***Editor’s Note: Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Office of Education Standards is conducting one-day ‘thematic visits’ to Cayman Islands schools in the Spring 2022 term in lieu of more in-depth inspections. (Click to expand.)
(Read our story on the decision here.) OES recently published the first batch of reports from these visits, which will eventually involve 31 government and private schools and culminate in a national report. The Current will publish a story on each individual school, as well as stories from a more comprehensive perspective.***
Island Montessori has managed to keep its attendance rate up and to minimise any learning loss during the pandemic, an Office of Education Standards inspector said.
The private school in George Town had recruited new staff during COVID-19 and aims to expand its primary school offerings to a new site next year, according to a letter to Principal Clare Thorpe from Senior Inspector David Baldwin.
“Staff reported they felt supported by senior leaders throughout the pandemic with respect to their mental health and wellbeing,” Baldwin said.
The visit occurred on 23 Feb. and the inspector’s summary is dated 24 Feb.
“I did not find any significant concerns” during the school visit, the inspector said.
Unlike full inspection reports, the inspectors do not assign graded judgments to schools as a result of the one-day visits. Inspectors conduct interviews with school leadership, teachers and administration, as well as reviewing documentation.
Parents also completed a survey before the visit.
Island Montessori
The school had implemented an array of measures to protect against COVID, including air and surface purification systems, water coolers, outdoor work spaces, temperature recording, hand washing, bubble system for student groups, and a pick-up/drop-off system where parents are not allowed inside.
Additionally, staff undertook daily lateral flow tests before coming to school each day.
What set Island Montessori apart from many other schools, however, was the presence (or absence) of masks.
Baldwin said, “Nearly all staff and students in the primary phase did not wear masks. The school reported this was due to medical exemptions.”
The inspector noted that attendance this year was above 94%.
In anticipation of staff absences, the school had hired 3 new staff members to provide cover for colleagues in isolation.
Teachers in isolation but not exhibiting COVID symptoms delivered lessons virtually. Students in isolation had access to software platforms to access work remotely.
“Primary phase senior leaders were able to demonstrate minimal, if any, loss of progress in maths, English and science across all year groups during the pandemic. This was supported by evidence in students’ books,” the inspector said.
During weekly meetings, staff discussed individual students’ well-being.
“Throughout the pandemic, senior leaders had felt confident that all levels of management had been involved in key decision making and that staff were able to step up and deputise for senior leaders should the need arise. This was supported by the staff survey,” he said.
While many schools in Grand Cayman have reported difficulty hiring and retaining staff, Island Montessori has had success recruiting and seeks to grow in the near future.
“Owners and senior leaders had been able to recruit new staff throughout the pandemic, and were looking to expand their primary provision on a new site next year,” Baldwin said.