Discovery Kids was rated ‘Satisfactory’ by the Office of Education Standards, maintaining its grade from the first cycle of inspections.
‘Satisfactory’ is the minimum level of quality required for Cayman Islands schools, and is the same rating the preschool earned during its last inspection in May 2019.
“The centre had a welcoming, caring ethos. The staff had developed warm and close relationships with children and their families which meant that they knew the children well,” according to the inspection report.
During its inspection from 16-18 June, Discovery Kids earned ‘Satisfactory’ ratings in 11 of 14 indicators, with 2 ‘Good’ ratings and 1 ‘Weak’ rating.
“Children’s achievement in mathematical exploration, verbal and symbolic communication and creative expression had improved to satisfactory. Additionally, children’s achievement in most aspects of respect had improved from satisfactory to good,” inspectors said.
The school improved its ratings in 3 areas, but declined to ‘Weak’ in terms of staffing and the learning environment.
Inspectors noted that while staffing levels were sufficient and the premises were clean and tidy, the physical space was too small for the number of students, according to Education Council guidelines.
Inspectors rate schools in individual categories, using a scale of Weak/Satisfactory/Good/Excellent. The overall grade is determined according to the individual scores.
Because the school was rated ‘Satisfactory’, it will not be subject to a Follow-Through inspection, and will be inspected during the next cycle of inspections beginning in 2023.
“However, the centre will receive a monitoring visit from the Office of Education Standards to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements,” according to the report.
Located in the Sigma Building on Hospital Road in George Town, Discovery Kids has an enrolment of 111 students from the age of 4 months to 4.5 years.