Education, Sport and Culture

School Closures - UPDATE

Schools closed to most children from the end of the school day on Monday 23 March, a decision made in conjunction with school leaders as part of the Island's measures to protect residents against the coronavirus pandemic.  Education Hubs at all 5 high schools and 9 primary school sites were opened for the children of key workers, vulnerable children and the children of workers in sectors permitted to resume activity.

The Island has now moved into its "Stay Safe" response to the pandemic and, again in conjunction with school leaders, is ready to embark on a plan for expanding school provision.  The first phase of this will see all school sites reopen from Wednesday 17th June and from this date, all those children currently taught in the Education Hubs will be able to return to their normal school.

The plan for enabling more children to return to school will be undertaken safely and gradually so the impact of this can be monitored and allow dynamic change to our plans if and where necessary.  Please visit this link for further details - gradual expansion of school provision.

It has been confirmed that Y2, Y6, Y10 and Y12 will be the first whole year groups that are invited to return to school although there is no confirmed date set for this yet.

Attendance at school will be on a voluntary basis until the new school year in September.

Schools remain committed to providing resources to promote and support home learning until the end of the 2019/2020 academic year on Friday 24th July 2020.

University College Isle of Man will commence a phased return in disciplines, where it is safe to do so, and will continue providing a limited service to assist students who are completing their courses.

A list of Child Day Care providers and childminders who remain open and have places available is updated regularly on the Registration and Inspection Website.

Further details regarding schools and nurseries can be found on the Isle of Man Government's COVID-19 website.

Examinations

As a result of school closures all external exams were cancelled by examination boards both operating regionally and internationally. The following public guidance provides details on how exams have been affected as part of the school closures:

See:  COVID-19: Cancellation of Key Stage 4 and 5 External Examinations Summer 2020

Free School Meals

Currently, a system is in place to provide meals/vouchers for children who are eligible for Free School Meals and packed lunches for those in hubs. DESC is absorbing the additional cost of the vouchers and the packed lunches.
It is proposed that, once the definition of 'key workers' is widened to include Construction, Horticulture and Trades workers, the usual arrangements (i.e. paying for school meals unless eligible) are re-adopted.
See: Free school meal guidance