Throughout April, approximately 40 security officers assigned to Government schools completed training in Developing and Supporting Positive Behaviours as part of the UK-accredited Team Teach Programme.

Certified intermediate trainers Ministry of Education (MOE) Senior Policy Advisor & Manager (Inclusion) Dr. Aidan Tumilty and Policy Advisor (Safer Schools), Mrs. Sheryl Williams-Patterson, facilitated the weekly sessions at the Clifton Hunter High School.

Mr. Rox Roy Geoghagen was one of the trainees. He shared, “Participating in the training sessions has improved my ability to de-escalate potentially harmful situations by staying composed, actively listening and using non-threatening language. I wholeheartedly thank the Ministry for providing these useful sessions.”

Mr. Geoghagen and the other new trainees join more than 220 persons from educational institutions around the Cayman Islands that have completed this training module since its introduction in October 2022.

The Ministry of Education recommends that at least one person employed at each school has specific training in de-escalation and safe handling techniques.

Acting Chief Officer Ms. Lyneth Monteith remarked, “At a time when the ability to de-escalate situations and safely manage an evolving or actual behavioural crisis is becoming increasingly important for those who work with children, I am pleased that we have been able to offer this critical training to even more of our education stakeholders.”

Ms. Monteith continued, “By employing the least intrusive method to support our children and ensure their safety, we are better able to build relationships of trust and understanding with our students and find solutions for issues that may arise.”

To learn more about the Team Teach programme, visit its website at https://www.teamteach.co.uk/ .