School leaders’ union NAHT is calling on a major ferry operator to urgently reconsider its decision to impose a new mandatory adult-to-child ratio of one adult for every five children for group travel.

The union says the change by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company - which doubles the previous ratio of one adult to 10 children -, is out of step with the Department of Education, Sport & Culture (DESC) educational visits guidance and best practice across the British Isles.

Unlike their peers in the UK, children in the Isle of Man often have to cross the Irish Sea to access cultural and educational trips, for example, residential outdoor centres and museums. School leaders say they simply don’t have the staffing resources to meet the new requirement, and that it will severely limit off-island school trips, depriving children of vital learning opportunities.

Recruiting volunteers to meet the new requirements is not a practical solution, NAHT warns, due to the additional costs, administrative burden, and responsibility it places on school leaders. This includes additional costs for travel, accommodation and transport, and an increase in DBS checks to vet additional adult volunteers

NAHT says that as a taxpayer-owned company Steam Packet has a duty to support the Isle of Man community. The union warns that the decision ultimately disadvantages children on the Isle of Mann, and is urging the firm to reverse the policy and return to ratios that reflect practical, evidence-based best practice

Rehana Azam, NAHT Regional Head North West said:

“This unfair policy means children on the Isle of Man will miss out on educational experiences and opportunities available to other children in the UK."

“It also places an impossible burden on schools and makes off-island trips unworkable. It is already difficult to free up enough staff for off-island trips. Some schools are already cancelling their plans because of this."

"We understand the need for safeguarding, but this new ratio far exceeds what is required by educational experts and adds unnecessary barriers to what should be enriching experiences for children. “

“While some schools and communities may rally to organise trips under the new ratio this year, NAHT stresses that this is not sustainable in the long term. Increased financial and administrative pressures will inevitably reduce the number of off-island trips, depriving future cohorts of children of invaluable experiences.”