How Novus supports Neurodiversity in prison education

Many learners have significant barriers to engaging in education, but with over 30% of prison learners having learning difficulties and/or disabilities, it is crucial that our education provision meets the individual needs of each learner. 

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 which will help them find employment upon release. 

What is neurodiversity? 

Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioural traits. 

Neurodiversity includes many different conditions, including Autism and ADHD, Dyslexia and Tourette's syndrome which impact how neurodiverse people communicate with others and the world around them. 

Being able to understand and embrace what neurodiversity is, helps us to understand our learners and ensure they have access to the relevant programmes and support needed.

The link between neurodiversity and offending behaviour

Prisoners with neurodiverse needs often have difficulty navigating the criminal justice system from the time that they are arrested, the courts process, and continuing into the prison system. Research has shown that neurodivergent individuals are more likely to be disadvantaged when they come into contact with the criminal justice system. 

Their behaviour, although a manifestation of their condition could be misinterpreted due to a lack of understanding and lack of screening once the individual is in the criminal justice system which can contribute to their arrest, sentencing and experience in prison. 

How Novus supports neurodiverse learners in prison

Many neurodivergent learners have difficulty with conventional teaching methods and may require specialised educational support.

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

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

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

How tailored education plans benefit neurodiverse learners

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 are able to engage in education in their own way, making it a more positive experience for them. 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. 

Being able to take part in education, in a way that suits them proves to learners that they are capable of thriving in a learning environment and obtaining new qualifications and skills.

Learners will have new-found confidence in themselves and 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. 

Learner success story at HMP Low Newton

A neurodiverse learner from HMP Low Newton has been making excellent progress in their education journey. The learner struggles with ADHD and dyslexia but with the support of her tutor, prison and Novus staff, appropriate targets have been agreed.

Through a tailored individual learning plan, learning journal documents, and the support from their tutor and Novus colleagues, appropriate support has been put in place to help the learner attend their classes as well as having access to vital services such as the Primrose therapy intervention programme. 

Whilst in class, completing her level 2 hairdressing qualification, targets have been put in place so that the learner can get the most out of their classes.

Through collaborative discussions with her tutors and Novus colleagues, the learner has been able to have a say in her learning plan, enabling the learner to have a voice and shape her learning journey in a way that will help to support her neurodiverse needs. 

Prior to starting the hairdressing course, the learner completed their functional skills English, and maths courses. At first, the learner was reluctant and was struggling with her ADHD at the time of completing her English qualification. 

The learner was waiting for her ADHD medication and spent a lot of time in the Care and Supervision Unit at Low Newton (CSU). However, after a discussion with the Governor and expressing her interest in the hairdressing qualification, the Governor and hairdressing tutor worked collaboratively, to encourage the learner to complete their functional skills maths as they couldn't start on the hairdressing course without it. 

With the right support and help from the prison and hairdressing tutor, the learner was able to complete their maths course and secure a place on the hairdressing course. 

How Novus supports neurodiverse learners with employment opportunities

Employment decreases the chance of learners reoffending upon release. Research shows that ex-offenders who get a job after release are up to 9% less likely to reoffend. 

At Novus, we offer all learners the equal opportunity to benefit from education, training, and employment opportunities. To help reduce reoffending we help learners into employment and put them into contact with employers.

Once we are confident that learners are ready for the next step, we connect employers with skilled candidates that are ready to start work. We work closely with partner employers such as Greene King and Balfour Beatty to provide learners with employment opportunities. 

What are the benefits of providing neurotypical learners educational support? 

Encouraging and supporting neurodiverse learners into education has many benefits especially upon release. Having access to educational support can help neurodiverse learners address the root causes of any past offending behaviour and help prevent future criminal activity.

Having access to education ensures that neurodiverse learners can gain qualifications which will help them find a job upon release and reduce reoffending. It can also help learners to channel their energy into something productive and give them the opportunity to explore new interests and hobbies that can be pursued upon release.

Find out more about how Novus is supporting neurodivergent learners in education.