Coates & Taylor reviews Whistle-stop reminder Cardiff 16 September 2016

Review process Commissioned by (former) Justice Secretary last year ‘Independent’ but close involvement with Civil Service Lots of visits, wide conversations Coates published May 2016 – all recommendations accepted by Gov’t Taylor interim report February 2016: Final report expected in the Autumn

Common themes Taylor interim report Coates Purpose and ambition: “Education must be central to an effective YJ system” “expectations of children should not be adjusted…” Leadership freedom: “secure schools…” “with autonomy and flexibility to commission services…” Staff: “expertise” from “the best alternative provision schools” Purpose and ambition: “Putting education at the heart of the prison regime” “unlock potential… and become assets” Leadership freedom: “prison Governors’ new autonomy… held to account for educational progress…” Staff: “building the capacity of all…” leaders, teachers, officers, prisoners

Common themes (2) Taylor interim report Coates Culture: “…create a culture [to] raise attainment and improve behaviour and rehabilitation in a productive and therapeutic environment” Transition to community: “work closely with parents and have greater ties to education and other services in the community… aiding more effective resettlement” Culture: “…a whole-organisation approach to education and to workforce development” Transition to community: “education providers… to enable prisoners to continue education on release” “core employment skills as… preparation for release”

Taylor specific themes “children… dealt with differently… helped to overcome their difficulties” Interest in devolution of budget and commissioning of youth custody locally Wider youth justice issues: Youth services and role of YOTs Diversion, use of policy custody,

Coates specific themes Learning plan for every prisoner meeting their aspirations and needs (including LDD) Wide view of education with progression highlighted Specific mention of Higher Education Prison Officer graduate recruitment idea Argues for less risk averse approach to: ICT including access to internet Use of release on temporary licence (ROTL) [In Wales prison education devolved – but impact via NOMS will be strong – and much to learn from Wales]

New political leadership Will need to see how the agenda is driven forward in practice