New report calls on government to protect and strengthen distance learning in prison

A new report published today by Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) calls upon the government to work together with prison leaders to protect and strengthen distance learning in prison, as recent cuts and systemic pressures threaten to undermine existing provision.

Download the briefing here

The report, Beyond the classroom: strengthening distance learning provision in prisons, sets out the wide range of benefits distance learning offers. Not only does it reduce reoffending and increase employment on release, it also supports learners’ wellbeing, regime stability and positive relationships in prisons.

Despite this, the significant pressure the system is under – made worse in many prisons by recent cuts to core education provision – means that maintaining high-quality distance learning provision has become increasingly challenging.

The report brings together PET’s expertise with insights from prison staff and learners. It highlights several examples of good practice, where high-quality support for learning continues despite the pressures.

For prison leaders, the report sets out ten recommendations for strengthening distance learning provision. However, it acknowledges that prisons face challenges they cannot overcome alone.

For government, the report sets out five recommendations for reducing the pressure on prison education by dismantling policy and funding barriers, including:

• Reversing the cuts to Core Education provision in public sector prisons in England
• Abolishing the six-year rule for student finance
• Strengthening national guidance, with clear expectations around access to distance learning and the role of Distance Learning Coordinators

PET’s Policy Manager, Mark O’Mahony, said:

Everyone in prison should have the same access to education as people in the community. Distance learning is essential for achieving that: for many people in prison, it is the only route to educational progression beyond essential learning.

Every day at PET, we see the determination of learners and the dedication of prison staff, who work tirelessly to support distance learning despite significant pressures. Their efforts show us how learning in prison can offer qualifications, build skills and change lives.

It is vital that the government and prison leaders work in partnership to address the challenges facing distance learning in prisons at a critical time for the system, so that more lives can be transformed through learning.

For more information, please call PET’s Policy Manager Mark O’Mahony on 07436 387 346 or email press@prisonerseducation.org.uk