Latest news with #schoolrun
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I ditched the UK for Spain & there's 3 things that make drop-offs so much nicer, my boys say school is ‘more relaxed'
A MOTHER who ditched life in the UK for sunny Spain has opened up on the 'biggest changes' she has experienced since moving abroad. After feeling fed up of working just to pay bills, mum-of-two Becky packed up her life and moved to Alicante, a port city on Spain's southeastern Costa Blanca, alongside her partner and two sons. 4 4 4 4 But now, the mother has got candid on her 'fresh start' as she shared the five things that have 'altered her brain chemistry since moving to Spain.' In a short clip uploaded online, the content creator posted a variety of snaps from Alicante and while she can't get used to the eating schedules, explained that she is a huge fan of the way those in Spain do the school drop-off. Not only does she prefer the school run in Spain, but her kids do too and have described it as 'more relaxed.' Becky confirmed that shortly after arriving, she experienced the 'school drop-off shock,' with three huge differences from that in the UK. She acknowledged that not only do teachers give students kisses on the cheek, but parents always casually hang around the gate after saying goodbye to their little darlings. And that's not all, as she also explained that unlike that in the UK, there is 'no chaotic morning rush,' making the whole experience much smoother and more chilled. Having said that, Becky has struggled to get on board with popular meal times in Spain and claimed that the 'eating schedules make no sense,' with many sitting down for lunch at 2pm and dinner at 9pm. Kelly has also had to adjust to seeing the local police at the school gates helping control traffic and was shocked to witness kids crossing the roads without parents accompanying them everyday. She also found the 'playground culture' a challenge at first, as she recognised that it is now 'normal' for children to go to the park at 8pm. Finally, she recognised that those in Spain are always throwing street parties, with parades, bright costumes and loud music. I quit my job and did a complete 180 moving to Spain - beer is just $3 a pint and my life is so much better She shone a light on the Spanish " carnavals," vibrant pre-Lenten festivals, as she explained: 'There's always a carnaval to celebrate.' The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ bex_from_rain_to_spain, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 61,700 views. Social media users were impressed with Becky's clip and many raced to the comments to praise her 'dream' life. One person said: 'It's freedom and less stress for parents, our nervous system loves it.' Another added: 'I love it. Spain is my dream.' A third commented: 'I love all of these things about living in Spain, except the meal times! I just can't get in the rhythm! But school drop off is such a vibe!' Meanwhile, one mother penned: 'Spanish school and the school run was the biggest culture shock for us too. I love it just seems a little more fun here!' In response, Becky wrote back and confirmed: 'That's what the boys tell me, 'it's just more relaxed here mum.'' Not only this, but another parent asked: 'If you don't mind me asking, how did the kids adjust? We would love to move over with our seven year old.' To this, Becky responded and shared: 'The kids have been amazing! 'Literally took it in their stride, also I no longer battle [getting] my little one into school in the morning.'
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Cartoon 'buddies' tackling Cornwall school parking issues
A scheme in Cornwall is aiming to tackle congestion and safety issues during the school coloured cartoon "Parking Buddies" signs have been placed outside primary schools in the county to stop motorists pulling up and stopping at the Council said the signs had been loaned out to schools for either a term or until the end of the academic year as part of a trial in a bid to encourage "behavioural change" from Williams, head teacher at Trenance Learning Academy, in Newquay - which is one of the schools piloting the project - said the signs had worked well for them. Mr Williams said mornings were usually very busy outside the school but the buddies had made it "a much safer place".He added: "More pedestrians are using the crossing because they can see where traffic is coming from."Parents enjoy them, the children enjoy them and I enjoy them." Along with Trenance, the signs are currently outside Sandy Hill Academy in St Austell and Stithians Community Primary council said the signs had also been used previously at Lostwithiel School and St Mewan Rogerson, the council's cabinet member for transport, said the project had been able to reach multiple schools across the Lib Dem councillor said: "The cost implication is quite low and the lasting benefit that we have seen is that it really does effect driving behaviour."
Times
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Times
Why does summer bring out all the smug couples?
I love everything about summer, even the school run. Getting my daughter dressed and out of the house feels easier in the sunshine, and the walk past the duck pond to her primary school is positively bucolic. However, this summer — the first since the break-up of my marriage — the school run comes with a cost. I'm spotting smug couples everywhere. Morning sunshine seems to be a magnet for WFH couples to walk to school en famille then do something smug-coupley before starting their working day. The other morning I noticed one couple holding hands like maniacs as they dropped their child at the gates. Another couple breezed off for a walk around the woods, chatting away, while a few minutes later, I spotted yet another couple grabbing a morning latte at the local posh café-hotel. 'Go away,' I thought to myself, like the summer Grinch, as I marched home on my own. • Read more expert advice on sex, relationships, dating and love My grudge isn't just confined to the school run. Suddenly smug marrieds are everywhere. It hits me without warning when a friend complains about her husband's 'irks': 'Oh he's in Waitrose again, he's cooking a roast for dinner. I keep telling him it's not roast weather now, but he insists.' Or when another friend drops into conversation that it's been their wedding anniversary. 'Super low-key, we didn't want to make a big fuss for 16 years, so we just went out for steak and chips.' Coupley things that have never irked me before now feel like someone is prodding me with a needle when I least expect it. I feel pangs of uncontrollable envy, and annoyance at my situation. Here I am, aged 47, living solo without my kids for half the week. The things that my friends consider normal, and I once did too, now seem far away and fantastical. I'd love someone else in my house to be doing the shopping, especially fronting a trip to the supermarket (I can no longer afford Waitrose). I'd love to be going out for a 'low-key' meal for two to celebrate my anniversary (steak and chips is my favourite). This week was my 20th wedding anniversary. In another lifetime we would have thrown a big party or have organised a holiday around it, but in reality, I've barely mentioned it. Twenty years! It's a biggie for sure and since we're not yet divorced, I feel it still counts. I also felt it was important to celebrate: it's a wonderful achievement to have three children and to have come this far. Mostly the marriage was happy, it's just the last — ooh — five years that have been a little rocky. Now we're living apart and emotions are still raw, however, it's been a tricky subject to navigate with myself let alone with my ex. But we did do something on the day. In the end, he made me lunch (burgers) at his new home and we rewatched the video from our Ibiza wedding from June 23, 2005, which I had finally had digitised from the DVDs. It had dated! It was beautiful! It brought on some tears, at how young and happy — and yes, smug — we once were too. • No, we single women are not desperate for a partner My ex and I got together when I was 23, so I've existed my entire adult life as a couple, doing all the things that couples in love do. We've held hands like maniacs, grabbed morning coffee together, gone off on walks and weekends away, hosted dinner parties that showcase all the things that I now regard as 'smug' when other couples get up to them. The things that irk me now are the things I used to do quite naturally. I used to be the woman joking about my husband's niche trips to the supermarket or nonchalantly talking about my anniversary plans. I wonder how many people I accidentally annoyed by my smug coupledom in the process …@mollyjanegunn
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Five tickets given to drivers parked dangerously at school pick up time
Five tickets were given to drivers parked dangerously at a borough school during pickup time. Officers said that they get "regular complaints" from schools, residents and local councillors about parking at drop off and pick up times. They said that despite efforts from schools to encourage parents to park responsibly on the school run - they are still getting complaints. Police went on foot patrol on Central Drive around Sacred Heart Primary School in Westhoughton on Tuesday - where five tickets were issued. They said that parking on the road to pick up and drop off kids from the school is a "particular issue" in the village. Officers urged parents to remember to park responsibly and be considerate to local residents. Have a story? Get in touch at A spokesperson for Bolton Police said: "The Westhoughton Neighbourhood Team get regular complaints from schools, residents and local councillors about parking at drop off and pick up times. "Efforts have been made previously by schools and local officers to encourage people to park responsibly when doing the school run but we are still receiving complaints. "Central Drive around Sacred Heart Primary School is a particular issue in Westhoughton. Officers said parking outside the school is a particular issue in Westhoughton (Image: GMP) READ MORE: Bolton School parking issues lead to call for double yellow lines READ MORE: Bowness Primary School locals 'struggle' to get home READ MORE: Hardy Mill Primary School parents blamed for inconsiderate parking "Yesterday (June 24), PC Thomson was out on foot patrol around Central Drive and issued 5 tickets for vehicles that were parked dangerously at pick up time. "When dropping off and collecting your child from any school please remember; "parking on the yellow zig zags is prohibited, "don't park on a drop kerb, "park at least 10 meters away from any junction to allow good visibility to other road users, "be considerate to local residents and don't obstruct residents driveways."
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'I was disheartened to hear the rancour of local residents'
I READ your article regarding car parking on Spetchley Road. I am a resident on the Spetchley estate and I was disheartened to hear the rancour of local residents. Whatever happened to living in community with one another and understanding other people's needs? Doubtless the same people who are complaining drive their cars and park in places which inconvenience or annoy others. More: Meet the woman who creates dazzling window displays in city More: Pictures: All the business award winners from two counties More: Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Worcester theatre Councillor Elaine Willmore, in her letter to residents, very helpfully outlined the powers that they have and things that the council could and couldn't do. I am not saying that there is not a problem at school run times and there are safety concerns. However, there are more important things in the world than someone parking across my drive for 10 minutes to pick up their children. Yes, we should encourage walking to school as an option but we are in a car culture. So, complaining neighbours, try walking a mile in other people's shoes. See the stress that they may be under with work and school and all the other things life throws at us. And maybe do yourself some good, especially your blood pressure, by not sweating the small stuff. Rev David Southall Worcester
