Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Paragraph: 71
We have concerns about whether the Prison Education Framework contracts are able to deliver the...
Recommendation
We have concerns about whether the Prison Education Framework contracts are able to deliver the improvement in prison education that is desperately needed. The Government must carry out a wholesale review of the current prison education framework by the end of 2022, with a view to improving the current contract structure, before the contracts are considered for extension in 2023. The review should examine how the contracts could be improved to encourage partnership working, how to ensure that Governors have the autonomy to choose their education providers and to work with the further education sector, and how to develop a focus on engaging with local employers, including SMEs.
Paragraph Reference:
71
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We accept this recommendation in principle. We want governors to be more involved in performance discussions with education providers and our current approach is to ensure they have the support of specialist trained and accredited staff to manage the prison education contracts and provide advice and guidance. In addition to support from trained contract managers, new Head of Education, Skills and Work posts are being trialled in up to 17 prisons. These will play a key role in supporting governors by leading and setting strategic direction for education within prisons, while holding providers to account. Candidates will be required to have significant middle or senior leadership experience within an education setting, as well as substantial teaching and curriculum development experience. Training will be provided to all of these post- holders on the structure of prison education from a contract management perspective (PEF/PES/DPS), alongside training on working with the commercial sector. The current contract management structure is being reviewed to ensure consistent coverage across the estate.