Prisoner education vital to reduce re-offending rates

12 Feb 10
Renewed efforts on prisoner education and training are needed if the re-offending rate is to be tackled, experts have warned
By Vivienne Russell

12 February 2010

Renewed efforts on prisoner education and training are needed if the re-offending rate is to be tackled, experts have warned.

A report from the Royal Society of Arts’ Prison Learning Network, published today, says a ‘common-sense’, evidence-based approach is required to secure further improvements in prison education.

The learning prison says politicians need to be braver about treating prisons as core public services that require modernisation consistent with other areas.

The report recommends giving prisoners access to up-to-date, industry standard equipment and the introduction of an e-learning framework for the whole estate.

The report also suggests the public sector takes the lead in opening up recruitment to ex-offenders.

Malcolm Grant, chair of the RSA’s Prison Learning Network, said: ‘Impressive efforts are going into prison education in often adverse conditions. Spending on prison education and training has risen in recent years to over £150m in 2007/08. This is very welcome but is dwarfed by the staggering £11bn that re-offending by ex-prisoners is estimated to cost us each year.

‘At an important political moment, The learning prison argues for considerable political courage, leadership and inspiration.’

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