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. 

Tailored education plans to support neurodiverse learner

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. 

Targets and reviews include: 

• A blue overlay/paper that is kept within her salon workstation.
• Time to set her own targets each week and evaluate/reflect on the course and wider skill progression within her learning journal. 
• Engage appropriately within group discussions by making notes before speaking to her contributors. 

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. 

Through the learners tailored education plan and the support of her tutor, the learner has felt supported in her course with positive comments including: 

Yes, I am on medication for my ADHD. I feel massively supported by Jackie, she can tell when I am 'up a height', she will take me outside of the salon and ask me to explain how I am feeling. She doesn't judge me and will always listen.

Sometimes I have to take a 5-minute break, at this time I will take a lap round the department or just stand and talk to officers before heading back in. She's really trusting - I wouldn't be where I am without her.

Completing functional skills English and maths

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. 

Learner progress 

During her time on the hairdressing course, the learner has made excellent progress. The work the learner has completed has been in line with the level 2 hairdressing accreditation standards, with both theoretical underpinning knowledge and practical application assessed in addition to summative online exams.

The learner has completed and passed the summative assessments for the below units:

• Style and finish
• Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp
• Develop and maintain your effectiveness at work
• Plait and twist hair using basic techniques
• Assist with hair colouring and lightening services
• Blow dry hair
• Shampoo and condition hair 
• Contribute to the development of effective working relationships
• Prepare for hair services and maintain work areas

 Next steps

Since working her way through the level 2 hairdressing course, the learner has set a long-term goal to work with her son upon release, who is already a barber. The learner feels both the hairdressing and primrose course are supporting her to develop her personal skills that will enable her to positively integrate back into society upon release. 

The learner is keen to complete her level 3 hairdressing qualification whilst at HMP Low Newton and looks to further develop her digital skills as she understands how this can support business opportunities. The learner is serving a 9-year sentence so when released, she feels she will not be up to date with digital advances, motivating her to want to complete digital skills courses. 

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 their future upon release. The learner has gained independence and new-found confidence in their skills and abilities which will help to support them throughout their life.

To show how much the learner has developed, she shared her experiences:

"The biggest thing for me is that being in education has helped me to communicate properly with staff, clients and others in the salon. When I started, I didn't have a filter and would be quite disruptive, even though I didn't mean to be.

Jackie (tutor) says it as it is but in the best way, she tells you if something isn't how it should be and doesn't let me give up, even when I am stressed! I couldn't even sit to fill in my learning journal when I first started never mind through a full theory session. 

This is still something I need to work on, but Jackie and the other learners help me to focus, they're understanding and patient with me but tell me how it is too! I actually feel excited for the future." 

To read more about how prison education positively impacts learners, head over to the news section on our website.