A and AS Levels
A selection of A and AS Level subjects are available for advanced study in each of the schools and at the Isle of Man College. The schools typically offer 20 subjects and the Isle of Man College a further 16 in their full time day courses. An additional 14 or so are available in adult evening classes, bringing the total available on the Isle of Man to approximately 50. Entry to an A Level course is usually based on success at GCSE and the normal requirement is 4 or more Grades A to C at GCSE. A report is published annually giving an overview of results. Click here for the report on the 2009 results.
Accidents/Emergencies
For advice as to the action to be taken in the event of an accident or emergency contact the Health & Safety Adviser at the Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.
Action Plans
As a consequence of the written reports received by schools following validated school based self reviews, or other external monitoring and evaluation of their work, headteachers are required to produce and submit written action plans which should subsequently be included within their school’s development plan.
Admission
The Department's admissions policies are based on the principle that a child should attend the school closest to his or her parents' place of permanent residence. A child should be registered with that school by parents and will be admitted at the start of the academic year in which he/she reaches the fifth birthday.
Full details of the admissions policies can be obtained by clicking here for Primary Schools and here for Secondary Schools.
Adverse weather
In the event of adverse weather, such as heavy snow or torrential rain resulting in flooding, education officials will liaise with the Met Office, Isle of Man Transport and the emergency services over the advisability of closing schools and the decision will be taken by the Education Minister no later than 7.45am, with the details passed to the Island's media for publication/broadcast to parents. Where very localised poor weather conditions prevail, headteachers must make a decision based on local conditions (transport, ability of staff to reach school etc) and must inform the Department of Education immediately.
Advice
The Department provides professional advice and support to its teachers and lecturers through its Education Improvement Service. This consists of a Senior Adviser, Co-ordinating Advisers for Primary, Secondary and Further Education and a Co-ordinating Adviser for ICT . In addition there are consultants for Literacy, Numeracy and Manx Studies and project managers and advisory teachers to support major initiatives such as ICT.
Aids and HIV
The teaching of science in the Isle of Man will encompass material on Aids, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The Policy on Sex and Relationship Education includes information on Aids and HIV. There is no known danger to adults or young people from the presence of an HIV positive person in their midst. It should be remembered that there is no known case of Aids being contracted other than through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, intravenous drug abuse or mother to baby transmission during pregnancy or breast feeding.
Apprenticeships
The Department actively encourages craft apprenticeships and works closely with the Department of Trade and Industry's Training Services Division to place young people in the appropriate area within the Department of Education's Works Division.
Assessment Management Plans
The Department has compiled Asset Management Plans (AMPs) for many of its premises. These Plans provide the means through which current and future needs are assessed, and the criteria for prioritisation set by the Department. AMPs are now in place for the Island’s primary schools and will soon be prepared for secondary schools, then the remaining premises thereafter.
Attendance
The policy on attendance is contained in the Attendance of Pupils: Legislation, Policy and Procedures, copies of which are also available from the Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG, telephone (01624) 685820.
Behaviour Development Plans
It is Department policy that all schools and the Isle of Man College take steps to minimise difficulties and teach all children and students how to behave and show care and tolerance. The steps taken are set out in the form of behaviour development plans in schools or other approaches acceptable to the Department and consistent with its policies and legislative duties.
Breadth of 14 - 19 Education
Schools and the IOM College are encouraged to cooperate to offer level 1, level 2 (both equivalent to GCSEs) and level 3 (equivalent to A level courses) according to the needs of their students and with regard to the strengths or specific curriculum areas. Every attempt should be made to ensure that work-related courses lead to a progression route at the Isle of Man College and that courses in schools are not unnecessarily replicating those at the Isle of Man College.
Brochures (Prospectuses)
Each of the Island’s primary and secondary schools produces a brochure for distribution to parents that indicates the main features of the school, describes the curriculum to be followed, explains the policies of the school and sets out how the school operates on a day to day basis. Copies are available for inspection at the Department's office at St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas IM1 2SG or contact individual schools.
Buildings
The Department has 5 secondary schools, 35 primary schools, the Isle of Man College, the International Business School, 7 Youth Centres, and 2 Outdoor Education Centres and Noble's Hall Library.
Copies of the Department’s Policy on Building Works are available from the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685812.
Capital Buildings Programme
The Department of Education is required to have a 5-year capital building programme based on identified needs. The programme is established through the Asset Management Plans established for each of the premises, together with information from governing bodies, specific inspections and reports, and information from other Government departments on demographic trends and housing development demand. It is prioritised by the Department of Education.
The Department must submit a 5 year prioritised programme in the budget round each year in order to procure funding from Isle of Man Government through Treasury. Full details of each capital project have to be submitted as a capital appraisal, including a full business case/analysis to the required Treasury formula. The 5-year capital programme is published each year in the Isle of Man Budget approved by Tynwald.
Capitation Allowance
The calculation for the budget for primary schools is based on the number of pupils on the school roll.
Careers Guidance Service
The Department has a Careers Guidance Service, which offers careers advice and guidance to young people and to adults. The Careers Guidance Service is based on the ground floor of St. George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: (01624) 685128; Fax: (01624) 687016; E-mail: careers@gov.im
Catchment Areas
Schools all have their own catchment areas. Download copies of the Policy on Admissions to Primary Schools and Policy in Admissions to Secondary Schools or contact the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820.
Central Purchasing
Central brokering, usually by tender, is used to identify the most cost effective provider of supplies and equipment, e.g. cleaning materials, stationery, photocopiers.
Communications Strategy
This report gives the Department’s objectives in relation to video conferencing, telephone systems and voice and data networking. It considers e-mail and Internet access for schools and the Department’s administration.
Copies of the strategy are available from the Co-ordinating Adviser for ICT, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686081
Competitions
The Department is often approached by charities and companies keen to run competitions via schools and such approaches are welcome. Approaches are assessed on their educational merits and are staged according to the Department's competition criteria. It is emphasised that participation is at headteachers' discretion and there can be no guarantee of schools' participation.
Complaints
Copies of the Department’s Complaints Procedure are available from the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820.
There is also a Special Educational Needs and Psychology Service Guide for Parents, relating to disagreements, appeals and complaints, copies of which can be obtained by clicking here or from the Special Educational Needs and Psychology Service, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686086.
Details of all complaints received are logged at the Department Education and an Annual Return of Official Complaints is submitted to the Chief Secretary for the Isle of Man Government.
Conditions of Service
All groups of staff employed by the Department have their own conditions of service.
Details of the teachers’ conditions of service are contained in a booklet produced by the Department of Education in consultation with the professional associations entitled “Conditions of Tenure and Sick Pay Regulations for the Employment of Teachers”. These conditions of service are broadly in line with those in LEAs in England. Lecturers at the Isle of Man College have a similar booklet entitled “Conditions of Tenure and Sick Pay Regulations for the employment of Lecturers”.
Copies of each of these booklets are available from the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685805.
Contact Ratios
The contact ratio refers to the percentage of time teachers spend teaching the planned curriculum of the school. This does not include time taken for registration, form period, assemblies or supervisory duties.
Contracts
The Department procures a range of services through the use of contracts, including training and building works.
Copyright
The sole right to reproduce literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work. Schools are able to reproduce such work, within specified limitations, under licence paid by the Department.
Course Fees (Isle of Man College)
Course fees for the Isle of Man College for 2009/2010 can be obtained by clicking here.
The Fees Policy and Regulations document for 2009/2010 may be obtained from the Isle of Man College, Homefield Road, Douglas. Tel: 01624 648200 or by clicking here.
The Department of Education reserves the right to reduce or waive any fees for College courses if the circumstances warrant such action, i.e. financial hardship, etc. Applicants for the waiving of course fees should be made in writing to the Director of Education, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG or by e-mail to the Director of Education.
For details of courses available at the IOM College click here.
Creditor Payments
Payment of Department suppliers of goods and services is made by Government on a weekly basis, normally by BACS.
Curriculum
The curriculum for Isle of Man schools is defined in the Island's Curriculum for Learning and Achievement. This curriculum is influenced by the English national curriculum as well as requiring schools to reflect the culture, heritage and geography of the Isle of Man in the learning programmes they devise. All children in Key Stage 2 are taught French and have the option of studying Manx.
The curriculum policy also underlines the importance placed on developing a wide range of social and emotional skills as well as each child's ability to learn. As children progress through Key Stage 3 and 4, the content of the curriculum is increasingly shaped by the external examinations they will sit.
Delegated Financial Management
Delegated Financial Management operates at all 35 primary schools, at the 5 secondary schools and at the Isle of Man College. It is based on a number of key principles:-
- That each of the institutions will be delegated the funding to which it is reasonably entitled.
- The notion of “reasonable entitlement” carries with it the caveat that there should be no detrimental effect on the rest of the Education Service; that the Department continues to exercise its responsibilities and duties effectively; and that services which can be provided more efficiently from the centre are not fragmented.
- The results of delegation should not increase bureaucracy or simply dislocate it to local levels
- Internal trading arrangements should not develop if they consume time and generate their own bureaucratic systems.
- Each institution must continue to comply with legal, financial, personnel, Governmental and Departmental policy requirements.
- Each institution will be fully monitored and held accountable for its performance.
Differentiation
The curriculum is appropriately differentiated to match the various needs of all pupils. Pupils' tasks are matched to their age, aptitude and ability. Teachers use the information they gain from assessment to plan appropriately for the pupils.
Discipline
See Behaviour Development Plans
Drugs and Substance Use and Misuse
The Isle of Man Department of Education's Drug and Alcohol Education: Policy and Procedure for Schools provides the basis for a whole Island policy on the teaching of this subject in primary and secondary schools, the Isle of Man College and the Youth and Community Service. This policy has been further enhanced by the Chief Minister’s Anti-Drug Strategy: Action Together Against Drugs.
Copies of the Department’s Drugs and Substance Use and Misuse Policy are available from the Drug and Alcohol Liaison Officer at Skimmee Gien Mie (Team Wellbeing), Santon Old School, Santon, IM4 4HG. Tel: 01624 823647.
Duty Meals for Staff
Teaching staff that are involved in the active supervision of pupils during the lunch break or run a lunchtime club are entitled to a two course meal at no charge. Additionally, Works Division employees who are directed urgently to a school and are therefore unable to return to their base at lunchtime are entitled to a free school meal. School meals staff and ancillary helpers are entitled to a school meal as part of their remuneration, with hourly pay rates being abated accordingly.
Education 'Otherwise'
The Education Act requires parents to present their children for education at school or to make arrangements for their children’s education ‘otherwise’. ‘Otherwise’ mainly covers those parents who educate their children at home. Information on the policy of the Department, systems to be followed by home educators and other advice is available in a booklet entitled “Education Otherwise Than At School-Home Education”.
This is available from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG Tel: 01624 685806. (See also Suspension).
With effect from 1st September 2009, parents who educate their children at home or send them to a school other than a Department-run school are required to advise the Department.
Educational Endowment Funds
The Department of Education administers several endowment funds for the support of education/individuals in certain areas of the Island.
Further details can be obtained from the Legal & Administrative Services, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685828.
Educational Psychology
The policy of the Department is to provide professional psychological advice from chartered psychologists with interventions consistent with good practice in order to implement Manx legislation and the policies of the Isle of Man Department of Education.
Further details are provided in the Educational Psychology Policy Statement, copies of which can be obtained from the Special Educational Needs & Psychology Service, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686086.
Educational Visits
Paragraph.The Department issues a comprehensive policy on all off-site activities, which must be followed by all Department employees and voluntary instructors. An approval system for all off-site activities is in place and an outdoor education advisory panel monitors the policy. Further information and a copy of the Policy for Educational Visits and Overnight Stays and the accompanying guidance booklet Safety in Outdoor Education may be obtained from the Youth and Community Adviser, Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685810.
Emotional And Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD)
There is no absolute definition of EBD and the continuum of behaviour is represented as challenging but normal, if unacceptable, through to serious mental illness.
Employee Relations
The Department of Education endeavours to be a reasonable and caring employer to its 3,306 full and part-time staff (March 09) and seeks to ensure that all staff are treated fairly and consistently.
To allow consultation within the various groups of employees, the following committees have been formed:
- Joint Negotiating Committee for Education Support Staff
- Joint Consultative Committee for Primary School Secretaries
- Joint Negotiating Committee for IOM College Lecturers
- Primary Headteachers' Executive
- Secondary Headteachers' Executive
- Joint Unions
- Staff Consultation Group for Play and Youth Service staff
Further information regarding the Department’s Employee Relations Service may be obtained from the Director of Corporate Services, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685805.
Employment of Children
The Department has a duty under the Education Act 2001 to oversee legislation relating to the employment of children.
A copy of the Employment of Children Regulations 2005 can be found by clicking here.
Guidance notes for employers and parents can be found by clicking here.
To download a form to register the employment of a child of school age click here.
Further details may be obtained from the Legal and Administrative Services, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686275.
Energy Management
The Department has an ongoing energy management strategy, with the Works Division, which involves monitoring and controlling the internal thermal environment currently in the Island’s schools.
Equal Opportunities
The Department actively supports equal opportunities and in order to achieve centre approval for GNVQ programmes, schools are obliged to demonstrate the existence of equal opportunities policies.
Ethos
The underlying attitudes, values and relationships of a school are fundamental to its success and form the school’s own distinguishable ethos.
Reference to some of the contributory factors to a good ethos may be found in the Department of Education Health Education Policy available from the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686080, and individual School Behaviour Development Plans.
Examination Boards
Secondary schools and the Isle of Man College are free to choose examination boards appropriate to their own circumstances.
Examination Entries
Entry for external examinations is governed by the principle that each pupil should be given the opportunity to demonstrate his or her achievement. There should be no charge made to pupils for their first entry to sit an examination, although any subsequent resits should be charged for.
Examination Results
GSCE, A Level and other external examination results are carefully analysed by the Department each year, based on the number of pupils on roll at each school on the third Thursday in January of the year in which the examinations are sat. Early entries and resits are not counted in the calculations, since the intention is that the results should relate to genuine Year 11 or Year 13 pupils only. A preliminary analysis of the results is conducted and fed back to all schools at whole school and subject level. Results at the whole school level are published by the Department every autumn. Click here for the 2009 report.
Financial Regulations
A set of rules produced by Treasury to regulate the financial practices of Government, in the form of directives, which carry the weight of law and must be complied with, and guidelines, which Departments are expected to follow.
Fire
All divisions of the Department and schools have their own procedures to follow in the event of a fire. Further advice on this matter can be obtained from the Health and Safety Adviser at the Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.
First Aid/Medicines
First Aid courses are held at regular intervals, thus ensuring that school staff receive adequate training and the necessary updates.
Additional information relating to the administration of medicines in schools and medical care can be obtained by contacting the Drug and Alcohol Liaison Officer. Information is also contained in the Department's document Guidance for Schools on the Administration of Medication and Medical Care, hard copies of which are available from the Department of Education, St. George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SGG. Telephone (01624) 685797.
Flexi Time
The Department operates a flexible working scheme for administrative staff, based on the Civil Service model.
Foreign Language Assistants
Foreign Language Assistants are usually full time students at universities in France, Germany or Spain, who are recruited by the Department from the Central Bureau in London and made available to the secondary schools for an 8 month work experience placement. During this period the school pays them a small grant in monthly instalments. Their role is to provide foreign language support to the modern foreign languages departments, through working with individuals, small groups or classes of children. They are allowed as part of their contracts to work for the school for up to 12 contact hours and should expect to have a day’s non contract or equivalent.
Free School Meals
A parent or guardian may apply for free meals for pupils attending primary/secondary schools, or students who are 18 and under and in full time education at the Isle of Man College, if the family is in receipt of any of the relevant benefits. These benefits are:
- Family Income Supplement
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income Support
- Disability Working Allowance
Application forms for free meals can be downloaded and should be returned to the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685807. Note the 2009/2010 form will not be available until the end of June 2009.
Governance/Governors
Details of the government of schools and the Isle of Man College are contained in the Articles and Instruments of Government. Each individual establishment has its own articles and instrument and copies of these documents may be obtained from either the school concerned, the College or from the Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685806. Details of all school governors are listed on this site on the main menu under Department/ School Governors or click here
Grant Aid to Voluntary Youth Organisations
The Youth and Community Adviser will consider applications for financial assistance from registered voluntary youth organisations and will publish criteria upon which awards are made.
Further details may be obtained from the Youth and Community Adviser, Youth Office, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 1EE. Tel: 01624 685810.
Grants
Details regarding the grants available to students are supplied in the Basic Guide to Student Finance or from the Student Awards Section, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685822 or e-mail studentgrants@doe.gov.im
Health Education
The Health Education Policy and Guidance is the basic policy within the Department of Education’s set of 3 related policies; namely Health Education within the Curriculum, Sex and Relationship Education policy and guidelines and Drugs and Substance Use and Misuse. The policy and guidance notes are intended to help teachers in that part of the education process which activates in individuals the positive attitudes towards health which are central to a healthy society.
Copies of the Health Education Policy and Guidance are available from the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.
Health and Safety
Information regarding the Department’s Health and Safety procedures for all of the Departments divisions is available from the Health and Safety Adviser, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.
Higher Degrees (Research/Post Graduate Degrees)
The Department offers support on a discretionary basis to postgraduate students who obtain at last the relevant grade in their first degree. See the Basic Guide to Student Finance.
Higher Education
The Department supports pupils moving to Higher Education in the U.K or at the Isle of Man College of International Business School with fee payment and a system of means-tested maintenance awards. This support is fully detailed in the Isle of Man Student Awards Regulations, which are updated annually. See the Basic Guide to Student Finance.
Application forms and further details are available from the Student Awards Section, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. E-mail Student Awards or tel: 01624 685822.
Holiday Venture Schemes
It is the policy of the Department to operate specific youth work projects during the summer holidays and other holidays subject to the availability of finance and staffing. Further details of these can be obtained from the Youth Service or its website.
Holidays
School holidays are published by the Department according to the traditional 3 term year pattern. This information is normally published 2 years in advance. See also holidays
Homework
All schools should produce a homework policy which clearly states what and how much homework is to be set for pupils, how it is to be administered and how parents may support the school in supervising their child’s home studies.
ICT
The Department has an ICT section headed by the Co-ordinating Adviser for ICT. Island schools follow the requirements of the English National Curriculum. ICT is a core component of the curriculum from 5-16 and a key skill at 16+.
ICT Procurement
All new hardware purchased by schools must be from the Government approved supplier and of the approved type. All system software and network administration software must be supplied and installed by a Government approved supplier. The only exception to this policy is that purchase of hardware which will not be connected directly or indirectly to any inter school or Government network. Such hardware is not included in Government support and service agreements.
Income Generating Courses
The Isle of Man College runs bespoke programmes for industry which do not lead to regular qualifications. The Isle of Man College is allowed to retain the surplus from these programmes, subject to a well monitored agreed costing procedure. For further details of these courses e-mail IOM College
Induction Period
All newly qualified teachers appointed to the service of the Department of Education are required to successfully complete their first year of teaching before having their appointment confirmed. Newly qualified teachers are entitled to appropriate levels of school based support, to a programme of continuing professional development and to periodic review and appraisal of their performance.
Probationary periods and appraisal schemes for other groups of employees are in accordance with their relevant conditions of service.
Industry Links
The term ‘industry links’ does not describe a subject or study in its own right but rather a range of work related elements of a school’s whole curriculum. These elements include careers education and guidance, work experience, applied aspects of National Curriculum subjects, the teacher placement scheme and additional curriculum activities such as Young Enterprise, the CREST Awards Scheme and the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP). Primary and secondary schools and the Isle of Man College will build upon existing industry/business links so that they provide effective support for the full range of work related activities in the school/College and foster reciprocal benefits to the companies and the staff who are involved. Further information can be obtained from the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685796.
Inservice Training
Inservice training is a professional entitlement for all teachers and lecturers. Five of the teachers’ and lecturers’ contracted days are designated for inset. For teachers in schools, some of these inset days may be converted into Twilight sessions. Other training courses are available for teachers and are detailed in a Continuing Professional Development Programme which is published each year. In the Secondary phase part of this programme is the courses that are provided through Subject Network sessions, when teachers with similar curriculum responsibilities in schools are released for training purposes on the same day. The Department has established a Professional Development Centre at Santon and the majority of inservice training takes place there. The Department is committed to providing Leadership & Management Training for its teachers and is establishing a programme for this to support teachers at all levels within schools; as part of this the Department provides opportunities for suitable candidates to undertake the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the Leadership Programme for Serving Head teachers (LPSH) Further details of the Department’s policy and programme for Inservice Training are included in the ICPD booklet, copies of which are available from the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685353.
Inspections
The Department's responsibility to require full external inspections of schools, where it judges this to be necessary, is defined in the Education Act 2001 and the Department may contract inspection teams to carry out the work on their behalf.
Insurance
All insurance matters are handled by the Head of Legal & Administrative Services at the Department of Education , St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685828.
Internet Access
Permission for Internet access and the publication of World Wide Web material is given to schools subject to:
- Each school implementing a suitable strategy for controlling and monitoring Internet access and publication of material.
- Internet access and publication must be via the Department’s Internet Service Provider.
Interviews
Appointments to all vacant posts involve applications, interviews and pre-employment vetting. The conduct of the interviews for teaching/lecturing posts is in accordance with the Department’s written policy statement on the Recruitment, Selection and Appointment of Teachers and Lecturers.
Copies of this are available from the Director of Corporate Services, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685805.
Interviews for other categories of workers are in accordance with the regulations for the staff concerned.
Job Sharing
The Department of Education supports job share arrangements as far as is practicable.
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement Isle of Man is a member of JA Worldwide, the world's largest organisation dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and enterprise. Under its former name, Young Enterprise Isle of Man, it has been involved with the development of young people on the Island since 1982. It changed its name in 2006 to reflect its membership and involvement with JA Worldwide. Through a dedicated volunteer network, it provides in-school and after-school programmes for students at all levels within the Isle of Man's educational system. It offers educational programmes that focus on seven key content areas: business, citizenship, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics/ character, financial literacy and career development. JA IoM offers a range of programmes, based on the principle of Learning by Doing, which brings volunteers from business and the local community into the classroom to work with teachers and students. Some programmes enable students to work together to run their own real company. Others use games, hands-on activities and role-play to develop skills and capabilities for business and enterprise. Volunteers are welcomed from all walks of life and do not necessarily have to work in business. Many are retired business people or those nearing retirement. Junior Achievement receives generous help with funding from many local businesses and the Isle of Man Government. Equally important is the help in kind given by businesses and the time given by business people to support students undertaking its programmes. Junior Achievement is a Manx registered charity whose core purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Telephone: 01624 834761 or e-mail: enquiries@jaiom.im
Junior Tynwald
A Junior Tynwald is organised annually in the last week of the Summer term. It involves teams of Year 12 sixth formers from each school, who prepare questions and supplementary questions for Members of Tynwald, and a Question Time is held. There are also debates on motions.
The date of the 2009 event was Monday 20 July. The date for 2010 has yet to be fixed.
Organisation of the Junior Tynwald is co-ordinated by the Department of Education in conjunction with the Clerk Assistant to Tynwald. For more information, contact the Clerk of Tynwald's office on 651502.
King William's College Scholarships
The Department of Education traditionally offers scholarships to Year 6 pupils in Island primary schools. The scholarships are for the full period of study from Year 7 through to the end of Year 13 at King William’s College. Parents can obtain full details from the primary schools or the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685801. The scholarships are awarded on mainly a social need for boarding education although academic criteria are also currently being applied (with or without the requirement of boarding).
Leave of Absence
Applications for leave of absence are processed in accordance with the conditions of service for each employment group. For teachers in secondary schools and lecturers at the Isle of Man College and INternational Business School, applications are made to the headteacher, the Principal (IoM College) or Director (IBS) and leave of absence is granted by them. Primary teachers apply to the Department for leave of absence, but must do so through their headteacher and seek his or her support for the application.
Legal Matters
All non-employment legal matters should be referred to the Head of Legal and Administrative Services, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685828.
Lettings
External divisions of the Department, the Executive Officers in secondary schools and at the Isle of Man College are responsible for their own establishment’s lettings. The policy for charging is set by the the Department. Further information regarding lettings at primary schools can be obtained from the Primary School Lettings Officer, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685785.
Click here for further information.
Library Service
The Department operates a Family Library and a Mobile Library, in addition to the libraries at the Isle of Man College and in schools, in accordance with the Education Act 2001.
Life Education
A Life Education Centre was established on the Isle of Man in 1988 to work with primary schools. The Life Education Centre’s concept is a preventative approach to drug use and misuse and relates to all forms of drugs, whether legal or illegal. It aims to provide children with the knowledge, skills and self confidence to enable them to make healthy choices for their future. The Life Education Centre philosophy focuses on creating a sensitivity to values which lead to an understanding and appreciation of human life. This, along with building up a body of sound knowledge, enables children to make decisions about any influences which might impede the development of their fullest potential.
Further information may be obtained from the Senior Life Educator. Tel: 01624 824706. See also Life Education.
Literacy
Schools follow the National Primary Framework Literacy Strategy published Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Marking
The marking of students work is an important part of the assessment of their progress. As such, it is part of the professional duties in teachers’ and lecturers’ contracts and should be carried out frequently. The precise details of how marking should be organised is a matter for the schools to determine, but the general progressional principle which should govern these details, is that students should receive such feedback on their work as to enable them to understand what they need to do next to improve.
Maternity Leave
Conditions of employment to provide for leave of absence with pay, with an option for extended leave for absence without pay, for women at or near the time of childbirth.
Further details are contained in the Conditions of Service document for the relevant employee group.
Media relations
The Department welcomes media interest in its work as a means of keeping the public informed about its activities. It encourages its schools, the Isle of Man College and the International Business School to develop positive relationships with the media and share their successes. The Department employs a Media and Events Co-ordinator contactable via St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686080.
Mentoring
Every school which has a newly qualified member of staff on roll will nominate a suitably qualified and experienced mentor to support that teacher during the first year of their career. Mentor training is also provided so that students may be appropriately supported during school experience placements which take place in the Island’s schools.
Minibuses
The Department issues clear guidelines on the minimum standard of all minibuses to be used by Department groups and on the standard of all new minibuses to be purchased.
Further details may be obtained from the Transport Manager, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 687346.
Ministerial Decisions
The Minister of Education has the power to make prerogative decisions (ministerial prerogative) in cases of unresolved disputes, e.g. appointments or school admissions.
Minor Repairs
The Department charges its Works Division with responsibility for minor and emergency works to the Island’s schools, as and when they arise. These works may be critical to the everyday running of the school or part of a planned maintenance/upgrading strategy.
Modern Foreign Languages
As part of the Core Manx National Curriculum, French, German and Spanish are taught in Island schools. French is taught to all primary school pupils from Year 3. In Key Stage 4, the majority of pupils study a modern foreign language. The Department has a Modern Foreign Language Centre (Yn Ynnyd Chengey) at Crosby as a venue for class language simulations.
Monitoring and Evaluation
A regular programme of monitoring and evaluating the standards being attained by pupils in the Island’s schools and the quality of the education provided is carried out through a programme which consists of validated school based self reviews, focused reviews, surveys and, where necessary, full external inspections. Copies of school self-reviews conducted to date are available from the Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685353
Music Service
Peripatetic instrumental tuition is delivered to pupils in the Island’s schools through the services of specialist teachers employed by the Department of Education’s Music Service. Musical instruments are made available for hire by pupils who are receiving such tuition. Admission to such lessons is through recommendation by schools and subsequent assessment by members of the Music Service staff.
Further details may be obtained from the Music Centre, Lord Street, Douglas. Tel: 01624 686555
National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
The Department encourages deputy headteachers who are ready to apply for headship in their next application to undertake this qualification and has made available financial support for them to do so. The criteria for eligibility is that the teacher should already be a deputy or assistant headteacher with whole-school responsibilities and a realistic chance of becoming a headteacher in the short to medium term. Those interested in pursuing this qualification should secure the support of the Department first of all. Further information may be obtained from the Co-ordinating Adviser 11-19 Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685353.
A formal application should then be made to the Teacher Training Association for acceptance on to the course.
Nursery Education
Nursery classes will be established in identified priority areas, as part of the Foundation Stage of Island primary schools, as and when funding becomes available. Half day places are made available to pupils whose 4th birthday falls during the academic year commencing 1st September. All of the Islands 4 year old children are eligible to apply to attend one of these nurseries but priority for admission is given to children with special educational or other needs, followed by those living within the school catchment area and then those outside the school catchment area, prioritised by geographical proximity to the school.
Nurseries are staffed on a ratio of 1 teacher and 1 nursery nurse for every 20 places. At present the Department has nursery classes at Ballacottier, Cronk-y-Berry, Jurby, St John’s, Victoria Road, Onchan and Manor Park schools, which serve children living in those schools’ catchment areas. There are also nursery classes at Auldyn Infants, Peel Clothworker’s, Ashley Hill, and Willaston schools that have been established on a contractual basis through a public/private partnership.
Some schools also admit nursery children into their foundation stage classes where they have sufficient spare capacity to do so.
Nurture Groups
Nurture Groups first started within the Island schools in September 2001. There are several groups in both primary and secondary schools, which are well received by the Head teachers, parents and children. Teachers and support staff employed in this area have been trained by Cambridge University in Nurture Group philosophy and practice.
Offensive Weapons
The policy of dealing with offensive weapons can be obtained from the Health and Safety Adviser, Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.
Part Time Youth Workers
The minimum age for Youth Service youth workers is 21 and for part time assistant youth workers is 18 years.
Performances by Children
To protect pupils and ensure their schooling is not affected, the types and duration of performances (stage, screen etc) that children can take part in are governed by the Performances by Children Regulations 2004. For further details contact the Education Liaison Officer, Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686277.
Performing Rights
This relates to copyright regulations
Personnel
All Department’s of Government are governed by an agreed personnel budget. The Department of Education currently has 3,306 (March 09) full and part-time staff, who are allocated over the following areas: primary, secondary and further education, special educational needs, youth and community and central support.
Photocopying
Photocopying must be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA).
Planning
The Department carries out the required planning application procedures with all the relevant statutory bodies with regard to building improvements. Revenue and minor schemes are planned and scheduled by the Works Division. Schools are required to have emergency plans, school development plans and curricular plans.
Prevention of bullying, harassement and victimisation at work policy
Copies of the Department's Prevention of bullying, harassment and victimisation at work policy are available here or from the Director of Corporate Services, Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685805.
Primary Education
Primary education is made available for all pupils from the 1st September of the academic year in which they will attain their 5th birthday and continues until the academic year in which they have their 11th birthday. Appropriate primary education is provided across the Island in purpose built accommodation which is equipped and staffed to meet the educational needs of all pupils. Primary education is non selective and provides equal opportunities for pupils regardless of age, gender, race and ability. All pupils are entitled to broad and balanced curriculum which is matched to meet their needs and provides continuity, progression, differentiation and relevance.
Prize Days (also referred to as presentation of awards/awards evenings/speech nights, etc)
A formal prize day is held by each of the 5 secondary schools, the Isle of Man College and the International Business School. The organisation of such events is a matter for the school/College/IBS, but usually involves a guest speaker to present prizes and a formal report from the headteacher/Principal/Director. The Department provides financial support for the organisation of such prize days in the schools and College’s budgets.
Professional Associations
The Department endeavours to be a reasonable and caring employer and recognises, consults and liaises with all professional associations within the Department’s workforce, which are as follows:
- ATL - Association of Teachers & Lecturers
- NAHT - National Association of Head Teachers
- NAS/UWT - National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers
- ASCL - Association of School and College Leaders
- NUT - National Union of Teachers
- ATL - Association of Teachers & Lecturers
- UCU - University and College Union
- Voice - Voice
- ACM - Association of College Managers
For administrative, technical support and manual staff:
- GOA - Government Officers Association
- NAEIAC - National Association of Educational Inspectors, Advisers & Consultants
- Unite - Transport & General Workers' Union Section
- Unison - Unison
The Department has regular formal and informal meetings with the associations. It works to agreed conditions of service for each group of employees and has an agreed pay policy for each group of employees.
Progression (Progress)
It is fundamental to the very nature of education that the work of all schools and the College should be geared to ensuring that students make appropriate progress. So that progress is known and understood by teachers, students and their parents, it is essential that it is assessed on a regular basis. A range of strategies need to be employed to ensure that pupils make as much progress as their abilities will allow. Such strategies may include
- Ensuring curriculum continuity.
- The organisation of assessments.
- Ensuring that marking of students’ work is done in such a way as to offer guidance on how it could be improved in future.
- High expectations.
- Lively teaching which is well planned and focused on the needs of students.
- Tasks and activities which are appropriately differentiated
Properties
The Department undertakes to provide appropriate accommodation in order to ensure the correct environment for education. The Department operates a Landlord and Tenant Policy as part of the Delegated Financial Management Strategy for schools and the Isle of Man College.
Prospectuses
See Brochures.
Protection of Children from Abuse
The overall procedures to protect children from abuse are designed to ensure that the welfare of the child is protected. Where members of staff consider that they have a good cause to suspect abuse (including neglect, emotional abuse and ill treatment), they should promptly report their suspicions to a senior member of staff who has been given the responsibility for co-ordinating the schools, Colleges or youth centres response to child abuse.
The procedures protecting children from abuse are lengthy and are circulated periodically to headteachers of all schools. The Head of Services for Children has responsibility for ensuring that procedures are in place to protect children from abuse and can provide advice with respect to the procedures. She may be contacted at the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820
In order to ensure that a rapid response is made to such queries, requests should indicate that the caller wishes to ‘discuss urgent concerns about possible child abuse’ and should be marked urgent.
Protective Clothing
Details can be obtained from the Health and Safety Adviser, Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.
Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR)
The PTR is calculated by dividing the total number of students on roll by the number of teachers (including the headteacher) of the school. The results are expressed in the form of a ratio, e.g. 1 to 16. In 2007, the average PTR in primary schools was 1 to 18.1, and in secondary schools the average PTR was 1 to 14.2.
Reception Classes
Every one of the Island’s primary schools which has a Key Stage 1 department will also have a Reception class which may admit pupils from the beginning of the academic year in which they will have their 5th birthday. Every parent who wishes their child to take advantage of such a place may do so, but they may also exercise the right to delay their child’s entry to compulsory education until the beginning of the term following their 5th birthday. See starting school
Records
Records of pupils' enrolment at a school should be retained indefinitely. When a child transfers from one school to another, the following should be transferred to the new school: Copies of school reports, SEN file (if applicable), child protection record (if applicable), RIDDOR accident record (if applicable), health record, attendance and suspension record.
When a child leaves the school system, the above records should be retained for three years. SEN records should be reteianed indefinitely.
All records on individuals, whether kept on a computer or in paper form, should be of a professional nature and be made available to parents or guardians or the students themselves, if over the age of 18, upon demand. Data Protection legislation provides regulations governing the access to records.
Recruitment
Recruitment to all posts with the Isle of Man Department of Education has to be undertaken in accordance with Control of Employment legislation. The basic principle of this legislation is that a post must be offered to a person with Isle of Man worker status, so long as he or she is suitable for the post. In addition, the Department’s policy is that workers should be recruited according to specific criteria as laid down and identified in the job description and the person specification. Selection is made according to these criteria. For teachers in secondary schools and lecturers at the Isle of Man College all posts are advertised in the Times Educational Supplement, and in the local press.
Redeployment and redundancy
The Department has a Redeployment and Redundancy Policy and Procedure that is followed in respect of all redundant posts. Where possible, staff in redundant posts are redeployed.
Relocation Allowance
Assistance granted to new employees, for nominated positions, to assist with removal and other expenses as a result of relocating to the Island.
Reports
Schools are required to formally report to parents on the progress of their child on an annual basis.
Salaries
Payment of salaries is generally made monthly by BACS, although provision exists for staff, usually temporary, relief or part time, to be paid weekly by cheque.
Saturday Morning Music Activities
The Department of Education Music Service will provide Saturday Morning Music Workshops for pupils between the ages of 8 - 13 at two centres, Castletown and Douglas, during the during Autumn and Spring terms. The workshops operate for two hours between 10 am and 12 noon and are staffed appropriately to ensure both the safety of the pupils and the adequate level and range of musical activities. Additionally, the Music Service also arranges for meetings of the Isle of Man Youth Orchestra to be held on Saturday mornings during each academic year.
Further details may be obtained from the Music Centre, Lord Street, Douglas. Tel: 01624 686555.
Schemes of Work
All schools produce up to date and relevant schemes of work for each National Curriculum subject and Religious Education. Schemes of work take account of curriculum policies and are matched to the age, ability and aptitude of the pupils for whom they are designed. A scheme of work is a professional document drawn up by teachers as their plan of work to be taught for each class pupils.
Guidance on the construction of schemes of work is available from the Senior Adviser, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685353.
Scholarships (See also King Williams College Scholarships)
The Department of Education administers several scholarships relating to Higher and Further Education (e.g. the Henry Bloom Noble Scholarship, Russell Willis Scholarship, Colby Cubbon Scholarship, etc.)
Further details of these scholarships may be obtained from the Student Awards Handbook available from Legal and Administrative Services, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820.
School Improvement Plans
All schools are required to produce improvement plans that clearly set out the short, medium and long-term goals of the school, in such areas as curriculum, resources, buildings, finance, staff development, etc. The plans are reviewed annually.
School Meals
Under the 2001 Education Act, the Department makes school meals available to those people wishing to partake so all pupils have the opportunity to obtain a meal in school every day. In Secondary schools food is available before school and at break times as well as lunchtime. In Primary schools food is only available at lunchtime. Meals are prepared to current nutritional best practice standards. Catering staff work closely with teaching staff to ensure pupils are encouraged to make informed healthy choices. See also free school meals.
Secondary Education
Secondary education on the Isle of Man is non selective and is for students between the ages of 11 and 18 and therefore includes Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and 16 and 19 education. Secondary education is provided at present in 5 schools and there is a degree of overlap with the Isle of Man College, which admits students from the age of 16 onwards for further education
Secondary Employment
Secondary or subsidiary employment of a Civil Servant requires the prior approval of the Chief Executive Officer of the Department.
Service Delivery Plan
The process of appraisal and evaluation of policy objectives under consideration, identifying costs and benefits, analysing the information and presenting the results within a suggested timescale. The Department of Education's Service Delivery Plan (PDF) is available from the Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820.
Sex Education
The Department of Education recognises that Sex Education is a difficult issue which will place demands on schools and teachers. It is, however, an important part of children’s preparation for adult life. The Isle of Man Department of Education's Policy on Sex and Relationship Education provides the basis for a whole Island policy on the teaching of Sex Education in primary and secondary schools, the Isle of Man College and the Youth and Community Division.
Copies of this policy and guidance notes are also available from the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820.
Special Educational Needs
The policy of the Department is that special educational needs should be identified and met in mainstream situations wherever possible.
Further details can be provided by the Special Educational Needs Advisers in the Education Improvement Service, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685353.
Starting school
Pupils are admitted to schools’ reception classes at the beginning of the academic year in which they reach their fifth birthday. To assist schools in the allocation of staff and the planning of resources, parents are required to register their child with a school. Catchment areas exist for each school - see under C above. Any parent unsure which catchment area they reside in should contact the Department of Education on 685820.
Parents of children who are five on or after September 1, 2009, should contact the relevant school as soon as possible to register their child for the start of the academic year 2009/2010, which begins on Wednesday 9 September 2009. Click here for a registration form, which should be returned to the relevant school.
Stress Management
The Department recognises that employees' physical, mental and well-being is of critical importance. It is therefore the Department's policy to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that no employee is subjected to a level of stress due to work which is detrimental to their health. The Department's aim is to create an environment where, if stress does occur, it can be dealt with openly and fairly.
Copies of the Departments Managing Stress in the Workplace Policy and Procedures are available from the Director of Corporate Services, Education Office, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685805.
Student Awards
The relevant regulations are as set out in the Student Award Regulations, available from the Tynwald Library, or in the Basic Guide to Student Finance, which is available from the Careers Office and the Department of Education. The scheme is administered by the Student Awards Section, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685822.
For further information e-mail studentgrants@doe.gov.im
Supply Cover
The provision of supply cover by relief staff is in accordance with the conditions of service of each employment group.
Suspension
The arrangements for suspension from schools are explained in A Parents' Guide to Suspension. For further information, contact the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820.
Swimming Tuition
All primary schools will be offered a limited amount of swimming tuition.
Teacher Exchanges
International teacher exchanges are available to teachers on the Island and are organised by the Central Bureau in London. Applications for international teacher exchanges should be made in the first instance to the Department of Education, where each application is considered on its own merit, and if approved, funding is made available to support the teachers exchange.
Job exchanges for teachers on the Isle of Man is a principle which the Department of Education supports. The mechanism for such exchanges is that each pair of teachers must seek approval from the appropriate governing or managing body. Short term teacher placements are also supported by the Department of Education. Firstly, through teacher placements in industry, which is organised centrally by the Department along the same lines as the UK national scheme for this, where teachers spend usually a week in a local business, with a very clear learning agenda. Secondly, short term placements in another school are also supported by the Department in order that a teacher may learn about a particular practice or system of organisation in another school. In cases such as these, the teacher should apply to his or her own headteacher, who will make arrangements with the corresponding headteacher of the other school.
Teacher Placement
A placement involves spending some time alongside the professionals in a different working context. Placements are of a flexible duration and can be negotiated to suit the needs of all concerned. A working week is the usual pattern but often school and business will agree a programme which involves one day per week over a number of weeks. Supply cover is paid for by the Department of Education. Placements provide first hand experience and insights into the role of business which teachers need so that they can use their experiences to support the curriculum and prepare young people for work, training and lifelong learning. The partnership also equips business people with the knowledge of new approaches being adopted in education and flexible training opportunities for employees at all levels.
Application forms for the teacher placement scheme are available from schools, the College Staff Development Officer, or the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685796.
Teacher Secondment
Applications for teacher secondments are considered by the Department and priority is given to those which will help to deliver a schools Development Plan objectives or post inspection Action Plan priorities.
Further details may be obtained from the Director, Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685801.
Tendering
The invitation of sealed bids for payment for the provision of goods or services in accordance with the Isle of Man Government Financial Regulations.
Transport
Transport of pupils via buses to and from schools is the responsibility of the Transport Division of the Department of Tourism and Leisure. Any other transport arrangements are the responsibility of the Department of Education. More information can be obtained from the Transport Manager at the Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas IM1 2SG. Telephone 01624 687346.
Travel Allowances
Mileage allowance is paid to employees required to use their personal vehicles on official Department business.
Uniform
The Department of Education encourages the wearing of uniform by pupils when they attend school. Schools are free to make decisions about the detailed nature of the uniform in conjunction with their governing body and have well developed practices for encouraging the wearing of uniform.
Upgradings and the Award of Available Incentive Points
In the case of internal upgradings, where there is no teacher vacancy within the school but the headteacher wishes to have a responsibility post, then the headteacher can recommend an internal upgrading. If there is more one possible candidate on the teaching staff, then the post should be advertised within the school and competed for by interview with the managers/governors or presentation to the managers/governors.
Where such an upgrading becomes known towards the end of the Summer Term, the headteacher may, in conjunction with the chairman of the manager/governors, make a temporary upgrading.
Upgradings caused by teacher vacancies are advertised and competed for in the normal way.
Value Added (See also Progression)
The “value added” is the amount of measured progress made between 2 stages in a pupil’s education. Various forms of assessment are used by schools to measure progress and the Department also funds the use of the University of Durham’s systems for measuring value added, which are YELLIS and ALIS, used in the secondary phase. These systems give useful diagnostic information to schools and also information on the schools performance to the Department.
Violence in Schools
Details of the action to be taken in this area may be obtained from the Health & Safety Adviser, Department of Education, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.
Work Experience
Guidelines are given in the Department's Work Experience Policy and Arrangements. These are aimed at providing schools and employers with a set of criteria to work with and to ensure that each party is fully aware of their role and responsibility and the contribution they can make introducing young people to the world of work.
Copies of this document can be obtained from the Department of Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820.
Work Permits
See Recruitment.
Worship
The statutory basis for religious worship in schools in the Isle of Man is contained in the Education Act 2001, which requires that arrangements are made for regular collective worship. Beyond this statutory requirement, schools are free to make their own arrangements. The Religious Education Advisory Committee has, within its own brief, responsibility for making recommendations to the Department for guidance and policies in this area to be produced.
Youth Service
The Youth Service operates play clubs for children in school years 4, 5 and 6. The usual staffing ratio for play clubs is 1 adult to 12 children. This may be increased to one adult to 15 children at the discretion of the youth officer after a risk assessment has been undertaken. Youth clubs and special projects provide activities for young people in school years 7 and over. These include detached youth work, music and dance projects, outdoor education activities and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
