Cost of supply teachers

Summary

A request was made to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture regarding the number, pay rates, and total costs of supply teachers in the Isle of Man. The authority disclosed the number of registered teachers and pay structures but stated it does not hold the requested data on total taxpayer costs for the last five academic years.

Key Facts

• There were 347 supply teachers registered with the Department of Education as of 1st September 2024.
• Supply teacher hourly rates range from £28.52 to £36.45.
• Primary school supply teachers are paid for mornings, afternoons, or full days.
• Secondary school supply teachers are paid in lesson periods (1-6), with 6 representing a full day.
• The Department does not hold information on the total overall cost of supply teachers for the requested academic years.

Data Disclosed

• 347
• 1st September 2024
• £28.52
• £36.45
• September 23 to July 2024
• 4103509
• 2024-09-05
• 2024-10-02

Original Request

Supply teachers are used in IOM State schools to cover permanent teachers being absent due to sickness, maternity leave and other reasons. Please can you confirm the following: I. As at 1st September 2024 how many supply teachers were registered with the IOM Department of Education? 2. How much are supply teachers paid per hour (in Primary and Secondary schools)? 3. Are supply teachers paid for a minimum period per day e.g. a morning or whole day or just ad hoc hours? 4. What was the total overall cost to the Manx taxpayer of supply teachers in the last academic year (September 23 to July 2024)? 5. What was such cost in each of the preceding four academic years? Thank you

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Policy, Strategy and Governance Divison Department of Education, Sport and Culture Thie Slieau Whallian Foxdale Road St Johns IM4 3AS

Telephone: (01624) 685808 Website: www.gov.im/dec Email: dec@foi.gov.im

Our ref: 4103509 02 October 2024

Dear ###

We write further to your request, received 5 September 2024, which states:

"Supply teachers are used in IOM State schools to cover permanent teachers being absent due to sickness, maternity leave and other reasons.
Please can you confirm the following:
1. As at 1st September 2024 how many supply teachers were registered with the IOM Department of Education?
2. How much are supply teachers paid per hour (in Primary and Secondary schools)?
3. Are supply teachers paid for a minimum period per day e.g. a morning or whole day or just ad hoc hours?
4. What was the total overall cost to the Manx taxpayer of supply teachers in the last academic year (September 23 to July 2024)?
5. What was such cost in each of the preceding four academic years?"

Our response to your request is as follows: As at 1st September 2024 how many supply teachers were registered with the IOM Department of Education? There were 347 supply teachers on DESC’s Education Supply System on the 1st September 2024

How much are supply teachers paid per hour (in Primary and Secondary schools)?
Supply teachers are paid £28.52 - £36.45 per hour

Are supply teachers paid for a minimum period per day e.g. a morning or whole day or just ad hoc hours?
Primary school supply teachers are paid for a morning, afternoon or full day.
Secondary school supply teachers are paid in lesson periods 1-6 (6 being a full day)

What was the total overall cost to the Manx taxpayer of supply teachers in the last academic year (September 23 to July 2024)?

What was such cost in each of the preceding four academic years

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Department of Education, Sport and Culture does not hold the information that you have requested for your remaining two questions.

By way of advice and assistance you may also find it useful submit a Freedom of Information Request to the Cabinet Office in relation to the information you are seeking.
You can submit a Freedom or Information request to any Government Department or Local Authority by completing an online form here:
https://www.gov.im/about-thegovernment/freedom-of-information/make-a-freedom- of-information-request/

Please quote the reference number 4103509 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi. I will now close your request as of this date. Yours sincerely

Information Governance Officer