19 h. ago House builder supports West Lothian School Bank with bumper donation

Miller Homes’ donation to The School Bank West Lothian will go towards providing schools with “camp clothing packs” to ensure that every child has a chance to fully participate in school camp trips.

Politics

58 h. ago We were treated like monsters for taking our child out of school for 16 days. I stood in the same dock as murderers, rapists and child abusers... things must change: LAURA GRAY

Murderers, rapists and child abusers had stood in the same dock in King's Lynn Magistrates' Court in Norfolk where my partner, Philip, and I were found guilty.

Events

68 h. ago Lucy Bronze praises Spanish players for speaking out during Luis Rubiales trial

‘It’s incredibly brave,’ says former Barcelona defenderEngland play Portugal in Nations League on FridayLucy Bronze described the Spanish players who were involved in the trial of Luis Rubiales as “incredibly brave” and said England players stood with them in their fight for change, on the day the former head of the Spanish football federation was found guilty of sexual assault.Speaking before England play Portugal on Friday and Spain on Wednesday in the Nations League, and shortly before the verdict, Bronze, who was a teammate of several of the players involved in the trial during her time at Barcelona, said: “I am good friends with a lot of the players involved around it. From my point of view, knowing them, it’s been incredible that these players have had to go through that. Continue reading...

Sport

4 d. ago Melanie Sykes calls Celebrity Juice an 'abomination' as she blasts Gino D'Acampo

Gino D'Acampo's former colleague Melanie Sykes took aim at the ITV for 'creating monsters' and said she 'wanted to die' over her treatment on Celebrity Juice

Politics

4 d. ago Children are starting school unable to sit up or hold a pencil – and I know the culprit | Kathryn Peckham

As an early years specialist, I’ve seen the drastic impact of screens replacing physical activity and face-to-face interactionAs an early years education specialist, over the past decade I have seen children enter classrooms with fewer and fewer of the skills needed to begin their formal education. The key culprit, in my opinion? Screen time.On a child’s first day at school, it’s normal to expect a few nerves. But they should be able to move around confidently, pick up stationery, make new friends, build a relationship with their teacher and start to feel part of a wider community. Instead, a recent survey reported that some children in England and Wales are unable to sit up or hold a pencil. I have seen kids racked with separation anxiety and unable to form bonds. Upset and confused, they miss instructions and hold back or lash out. To a busy teacher this looks like a lack of ability, or a disruptive child to be managed. Children are simply being set up to fail.Kathryn Peckham is a...

Politics

5 d. ago Laxatives and nappies: how schools are coping with constipation in pupils

One headteacher says diet, exercise and lack of water are factors in rise of casesPrimary-age child constipation rates up 60% in England and WalesLaxatives in the school medical cabinet, nappies in case of accidents, and hospital admissions for the most severe cases are being reported by teachers in England, suggesting that constipation is an increasing problem for their pupils.While constipation is known to be a common problem in children, teachers say they are being asked to administer more laxatives like Movicol which have been prescribed by GPs to their pupils. In the most concerning cases it can lead to surgery, while in others school avoidance, because of embarrassment and discomfort. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago My whole life has been one dramatic crisis after another | Ask Philippa

Perhaps the problem might not be the world itself, but the way you see itThe question I am writing to you from the edge of the abyss Hello! Despite the privileges I’ve had, my life has been a constant struggle. Since I was four, I’ve had little joie de vivre, thanks to a stew of mental health issues, a difficult home life and a recent discovery that I’m on the autistic spectrum. I don’t blame my autism for everything – my personality would be difficult regardless – but it explains a lot.My life runs in cycles: denial of my feelings, stoicism, breaking point, sabotage and starting over. As a child, I’d bottle up frustrations at school, only to explode at home. In adulthood, these meltdowns have been more dramatic: quitting jobs, a half-baked suicide attempt, tantrums and, my biggest regret, the Pixie Cut Year. I’ve navigated life like the Charge of the Light Brigade, with little to show for it. I’ve had a string of odd jobs, television (ended in legal dispute), the Royal Albert Hall ...

Events