Leading Education in Secure Environments (Short Course)

Education is widely acknowledged as a powerful tool for steering individuals away from involvement in the criminal justice system. Despite its potential, the current reality for the 90,000 people in English prisons paints a bleak picture. Educational efforts within prison walls, often bundled under the umbrella of ‘purposeful activity’, focus on rehabilitation as their core objective. However, the effectiveness of these endeavours remains questionable.

A significant portion of prison education programmes fall short of meeting the needs of inmates, exacerbated by a lack of comprehensive understanding among prison staff. This short course endeavours to bridge this gap by equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage education effectively within secure environments.

By addressing key issues, it seeks to enhance the prospects for successful rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals into society.

5 Sessions across:

Thursday 8^th May 2025 5-7pm

Thursday 22^nd May 2025 5-7pm

Thursday 12^th June 2025 5-7pm

Thursday 19^th June 2025 5-7pm

Thursday 3^rd July 2025 5-7pm

The aim of this short course is to support individuals who work in secure environments, such as prisons and secure children's homes, to understand and implement a programme of high-quality learning that will support individuals to progress into sustainable work on release. 

The course will explore the critical role of education in the rehabilitation process, emphasising its importance as a transformative tool within secure environments. You will examine the intricacies of prison regimes and resource allocations, particularly as they pertain to educational initiatives. Quality assurance mechanisms for education, skills, and work programmes will be scrutinized, with a focus on ensuring that these endeavours meet rigorous standards.

Additionally, this short course will explore strategies for developing skills that extend beyond the confines of traditional curricula, empowering individuals to thrive beyond their time in prison. Special attention will be given to supporting those with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD) within the secure environment, with an emphasis on implementing inclusive practices that cater to diverse learning needs. Through a holistic approach, you will gain the tools and insights necessary to foster a supportive and effective educational environment conducive to rehabilitation and personal growth.

The teaching methods for this course include a combination of interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on workshops to facilitate a deep understanding of leading education in secure environments.

Students will engage in case study analysis, and reflective discussions to apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

Completing this short course on Leading Education in Secure Environments will equip you with specialised knowledge and skills highly sought after in roles within the criminal justice system, particularly in prisons and rehabilitation centres. Employers value candidates who understand the complexities of delivering education in secure settings, as it directly contributes to the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated individuals.

This short course provides practical insights into managing and leading educational initiatives within secure environments and this specialised expertise will set you apart from other candidates and demonstrates a commitment to professional development and excellence.