Mandatory neurodiversity training for educators is 'no-brainer', says MHK

Douglas East member to present motion on topic 

An MHK is calling for mandatory neurodiversity and inclusive practice training in education across the Isle of Man.

At this month's Tynwald sitting, Joney Faragher will table a motion calling for such training to be 'embedded into core provision'.

The member for Douglas East wants the Island's parliament to 'recognise the principle that training in neurodiversity, the impact of neurodiversity on learning, and adaptive and inclusive practice should form a core part of teacher training and professional development'.

She'd like to see a phased timeline produced, commencing with Headteachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), with the timeline reported back to Tynwald by February 2026.

"The Hon. Member for Douglas East, Ms Faragher, to move – That Tynwald recognises the principle that training in neurodiversity, the impact of neurodiversity on learning, and adaptive and inclusive practice should form a core part of teacher training and professional development; and calls upon the Department of Education, Sport and Culture to establish a phased timeline for embedding this training into core provision, commencing with Headteachers and SENCOs, and to report this timeline back to Tynwald members by February 2026, with the aim of ensuring that such training has a tangible impact on classroom practice and pupil experience." - Ms Faragher's motion

The motion has been supported by Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.

It is based on a petition for redress presented at this year's Tynwald Day ceremony back on 7 July.

The petition from Nichola Whitlam-Beckett and 27 others essentially provided the motion as submitted by Ms Fargher and circumvents the typical process of a petition being advanced - in which a select committee is formed to make a recommendation.

Ms Faragher told Manx Radio she has been in conversation with the petitioners and the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, and hopes that the recommendation as presented in the motion can be easily implemented:

You can find the petition in full HERE (pages 63-68).

Ms Faragher's motion will be put before Tynwald during the sitting tabled for 21-23 October 2025.