Free courses give prisoners stepping stone back into the world

National distance learning provider, Open Study College, has announced its partnership with Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET), a charity dedicated to providing a variety of educational courses to prisons in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Since July 2021, Open Study College has delivered a range of courses to PET, including an AAT Accounting qualification and a range of accredited CACHE courses in health and social care, such as supporting individuals with learning disabilities and prevention and control of infection.

Nearly half (42%) of adult prisoners have been permanently excluded from school, and even more people in prison (47%) have no qualifications. PET helps around 1,500 people in prison each year, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills and gain recognised qualifications which, according to the charity, increases the chance of securing employment and reduces the possibility of them returning to prison by over a fifth. PET also advocates for system-wide improvements to make the most of education in prisons.

Commenting on the partnership, Samantha Rutter, CEO Open Study College, said: “We feel a real synergy with Prisoners’ Education Trust as, like us, they believe that education has the power to change lives, and that everyone should have the chance to study. Our ethos encompasses giving second chances and making education accessible to all, so this collaboration very much aligns with our values. Due to the early success of our partnership, we are currently working on adding even more courses to the programme.”

Of the learners who have completed their distance learning courses via Open Study College and PET, a number have gone on to study further courses showing a real appetite for these kinds of opportunities.

‘Dimitrios’ completed CACHE Level 2 Prevention and Control of Infection in November 2021 and has now applied for NEBOSH Level 3 National Certificate in Environmental Management.

He commented: “I’ve now completed and passed the Prevention and Control of Infection course. Thank you for funding it. This has helped me keep myself busy [and] helped me with Covid-19 and other infections that surround prison/communities. This will go towards my environmental employment when I’m released. I have really enjoyed the course and the Prisoners’ Education Trust are very good with helping support prisoners. Education and distance learning is very important for prisoners.”

‘Jenny’ completed CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care in October 2021, then applied for the Open University’s Introducing the Social Sciences in December 2021.

She said: “Studying this course will enable me to have a stepping stone to study further in this field. With my current role within the prison as a safer custody orderly, this course will benefit me with a greater understanding about health and social care and will help me prepare to go on to further study. I want to use my time wisely, re-educate myself and gain a new qualification, so upon my release future employers will see my drive to succeed. This will benefit my mental health and wellbeing and as a peer, educate others in the future.”