DIGITAL LEARNING IN PRISONS

Jayne Hill (@JayneNovus) is digital learning project manager at Novus, a provider of prison education and part of the LTE Group, a social enterprise dedicated to improving lives and economic success through learning and skills.

Novus has a strong history of supporting the development of digital skills of learners in prisons. The digital divide between prisons and the community was not helped by Covid-19 restrictions, but DFSQs, building on EDSQs, could help to narrow that. “It is now possible to deliver EDSQs in prison using Open Borders,” explains Hill. “The Open Borders programme assists in providing additional internet access to learners to enable them to meet exam criteria while still maintaining strict security protocols.

“Our recent pilots have been successful in supporting learners achieving their EDSQs and helping them to feel digitally prepared for their future. We recognise the digital divide between prisons and the community, and being able to deliver essential digital skills in prisons allows us to narrow that divide and support prisoners with resettlement, and in turn reduce reoffending.

“We will continue to work with them to navigate through the new challenges and opportunities that the qualifications will bring for prison educators.”