I'd like them to learn Chinese or Arabic, might be a tough sell, though. French would be great, too, because I know enough to be able to help so long as I take a bit of time to refresh.

Oh! I just realised, I can take Welsh! Even if I have to drive over the border, but I would hope that England would offer the Celtic languages. (I'd also hope that America would offer some American Indian languages, but I've never seen it.)

Walker's policies have not affected us that much, but then we're middle class. (There are so few of us left!) If a person were to ask me if he/she should move to Wisconsin, I would advise against it though, especially if that person is a teacher. Our friend is a special needs teacher and he says that they now have the students grading the teachers via surveys and this affects their school record. Special needs or not, I don't think children should be given this power. How can a teacher do a proper job if any sort of discipline or challenges to the students can come back to hurt them in the end? It's idiocy. I had massive problems with my younger son's teacher, I could have lodged a formal complaint (when she did not escalate bullying reports) but I am an adult who has perspective on what matters and what is just holding a silly grudge. Anyhow, we have high property taxes and in return for that we are supposed to have some of the best schools in the country. Ha!

[MooseMom]

Cariad, re austerity measures and how they affect people, you know my son still lives over there and is mildly autistic.  He used to attend a special needs after school/evening club once a week.  They'd play basketball or do all sorts of activities.  The club lost funding for that, so he has lost that particular conduit for socializing which, for someone with autism, is critical.

He will also probably lose his DLA (disability living allowance).  He has to reapply for that every few years so that his needs can be updated and reevaluated, so upon the current reevaluation, it is quite possible that he will lose it altogether.

[cariad]

Cariad, re austerity measures and how they affect people, you know my son still lives over there and is mildly autistic.  He used to attend a special needs after school/evening club once a week.  They'd play basketball or do all sorts of activities.  The club lost funding for that, so he has lost that particular conduit for socializing which, for someone with autism, is critical.

He will also probably lose his DLA (disability living allowance).  He has to reapply for that every few years so that his needs can be updated and reevaluated, so upon the current reevaluation, it is quite possible that he will lose it altogether.

Oh, this makes me sad. My sons' afterschool is basically a social club for little kids, with some of the coolest adults you'd ever want to meet in charge. My kids get to go every day, and all day in summer, and they still hate it when I pick them up even 30 minutes early. I cannot imagine losing something so precious to them.

This reminds me of when the political group I was involved in had a letter writing campaign. We held a town hall meeting and had hundreds of attendees write letters about how Walker's school cuts affected them. We then divided all the names in the legislature among about 10 of us, and emailed them a few times a week, attaching these scanned letters as well. We were told not to bother translating the Spanish ones, but there was one that I just had to translate because I wanted to make sure that all of the reps on my list understood it. I just went back to remind myself what it said:
I have 3 kids in xxxxxx School and they want to take away the camp where they help them to do their homework and I, S-----, and my wife A----- don't have much school education and that's why I'm asking that you keep the camp. My kids are depending on you. [full name of daughter], [full name of son], [full name of daughter]. I am asking you, please, and may God bless you.
I remember I had to read the letter out to myself because he had written everything phonetically, the way he must pronounce it, and letters were missing or the wrong letters were used. To me, it just made it more poignant, but that's the difference between me and a politician.

I hope it all works out for your boy, MM.

[MooseMom]

There's not much incentive to fund support for the disabled or the ill, no matter which country we live in, I suppose.  It's a throwaway population.  What I find interesting is that the Church of England often complains about how the nation is becoming more and more secular, while here in the US, personal religion interjects itself more and more into our political lives.  Yet in both nations, the ill and the disabled and the poor are becoming more and more marginalized.  The result seems to be the same whether you are guided by God or not.  Maybe as a cultural anthropologist, you can shed some light onto why that is.

[jbeany]

Some of my guesses -

If you don't acknowledge it exists, it won't happen to you.

And there's always the Victorian belief that the poor and sick got what they deserved because they were being punished by God for their sins.  That one still has legs, even if no one says it out loud anymore.

Here in America, there's the You should just get a job attitude that comes from generations of immigrants who left behind everything they know so they could come get a job.

The Republican election year theory that taxpayers shouldn't have to fund things because it ought to be "neighbor helping neighbor" cracks me up.  After all, the ones saying it never have any neighbors who need help.  The minute they do need help - they have to move to a cheaper neighborhood!

[amanda100wilson]

Yeah, like neighbors can pay for dialysis care and all the paraphernalia that comes with it.  I'm from the UK and live in the South where everyone troops to church each Sunday and seem to me be predominantly Republican.  I always wonder where the neighbor helping neighbor goes when healthcare is mentioned and the help needs to come,out of someone's pocket.  I am always surprised about the crap that is publicized by Republicans about the UK healthcare system, much of it factually incorrect.  What they fail to mention when they are knocking our healthcare system, that it is also possible to purchase private health insurance if you don't like the wait on the NHS (not that everyone can afford it just as not everyone can afford I durance over here).  Mind you private health care is very restrictive in what it will cover, and for any serious health condition, the NHS still does a pretty good.  I never noticed any difference in care when it comes to ESRD.

[MooseMom]

Amanda, when I lived in the UK, we had BUPA through my then-husband's employer.  It was good for acute illnesses and accidents but wasn't really set up to deal with chronic conditions.  But that was 10 years ago.  Things might have changed.

I was in an NHS hospital for 6 weeks during my pregnancy and through delivery.  I got great care, but the hospital wasn't fancy.  I walked out of that place without being issued a single bill.  That still amazes me.

Can you imagine having to rely on "your community" or your church to pay for your dialysis?  Not gonna happen.  I don't think any amount of fundraisers is going to pay for five years of dialysis.

[cariad]

When we first moved to Milwaukee, Gwyn had a job with a world-renowned company and benefits to rival Microsoft. I did not receive a single bill for having either one of my children and we paid no premiums, no co-pays, no co-insurance and had a zero dollar deductible. Then the company encountered financial difficulties (like all of automotive) and drove out many employees, including Gwyn. We were on their COBRA and so we continued to receive their employee literature about health care. They sent a glossy brochure out with the head of engineering on the cover, on a treadmill. Reading through the brochure, we learned that this company had found out that their benefits placed their healthcare plan within the top tier of American companies, and they stated outright that their goal was only to be in the top 50%. They were bringing premiums, deductibles, and all the rest to town, and this stupid brochure was, I guess, supposed to soften the blow. It softened the blow for us when we left their healthcare plan. In those intervening 5+ years, with each job change we pay higher premiums, higher co-pays, higher co-insurance, and higher deductibles - the indecipherable portion of insurance. (There always seems to be some moment in trying to follow all the math in this that an insurance agent will just hide behind the word 'deductible' and try to end the conversation.) We are now to the point where an ER visit costs $200, a co-pay for a GP costs $30, our family deductible is in the thousands, and UH has said it's in our plan that if Medicare pays more than what they would have paid as primary, then they don't pay anything. DO TELL ME HOW THAT MAKES SENSE, UNITED HEALTHCARE!!!!

We are leaving all this sh!te behind with no regrets.

When it comes to covering people who need healthcare, there is a prevailing attitude that I detect that if you really, really wanted to, you could get better. In my personal life I have not really encountered this, but I hear that insinuation constantly from the likes of Ron Paul. He made a statement that "Well, if you don't take care of yourself, then you're going to have to rely on your family and charities to help you." That man is a doctor, or as I think of it "doctor". He is a federal employee leeching off the system, by his own calculus. I think we taxpayers have a right to see his healthcare bills. After all, we're paying them.

I think the idea that people who get illness deserve it actually goes back to the beginning of human thought, the idea that there must be a reason for everything, and that the reason will support one's own worldview. Genesis says women deserve to be in pain when they are giving birth, and I am sure there are earlier examples of writings explaining why people suffer, and that it's fair and right that they do.

[Poppylicious]

I was in an NHS hospital for 6 weeks during my pregnancy and through delivery.  I got great care, but the hospital wasn't fancy.  I walked out of that place without being issued a single bill.  That still amazes me.

Definitely not fancy.  When we see shows set in American hospitals they're always beautifully maintained with bright colours and fancy flowers, but I never know if this is reality or for viewing pleasure.  So the environment may not be classy and appealing (they do try sometimes though!) but the care is usually good to excellent, from professionals who want to do the best they can.  I'm willing to never have to look at brightly coloured walls in the hospital if it means I never have to worry about getting a bill just because I stupidly had an accident or became chronically ill.

cariad, I worry that your children are going to be so disappointed with life in England after their amazing adventures with clubs in the US! 

[jbeany]

The big, well-funded teaching hospitals tend to look as lovely as the ones on tv, with art work on display, and lots of plants and comfy resting areas.  The little local hospitals - not so much!

[MooseMom]

Poppy, I certainly didn't care about being in a fancy hospital.  I was in hospital for six weeks, and for the first 4 weeks, I was in a small 3-bed ward for prenatal patients.  I know this sounds weird, but that time gave me some of the most fun days of my life.  Different women would come and go, and I witnessed some amazing stories and experiences.  We seemed to have a slumber party every night.  I got great care, and that's all I care about.

I used to volunteer at our local community hospital.  They've recently built new patient rooms, and my God, they are spectacular.  The hospital has a valet and a concierge service.  There is a pianist in the main lobby.  The nurses are award-winning, and the care I've received there has always been good.  But the accoutrements are just sorta creepy to me.  It just seems like the money for all of this could be better spent elsewhere.  But the money for all of this does come from contributions and fundraising, so I guess it's OK.  Still, I dunno...

[cariad]

cariad, I worry that your children are going to be so disappointed with life in England after their amazing adventures with clubs in the US!

For them, it's the people more than the experiences. I am so glad that they got to go on all of these different excursions, but it would mean very little to them without their friends. I am hoping that we will find an extended care program and a summer program for them where they can forge these amazing bonds with other children. My older son taught me several of these dice games that he plays with his friends at the summer program. I keep dice in my handbag now because he says that he and his friends can play these games for hours and have a ball. Also, I think sports will be a key aspect of a smooth transition. Aidan has said he wants to move to the UK because "they take soccer seriously there". Liot wants to move to England because their uncle is a vet and I told them they could get a dog once we move overseas since we'll have cheap vet bills and won't have to put an animal through quarantine. (Must find a house to let that accepts dogs.) I am thinking Portuguese Water Dog (like the Obamas have). I met one in person and they seem really sweet and playful, don't shed, not overly large. Gwyn was thinking one of those Welsh dogs that herds sheep but I cannot remember what they are called, but we watched a competition with these dogs in Wales, and the dogs were all trained in the Welsh language.

I'd be lying if I said I'm not worried about the boys through all of this. Aidan is used to being Mr. Popularity, and I am not sure if his American humor will translate well. Liot, well, he can be so contrary and takes most things so personally, but we're working on that. He has never had a problem making friends, so I hope that will be no different in the UK.

None of this is official yet, but should be by Monday. Otherwise, I will start to be concerned.

[cariad]

Costco UK - do they sell bedroom furniture and mattresses?

I make no secret of my undying love for Costco, so my father actually, of his own volition, went online and found that there is one in Birmingham! Woohoo! I went to their site and it appears that they are sticking to the original Costco/Price Club concept, that this is for business owners, however, the business owners that they claim they cater to include small hoteliers. The site only mentions 'office furniture' however.

We are trying to decide what is worth paying to ship over and what we want to sell here. I hope Costco start online ordering in the UK. I don't use the online service very often, but when I do they are superb.

Also, I think I've found a local school that looks wonderful for the boys, but it is not Spanish immersion. What I think we will probably do is rent in a postcode that has a top school and use that as a fallback should we be unable to find a specialist school that meets our needs/wants.

Amazon UK sells plasma cars! If we don't want to deal with shipping them - they are light, but bulky, we can get them over there for no more than the cost over here! Hurrah!

I think I will suggest to Gwyn that we get a new laptop, or maybe even two. Our latest laptop has a cracked screen and is now over 3 years old. Just checking briefly on Macbook prices, we could save 40% or more buying here with my student discount.

[cariad]

The rain is really getting to me, but at least the sun has been making appearances and everything shimmers and seems hopeful again.

Aidan confided something in me - that even if we could do, he would not want us to get an exact replica of our house in Milwaukee built here because "that would be like living in Milwaukee and having all my friends move away and all new people move in."

We visited a school today. I sat in the car most of the time finishing American Pastoral which will now forever be seared in my memory as that book I was reading at the time of The Big Move. Anyhow, the kids played outside on the assault course while Gwyn talked to the headmaster whom Gwyn really liked. They have room and they think the boys won't be picked on for their American origins which is good because they both can give back pretty hard. I did not have that feeling of We are home that I am seeking, so the search continues. This was a school recommended by a letting agent in a village outside quite a large city. I did have that feeling while driving though another town, but then we got to the dodgy part of the city and it faded. I want to fall in love but then there's all that practical crap like can we afford it and will G be able to manage the commute. Sigh. I am terrible at settling for less than exactly what I want.

[cassandra]

Well surprise, surprise the sun is out, and its dry!!!!     Cariad I still don't know where abouts you are, but if you need anything, or you think I can help, just let me know, and I mail you my phonenumbers etc.

Take care, and lots of love Cas

[cariad]

Aw, Cas, how sweet of you to offer. We are in the Midlands. Things are slowly coming together for us but once things are more settled I would love to connect with you. I will shoot you a message once we are moved into a more permanent abode.

Speaking of, wasn't there to be some sort of UK IHD meet-up? Are we stalled on that?

The boys start school tomorrow at the most adorable place. First barrier cleared! The school is located in a medium-sized city and the headmistress said the children are really nice and used to new children as people often move in and out of the area. There will even be an American in Dylan's class. (Did I mention that Liot decided to go by his middle name because it's Welsh? We're still adjusting, but the school knows him as Dylan though they pronounce it all wrong and it makes him a little crazy.) There will even be an American boy in Dylan's class!

They also have extended hours there with different activities for the kids. PE twice a week!!! With a paid teacher!!! The highest years (Aidan's class) are going to learn rugby which is Gwyn's sport so Aidan can hardly wait. No Spanish, will have to have a long think about that. French instead which is OK I suppose. Music and art, also by paid professionals. It all makes America seem so backward.

We saw a property to let this morning and are going to put an offer in. Cute place, perfect location. We will hopefully be buying within a year.

I already have loads of advice for anyone else considering emigrating here. They have made it near impossible so truly, check with someone who's done it before you make the jump - you'll have less of a headache.

Yesterday the weather was beautiful and we decided to barbecue out under the stars. There was music, a fire pit, and great food which Gwyn prepared, including the most incredible potatoes. The boys were allowed to have Fantas and ice creams for dessert and I read a chapter of the children's novel we are enjoying as a family aloud by torchlight. The owners of this cottage could not be more welcoming and gracious and that has made matters so much easier.

[cassandra]

I'm glad to hear you are sounding so positive, and are getting 'settled'. I'll be waiting for your message.

Good luck for you and your family,

love Cas

NB I'll start looking for the 'get together' thread, now   

[Poppylicious]

Did I mention that Liot decided to go by his middle name because it's Welsh? We're still adjusting, but the school knows him as Dylan though they pronounce it all wrong and it makes him a little crazy.

How does anyone pronounce Dylan incorrectly?!  Isn't there only one way of pronunciation?

They also have extended hours there with different activities for the kids. PE twice a week!!! With a paid teacher!!! The highest years (Aidan's class) are going to learn rugby which is Gwyn's sport so Aidan can hardly wait. No Spanish, will have to have a long think about that. French instead which is OK I suppose. Music and art, also by paid professionals. It all makes America seem so backward.

Just curious; is this a 'normal' public school (Local Authority/academy) or a private school, or even a new-fangled Free School?  If the former then it makes many of the schools in the UK seem backward too ...  (... and obviously you don't have to answer; it's none of my business!)

The sun has come out just in time for the return to school ... huzzah!

[cariad]

Did I mention that Liot decided to go by his middle name because it's Welsh? We're still adjusting, but the school knows him as Dylan though they pronounce it all wrong and it makes him a little crazy.

How does anyone pronounce Dylan incorrectly?!  Isn't there only one way of pronunciation?

Yes, this was news to me when I first met Gwyn, too.
Anglo pronunciation: DILL-in
Welsh pronunciation: DULL-ahn
Go to Dylan Thomas' home in Laugharne and they will pronounce it this way. I don't know iif that is how Dylan Thomas actually pronounced it when he was alive, but the Welsh like to think it is and they are terribly possessive of their own.

The boys seem to have had a great first day at school. Don't think the attempt to get teachers and classmates to pronounce Dylan like a native speaker were successful, so Dyl will just have to decide for himself whether he wants to endlessly correct everyone or just accept it. I switch back and forth in my pronunciation and have asked him to please give them all a break.

As I was leaving the school this morning I heard "Where are you from?" I knew it was the other American from Michigan (which all the English teachers were pronouncing 'Mitch-i-gan' ) I told her I had lived in Michigan too (did not mention how much I hated it) and we went to a cafe and talked a good long while. We have loads in common, down to her husband being offered a job at an electric car company in California - an offer they declined but since that was Gwyn's job in SoCal I knew exactly which company before she even said it. Her husband is British and they've had a nightmare of a time with this company sending him between England and America, so she was living alone two weeks out of every month for a while until the company sent her husband to England on an 8 week contract that has now been extended a full year. So her life is chaotic right now as well. They've also had some bad luck and she is too afraid to drive so she's a bit limited in where she can go on a daily basis, but she lives right around the corner from the school and is also minutes from a train station. She knows a few other Americans and says she wants to introduce me to them, so that should be helpful. I was trying to explain to her how to drive through a roundabout but I told her to ask Gwyn because he could explain the indication system best. I received my standing order prescription from Northwestern and the American mom told me that all I need to access the NHS is my passport but will need a proper visa to register with a GP.

I am a terrible driver here, but am feeling more confident every day. That might not be such a great thing, come to think of it, but there it is!

Thanks for the support you two! 

[okarol]

That's great that they liked school, it can be a huge hurdle if the don't!
I keep thinking of you, wondering what time it is - need to imagine what it's like - would love some photos!
Best wishes to you and the fam!