The benefits of distance learning in prison

At Novus, we believe all individuals have the right to access education and our education provision is offered to prisoners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. However, we are aware that the ‘one size fits all’ approach to education doesn’t work for prisoners as each learner has their own individual needs and support to consider.

Which is why at Novus, we offer various routes into education so that all prisoners have the opportunity to engage in education in a way that suits them and their individual needs. One of the ways we engage learners in education is through distance learning.

In this blog, we’ll explore what distance learning is, the benefits of distance learning and how distance learning has a positive impact on a learner’s successful rehabilitation.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning refers to paper-based or digital courses that learners can complete in classrooms with teachers supporting them, along with in their own time and space whether that’s in their room/cell, wing, the library or a classroom.

Distance learning in prison is like education without walls, learners can engage in online courses, creative programmes, and partnerships with educational providers that bring learning directly to them.

At Novus, we understand the importance of flexible learning methods for our learners, engaging as many as possible in our education provision in a way that suits them. Which is why, we support our distance learning provider, The Open University in providing distance learning courses to learners.

Access to education in prison: Breaking down barriers

Prison education plays an integral role in reducing reoffending and equipping learners with the qualifications and skills needed to find employment upon release. Many learners enter custody with no qualifications, low education levels and poor previous experiences in education and for these learners we support them to enjoy learning and offer entry level courses that suit their needs. For many of these learners, education is the chance to learn to read properly for the first time and it is life changing.

However, for those that need a higher level of education, we also need to engage them in education and enable them to access the support that meets their individual needs so that they can be equipped with the skills and qualifications necessary to find employment upon release.

Through distance learning, learners don’t necessarily have to experience a traditional classroom environment, they are able to work through their qualifications wherever feels comfortable for them whether that’s in their cell or in classrooms that given them space to work on their own individual courses.

Distance learning also offers a wide range of courses and subjects to choose from. At Novus we work collaboratively with leading partners in higher education and distance learning, such as the Open University and Prisoners’ Education Trust. These collaborations ensure that our learners can access the right opportunities to gain the essential skills needed, at the right level for them, helping them to prepare for the right job opportunities.

Breaking Barriers: A Special Graduation Story from HMP Stafford and The Open University

Recently, HMP Stafford hosted an inspiring graduation ceremony to celebrate a Novus learner who completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in maths through the Open University. The graduate, who began his studies 19 years ago, was encouraged to complete his degree during an education induction at the prison. The event, organised by education manager Nicola Randles, mirrored traditional graduations with cap, gown, flowers from the prison garden, and cakes made by the hospitality learners.

Attended by the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, prison staff, fellow learners and the graduate’s family, the ceremony celebrated perseverance, second chances, and the transformative power of education. The graduate received a standing ovation, and fellow students shared how his achievement had inspired them. The graduate expressed deep gratitude for the support he received.

This event highlighted the vital role of inclusive education in prisons and the impact of organisations like the Open University in changing lives.

The benefits of access to distance learning in prison

Distance learning offers numerous benefits to prisoners, helping them to reintegrate into society and reduce reoffending.

Below are some of the key benefits of distance learning:

Flexibility and accessibility

Distance learning offers learners the opportunity to study at their own pace, accommodating their individual learning style, schedules and routines, giving more learners the opportunity to access education.

Education and skill development

Learners are able to gain higher level academic and vocational training, improving their employment opportunities upon release.

Increased employment opportunities

With specialist and advanced qualifications, learners will be able to improve their CV and boost their career prospects. They’ll be more qualified for senior roles that require advanced knowledge and skills.

Access to higher education

Distance learning gives learners access to higher education such as University degrees and diplomas. By engaging in higher education opportunities, learners are able to obtain advanced qualifications that will improve their employment opportunities and give them a better chance of finding employment upon release.

Distance learning boosts employability for ex-offenders

At Novus, supporting learners into employment is integral to their successful rehabilitation. If learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to find employment upon release, they are less likely to offend.

However, many prison leavers face significant barriers to finding employment upon release, from the stigma around hiring ex-offenders to a lack of skills and training. These barriers can make it difficult for them to find long-term employment putting them at risk of reoffending. 

For learners to be successful upon release, it really helps if they engage in education or training whilst in prison, helping them to break down some of the barriers to finding employment upon release and equip them with the skills and qualifications needed to find employment opportunities and thrive in society.

Self-esteem and development through distance learning

Prison education plays a key role in the successful rehabilitation of learners however, it can also foster personal development, increase self-esteem and behaviour as well as boost confidence.

Through education, learners have the opportunity to develop personally and increase their self-esteem and confidence by taking part in education classes. Distance learning provides learners an alternative to traditional education, making it more accessible to learners no matter their individual circumstances. 

If learners, who previously faced barriers to accessing higher education, are able to engage in prison education as well as gain new skills and qualifications through distance learning, it can boost their confidence and belief in themselves and show them what they are capable of.

Breaking the cycle of recidivism through prison learning

Prison education plays an integral role in reducing reoffending and helping learners find employment upon release. According to research conducted by the Ministry of Justice  “people who had participated in education whilst in prison were significantly less likely to reoffend within 12 months of release than those who had not” which is why we try to engage as many prisoners as possible in our education offer.

To be able to engage them in education, it is crucial that we engage them in a way that suits their individual needs. Which is why we implement a variety of strategies so that learners can get the support they need whilst in prison, so that they’re equipped with the skills, knowledge and qualifications necessary to be successfully rehabilitated.

Supporting prison education with Novus

Distance learning offers a powerful opportunity for learners to transform their lives through education. Novus is at the forefront of this work, improving access to high-quality learning opportunities that empower prisoners to build a brighter future.

Want to find out more? Visit this Novus website section to learn more about our learning provisions.