The long-term benefits of improving Maths and English skills in prison

Studies show that 57% of adult prisoners taking initial assessments had literacy levels below those expected of an 11-year-old. This is significantly larger than the 16% of adults not in the prison system who have a similar reading level. 

Maths and English are basic fundamental skills that you need to thrive in society and find employment. However, with many prisoners not having these basic skills, it becomes a challenge for them to navigate through daily life and poses a challenge for their successful rehabilitation. 

This is why, at Novus, we work hard to ensure that prisoners engage in our education provision and obtain their maths and English qualifications so that they are equipped with the skills and qualifications needed to be successfully rehabilitated and find employment upon release. 

Promoting Maths and English skills in prison 

Our maths and English classes form the pillar of our education provision as these are the skills learners need to obtain to be able to function as members of modern society. 

By improving our learner's confidence and ability in these basic functional skills, we help learners close their skills gaps so they can find and retain long-term employment that will keep them from re-offending post release. 

English 

With an estimated 57% of adult prisoners having literacy levels below those expected of an 11-year-old, it is crucial that we engage learners in our English provision so that they can gain the basic skills needed to navigate through daily life. 

One of the many ways we try to engage learners in English is through our reading provision. Reading gives learners the opportunity to develop essential literacy skills, expand their knowledge and find enjoyment in learning. 

At Novus, we place a particular importance on our reading strategy at each site we work at. From tailored education plans, one-to-one support and reading screeners, we have been able to engage more learners in reading than ever before and supporting them to increase their functional skills in English. 

Supporting learners into education via reading at HMP Buckley Hall 

A learner at HMP Buckley Hall who was initially reluctant to take part in the education provision, gained the confidence necessary to take part in classes thanks to the support they received in reading. 

Thanks to the support from the reading tutor and taking part in the That Reading Thing programme, the learner has improved massively in his reading abilities. Due to his newfound confidence in reading, the learner has joined the Skills for Life course and has also completed entry-level qualifications in English and Maths. He has also had the confidence to join a reading club, and has enjoyed taking part in the sessions, where learners have the opportunity to read for enjoyment and discuss books with their peers. 

The learner has benefitted greatly from the reading provision at HMP Buckley Hall and has explained that he wished that he had had something like this in school or prison before. The learner is currently still receiving some one-to-one support to plug specific phonics gaps as he is keen to keep learning and develop his skills. 

The importance of reading goes beyond learning the ability and skill to read and write, but also enhances learner's social lives, hobbies, confidence, and learning journey. 

Maths 

Maths is a compulsory subject that is required by many employers. Without a maths qualification, learners often have limited employment and education options. 

This is why we encourage as many learners as possible to engage in our maths provision so that they are equipped with the relevant qualifications needed to find employment upon release and reduce reoffending rates. 

By engaging in our maths provision, learners are able to: 

• Develop their practical skills 
• Gain an essential qualification 
• Increase their confidence and self-belief 

Long-term benefits of improving Maths and English skills in prison

Enhanced job prospects

Having the relevant qualifications and skills are crucial in order to find long-term employment. With many prisoners coming into prison with no formal qualifications, it is crucial that we equip them with the skills and qualifications needed to be successful upon release. 

By engaging in our English and maths provision learners will be able to obtain the functional skills and qualifications needed to function in society and find long-term employment thus reducing reoffending rates. 

Obtaining English and maths qualifications will open up more and more job prospects for learners upon release, giving them the confidence and ability to pursue a career that they're passionate about. 

Social Reintegration and personal growth  

Our maths and English provision plays a pivotal role in reducing reoffending rates. Taking part in English and maths goes beyond just being able to obtain their essential qualifications. They also help learners develop their skills in communication, problem-solving and critical thinking which are all essential skills that are needed to integrate successfully back into society. 

Research by the Ministry of Justice suggests that people who had engaged in education whilst in prison, were significantly less likely to reoffend within 12  months of release than those who hadn't taken part. Engaging in education plays a key role in reducing reoffending rates and equipping learners with the essential qualifications and skills needed to thrive upon release and become positive members of society.

Explore our initiatives and find out how we're making a difference in the lives of learners through our education provision.