How Novus supports learners with learning difficulties

In a report written by the MOJ, it is estimated that up to half of the adult prison population could be considered to have neurodiverse needs, covering a range of conditions and disorders such as learning disabilities. 

Which is why, at Novus we are dedicated to tailoring our education provision so that all learners can access the education and support needed to be successfully rehabilitated and find employment upon release. 

In this article, we will discuss how Novus supports the education and rehabilitation of SEN learners. 

The importance of education for SEN learners

According to recent Government statistics the reoffending rate in the UK is 26.5% whilst over 56% of offenders who are serving sentences of less than 12 months will go on to reoffend. Prison education contributes to the successful rehabilitation of offenders as it gives learners the opportunity to gain the skills and qualifications needed to find employment upon release, thus helping to reduce the reoffending rates. 

However, many SEN learners have had a negative relationship with education due to the experiences they had in school so, engaging them in education can be a challenge. At Novus we are dedicated to tailoring our education services so that all learners, can access the education and support that they need to gain the skills and qualifications to be successful upon release.

How Novus supports SEN learners in education 

At Novus we provide additional learning support for learners with SEN needs which include supportive learning programmes, accessible learning environments and adapted curriculum materials. All of which contribute to ensure learners have access to the resources they need to be successful. 

Trained and experienced Novus colleagues 

Our trained and experienced SENCos, tutors, teachers, trainers and support colleagues work with SEN learners to develop support strategies to ensure that they are able to access and progress in education. 

Working with partners to champion neurodiversity

We work collaboratively with a number of specialist advisory partners such as the ADHD Foundation and the British Dyslexia Association to seek advice and guidance as well as ensure our approaches and processes meet sector standards.

Tailored education plans 

At Novus we provide tailored education plans so that learners can access education programmes and services in a way that supports their individual needs.  Tailoring our education plans means that we are able to accommodate different learning styles, so that learners are able to engage in education in a way that suits them, making it a more positive experience. 

With the right support and needs being met, learners are able to take part in education and gain the qualifications needed to find employment upon release. 
 

Neurodiversity guide for colleagues 

Our education teams have access to our comprehensive neurodiversity guide which provides information and support for our teachers and tutors on how to meet the needs of our learners. 

All Novus colleagues also have access to comprehensive CPD, a lot of which is delivered by our partners. By working collaboratively across the education sector, our colleagues are able to gain the knowledge necessary that makes a real difference to our learners.

How Novus supports SEN learners with employment opportunities 

Finding employment upon release, is a large contributor to a learner’s successful rehabilitation.  Studies show that prison leavers who find a job upon release are less likely to reoffend, highlighting the importance of learners finding employment upon release. 

At Novus, we offer all learners the equal opportunity to benefit from education, training, and employment opportunities. Our experienced teams provide an extensive range of related support to help learners develop the skills and strategies needed to find employment upon release.

Our employment support includes:

•    CV advice and guidance
•    Job searching and application help
•    Guidance on disclosure 
•    Interview preparation 

Novus Works 

Our Novus Works team is also part of our employment support, and they act as a middle ground between our learners and employer partners, creating a crucial link from education to employment. 
For learners, Novus Works help to build confidence through interview practice and CV development, whilst on the employer end, Novus Works help pair prison leavers with local and national employers and help minimise the resources required to secure talent.

Employer partners 

We also work in partnership with a wide range of local and national employers, to provide more employment opportunities for learners.

Working with employers such as Greene King, enables us to create employer-led vocational training programmes and develop viable routes into employment. Our partnerships also allow learners to form connections and professional relationships with local and national businesses that will help them to find employment upon release.

At Novus we support learners of all ages, abilities and neurodiverse needs reach their full potential and engage learners in education so that they can gain the skills and qualifications needed to find employment upon release. 

Our education teams across prison establishments are equipped with the skills and the knowledge to support those with neurodiverse needs to give them an opportunity to get their lives on track.

To find out more about our education programmes, take a look at our news section.