The Orealia Kelly Primary School at Stoney Ground has highly visible ‘Kids on Patrol’ (KOP) in the morning before class, at break time and at lunchtime.
They are dressed in neon orange, lightweight, mesh vests and is part of the Child Friendly School (CFS) initiative. The CFS team along with the other members of staff decided to make the Kids on Patrol highly visible, unlike at two other primary schools where they are differentiated only by a sash at one school and a badge at the other.
The Kids on Patrol programme was formulated to allow the children the opportunity to be involved in supervision, discipline, order and safety at the school for, as the Principal said, “The teacher can’t see everything”.
The programme has been running since September 2014 and, according to the Principal, Paula Etienne, it has worked very well. It has prevented and minimized bad behaviour such as littering, inappropriate language, escalation of disputes into fights, and unsafe practices such as running in the corridor and climbing of trees. The safety aspects of Kids on Patrol have been particularly welcomed at the school.
The programme is facilitated by the Principal but run under the valued leadership of teachers Malecha Smith-Connor and Mesha Richardson who train and supervise the programme. 16 students are trained from which 12 are chosen to work in teams of 3. This 2nd term has seen12 new members recruited.
In order to prevent fatigue and to give a greater number of students a chance of active participation, the KOP are changed every 4 weeks. According to the Principal even the little ones are desirous of being members of the KOP. The KOP have a pledge, and once a member, it is for life. As such, the KOP members not on active duty still keep an eye on the more recent members, to ensure they are performing correctly. The duties of the KOP are not arduous as the members are allowed to play with the other children while still on duty but are trained to be vigilant to potential problems. While they are not allowed to discipline other children, or to speak to them rudely, the KOP are encouraged to advice on correct behaviour and bring any issues either against themselves or others, to the attention of staff members.
While on duty the KOP members are given free water and if the sun is extra hot, each member is issued a hat with a visor (with an accompanying hygiene cap beneath). Principal Etienne believes in rewarding hard work, and as such the members of the KOP not only get the opportunity to look smart and be on duty, but at the end of term, they are given the privilege of enjoying movies and lunch with the Principal. There are also plans afoot for a picnic exclusively for both former and current members of the KOP team.
