Union Welcomes New Ratio

The school leaders union has welcomed the Steam Packet’s updated adult-to-child ratio of one adult to eight children for group travel.

Earlier this week, the Steam Packet rowed back on the decision to impose a ratio of one adult for every five children.

The trade union, NAHT, had feared that the one to five ratio would make it “impractical” for school pupils to make trips to the United Kingdom (UK).

A Grateful Union

Niamh Sweeney, NAHT’s regional head for the North West said: “We had feared that the proposals would make it impractical for schools on the Isle of Man to take pupils to the UK for educational trips due to the staffing requirements.

“We are grateful that the company has listened to our feedback, because while we take safeguarding pupils extremely seriously, local school leaders said there had not been any concerns about safety on board.”

Niamh Sweeny, NAHT Regional Head for the North West.

Niamh added: “This movement from Steam Packet is welcome.

“It will still require extra staffing, but not to the same extent, and this means that most school trips are likely to be viable going forward, with all the benefits they offer in enriching children’s education and cultural awareness.”

Change in Ratio

The new ratio was made following extensive consultation between the Steam Packet and the Department of Education.

To implement the ratio, the ferry company has developed new policies to provide more flexibility for groups travelling with under 16s while enhancing safety and ensuring compliance with findings from risk assessments. 

The Department of Education has endorsed the changes and will see the implementation of additional measures to ensure that schools and associated groups comply with the new requirements.

To reinforce accountability, all travelling groups will now be required to sign an updated Group Conditions of Travel agreement before departure.