Holme House

Response
I appreciate, given that this is a repeated concern, the Board’s ask for reassurance that major capital works to address the longstanding issues with the roofs at HMP Holme House will be funded and carried out during 2025. I can confirm that an Outline Business Case has been submitted for a proposed roofing project covering the laundry, workshops, gym and visit areas. You will appreciate that there are a number of competing infrastructure priorities across the estate and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) will assess these considering the risk to life, decency and capacity. It should be noted that these works will be complex and lengthy, requiring significant investment and major operational planning. I do though recognise the impact the current situation is having on the regime and efforts to progress this bid will continue.

Response
Although, there were disruptions in education delivery due to the early release scheme and the prison re-role; over the most recent reporting year, there has been improvement. Performance data shows that educational performance for vocational course delivery has been maintained at a good standard over the last two years. Maths provision has slightly increased this year, whilst a slight decrease in English has been noted which is in line with national trends. There is a pleasing increase in the quality of teaching and learning during 24/25 compared to 23/24. The supplier was able to deliver against over 95% of the delivery plan over both years and there was a fall in education sessions being cancelled due to the supplier. The beginning of 2024/25 highlighted that education attendance rates were approximately 7% higher than in the same period the previous year, reaching 75% during the first quarter. Learners were entering with stronger baseline skills in English and Maths. However, this initial progress was not sustained. The introduction of early release schemes and the transition to a remand population caused significant disruption. These changes led to a marked decline in both attendance and course completion, particularly in English and Maths, where continuity is essential for learner success. Despite these challenges, there were more course starts in 2024/25 than the previous year. Notably, a higher number of prisoners remained on their courses, even though early releases impacted retention. The overall achievement rate increased from 86% in 2023/24 to 93% in 2024/25, with more learners successfully meeting their learning aims despite release prior to final assessment in some cases. Specific interventions were implemented to support these outcomes: • All prisoners are now invited to Careers Advice and Guidance and induction sessions on arrival, with non-attendees followed up individually on the wings. Employment goals and existing skills are assessed early to inform personalised employment pathways and targets. Learners are encouraged to participate in workshops, particularly those who have prior engagement in English and Maths. • Behavioural expectations around education have been reinforced and linked to the incentives process to improve attendance and engagement. A fast track system has also been introduced to ensure timely education completion and better monitoring to improve efficiency. • Curriculum content and quality has been enhanced through improved sequencing and themed learning. Learning walks and assessment demonstrates improved knowledge retention and engagement. Creative enrichment programmes such as the “Perfume Stories” initiative and poetry workshops have also contributed positively to prisoner engagement and helped shift attitudes toward learning. While challenges remain in supporting remand prisoners and those subject to early release, the education strategy at HMP Holme House continues to adapt with the clear aim of achieving improved outcomes.

Response
I acknowledge that the decision to re-role Holme House to a Category B Reception, Training, and Resettlement Prison has made for a challenging transition, which resulted in some frustrations for prisoners. However, I was encouraged by your observations around the commitment of staff in delivering the changes, efforts to maintain stability and that the daily regime has evolved to meet the needs of a Category B establishment. While staffing levels remain below target, I understand that the situation is steadily improving. I was also pleased to read your positive comments on the reception and induction process and the improvement made to the incentives scheme to ensure greater consistency.