The Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture officially launched Cohort 2 of its “Principles and Practices of School Inspection” Certification Training during an opening ceremony held on June 8, 2026.
Building on the success of Cohort 1, the second phase of the programme seeks to expand the pool of certified Quality Assurance Officers (QAOs) while strengthening the QAU’s capacity as it prepares for the full implementation of the national school inspection programme during the 2026–2027 academic year.
The training facilitated by Dr. Maureen Clarke-Dwyer of Jamaica’s National Education Inspectorate brings Her extensive experience in Caribbean school inspection to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inspection cadre is trained to internationally recognised standards.
Addressing participants at the ceremony, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Rachel Taylor, described the initiative as a major milestone in the Ministry’s commitment to establishing a robust, evidence-based national school inspection framework. She noted that the programme will help transform quality assurance into an embedded culture within schools by equipping educators with the knowledge, skills, and tools required for effective school inspection.
Participants in Cohort 2 were selected from across the education system and include principals, vice principals, heads of department, and senior primary school teachers. Officials say this approach ensures that trained officers bring practical knowledge of school operations and instructional leadership to the inspection process, strengthening the credibility and effectiveness of the national programme.
Quality Assurance Manager Kadean Cunningham said the launch of Cohort 2 reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to building a rigorous and transparent school inspection system tailored to the realities of TCI schools.
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be certified as Quality Assurance Officers and join a growing cadre of professionals working alongside the QAU to conduct school inspections across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
