Neurodiverse needs in prison education
This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences, it aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported whilst creating a society that is more inclusive and equitable and celebrates people for who they are.
Recent government research estimates that around half of prisoners have a neurodivergent condition that affects their ability to engage and this is why the work that we do with learners in prison is so important to make sure that our learners get the support that they need to help them to make meaningful progress in education whilst in prison.
Many of our learners disengaged from education early in their lives due to their neurodivergencey, which ultimately led them on the path to prison, and supporting them through prison education can make a real difference to their rehabilitation, reducing the likelihood of reoffending on release.
A comprehensive guide to neurodiversity for our teaching teams
At Novus, each of our education teams has access to our comprehensive Neurodiversity guide which provides details 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 co delivered by our partners. By working collaboratively across the sector, our tutors are able to gain knowledge that makes a real difference to our learners.
Learner feedback on neurodiversity in prison education
Feedback from one of our learners in the North West really helps us to understand the difference that this inclusive approach makes:
“I would like to start by saying thank you for all the help that you have given me whilst I’ve been in education. The biggest reason that I have stayed in education is thanks to the understanding of all the staff of my learning needs. All staff have gone out of their way to ensure that I have everything I need and I don’t struggle whilst in education.
You have all recognised I need regular breaks and don’t like being overwhelmed with work, by breaking it down it has allowed me to adapt and gain a better understanding. As my experience has been so positive, yet challenging, it has taught me to persevere even when I have felt like giving up”
Neurodiversity partners
We would like to thank all our neurodiversity partners for offering their support and guidance, plus partnership working with the teams in the prisons. These partners include, but aren't limited to:
If you would like to work with us to support our learners, please get in touch.
