How tailored education plans benefit neurodiverse learners

Neurodiversity refers to the different ways the brain can work and interpret information. It recognises that neurological variation is a normal part of human diversity. This could include conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other learning differences. 

The most recent government data highlights a strong focus on improving how the criminal justice system identifies and supports neurodivergent individuals. For example, the UK government’s Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System action plan outlines progress and next steps for identification, support and officer training across police, prison and probation services.

Research and reviews from criminal justice inspectorates have also emphasised that many people in custody have learning and cognitive challenges — with evidence suggesting that around 30% of the prison population have learning difficulties or disabilities when combining learning difficulty, dyslexia and related challenges.

Challenges faced by neurodiverse prisoners

Neurodiverse prisoners face many challenges once they enter the criminal justice system, making it difficult for them to understand and take part in processes from arrest to court and through to sentencing and life in prison.

Communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities and limited understanding of complex environments like police custody and courtrooms can often lead to misunderstandings or behaviour that officers and staff misinterpret. The original joint inspectorates’ review of neurodiversity in the criminal justice system found that many people with neurodivergent needs remain unidentified and unsupported without consistent screening and reasonable adjustments.

Without improved understanding and knowledge of neurodiversity across frontline services — including police, courts, probation and prisons — these barriers can negatively affect participation, compliance, and rehabilitation. Breaking these barriers down is critical to aiding those who are neurodivergent.

Overall, greater understanding, structured screening, and support from the police, probation services and prisons will ensure that neurodiverse needs are met and that neurodiverse individuals are supported throughout their journey through the system.

When it comes to prison education, prisons could take the “one size fits all” approach, which excludes neurodiverse learners from accessing the education and services they need. Without these services, learners may not be prepared for their release, which can increase their risk of reoffending.

How tailored education plans benefit neurodiverse inmates

At Novus, when it comes to prison education, we are aware that the “one size fits all” approach doesn’t benefit our neurodiverse learners. Tailoring our education plans to meet the needs of each learner is integral to our education provision, so that all learners have the chance to access education programmes and services.

Tailored education programmes accommodate different learning styles so that learners can engage in education in their own way, making it a more positive experience for them. With the right support and needs being met, learners can take part in education and gain the qualifications needed to find employment upon release.

Being able to take part in education in a way that suits them proves to learners that they can thrive in a learning environment and obtaining new qualifications and skills.

Learners will have new-found confidence in themselves and their abilities, raising their self-esteem and belief in a positive future. With their skills, qualifications and belief in themselves and their future, learners have a better chance at being successfully rehabilitated and finding employment upon release.

Championing success for neurodiverse learners

Providing the right prison training, support and services for neurodiverse learners is incredibly important, and at Novus we provide support for both colleagues and learners in this area.

A comprehensive guide to neurodiversity for our colleagues

Each of our education teams has access to our comprehensive neurodiversity guide, which provides information and support for our tutors on how to meet the needs of our learners.

They also have comprehensive CPD available, a lot of which is delivered by our partners. By working collaboratively across the education sector, our colleagues can gain knowledge that makes a real difference to our learners.

Neurodiversity partners

We work collaboratively with a number of neurodiversity partners in order to offer learners the right support and guidance. We work with partners such as the Neuroinclusive Education Network, British Dyslexia Association and Mental Health Foundation, who advise and help deliver our neurodiverse services.

Learner success

Over the years, we have supported many neurodiverse learners into prison education where they have been able to obtain qualifications and skills in a positive and supportive environment.

With a collaborative approach and tailored education plan, neurodiverse learners are able to access our education provision and successfully equip themselves with the skills and knowledge needed upon release.

Learner success story at HMP Low Newton

A neurodiverse learner from HMP Low Newton has been making excellent progress in her education journey. Having ADHD in prison education is a challenge. The learner lives with ADHD and dyslexia but, with the support of her tutor, prison staff and Novus colleagues, appropriate targets have been met.

Through a tailored individual learning plan, learning journal documents, and the coordinated support of her tutor and Novus colleagues, necessary adjustments were put in place to help the learner attend her classes and have access to vital services such as therapeutic intervention programmes.

Throughout the learner’s journey in education, she has obtained qualifications in functional skills in English and maths and worked collaboratively to tailor her education plan to support her neurodiverse needs. She has also made plans for her future upon release and is currently working towards her Level 2 Hairdressing qualification. With the help and understanding of her tutor, she has been able to take part in classes, take breaks when needed and complete essential assessments.

The learner’s confidence, resilience, personalised education plan and support from her tutor and prison staff have enabled her to gain skills and qualifications that will help her upon release.

HMP Kirkham education department

At HMP Kirkham, neurodiverse learners and how to best support them has been at the heart of a refresh of the education department.

The department now has a specialist room where one-to-one and group conversations can take place in an environment that helps learners feel at ease and ready to learn, redesigned signage that makes understanding easier for learners with dyslexia, and paint colours chosen to waymark the corridors. All additions have been made with advice and support from our dedicated SENCo team.

Learners with neurodiverse needs at HMP Kirkham now have an environment where they will feel supported and confident in engaging in education.

At Novus, we are dedicated to championing inclusive and individualised education for neurodiverse learners within the UK prison system. By tailoring education plans to accommodate different learning styles and needs, we’ve witnessed the profound impact it can have on the lives of those facing unique challenges.

Interested in working with us? Contact our team today.