The Department of Education and Children has confirmed all schools in the Isle of Man are opening as scheduled today (Monday), at the start of the summer term.

However, students in Ballakermeen High School Key Stage 3 (Years seven, eight and nine) are being asked to stay at home due to staff shortages.

Minister for Education and Children Eddie Teare made the decision on Sunday night, after close consultation with senior officers.

It's thought around 100 of the Island's 800 school teaching staff are stranded in the United Kingdom and further afield at the end of the Easter holidays, as a result of the cancellation of almost all flights due to the volcanic ash cloud. The final picture, in terms of shortages, will be known later today. 

There had been concerns there would be more impact on the ability of schools to open fully. However, over the weekend, Director of Education and Children John Cain kept in close contact with headteachers, who in turn were receiving messages from stranded staff.

Some 17 teaching staff at Ballakermeen, plus other staff, who had been due back on the first day of term, have been unable to return to the Island, which has necessitated the closure of Key Stage 3.

DEC says, in the circumstances, the priority has been to maintain examination classes and ensure the special unit is open. 

The situation is being kept under review today, and a further announcement will be made at the close of school regarding tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Education staff are being deployed to schools to assist the situation.