By Ben Kerrigan
The UK government has introduced a groundbreaking Prisoner Education Service.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at equipping offenders with essential skills while protecting the public, is set to transform learning within the nation’s prisons.
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Recent evidence has shown that a significant proportion of prisoners have inadequate levels of education, with nearly half of all offenders having previously faced expulsion from school.
Shockingly, only a third possess the expected proficiency in mathematics and English equivalent to that of an 11-year-old.
Under this initiative, each prison will appoint a Head of Education Skills and Work, collaborating closely with the prison’s Governor to create tailored education plans addressing the specific needs of their institution.
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The programme is poised to produce groundbreaking partnerships with leading companies such as Greene King, Kier, and Clipper will introduce the first-ever prisoner apprenticeships in catering and construction. Efforts are also underway to extend apprenticeships to other industries.
An innovative digital literacy app, inspired by the ‘Turning Pages’ learning model, will provide support to prison leavers. It connects users with dedicated coaches and enables them to set personal goals, such as learning to read a letter or create a CV.
Neurodiversity support managers will be set up to assist offenders with neurodivergent needs in accessing education, skills, and employment opportunities within prisons, Neurodiversity Support Managers will be appointed in every prison.
Over the next two years, the Future Skills programme will train more than 2,000 offenders in crucial industries like scaffolding and electrics. After their training, participants will be linked with local employers, guaranteeing job interviews upon release.
Education providers will be held to new contracts featuring rigorous targets for math, English, and vocational qualifications, along with the quality of delivery. These measures aim to ensure that every prisoner leaves with a basic level of English and math proficiency.
Furthermore, five prison governors will be granted increased autonomy to innovate and organize prison education, skills, and employment opportunities.
The introduction of this service aligns with the Prisons Strategy White Paper and follows an ongoing effort to enhance learning behind bars and prepare offenders for life after incarceration.
Recent improvements have led to a significant increase in the number of prisoners securing employment upon release, with four prisons receiving a ‘Good’ rating for education provision from Ofsted in the last six months.
The government is also collaborating closely with Ofsted, the education inspectorate, to set clear expectations for prison education and ensure greater collaboration.
Prisons Minister, Damian Hinds,(pictured) emphasized the importance of education in breaking the cycle of reoffending, stating that it offers prisoners an alternative path to reintegrate into society.
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman welcomed the investment, underlining the positive impact of education, work, and skills provision on prisoners’ lives post-release.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to reducing reoffending rates, protecting the public, and addressing the £18 billion annual cost of reoffending to society.
It builds upon existing efforts, including the establishment of Employment Advisory Boards and the rollout of programs such as Storybooks Dads and Mums, as well as providing access to technology for online courses.
The launch coincides with the introduction of the Future Skills Programme, which aims to equip prisoners with industry-specific skills and job opportunities, further advancing the government’s comprehensive approach to offender rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
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