North Yorkshire’s school transport policy is on the road to disaster. As the council tries to cut costs for one of its biggest expenses, families are dealing with the fallout. In the past, it provided free transport to catchment schools, but is now only offering it to the “nearest suitable school”. There has been pushback from parents, schools and from opposition councillors. However, at an Extraordinary Meeting in May, North Yorkshire Council voted 45 to 35 in favour of upholding the new policy. Campaigners argue the new policy could have many unwanted consequences that hit families and kids hardest. It could put local schools at risk of closure, force kids across county borders and split up established friendship groups. It is also likely to have unforeseen environmental consequences too, with more cars on rural roads during busy periods, as many parents are left with no choice but to drive their child to school.

What is empathy and when does it start? Clinical psychologist Dr Linda Blair says it’s “when you try to understand how another person is feeling”, and may start very early. “Recent research shows that really tiny kids have empathy but they don’t regularly show it, says Linda. “And even until a child is about seven, they don’t find it easy to stand in other people’s shoes.”