Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 13
The purpose of education and training in prisons should be to get prisoners onto the...
Conclusion
The purpose of education and training in prisons should be to get prisoners onto the ladder of opportunity. It must play a key role in improving the employability of prisoners and therefore in reducing reoffending. However, prison education must be understood in broader terms than just improving the employability of a prisoner. Education allows a prisoner to gain self-confidence and provides mental health benefits in isolating conditions, while improving their behaviour in prison. Education has a value in itself, developing the person as a whole. The Ministry of Justice must develop prison education policy accordingly.
Paragraph Reference:
13
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
and Probation Service) We accept this recommendation and are already strengthening the performance measures for governors as set out in the Prisons Strategy White Paper. New Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for education have been agreed, including progress in English and maths, attendance at education and numbers of prisoners attaining vocational qualifications. To ensure governors are well equipped to deliver a high standard of education in prisons, we are reviewing current job descriptions, training, and assessment requirements to ensure they appropriately reflect this area of work. More detailed performance data (covering attendance, levels of prisoner attainment and quality of teaching) is also used to hold providers and establishments to account. Data is shared with HMP (Her Majesty’s Prisons) Data Working Group to help identify establishments who are facing challenges and performance concerns are picked up by Prison Group Directors (PGDs) as part of regular performance conversations with governors.