The government has apologised for any disruption to parents and students caused by industrial action.

In an open letter to parents, the government has said it ’remains committed to resolving this dispute and all of us in education are disappointed that this could impact on children’s enjoyment at school’.

Teacher across the island are due to begin industrial action, short of striking, on Monday February 24. The teachers are members of the National Association of Head Teachers, the Association of School and College Leaders and NASUWT which are in dispute with the government over pay and conditions.

The government’s letter said: ’The Department for Education, Sport and Culture remains committed to resolving this dispute and all of us in education are disappointed that this could impact on children’s enjoyment at school.

’Wherever possible we will work with schools and teachers to try and prevent any disruption to the education of children.

’However, we are aware that this could impact significantly on lunchtime and after-school clubs, and can only apologise for any difficulties this may cause.

’We are sure you will join us in acknowledging the outstanding work that our teachers do every day to deliver a first class education to the children of the Isle of Man.’

Starting on the first Monday after half-term, members of all three unions will work to contracted hours, but not supervise lunch time or after-school clubs, including revision sessions.

Other industrial action being taken includes non-attendance at senior leaders’ meetings or engagement with the appraisal policy for staff. There will also be no engagement with the school self review and evaluation process.

School leaders are also refusing to implement or comply with the parent pay policy and surveys, sign off pay control listings or engage with DESC directed in-service days.

The letter added: ’We would like all parents to know that the department’s door is always open to the unions and our officers will clear their diaries to meet with them at the earliest opportunity, so that a resolution can be found and disruption to children kept to a minimum.

’The department is disappointed that no resolution has yet been found, but is hopeful of progress in the coming weeks.’

So far Chief Minister Howard Quayle has refused two requests by unions to personally get involved in the dispute while the teachers have passed a vote of no confidence in Minister Graham Cregeen and the wider department.