insideeducation from Inside Time in association with:
involve returning to prison.” Currently 21 women are volunteering and working in local charities and businesses as part of the prison’s outwork scheme. This gives them on the job skills as well as allowing them the space to interact with local people and be seen as active citizens in the community. Jane says: “We have had a very good reaction from the community; it does help to change public perception of prisoners. The women get to talk to people and experience a bit of normality, many customers don’t know their backgrounds but the managers do and they often ask us to send more volunteers because the placements go so well. One woman was painting benches in our closest village when she found an elderly gentleman wandering around, she took him to the police station and he was reunited with his wife who wrote a lovely letter thanking her for finding him. This made her feel great.”
© Rebecca Radmore, Elio Pena, Prisoners Education Trust
Women become citizens in Drake Hall’s community Susannah Henty PET Media and Public Affairs Manager
W
hilst walking along a pavement past groups of women on their way to work, green trees ahead of me, flowerbeds and houses to my right, a teddy bear in the window, if it wasn’t for the high metal fences on my left I could have convinced myself I wasn’t on a prison visit. I was being escorted by two women and an officer around HMP Drake Hall in Staffordshire. The women showed me where they slept in bungalow-like house blocks. One room was quite bare but very neat; another was pure pink décor, the walls a montage of mother’s day cards, drawings and photos of babies, the bed cushioned with heart and butterfly pillows. Lisa Williams and Lisa Ormondy, who were showing me around, also took me to the gym, the education block and the gardens, which were huge with a woodwork shop, greenhouses, vegetable patches, and a tractor. The grounds also have a DHL packing area, a call centre, a beauty salon, a barista-fitted café and a recycling depot. Drake Hall fosters a real sense of community. When I said this to Jane Wright, Learning and skills manager, she agreed that this is deliberate, and it helps women prepare for when they will be released back into their own com-
munities. “We are a resettlement prison. Key to that is ensuring the women take responsibility for themselves. We are trying to get them ready for reintegration to society. Some women find the prison environment difficult and struggle to conform, in which case support is put into place and the incentive and earned privilege policy (IEP) is enforced.” she says. There is a strong focus on learning in the prison because it is seen as integral to reducing reoffending. From 8.15am until 4.15pm the majority of women are in education, at work or on prison appointments, they have a short break for lunch and their afternoons are free until the houses are locked at 7.30pm. Staff understand that many of their residents haven’t had good experiences of school and may find classrooms intimidating so they have an induction early on in the adult learning centre. Jane says this breaks down barriers with the women. Teachers are friendly and supportive as they work with each woman to develop an individual learning journey to help everyone achieve something positive during their sentence. Tutors help the women to establish a career path that is suitable and assist them with getting qualifications, jobs in the prison, and work in the community or ‘outwork’ if they are eligible. They do understand that many of their learners may have multiple issues and work across the prison’s mental health, drug and alcohol and domestic violence teams to address that. Jane said: “At Drake Hall, other departments do see the benefits of learning and to help more people engage, we have established a
sequencing committee with partner agencies. We look at each individual and work out what we have to do to help reduce their chances of reoffending. We put together a plan to address any initial literacy, numeracy, and ICT needs, then cover vocational stuff or other courses. But we also look at risk. There is no point trying to get someone to a ‘positive thinking skills course’ if they can’t read. So if that is the case we would encourage them to get help from the Shannon Trust, if they have an addiction the prison can support them with that or if they lack confidence we would give them one to one sessions to build self-esteem.” This process has resulted in high attendance, class retention and reduced reoffending. Jane said: “We try to look at the labour market information and what sorts of jobs are available and suitable for women. What we offer is based on that, for example if someone wants to do fitness we encourage them to do a course at our gym and if they are eligible to get work experience in a local fitness centre we arrange that, which also enables them to give back to the community.” One such learner is Lisa Williams, who uses her time working in the prison gym to supplement her distance learning level 3 course in personal training funded by PET and after that she hopes to study in college to gain further sports qualifications. She said: “In doing this course it has opened up the possibility of a profession in this area. My confidence and knowledge has grown so much I have found that I can now teach others one to one and in a class setting. I can honestly say for the first time in my life, I can see a future that doesn’t
The facilities at Drake Hall and their links with local organisations are designed to offer the women variety and practical experience to really engage them with learning and work, which can be a challenge. If they then want to progress with study beyond level two, learners are supported with applying to study distance learning courses, “Distance learning increases and improves their skills because it develops them. If they can find something to occupy their minds they are not going to be doing negative things and that gets them out a rut. It increases their opportunities in society because with knowledge you know you’ve got different options” Jane says. This is certainly the case for Lisa Ormondy, who was supported by PET to study a course in counselling. Lisa wants to help others because she got a lot of support in prison with her own issues and she could therefore empathise with other women and their problems. She says: “I didn’t realise just how much distance learning has given me a brighter future, not just for myself but for my family also. For the first time in my adult life I’ve got focus and motivation. This has been such a progressive move forward for me.”
Interested in a career in PLUMBING? Then get the theory knowledge you need with LEARN PLUMBING Our courses start with the basics and cover the theory knowledge that a Trained Plumber (NVQ Level 2) or Advanced Plumber (NVQ Level 3) is expected to have… • Enrol at any time, work at your own pace; fit the learning into your life.
• Our courses are suitable for you, even if you are transferred to another prison.
• Many prisoners studying our courses receive
full funding, talk to your Education Officer or Distance Learning Co-ordinator about enrolling.
Or for further information write to Brian Curry at:
Learn Plumbing, 21 Cranbourne Road, Ashton under Lyne, OL7 9BH
INSIDEEDUCATION
2
Insidetime September 2014 www.insidetime.org
Learning in prison Rod Clark, Chief Executive, Prisoners Education Trust, writes Rod Clark
T
his year we celebrate 25 years of helping people in prison achieve their potential through learning. By the end of 2014 we hope to have supported 30,000 people in our history. Over the past few months Inside Time has featured some inspirational stories and letters from our current learners and exprisoners and we want to help more people develop their passions, realise their career ambitions and gain new skills. Whatever you are interested in - on the job training, updating your current qualifications, doing something creative, learning a language or looking to do higher education, it is possible to do this in prison. WHERE TO START? Each prison has staff who are responsible for assessing your learning needs and advising you on courses and employment. Find out what is offered in your education department, each has its own curriculum. If you have not already reached level 2 in literacy and numeracy, these courses will give you a good start. Many prisons offer vocational qualifications linked to prison jobs, in gym related subjects, IT courses and workshops teaching painting, decorating or construction. There may also be opportunities to do Rail Track qualifications, hairdressing, cooking, radio production and graphic design. WHAT IS DISTANCE LEARNING? If you want to study beyond level 2, distance learning may be the answer. It is flexible and allows you to take control so you don’t have to attend classes and you can work at your own pace. You can study at a range of levels, including university and postgraduate levels. The higher level the course, the more expensive it is, but the impact on your life could also be greater. Course materials and project work will be sent in by post to you. Some courses include CDs or DVDs, or other relevant materials, subject to prison approval. You can study in your cell, in the library or your education department. A personal external tutor will mark your work and give you feedback by post. If you are studying with the Open University (OU), you may have telephone calls or meetings with your tutor and specific deadlines. But with many courses you complete your work in your own time and you will receive the same qualification as in the community. If you are transferred to different prisons you can still continue with your course. WHAT CAN PET OFFER? If you want to study a course that is not available in your prison, contact us. PET is one of the biggest charities helping prisoners to study courses in subjects and levels not otherwise served by prison education. Each
year we fund approximately 2,000 prisoners across England and Wales. We also offer advice. We receive hundreds of letters each week from prisoners and ex-prisoners. One told us why he wanted to study: “One of the most important ways of breaking the cycle of coming to prison is education. I want to walk out of the gate a more educated person than when I came in. I need to fulfil my desire for learning.” PET has also produced a distance learning curriculum to offer both learners and staff a guide to our recommended courses, which offer the best accreditation and the most tutorial support. Our updated 2014/15 edition will soon be available in prison libraries or with education departments. PET can also send you a copy. We consider all forms of study to be valuable whether creative, academic, or vocational. We believe each learner should be offered the chance to excel in whatever interests them. The new curriculum offers a really diverse range of courses including anything from GCSE Travel and Tourism to a Bee-keeping Management course, aiming to inspire as many people as possible to learn something new. CREATIVE COURSES Due to the high volume of applications we received last year for arts courses we are now funding Drawing, Painting, and Art History from the Open College of Arts. These courses are designed to build towards a degree if you choose to pursue one and will teach useful life skills such as thinking laterally and problem solving. We recognise the importance of art as we frequently hear from both our current learners and our alumni who tell us that studying art has increased their motivation and self esteem. Marvin said art helped him to focus on making a better life for himself and his family. After receiving a grant for arts materials from PET he went on to win the national Koestler awards and made a huge body of work which secured him a place at the prestigious Chelsea School of Art, where he went on day release
from prison and later, studied a BA at St Martins. He said: “For people to be encouraged with their art and do an exhibition or win a competition it means so much. People in prison grow with that confidence, they think ‘I can do something’ and then they think, ‘what else can I do?’” LANGUAGE COURSES A selection of language courses are now available ranging from Mandarin to Portuguese. Learning resources include a CD, course book, and a vocabulary guide. Introductory modules are described as ‘a fun and easy way to learn a new language’ and intermediate and advanced options are available for those who wish to build on existing skills.
20 POPULAR DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES: 1. Drug & Alcohol Abuse Counselling 2. Essential Book-keeping 3. Principles of Horticulture Level 2 4. Plumbing Installation Theory 5. Open University Access module 6. AS Level Law 7. Personal Trainer NCFE Level 3 8. GCSE French 9. BTEC Level 3 in Electrical Technologies Theory 10. RYA Basic Navigation 11. CPC Road Haulage Theory Certificate 12. AS Level Environmental Science 13. GCSE Human Biology 14. Business Start-Up 15. Horse Care and Knowledge 16. BTEC Level 3 in Management 17. Art Techniques 18. Creative Writing 19. BTEC Level 2 in Theory of Care 20. NCTJ Core Skills for Journalists
VOCATIONAL A vocational qualification gives learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment. Popular courses currently include a BTEC qualification in Management, an NVQ in Beauty Therapy, and an Institute of Fishery Management Certificate.
Distance DistanceLearning Learningwith withICS ICS We offer a prisoners a great way toto We offer a prisoners a great way acquire a recognised qualification. acquire a recognised qualification. Our range ofof courses include: Our range courses include: • • • • •
GCSEs &A • GCSEs & Levels A Levels BTEC Mechanical Engineering • BTEC Mechanical Engineering BTEC Construction Engineering • BTEC Construction Engineering IMI Car Maintenance • IMI Car Maintenance IMI Motorcycle Maintenance • IMI Motorcycle Maintenance
Contact your Prison Education Officer oror call free Contact your Prison Education Officer call free onon 0800 096 8459 forfor more information 0800 096 8459 more information
All prisoners can study up to two courses with PET every year. If there is a course you feel would benefit you and it is not on our curriculum then please let us know. If the course can be completed offline and the assessment is assignment based, PET’s advice manager, John Lister, is happy to track it down. ADVICE If you have any questions about what to study or what qualifications employers are looking for, ask for advice from education, library and careers staff or contact us. We have considerable expertise and can give you comprehensive advice about what courses are best suited to your career aspirations and personal interests. HOW DO I APPLY TO PET? You will usually need to have level 2 qualifications or above depending on the course you’re applying for. This is important because it shows us you’ll cope with the reading and writing required for coursework. You must have enough time to finish too so we usually expect applicants to have at least six months left before release. Unfortunately, we can’t fund people on remand. Ask your education department for help applying to PET. They should have our forms, which you need to fill out in full with details of your previous qualifications and the application must have a recommendation from a prison staff member as well as signed approval from a Governor’s representative. Finally you must write a one page letter explaining why you want to do the course, what your experience of education has been and what you hope to do. We’re interested in your potential and your future, not your past. We want to know what you’re passionate about and what you want to do when you get out. Most prisoners will need to get a job or become self-employed and we’re here to help you get the skills, knowledge and qualifications you need. But we also believe in learning for its own sake and know there are many other benefits to education such as building family ties and giving you a positive focus. We believe strongly that everyone deserves a chance, and whenever possible, a second chance. You can apply as many times as you like. APPLYING FOR STUDY WITH THE OPEN UNIVERSITY We encourage you to consider an introductory OU course to try higher level study through distance learning before committing to a full degree or taking out a student loan. PET can provide a grant to pay for Access Module courses. To apply you must: • Be within 8 years of your earliest release date; • Identify which qualification you are working towards; • Explain your motivation and eligibility to commit to on-going study via a student loan; • Confirm your residency for the past three years prior to your sentence. Students who have already completed an Access Module and wish to go on to study for a degree must contact the OU for further funding. They will tell you how to apply for a student loan to pay for the course. You only repay what you can afford with student loans and if you earn less than £21,000 a year you don’t pay anything.
IS THERE A LIMIT ON THE SIZE OF GRANT? PET rarely awards a grant of more than £500. If the course costs more, help may be available from other charities if you put together a funding package. For PET grants, the prison is asked to contribute 10% of the course fees. (There are some exceptions with OU courses). You can also make a personal contribution, which may increase your chances of getting funding. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Your forms are checked by PET staff and taken to our trustees to decide on grants once a month. Our trustees are independent experts and are committed to helping people in prison. Once they have made a decision, PET informs each prison by post within two weeks. We will also ask you to fill in and send us a feedback form to help us capture evidence of what a difference education makes. Then we will send the course to you via the education department. We will write to you again once you’ve finished to find out how the course went. We want to continue to support you and hear about your progress, please keep in touch and become part PET’s alumni network. WHY ARE SOME APPLICATIONS REFUSED? Some refusals are because we cannot fund as many applications as we get each month and sometimes we don’t think the course is appropriate and may suggest an alternative. We also have to check offence categories for some courses and, depending on the nature of offence and course request, this may be a reason for refusal. If you get turned down we explain why; do try again.
3
INSIDEEDUCATION
Insidetime September 2014 www.insidetime.org
FUNDING There are a range of other charities that can help prisoners and ex-prisoners, and many of these will give grants. You can find out about these charities in the Prisoner Funder Directory. They include: The Hardman Trust Offer help for prisoners in the later stages of long sentences. Write to the Secretary, the Hardman Trust, PO Box 108, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1YN. The Longford Trust Scholarships for degree level study after release. Write to the Director, Longford Trust, PO Box 64302, London, NW6 9JP. The Salvation Army Provides £100 education grants. Write to the Prison Ministries Officer, The Salvation Army, Social Services Department, 101 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BN. The Royal British Legion Anyone who has worked for the Armed Forces, including Reserves can get support and educational grants. Write to: TRBL Headquarters (Legionline), 199 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1AA. Women in Prison All women can apply for a range of services, including grants. Write to: FREEPOST RSLB-UABE-TYRT, Women in Prison, Unit 10, The Ivories, 6 Northampton Street, London, N1 2HY. You may also be able to get help from local churches, faith communities, smaller charities or previous employers. There are many people around who believe in the value of education and want to see people given a second chance. Write to us at: FREEPOST: PRISONERS EDUCATION TRUST or telephone 020 8648 7760.
Shaun McMann - Prison Learner Co-Ordinator [Midlands], The Open University
your potential
• Open to everyone
Once he had the answers he needed, Craig
Helen Maxwell - Prison Learner Programme Manager, The Open University
• No previous knowledge, experience or educational qualifications needed
Craig also found out that a student loan will never appear on a credit report. If he applies for a mortgage or a credit card in the future, the only way that a company can find out about his student loan is if they ask him about it on the application form. Interestingly, if a company does take a student loan repayment into consideration, it is more likely to improve the credit rating.
We know that student loans may not be the right choice for everyone. So, once you have all the facts and figures, why not seek out a student who has already made the decision? Whatever you decide to do, be sure to follow Craig’s example and make an informed choice.
• Help and support every step of the way
To help him answer these questions he obviously talked to staff in the education department, but he also discussed it with another OU student who had previously applied for a loan. They talked about how the money is only payable once the student is earning over £21,000 per year. On hearing this, Craig decided that this was a real investment in his future. As he put it, if a student in prison gets a degree, is released and then finds themselves in a job where they’re earning that kind of money “well, things could be worse, couldn’t they?!”.
We are very pleased to tell you that Craig passed his first module with flying colours, averaging over 70% on each assignment. He has also registered on the next module, which begins in October.
Realise
Last year, Craig began his degree in Sport, Fitness & Coaching. At first he had some concerns about applying for a loan. He was worried about practical issues such as when and how he would be expected to pay it back He also thought about any long-term implications. As he put it, one of his biggest worries was “is it going to affect my credit rating in the future?”.
“Well, I’d begin by telling them about my experience. I was worried, but then got practical advice and realised that there isn’t much to worry about. The other thing I would say is don’t let the fear of the loan stop you from applying. It’s like gaining an education with minimal risk. It’s a win-win situation.”
• Wide variety of subjects available
If it’s not, please ask the librarian to email:
[email protected] for 2 free copies.
In last month’s Inside Time John Lister from PET asked “Is a Student Loan Right for You?”. John’s article set out all the issues that any prospective OU student needs to think about. The information on eligibility and repayment is really useful. However, we felt it might also be good for you to read about a real-life example of a student who made the decision to take out a tuition fee loan.
We finished by asking him what advice he would offer to anyone thinking of studying with the OU.
• Start at a level to suit you even if you’re a complete beginner
The Prisoner Funder Directory 2014 should be in your library. Ask to see a copy today!
T
he latest edition of The Open University’s Guide For Learners In Prison invites you to “realise your potential”. There is lots of evidence that distance learning is the main way to do this. However, we know that the introduction of student loans makes the decision to sign up for a course a bit more complicated than it used to be.
To find out more, talk to your Prison Education Department
Directory 2014
contacted the distance learning liaison at the prison, who reserved a place on the course by calling the OU’s Students Registration & Enquiry Service. For Craig, it was “just a case of filling in a few forms … relatively simple, no problems”.
The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England and Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).
Looking For money To heLP you move Forward? The Prisoner Funder
A win-win situation
Realise your potential • Open to everyone • No previous knowledge, experience or educational qualifications needed • Help and support every step of the way
• Wide variety of subjects available • Start at a level to suit you even if you’re a complete beginner To find out more, talk to your Prison Education Department The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England and Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).
INSIDEEDUCATION
4
Insidetime September 2014 www.insidetime.org
Government plan to bring in level 2 loans In last month’s Inside Time, PET clarified the rules on loans for degree level study. In this issue we want to give you further information about advanced learning loans thought, the majority said loans would put them off studying. A woman at HMP Holloway said: “If I was told that I had to take a loan out to study in prison that would scare me as I don’t want to be in debt. I then wouldn’t go on to study the course.” Since the level 3 advanced learning loans came in, fewer than 50 prisoners have taken them out and the majority of those people were studying in adult community colleges under release on temporary license (ROTL). For this reason, PET is opposing the introduc-
tion of level 2 loans. And going further, we would like to see the requirement for prisoners to take out level 3 loans removed as well. This view is backed up by all of the colleges offering education in prison and members of the Prisoner Learning Alliance (PLA). PET and the PLA have submitted our response to the proposal to the government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and we sincerely hope that loans will not come into force for prisoners. A decision is expected to be made by mid November and we will update you on what happens next.
Get out of jail and into a job Are you a highly motivated individual with desire for a ‘new start’ on release?
© Rebecca Radmore, Elio Pena, Prisoners Education Trust
F
or the past year, anyone aged 24 years old and above who wants to study A-levels or other courses with level 3 and 4 accreditation must also take out a loan.
This summer a new proposal was announced by the government to expand the scope of loans further to include 19-23 year olds and students wanting to study level 2 courses such as GCSEs, BTECs and many diplomas that are currently available within prisons. At the
moment your prison education department should provide a range of courses at this level but if the new plans were to go ahead, education staff would not be able to offer many of them under the Offender Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) contract they work under. Although the proposal may work for further education colleges in the community, PET believes more loans are not appropriate for people in prison.
Summit is the UK’s specialist in online retailing, and we work with some of Europe’s leading brands to help them sell more online. We have over 150 staf in 4 offices working in online marketing, eCommerce and retail advice. Working with us you’ll gain skills in the fast-moving world of internet marketing as well as valuable business training that could lead to well-paid career opportunities after release. From our media centre in HMP Wolds you’ll deal directly with clients and work together with our teams based in Hull and London to deliver online marketing campaigns. No prior experience working in business or the internet is necessary – we’ll provide all the training. So what are you waiting for? Make the change and apply today! To apply you need: Cat C (Wolds), at least 18 months left to serve before Cat D, good literacy and numeracy, basic computer skills, clean MDT, total commitment. Request an application pack: Charlotte Broughton-May Summit Ltd, HMP Humber (Wolds site) Everthorpe, East Yorkshire, HU15 2JZ www.summit.co.uk
When we asked some prisoners what they
The Clink offers high quality City and Guilds training leading to qualifications upon release
THE RESTAURANT PROGRESSION ROUTE OUR RECRUITMENT CRITERIA IS: You must be convicted or sentenced You must be category B, C or D
WHAT WE OFFER: Induction and Level 2 Food Safety QUALIFICATIONS City and Guilds NVQ in: Level 2 professional cookery Level 2 food service Level 3 professional cookery Training & quality assurance award
SUPPORT We offer mentoring support weekly upon release for 6 to 12 months in order to: Gain employment Find accomodation Addiction support
HOW TO APPLY Please complete a job application form or change of employment form and pass it to the wing officer.
THE GARDENS PROGRESSION ROUTE OUR RECRUITMENT CRITERIA IS: You must be convicted or sentenced
WHAT WE OFFER: Induction QUALIFICATIONS City and Guilds NVQ in: Level 2 in Horticulture Training and Quality Assurance Award
SUPPORT We offer mentoring support weekly upon release for 6 to 12 months in order to: Gain employment Find accomodation Addiction support
HOW TO APPLY Please complete a job application form or change of employment form and pass it to the wing officer.
To apply for a Clink Training Programme please contact your wing officer or job shop.
www.theclinkcharity.org
THE CLINK OPERATES AT: HMP High Down, Sutton, Surrey – restaurant and gardens HMP Cardiff with prisoners from HMP Prescoed – restaurant HMP Send, Woking, Surrey – gardens Opening in 2015: HMP Styal, Cheshire – restaurant and gardens
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
