Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
First report - Not just another brick in the wall: why prisoners need an education to climb the ladder of opportunity
Education Committee
HC 56
Published 18 May 2022
Recommendations
4
Para 22
There must also be a clear signal in each prison that education is an operational...
Recommendation
There must also be a clear signal in each prison that education is an operational priority. We recommend that each prison has a Deputy Governor of Learning who is part of the Senior Management team, who is directly responsible for …
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Department for Education
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16
Rejected
We also recommend that all prison Governors are given the appropriate training by the Ministry...
Recommendation
We also recommend that all prison Governors are given the appropriate training by the Ministry of Justice to acquire the skills to manage the contracts with their education providers more effectively. (Paragraph 72) 44 Not just another brick in the …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation, stating that extending DPS contracts beyond two years would limit Governor flexibility and undermine the aim of widening education provision.
Department for Education
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Conclusions (6)
17
Conclusion
Para 76
The Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) was meant to allow Governors to contract bespoke training, including with voluntary organisations, for their prisons. However, the current length of contracts is making it difficult for smaller organisations to bid. The length of DPS contracts should be extended beyond the current two years.
19
Conclusion
Para 82
The current prison inspection regime does not give enough weight to the quality of education. The award of a single grade to the establishment makes it difficult to see the origin of the failure, therefore making it difficult to act to improve the situation.
21
Conclusion
Para 89
When considering moving prisoners, the position of where they are in a course or qualification should be considered. The ability of whether they would be able to continue their qualification where they are moved to, should also be a factor.
24
Conclusion
Para 107
Prison Education is in a perilous state due to a continual decline in funding. The Government has not increased funding for prison education for the last five years. The current prison regime contains many barriers to the successful delivery of prison education. Without significant investment in the prison estate, in …
27
Conclusion
Para 116
We recognise the reality of prison life and that prisoners may be transferred, often at short notice. The Ministry of Justice must look at the ways that this can cause as little harm to their education as possible. We have already recommended that digital passports are introduced. We also recommend …
35
Conclusion
Para 148
Our inquiry has shone a light on the benefits of prisoners being able to take apprenticeships. We are pleased that the Government has listened to the weight of evidence submitted to us on this issue, and will amend current Government policy. It is imperative that there is no delay in …