Schools returning for new academic year

Police issue advice for road users ahead of the back-to-school rush

Police say they will be out on visible patrol today (3 September) as Island schools go back after the summer break. 

Motorists are being encouraged to drive with care as children, and parents, begin the back-to-school routine once again. 

And along with the ever-present question of 'will we ever see a new Castle Rushen High School built?', there are some common topics that will likely make the headlines again this academic year.

SCHOOL MEALS

Amongst them is the topic of school dinners after a shake-up of primary school meals caused a stir in the last academic year.

That change followed on from a report published in March 2025 reviewing the Isle of Man’s school meals system.

The highly redacted report highlighted key issues, including a £2.5 million annual cost, concerns over ultra-processed food, and potential reforms to improve nutritional standards and sustainability.

As a result the Department of Education, Sport and Culture announced a brand-new menu - to be served in canteens from September 2025 - which featured four times more fresh Manx produce, and a cut of ultra-processed food from around 50 percent to five percent compared to the previous year's menu.

While the move itself was generally supported, some raised concerns about the portion sizes, availability of options and the quality of the food, and Manx Radio heard from the parent of a child with diabetes who said she was worried about the safety of her child due to a lack of published nutritional information.

By November last year data provided in a Tynwald written answer showed the number of primary school pupils opting for a school meal had fallen by around 20 percent over the course of the year.

The education minister said at the time that the figures relating to take-up of school meals can fluctuate like this throughout the year for a number of reasons, including changes in the weather which increase and decrease demand for each meal type.

She also later said her department was 'listening to feedback and actively tweaking menus for school meals'.

SEPTEMBER 2026 MENU

The 2026 offering was revealed last month with a provisional menu launched for the 2026/27 academic year on the government website.

A Manx bap with a Manx beef burger, natural yoghurt with berries, creamy mild chicken curry, katsu curry and Manx meatballs were just some of the new inclusions. 

When this menu was revealed in mid-August, Manx Radio approached the DESC for comment, including for clarification on questions raised to us by our listeners about halal meat, we are still awaiting a response.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

Whilst children may be weighing up their options at lunchtime, another factor parents have to take into consideration is the purchase of school uniform.

A new law which comes into force this month means that parents in England should have to buy fewer branded items of school uniform, which the UK government says will save them money.

Uniforms there will now be limited to three items with a school logo - like a blazer, jumper or sports kit - plus a tie for secondary schools.

It's estimated the change could save some families 'up to £50 per child'.

Manx Radio approached the DESC to establish if the Isle of Man Government plans to follow suit.

Again, we are still awaiting a response.

ROAD SAFETY

With more traffic expected on the Island's roads around drop-off and pick-up times the Isle of Man Constabulary has implored motorists 'not put a child in danger by rushing to get yours to school or yourself to work'.

Police are asking parents to leave a few minutes earlier and 'help keep everyone safe'.

Officers will be out on patrol, checking people's speed and watching out for vehicles 'causing danger or obstruction'.

Jenny McEvoy is an Inspector with the Central Neighbourhood Policing Team:

Other road users are also being reminded to observe the 20mph school speed limits - particularly in areas like Kewaigue Hill which is 40mph outside of school hours.

You're also being asked to take extra care when passing schools, crossings and parked vehicles, and be prepared for children who may be distracted or unpredictable.