Education in custody: young males’ perspectives

Many of the young people on arrival in prison have experienced multiple disadvantages and present with diverse and complex needs, with a higher incidence of mental health issues and/or substance misuse; in addition they have often been excluded from school and are usually well known to social services and they have lower levels of attainment and educational achievement than the non-offending population. It is essential that all those working in the delivery of education and training provision in young offender institutions endeavour to realise the significance of education as a protective factor in reducing re-offending. This paper will present the findings from a study which examined the education and training provision already in place within a Young Offender's Institution, with an emphasis on course preferences, additional support needs and resettlement.