Offenders in Prison Numeracy and Literacy 2021-12-14
2021-12-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about steps being taken to improve the numeracy and literacy rates of offenders in prison.
What steps are you taking to improve the numeracy and literacy rates of offenders in prison?
We are working to deliver a transformed prison education service that will improve numeracy and literacy of all prisoners. Prisoners will be assessed on entry and a personal learning plan will be created to monitor and track progress against starting points and resettlement goals.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific statistics or timelines for the transformation, nor any details on how the improvements would be measured or incentivised.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP followed up to inquire whether core skills should always be part of the prison regime for everyone who needs them, and if steps will continue to enhance people's employability during their stay in prison.
Should core skills not always be part of the prison regime for everybody who needs them? Will you continue to take steps to make sure that people's employability is enhanced by their stay in prison?
My hon. Friend is exactly right. Education is very often the solution to so many of society's problems. It is a stepping stone towards employment, which, in itself, reduces reoffending very significantly. We will establish a literacy innovation scheme and introduce specific measures of progress to track how successful each prison is at improving prisoners' English and maths.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised the issue of reduced reoffending rates in prisons that focus on numeracy and literacy skills, asking if support will be given to Northern Irish prisons with such facilities.
Will you re-emphasise the need for support for prisons offering numeracy and literacy facilities during discussions with relevant devolved Justice Ministers in Northern Ireland?
This is obviously an issue that affects all the home nations, and I will be more than happy to work collaboratively with counterparts across the whole of the United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not explicitly commit to re-emphasising support for such facilities in Northern Ireland.
Response accuracy