• Minister insists it's 'early days' as tweaks made to new school menu
    Nov 24 2025

    The education minister says her department is listening to feedback and actively tweaking menus for school meals.

    It as figures show a decline in the uptake since a new menu was introduced in September, which cut the amount of ultra-processed foods, increased the amount of Manx produce, and swapped desserts for fruit and milk.

    Data provided in response to a Tynwald Question for Written Answer shows a trend towards pupils bringing their own packed lunch.

    In this edition of Newscast, Education Minister Daphne Caine brings Lewis Foster up to speed with how the menu is being received.

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    12 mins
  • Residents 'must make voices heard' on new Ramsey Harbour flood defence proposals
    Nov 20 2025

    A Ramsey Commissioner says residents of the town must make their voices heard about the Department of Infrastructures plans for new flood defences.

    Next Monday (24 November) the DoI is holding drop-in sessions for people to look at the plans and provide feedback - this is taking place at the town hall during its usual opening hours.

    The department previously submitted plans in 2021 which could've seen the removal of 50 parking spaces as well as a concrete wall and new pavements.

    Juan McGuinness says the town is under 'threat' of tidal flooding and believes that the defences need to be in place to protect homes and businesses on the quayside.

    Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

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    4 mins
  • "Every child deserves the right to an education" says mum of neurodivergent child
    Nov 18 2025

    "Every child deserves the right to an education."

    Those are the words of a Manx mum, after politicians backed her Tynwald Day petition to implement neurodiversity training across all the Island's schools.

    Last month, Tynwald unanimously supported a motion committing to making adaptive and inclusive practice a core part of teacher training.

    The Department of Education must now return to the court with a phased timeline for implementation by February next year.

    Nichola Whitlam-Beckett, whose petition was the basis of the motion, has been sharing her reaction with Amy Griffiths:

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    9 mins
  • MHK calls for probe into Island's financial services and eGaming frameworks
    Nov 18 2025

    A Douglas Central MHK is calling on his fellow Tynwald members to back his call for a new select committee to be formed.

    Chris Thomas wants a review of the suitability of frameworks for the Island's financial services and eGaming sectors.

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    23 mins
  • Farmers 'need to come together and find a solution' over withdrawal of veterinary services
    Nov 14 2025

    A Manx farmer says the sector 'needs to come together and find a solution' following the announcement that Milan Vets will no longer carry out farm veterinary services.

    The practice says it will no longer be able to treat livestock from the end of the month, citing a long-term decline in the number of farm clients.

    Milan Vets is owned by Independent Vetcare Limited, a large veterinary group that operates many practices across the British Isles, and it's been suggested that the decision to withdraw these services has been made off-Island.

    In this edition of Newscast with Lewis Foster, Manx Radio Countryside presenter Kirree Kermode - from Orrisdale Farm in Ballasalla - says it's a worrying time for the sector.

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    7 mins
  • Counselling students set to complete their studies on-Island
    Nov 14 2025

    Students on their way to becoming qualified counsellors have spoken of the benefits of being able to complete their studies on-Island.

    The organisation Brighter Teaching brought its training services to the Isle of Man in 2023, allowing people to achieve their Level 5 diplomas without having to leave and study in the UK.

    It offers a range of Ofqual-registered specialist courses for therapies such as; trauma, couples, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and children and adolescence.

    In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Elisha Gilbertson and Susie Lyons who are part of the first cohort of students who have been working hard to gain their qualifications.

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    14 mins
  • Derbyhaven Residents Society says ombudsman highlighted issues with golf links hotel
    Nov 13 2025

    The Derbyhaven Residents' Society says it welcomes the findings from the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration regarding the handling of a complaint over the former Castletown Golf Links Hotel.

    A report by the ombudsman found that maladministration had occurred when Malew Commissioners was dealing with a request to serve a demolition notice on the building - which the society describes as an 'embarrassing eyesore'.

    The document is due to be laid before Tynwald next week, and the group is asking members to consider whether local authorities should have the power to demolish derelict and dilapidated properties.

    Shaun Murphy, a member of the resident's society, says the report 'shines a light' on what powers local authorities have and when they should be used 'appropriately'.

    Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

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    9 mins
  • Inside the 'adaptive classroom' project
    Nov 12 2025

    What is an adaptive classroom?

    Scoill Yn Jubilee Juniors in Douglas is the first to pilot the project.

    Christian Jones speaks to to Brendon Kenny from Ellanstone and Paul Murphy from Werk Solutions about what it means in practice.

    How can design, psychology, and community insight shape better learning spaces for children, and could it influence the future of education?

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    11 mins