Children and Liveaboards

[pamd]

Am currently researching the possibility of living onboard a barge or something similar on the Broads. Does anyone have any information or experience on children and liveaboards - ie schooling and the need for a permanent address?? Is there any ways around it if you dont have a permanent address. Any help or advice you could give me would be really useful and extremely welcome. Thank you!

[Roy]

Hi pamd,
Welcome to the forum.

If you are thinking of a barge on the Broads, you will need to consider size,
as there are size restrictions on the Broads, which would restrict you to
what parts of the Broads you can't go and a limit to the time you can cruise
on the parts that you can.
For details of this CLICK HERE

There are no official Residential moorings on the broads, but a number of alternatives.
to see what they are CLICK HERE

An address can often be a problem. Most boat yards/marinas are not keen on taking in your mail.
The local Post Office will usually take in your mail, but that's not a permanent address.
If you have a friend or relation who is willing to let you use their addresss, that could be the answer.

With regard to children, when we first lived on a boat we had our two girls with us,
aged 12 & 14 at the time. They continued at the same school, so not a problem.
They enjoyed the life on the water, and now in their 30s with their own children, often
talk with fond memories of their time living on the boat.
Sorry I can't be more helpfull on the school question.

Hope the above is of help to you, and I hope I haven't put you off in any way,
because it's a great way of life. there is usually a way round most problems.
You will find lots of answers to your questions in the forum posts.

Please feel free to ask any questions... can't garuantee we have the answers but we'll try.

Good luck with your research, please keep us informed how you get on.

[pamd]

Thanks for that information which is a great help. We are not new to the Broads, my partner is already living on his boat and works on the Broads but we are just collating information and trying to hurdle the obstacles as best we can at the moment.

My children are quite young, so school places could be an issue if we dont have a permanent address and also as they get older and want to get a driving licence or a bank account. You've given us food for thought and lots to think about. I am sure we will be dipping in and out of the Forum for help and advice.

Thank you!!
Pam

[lockhart]

Hi Pam, welcome aboard the Forum.
I can't add much to Roys answer but I'm sure that between us on the Forum we will be able to help you get over or round any hurdles you come across.

Martin.