It was reported in September that as many as 800 primary schools face closure by the end of the decade. Low fertility rates and internal migration is contributing to many primary schools closing in rural areas. We had one primary school close as the number of students dropped from 84 to 27, even some of the rural schools have different age groups in the same class due to low numbers.
It happened around here years ago. all the small village schools have pretty much closed, at the same time they built on all the playing fields increasing the size of other schools. They now spend millions providing transport for the kids living further out, and cars on roads doing school runs.
Yes, my Dad told me similar stories from his childhood in Herefordshire. But he managed to make it to school by pony and sledge!
Up here schools are open 4-4 1/2 days a week depending on where the schools are. It's not due to numbers dropping, but not being able to afford supplies for the children.
When so many of their severe weather warnings come to nothing, there is a real danger of people ignoring the ones which are accurate. "The boy who cried wolf" comes to mind. A couple of days ago the forecaster warned about possible ice because the temperature in some areas was expected to drop to freezing. If people can't work that out for themselves they shouldn't be allowed out unaccompanied.
Probably no consolation but we aren't the only country seemingly incapable of getting weather forecasts right. We were in Krakow, Poland for a few days last week and they only managed to get the forecast anywhere close to correct on one day. They forecast heavy rain for 2 days and we actually got a light shower lasting about 5 minutes on one of them. T'other was a lovely warm and sunny day. The bright sunny day they did forecast was overcast. They can't even blame a small landmass surrounded by sea!
I was in the middle of nowhere and everyone was basically left to their own devices. Here we seem to be at a standstill when we get a few flakes and never get anywhere near the levels that heavy machinery is needed. I'm sure I'm not imagining it but they used to have, bolt on, ploughs on the front of gritters and we still have plenty of gritters. I think it's a cross between experience and the right mindset. We tend to have people that are either over cautious or think it's a chance to test their rally skills. I remember once at university that during a week of heavy snow, schools were closed but we weren't, one of my lecturers came in on his tractor.
Absolutely pathetic in the way this country now chucks out Amber Weather Warnings at the drop of a hat. This morning the BBC had a reporter in an area with an Amber Weather Warning. There wasn't even enough of the white stuff to cover the footpath, but people were warned not to travel unless absolutely necessary. Schools have been closed etc, etc. I'm now in my mid 70s and survived a number of very harsh winters without locking myself away at, or with, the first snowflake. The level of risk aversion is ridiculous.
@KT53, agree entirely. Might be the same reporter I saw who said it was important elderly people had what they needed to "live correctly"! Eh?!? Typical BBC patronisation. Report the NEWS and then shut up!
Over here I do not notice any school closings. But that does not mean they are not happening. I do meet more and more parents that are doing Home Schooling with their children. When I go to may Chess Club and Scrabble club, many of the participants are children, 8 years old to 16 years old, and they really seem smart, so whatever the process is of home schooling seems to work. Anyway, yes, I have heard of lower birth rate etc. in general . Besides the reasons someone mentioned above I will add to perhaps if a two person income home is necessary, the cost of child care is nuts. The other reason is Not having/remaining local to family members, years ago tradition was that the "grandmother" or "mother" would go and help with the raising of children. As young couples move away, for jobs etc, there is really no support system. Another issues that I hear from women is the lack of real men, most they behave like boys. (they say that). Another is not planning on "when" to start a family economically, I know of a few women that totally worked 5 years banking their check and only living off of husbands check to then quite their job to start a family. My two good neighbors were stay at home moms, and only started part time jobs after their children was above age 8 years old.
As an "elderly" person, I'm agog to know what I need to live "correctly" ? I know what I need to live but am I managing to live correctly and who decides ? I didn't see/hear that particular report but maybe not so much patronising as totally mystifying. Another "bus" story in the news yesterday ............ rather than the Boris Bus which advertised the infamous vote Brexit and £300,000 will go to the NHS, this one was British millionaires requesting higher tax rates for themselves and other mega wealthy. Good for them but the govt seem set against making any changes that high up the scale.
I interpret it to mean adequate housing, heating, food, transport and funds to maintain a healthy mind and body @Philippa. For the working decades I would add a living wage that means you can do all that without food banks and day loans. For children add decent schools - buildings, teachers, school meals and pre and after school clubs for those with two working parents. For everyone, adquate and equitable health care. It's all do-able and fundable, especially taxing by billionaire employers who prioritise their ambitions to get into space rather than fix this planet and provide decent working wages and conditions for all their employees.
