In consultation with the Education Council, the Minister for Education and the Office of Education Standards (under the Portfolio of the Civil Service) has made the decision to change the regularity of inspections of educational institutions from every four years to every two years.

This is in an effort to work effectively to ensure that a high standard is achieved and consistently maintained by all educational institutions in the Cayman Islands.

“Although the Education Law, 2016 states that all educational institutions in the Cayman Islands should be inspected at least once every four years, the recommendation was made that, from September 2018, there should be more regular inspections. This is in an effort to strengthen quality education provision across both public and private educational institutions,” said Chair of the Education Council, Mr. Dan Scott.

“The Council believes that a more rigorous inspection cycle will help ensure students are thriving and achieving the necessary academics and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in order for them to access tertiary education and the world of work. The inspections will hold the institutions accountable and help highlight the strengths and challenges of our education system. This is just one way the Education Council is actively working toward enhancing the quality of the education received in the Cayman Islands,” Mr. Scott added.

Inspections will evaluate each school’s performance in six key areas: students’ achievement; personal and social development; the quality of teaching; the curriculum; leadership; and health, safety and support.

All educational institutions (which include public and private schools; Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC); and Early Childhood Centres) will be inspected at least once in the period between September 2018 and June 2020. This change means that there will be 25 educational institutions inspected between September 2018 and June 2019 and a further 25 in the following academic year.

“I am pleased that my fellow Cabinet members felt this change was in the country’s best interest and have agreed to provide the Office of Education Standards the additional support needed to complete the inspections within the recommended two-year cycle,” said Minister for Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands, Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly.

“I think it is important that students are benefitting from a world-class education and our country’s educational institutions are rich with opportunities for students to maximise their God-given potential,” the Minister emphasised.
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n May 2018, the Cabinet approved an increase to the budget of the Office of Education Standards by CI$260,000. This will support the implementation of the two-year cycle from September 2018, as well as increase the number of island-based inspectors who will contribute to the regular inspections of educational institutions.

“Inspections do contribute to school improvement and research demonstrates that the effective collaboration between inspection and school leadership can radically and dynamically lead to transformed educational outcomes for students,” said Director for Education Standards, Mr. Peter Carpenter.

He added, “It is notable that many of our schools, particularly in the private sector, have not been inspected for a number of years. A two- year cycle will offer more regular opportunities for teachers and school leaders to receive advice and support from educational professionals helping to steer our schools toward improved standards and better outcomes for our students.”

Once completed, the Inspection reports will be published in full by the Office of Education Standards and posted on the website www.pocs.gov.ky
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