Moving Towards Retirement a Joint

Approach to Learning OCR, G4S & The

Manchester College

Key facts

• prisoners aged over 60 are the fastest growing age group in prison• many older prisoners are probably the most institutionalised

of all those released, finding it hard to respond to change. • many older prisoners are fit and healthy and able to

participate in education, exercise and work.• there is currently limited understanding of the needs of older

people in prisons in England and Wales.

HMP Rye Hill Population Age Statistics

17%

18%

24%

23%

18%

21-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60+

HMP Rye Hill English & Maths Levels2%

1%

5%

19%

21%

3%

23%

9%

16%

Unable to completeBelow E1E1E2E3Gained E3Level 1GainedLevel 1Gained Level 2

Story of an older prisoner

I committed my last offence to get back inside – I didn’t really do any crime – just couldn’t be bothered to turn up to see my probation officer, which I knew would get me recalled. Truth is I have no relations or friends on the outside and no interests – they’re all here. I have spent most of my life inside that by the time I was given my parole I had great difficulty surviving by myself.

A Project Approach to Learning for the Older Prison Population

• the aim was to create a programme that:• supported learners how to use their leisure

time and to have a healthier lifestyle inside & in the community

• we were able to map English & maths skills and life and living skills at Entry level 3 in an activity based approach programme

• the programme can be taught across departments and by different tutors

• the learner when completing the activities could gain several accredited units in the following programmes;

• Cambridge Progression English Entry Level 3 • read for purpose and meaning in

straightforward continuous texts • contribute to discussions• Cambridge Progression Maths Entry Level 3 • read and measure time, distance, weight,

capacity, length and temperature

• Life and Living Skills Entry Level 3 • arts and Crafts: Making an art or craft product• personal Skills: Healthy living and• making the most of leisure time & leisure time

pursuits

Contact details

• Rob Mills: robert.mills@ocr.org.uk• Tom Redshaw: Tom.Redshaw@uk.g4s.com