Lighthouse school shines following inspection

Lighthouse School, Grand Cayman

(CNS): The Lighthouse School was described as “a good school” by education inspectors this month after it was rated ‘excellent’ in several categories and ‘good’ in the majority of areas inspected. It was rated satisfactory in just two areas and none at all were rated poorly. As government schools largely struggle to get past a satisfactory grade, this special needs school is doing better than most. The Lighthouse School is the only all-age government school in Cayman and it caters to 110 students with a range of disabilities and learning difficulties.

It follows a curriculum driven by personalised learning programmes, with some students following the Cayman Islands National Curriculum while other schemes, such as the City and Guilds programmes, are also offered to older students.

During an inspection earlier this year, the first since January 2015, inspectors found that students’ achievement in English, mathematics and science was good because their needs were very well met and that teachers used a wide range of strategies to meet the students’ needs so they could reach their potential.

The school has exceptionally strong guidance and supports students of all abilities to thrive. The report said there were excellent links with parents and the community, where the school is held in high esteem.

“The principal and senior leaders had created a culture of high expectations where every student mattered, and this vision was embraced by all staff,” the inspectors stated in their report.

Teaching was also found to be good. Teachers were said to be skilled at engaging and motivating individual students to reach their potential. They enjoyed excellent relationships with the students and knew their needs very well. Teachers had very well-established routines that students understood, which promoted a calm atmosphere and prepared students for learning.

The inspectors also found that all staff were deployed effectively to ensure the inclusion of all students in physical education, including those with physical disabilities. Across the school, students were eager to participate in all activities and had positive attitudes.

The principal’s leadership was described by inspectors as “inspirational”, winning support of staff, parents and students.

“His clear vision and strategic direction contributed to the continuous cycle of improvement,” the report noted. “Consequently, expectations of staff and students’ achievement were high. The drive for improvement was shared by all leaders, including the dedicated and strong senior leaders. Their hard work had helped to bring about the improvements made since the previous inspection.”

Among the many positive findings in the report were the survey results, where 97% of parents said their children attending the school were inspired to learn and 90% said they were satisfied with the quality of education provided at the school. 98% of teachers said the school provided a good education, and 100% of students said they were satisfied with their time at school.

See the report in the CNS Library