A Good Ofsted rating for HMP Oakwood

We are delighted to announce that HMP Oakwood have received a 'Good' overall rating from Ofsted, recognising that most learners "benefitted from a well-planned and well-taught education curriculum."

Congratulations to everyone at HMP Oakwood, it's a real collaborative effort from Novus, G4S colleagues and other supporting organisations and is making a significant difference to learner outcomes. 

Tailored education programmes to meet the needs of each learner

There were many positive comments within the report, including: 

The prison education framework (PEF) provider, Novus had put in place education and vocational curriculums that met the needs of the population

"Leaders and managers had implemented an ambitious curriculum. They had used information about the prison population, regional and national employment needs and prisoner's feedback to plan their offer."

"Leaders and managers had developed an inclusive culture that provided prisoners with a safe place in which to work and learn."

It's great to see Ofsted acknowledging the difference our tailored education curriculum is making. 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 and engage in education programmes and services. 

Qualified and experienced teachers and instructors 

Having the best team of teachers and instructors is extremely important in providing the best quality of education to learners. So, it was great to see Ofsted acknowledging the high calibre of teachers we employ especially in the vocational/industry workshops. 

Teachers of vocational subjects and instructors in industry workshops had excellent subject knowledge and expertise 

"Prisoners participated in work, training and learning activities positively. They benefitted from calm, structured, and purposeful learning and working environments in which they were motivated to succeed."

Employing people who are experts in their field is integral to our vocational provision. Learners have the fantastic opportunity to learn from industry professionals and gain the skills and knowledge required to be able to find employment upon release in that specific industry. 

Supporting learners with additional needs 

It was great to see Ofsted acknowledging the support that learners with additional needs receive, in order to engage in education. Positive comments within the report included: 

Leaders and managers assessed prisoner's additional learning support needs effectively

"Mentors supported prisoners successfully in education, training and work. In workshops, mentors supported prisoners with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to manage their mental health."

"Prisoners with neurodivergence attended a dedicated programme where they received specialist support that helped prepare them for education or work."

With nine out of ten prisoners having at least one mental health or substance misuse problem, and over 30% of prisoners having a learning difficulty or learning challenges, it's crucial that we offer the right support so learners can engage in the education and support services available. 

Learners with additional needs face many barriers to education from lack of confidence, communication difficulties, behavioural problems, and sensory sensitivities. At Novus, we have a dedicated team of mentors and colleagues who work with learners, to put the necessary resources and support strategies in place so that learners with additional needs can engage in education in a way that benefits them.

Most prisoners with additional support needs made the progress that they were capable of

 Employment support to prepare learners for release

In the report, Ofsted made positive comments around the support and services learners have access to in order to prepare them for release. 

Resettlement staff developed strong links with local and national partners and employers. Prisoners attended employment events and they valued the opportunities to meet potential employers as they neared release

"Leaders had a range of life skills courses in place that successfully supported prisoners who were preparing for release. These included pre-tenancy, personal finance and understanding mindset."

Providing learners with employment support and life skills courses is extremely important for their successful rehabilitation. Offering employment support and opportunities like employment events for learners to network and create connections with employers, will help them to find employment upon release and reduce the risk of reoffending. 

Equipping learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to navigate the outside world upon release is essential, so that they can re-integrate into their community and become thriving members of society. 

If you would like to read report in full, you can do so here.