Supporting Neurodivergent Learners in Prison Education
January 21, 2025Posted by:
Education has the power to change lives, but for many individuals in prison, the pathway to learning is far from straightforward. In the UK, literacy and numeracy challenges are widespread in prisons, with an estimated 57% of adults struggling with basic literacy skills. Research shows that around half of the prison population is likely to be neurodiverse, encompassing conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities.
Many individuals in custody have had negative experiences with education, leading to disengagement and a lack of confidence. Traditional classroom settings can be intimidating, particularly for neurodivergent learners. This highlights the importance of flexible and inclusive approaches, which often involve embedding learning into practical activities and vocational training.
One example is C, a learner at HMP Onley. As a peer mentor in the Industrial Cleaning department, C initially resisted taking a mentoring qualification due to his struggles with dyslexia and low confidence. However, with encouragement and tailored support from his tutors, he decided to give it a try. Through weekly sessions, his tutors helped him break tasks into manageable steps and provided strategies to support his learning. By the end of the course, C had successfully completed all assignments and gained a newfound confidence in his abilities. His achievements have inspired him to pursue further qualifications in maths and English.
Neurodivergent learners often benefit from practical learning styles, such as kinaesthetic activities, which help them engage with and retain information more effectively. Inclusive education in prisons involves understanding individual needs and removing barriers to learning. For neurodivergent learners, this can include:
- Tailored Support: Providing assistive technologies, flexible teaching methods, and reasonable adjustments like extra processing time.
- Practical and Vocational Training: Embedding functional skills into real-world tasks to make learning relatable and applicable.
- Safe Learning Environments: Designing spaces that reduce sensory overwhelm and foster a sense of respect and inclusion.
- Peer Mentorship: Leveraging the skills and experiences of learners to motivate and support each other.
At PeoplePlus, we aim to create these opportunities to empower learners, build confidence, and equip them with the tools to succeed post-release. Inclusive education is essential not just for individual growth but for societal impact. It reduces reoffending rates, addresses intergenerational illiteracy, and supports economic recovery by bridging skills gaps in the workforce.
To understand more about our approach, read our Insights Report 'Achieving Positive Resettlement'
January 21, 2025Posted by:
