Trade union says Steam Packet decision 'ultimately disadvantages children'

Calls for company to reverse ratio decision

A headteachers' union is calling on the Steam Packet Company to 'urgently reconsider' its decision to impose a new mandatory adult-to-child ratio for group travel.

The policy now requires one adult to accompany every five children - an increase from the previous one adult to 10 children.

The National Association of Head Teachers has released a statement saying the move is 'out of step' with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture's educational visits guidance and 'best practice across the British Isles'.

It says school leaders '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'.

NAHT Regional Head for the North West Rehana Azam 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."

She added: "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.

Manx Radio has invited the Steam Packet Company to respond and the NAHT for further comment. 

In a statement the Steam Packet said: 

"The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s first priority is always passenger safety.

"We are responsible for the safety of all passengers and crew on our vessels at all times.

"Following a comprehensive review of our risk assessments, taking into account all factors relating to the carriage of children and the overall safety of everyone on board, including crew, the adult to child supervision ratio has been revised. 

"The company liaised with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture over the introduction of these ratios. 

"It is disappointing that the National Association of Head Teachers did not discuss the issue with the company to fully understand our commitment to the safety of passengers of all ages." 

(NB: The NAHT had embargoed this announcement until 12.01am (10 January) but another media outlet on the Isle of Man broke this by running the story at 3.25pm on 9 January.)