How tailored education plans benefit neurodiverse learners

Neurodiversity refers to the different ways the brain can work and interpret information. The most recent data shows that 30% of prisoners have a learning difficulty or learning challenges, showcasing the importance for neurodiverse support in prisons. 

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 the processes from arrest to court and straight through to sentencing and life in prison. 

Challenges from communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities and lack of understanding/knowledge of the criminal justice system and the environment they're in can often reflect in their behaviour in a negative way, leading to sanctions and disciplinary actions. 

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

When it comes to prison education, prisons often take the 'one size fits all' approach, which excludes neurodiverse learners from accessing the education and services they need. Without these services, learners will not be prepared for their release resulting in 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 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.

Championing Success for neurodiverse learners

Providing the right 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 have 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 are able to 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 ADHD Foundation, Autism Education Trust, British Dyslexia and Mental Health Foundation who advise and help to 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 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 met. 

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.

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

The learner's confidence, resilience, a tailored education plan and support from her tutor and prison staff have enabled her to gain the 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 1-to-1 and group conversations can take place in an environment that makes learners feel at ease and more ready to learn, redesigned signage that makes understanding easier for dyslexic learners and paint colours chosen to way mark the corridors. All additions have been made with advice and support from our dedicated SenCo team.

Learners with neurodiverse needs at HMP Kirkham will 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 in life.

To read more about how we are supporting learners into education head over to our news section.