Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Paragraph: 123
Reoffending is lower in prisoners who participate in higher education.
Recommendation
Reoffending is lower in prisoners who participate in higher education. The Government must remove the “six-year rule” so that prisoners on long sentences can apply for higher education courses earlier in their sentence. This would give them motivation during their sentence and keep them focused on their potential employment opportunities following release.
Paragraph Reference:
123
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We accept this recommendation. There are already good examples of best practice in partnerships between education and training providers and prisons and we will continue to build further relationships through our Employability Innovation Fund. HMP Thorn Government Response: Not just another brick in the wall: why prisoners need an education 13 to climb the ladder of opportunity Cross in Warrington, for example, has introduced new courses to meet changes in the labour market and offers a specialised level 3 rail track course, and HMP Leeds has a construction academy, supported by Kier and with training delivered by London-based charity Bounce Back. We are also committed to developing strong partnerships with universities. There are numerous examples of prisons forming strong partnerships with higher institutions. HMP Swaleside, for instance, has partnered with Goldsmiths, University of London to deliver a bespoke course with content drawn from Humanities, Creative Arts and Social Sciences disciplines, with 30–36 prisoners participating each year. The course aims to serve as a pre-university ‘foundation year,’ preparing individuals for undergraduate study.