LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
The changes to inspection under the renewed framework include:
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higher expectations for prison education and skills training, which reflect standards of further education and skills provision in the community.
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a new inclusion evaluation area, focused on how providers overcome the diverse range of barriers prisoners can face to engaging in education, skills training and work.
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a strengthened focus on teaching reading and improving literacy for prisoners who need it, to equip them to learn and to enter the workforce on release.
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ensuring that prisons give prisoners the employability skills they need to enter work, and skills training that responds to labour market and employer need.
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the removal of the overall effectiveness grade and introduction of more granular and nuanced grading across 5 evaluation areas.
Read the guidance: Inspecting education, skills training and work in prisons and YOIs: toolkit, operating guide and information
As with the other education provision Ofsted inspects, particular attention will be given to the experiences, outcomes and barriers to learning, work and/or wellbeing of; those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including needs related to neurodiversity; and those with other support needs.
Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted's Chief Inspector, said:
High-quality education plays a vital role in supporting prisoners to become productive and engaged members of society upon their release. Improving literacy for prisoners will allow them to access a much wider curriculum and help them prepare for life after prison.
Our renewed framework for inspections of prison education will drive a stronger focus on ensuring all prisoners, no matter what barriers to learning they face, benefit from excellent education, skills and work.
Prison and YOI inspections will consider 5 evaluation areas:
* Inclusion
* Leadership and governance
* Curriculum, teaching and training
* Achievement
* Participation and development
Each evaluation area will receive one of 5 grades:
* Exceptional
* Strong standard
* Expected standard
* Needs attention
* Urgent improvement
Notes to editors:
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Inspections under this framework will begin on 21 September 2026.
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These inspections are conducted as part of joint inspections led by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP).
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Findings from Ofsted's inspections will contribute to the 'purposeful activity' section of HMIP inspection reports.
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