Offender learning providers are used to working with limited access to resources and learners, but one of our providers was quick to respond to the lockdown safety measures implemented across prisons due to Coronavirus.
PeoplePlus identified units from qualifications that could be taught through self-directed study, quickly distributing module and assessment packs to their learners. These can be completed as self-directed study during the lockdown period. PeoplePlus then work in partnership with the prison collecting and assessing returned work. Each unit achieved can be awarded in its own right or used to build a larger qualification. In one establishment alone (to date) there have been over 250 returned self-directed study packs, demonstrating partnership work between the establishment and PeoplePlus and learner engagement.
The mixture of units chosen helps address some of the challenges prisoners are facing during the current lockdown, such as mental health awareness, understanding emotions, and self-management skills. These are combined with units that will be of benefit to learners once they are in a position to return to work either in prison or upon release.
