Promoting positive behaviour, regular attendance and supporting the emotional aspects of learning make a vital contribution to a student’s achievement and overall school improvement.

On Friday, February 3, teachers from schools across Grand Cayman were on hand to receive their certificate of attendance/completion for the National Programme for Specialist Leaders in Behaviour and Attendance (NPSLBA).

The NPSLBA is an 18 month long active learning programme that was developed in the UK by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) for all professionals in the field of behaviour and attendance.

This programme was rolled out to local educators in February 2009, promoted by the Department of Education Services’ (DES) behaviour support services and the Ministry of Education, Training and Employment.

The programme emphasises acquisition of knowledge, modelling of good practice, feedback and reflection, and embedding the experience.  It has equipped local educators with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and students in influencing school based practices in terms of behaviour.

NPSLBA was designed to be a strong catalyst for change and consisted of two groups on Grand Cayman (secondary and primary teachers) and one group based on Cayman Brac.

Mr. Sean Cahill, Policy Advisor for Behaviour stated in regards to the programme “The NPSLBA has not only provided local staff with a rich learning experience, but has also equipped them to work effectively with colleagues in influencing the working practices that will support improved outcomes for our most challenging students.”

Throughout the Cayman Islands, participants have been responsible for taking the lead on initiatives such as ensuring that school based discipline and student behaviour policies are in place across both the primary and secondary sectors, developing and implementing support systems for students displaying behavioural Difficulties, delivering training on conflict and confrontation, and developing rewards and incentives to promote positive behaviour.

The Minister of Education, Training and Employment; the Hon. Rolston Anglin, who had previously presented certificates to the Cayman Brac Group, was on hand to distribute the NPSLBA certificates to the Grand Cayman graduating class, and he stated, “This programme is another step in bringing quality education to the youth of our islands. By equipping our teachers with the tools and resources they need to provide the best classroom experience for all students, we are creating an environment of consistent learning.”