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A and AS Levels and GCSEs

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 of Further and Higher Education. 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 2012 GCSE and equivalent results and here for the report on the A level 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 and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. 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 may be required to produce and submit written action plans which should subsequently be included within their school’s development plan.

Admissions

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 admissions policies can be obtained by clicking primary and secondary.

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, Bus Vannin and the emergency services over the advisability of closing schools and the decision will be taken by the Minister for Education and Children 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 and Children immediately.

Advice

The Department provides professional advice and support to its teachers and lecturers through its Education Improvement Service. This consists of advisers for primary and secondary education and for ICT, who come under the management of the Director of Education.

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.

Anti-bullying

The Department and all its schools treat any allegations of bulllying very seriously. All schools are required to have a policy on how they deal with such allegations when they relate to children. If parents have any concerns about their children they should contact the school and speak to a class/form teacher or one of the senior staff to alert them to the situation and discuss how best it might be resolved.

Appeals

Guidance on appeals relating to suspension, admission to a school outside of catchment area and transportation for pupils with special educational needs can be found here.

Attendance

The policy on attendance is contained in the document Attendance of Pupils: Legislation, Policy and Procedures, copies of which are also available from the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ, telephone (01624) 685820.

Breadth of 14 - 19 education

Schools and the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education 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 College and that courses in schools are not unnecessarily replicating those at 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 of some schools' prospectuses are available for inspection at the Department's office at Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ, but many schools are moving over to holding only e-prospectuses.

Business Plan

The Department of Education and Children's Business Plan for 2013-14 can be downloaded here or is available from the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685820.

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 Careers Guidance Service, which once fell under the then Department of Education, is now part of the Department for Economic Development. It is based at Nivison House, 31 Prospect Hill, Douglas, IM1 1QS. Tel: (01624) 685128; Fax: (01624) 687016; E-mail: careers@gov.im

Catchment areas

Schools all have their own catchment areas. The Catchment Area Order 2010 can be downloaded here. Download copies of the Policy on Admissions to Primary Schools and Policy on Admissions to Secondary Schools or contact the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685820. To apply to send your child to a school out of the catchment area, please fill in this form.

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 run according to the Department's competitions criteria. It is emphasised that participation is at headteachers' discretion and there can be no guarantee of schools' participation.

Complaints

Copies of the Department of Education and Children's complaints procedure are available from the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685820. Details of all complaints received are logged at the Department Education and Children and an Annual Return of Official Complaints is submitted to the Chief Secretary for the Isle of Man Government.

Course fees (Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education)

Course fees for the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education for 2012/13 can be obtained by clicking here. The Department of Education and Children may reduce or waive fees for College courses if the circumstances warrant such action, i.e. financial hardship, etc. Applications for the waiving of course fees should be made in writing to the Chief Executive Officer, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ or by e-mail to the CEO.

Curriculum

The new curriculum for Isle of Man schools, Essentials for Learning, was introduced in June 2011 and replaced the 2006 Curriculum for Learning and Achievement. The curriculum underlines the importance placed on developing a wide range of social and emotional skills as well as a 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 sit.

Delegated Financial Management

Delegated Financial Management operates at all 34 primary schools, at the five secondary schools and at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education. 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

It is Department policy that schools and the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education take steps to minimise difficulties and teach all children and students how to behave and show care and tolerance.

Drugs and substance use and misuse

Healthy Futures was a multi-agency initiative which directed the development of approaches to health education across a number of sectors. Work has progressed from this within individual agencies and while the DEC uses the key principles that underpinned Healthy Futures, this part of our service is evolving. We now have a greater emphasis on the development of skills within the Department's health education provision to encourage children and young people to make good choices regarding their own health. Policies on Sex and Relationship Education and Drugs and Alcohol (currently under review) are available from Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685797.

Education 'otherwise'

The Education Act requires parents to present their children for education at school or to make arrangements for their education ‘otherwise’. This can be at home or at a private school etc. 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 have been required by law to advise the Department via a form downloadable here.

Educational endowment funds

The Department of Education and Children 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 and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. 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 Department of Education and Children. Further details can be obtained from Services for Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 686086.

Educational visits

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 hard copies of the Policy for Overnight Visits and Educational Stays and the accompanying guidance booklet Safety in Outdoor Education may be obtained from the Principal Youth Officer, Department of Education and Childen, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685810.

Employee relations

The Department of Education and Children endeavours to be a reasonable and caring employer to its staff and seeks to negotiate 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 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 these bodies may be obtained from the Director of Strategy and Corporate Services, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. 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 and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. 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.

Examination boards

Secondary schools and the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education 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 report on the 2012 GCSE and equivalent results and here for the report on the A-level results.

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 and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. 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. Parents should discuss their child's medcation with their school. Information is also contained in the Department's document Guidance for Schools on the Administration of Medication and Medical Care, copies of which are available from the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: (01624) 685797.

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 of Further and Higher Education, if the family is in receipt of any of the relevant benefits. These benefits are:

• Employed Person’s Allowance
• Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income Support

An application form for free school meals can be downloaded here and should be returned to the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685832 or 685807.

Governance/governors

Details of the government of schools and the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education 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 and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685806.

Grant aid to voluntary youth organisations

The Principal Youth Officer 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 Principal Youth Officer, Youth Office, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685810.

Health education

Healthy Futures was a multi-agency initiative which directed the development of approaches to health education across a number of sectors. Work has progressed from this within individual agencies and while the DEC uses the key principles that underpinned Healthy Futures, this part of our service is evolving. We now have a greater emphasis on the development of skills within the Department's health education provision to encourage children and young people to make good choices regarding their own health. Policies on Sex and Relationship Education and Drugs and Alcohol (currently under review) are available from Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685797.

Health and safety

Information regarding the Department’s Health and Safety procedures for all of the Department's divisions is available from the Health and Safety Adviser, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685797.

Higher education

The Department supports pupils moving to Higher Education in the UK or at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education 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 here or from the Student Awards Section, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. E-mail Student Awards . Tel: 01624 685822.

Holiday Venture Schemes

The Department runs general, arts and outdoor projects during the summer holidays. 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 three-term year pattern. This information is normally published two years in advance. Click here.

Homework

Schools will have different approaches to the use of homework to support children's learning which will depend on factors such as the age of pupils and the needs of the curriculum. It would be normal to expect your child's school to communicate with you about how homework is used in their school.

ICT

The Department has an ICT section headed by the Co-ordinating Adviser for ICT. Island schools broadly follow the requirements of the English National Curriculum. ICT is not only taught as a subject but is used widely to support learning in other subjects. ICT skills are critical to learning in the 21st century.

Induction period

All newly qualified teachers appointed to the service of the Department of Education and Children are required to successfully complete their first year of teaching before continuing in their career. 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 Junior Achievement, 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 and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685796.

Insurance

All insurance matters are handled by the Head of Legal & Administrative Services at the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685828.

Internet access

All schools have fast, filtered Internet access. Students are appropriately supervised when accessing the Internet and the Department's Acceptable Use Policy lays out appropriate behaviours to be displayed by all users.

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 Strategy and Corporate Services, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685805. Interviews for other categories of workers are in accordance with the regulations for the staff concerned.

Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement Isle of Man (previously known as Young Enterprise) is a Manx-registered charity established on the Island since 1982. It is a member of the world’s largest non-profit making organisation dedicated to preparing future generations for the world of work. It recruits and trains volunteers from business and wider community to work with the teachers and students in the classrooms and delivers a range of educational programmes in both primary and secondary school, from the ages of four to 19 years. Its progammes focus on 'learning by doing' and include every student regardless of their academic ability Volunteers are welcomed from all walks of life and do not necessarily have to work in business. For more information , visit www.jaiom.im, telephone 01624 666266, write to Suite 1, Peterson House, Middle River Industrial Estate, Douglas IM2 1AL 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. Organisation of the Junior Tynwald is co-ordinated by the Department of Education and Children in conjunction with the Clerk Assistant to Tynwald. For more information, contact the Clerk of Tynwald's office. Tel: 01624 651502.

Legal matters

All non-employment legal matters should be referred to the Head of Legal and Administrative Services, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685828. Legal matters regarding employment should be referred to the Director of Strategy and Corporate Services.

Lettings

External divisions of the Department, 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 and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685785. Click here for further information.

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 professional principle that 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.

Media relations

The Department welcomes media interest in its work as a means of keeping the public informed about its activities and services. It encourages its schools and the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education to develop positive relationships with the media and share their successes. For further information contact the External Communications Officer, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 686080/07624 463677, visit the media centre on this website or follow the DEC on Twitter via http://twitter.com/iomeducation

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 and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 686417.

Ministerial decisions

The Minister for Education and Children has the power to make prerogative decisions (ministerial prerogative) in cases of unresolved disputes, e.g. appointments or school admissions.

Modern Foreign Languages

As part of the core Manx National Curriculum, all children study a modern foreign language at Key Stage 3 in Island secondary schools. The majority of pupils continue to study a modern foreign language in Key Stage 4.

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. Summaries of school self-reviews can be requested from schools.

Music Service

Peripatetic instrumental tuition is delivered to pupils in the Island’s schools for a small charge through the services of specialist teachers employed by the Department of Education and Children’s Music Service. Musical instruments can be hired by pupils receiving tuition. Admission to 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 or visit the web page.

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 headteacher with whole-school responsibilities and a realistic chance of becoming a headteacher in the short term. Those interested in pursuing this qualification should secure the support of their Headteacher before contacting the Department. Further information may be obtained from the Co-ordinating Adviser 11-19 Education, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685353. Or click here. A formal application should then be made to the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services. for acceptance on to the course.

Nursery education

Parents can receive credit towards nursery places, which they can top up according to their need. Details of how to receive the credit can be found on the pre-school page.

Offensive weapons

The policy of dealing with offensive weapons can be obtained from the Health and Safety Adviser, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685797.

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 and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 686277.

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. Click here for the Department's admissions policy.

Prize days (also referred to as presentation of awards/awards evenings/speech nights, etc)

A formal prize day is held by each of the five secondary schools and the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education. The organisation of such events is a matter for the schools/College, but usually involves a guest speaker to present prizes and a formal report from the headteacher/principal.

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
• AMiE - Association of Managers in Education

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
• CYWU - Community and Youth Workers in Unite

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.

Progress of children

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 needs 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

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 school's, College's or youth centre's response to possible child abuse. The procedures protecting children from abuse are lengthy and are circulated periodically to headteachers of all schools. The Director 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 can be contacted at the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. 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 flagged as urgent.

Reception classes

Primary schools have Reception classes that admit pupils from the beginning of the academic year in which they reach their 5th birthday. Parents may exercise the right to delay their child’s entry to compulsory education until the start of the term following their child's 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, Special Educational Needs 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 retained 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 and Children is undertaken in accordance with Control of Employment legislation. A post must be offered to a person with Isle of Man worker status provided he or she is suitable for the post. Appointments to posts involve applications, interviews and pre-employment vetting. Recruitment for teaching and lecturing posts is carried out in accordance with the Department's Policy and Procedures for Recruitment of Teachers and Lecturers. Copies of this are available from the Director of Strategy and Corporate Services, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685805. Recruitment for other employees (excluding civil servants) is in accordance with the Policy and Procedures for the Recruitment of Non-teaching and Non-lecturing staff and, again, a copy can be requested from the Director of Strategy and Corporate Services. Job vacancies within education can be viewed here.

Reports

Schools are required to formally report to parents on the progress of their child on an annual basis

Schemes of work

All schools produce up to date and relevant schemes of work for all aspects of the curriculum. 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's pupils. Guidance on the construction of schemes of work is available from the Director of Education, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685796.

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 the school meals page on this website and click here for an application form for 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 to 19 education. Secondary education is provided at present in five schools and there is a degree of overlap with the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education, which admits students from the age of 16 onwards for further education.

Sex education

The Department of Education and Children recognises that sex education is a difficult issue that will place demands on schools and teachers. It is, however, an important part of children’s preparation for adult life. The 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 Service. Copies of this policy and guidance notes are also available from the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685820.

Social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD)

There is no absolute definition of SEBD and the continuum of behaviour is represented as challenging but normal, if unacceptable, through to serious mental illness.

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 Director of Services for Children, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 686062.

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. See starting school on this website. Catchment areas exist for each school - see above. Any parent unsure which catchment area they reside in should contact the Department of Education and Children on 685820 or consult the catchment area map on the Isle of Man Government's new beta website. Parents of children who are five on or after September 1 2013 should contact the relevant school as soon as possible to register their child for the start of the academic year 2013/14, which begins on Wednesday 4th September 2013.

Student awards

The relevant regulations are as set out in the Student Award Regulations, available in the Basic Guide to Student Finance, which is available from the Department of Education and Children. The scheme is administered by the Student Awards Section, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685822. E-mail: studentgrants@doe.gov.im or visit http://www.gov.im/education/support/grants.xml

Suspension

The arrangements for suspension from schools are explained in our policy (English version - Polish version). For further information, contact the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685820.

Swimming tuition

Key Stage 2 children are offered swimming tuition in the autumn and spring terms.

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 and Children, 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 and Children 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 and Children. 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.

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 Bus Vannin, part of the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure. Any other transport arrangements are the responsibility of the Department of Education and Children. More information can be obtained from the Transport Manager at the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Telephone 01624 686417.

Transportation of students with special educational needs

In some cases, students with special educational needs will be eligible for transportation to and from school and other education establishments at which their needs are assessed. See the Policy on the Transportation of Pupils with Special Needs or contact the Transport Manager at the Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Telephone 01624 686417.

Uniform

The Department of Education and Children 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. Financial support is available towards the purchase of uniforms, on a discretionary basis. Please contact the Department for Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685820

Violence in schools

Details of the action to be taken in this area may be obtained from the Health & Safety Adviser, Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ. Tel: 01624 685797.

Work experience

Work experience placements are managed on behalf of the Department by www.my-work-experience.com. They provide schools and employers with 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. Long-term work placements are arranged by individual schools and are controlled by the DEC’s Long-term Work Placement Policy.

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/youth work

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. Young people choose to use youth service provision. They do so for many reasons - to meet friends, to have fun, to spend time in a safe place, to take part in specific activities, to work with other young people developing projects, to build relationships with adults, or to get help and advice. When we ask young people what is most important they say - the support and friendliness of youth workers, the chance to have fun and the opportunity to be taken seriously. If you are considering becoming a part-time youth worker, we have an excellent training programme that young people help us deliver. Contact Principal Youth Officer Ken Callister on 01624 685810.