learndirect on probation in Shrewsbury
The West Mercia Probation Service is piloting learndirect as part of offender’s probation programmes.
One of the key planks of the Government’s Skills Strategy is to work with offenders, particularly in the area of Skills for Life. The pilot in Shrewsbury is one of several with the Probation Service putting the strategy into practice.
John Warren is District Team Manager for New Shropshire, part of West Mercia Probation. He explained: “Community Rehabilitation Orders aim to reduce the risk of re-offending by giving people structure, support and skills as well as working with them to reduce their offending behaviour. The National Probation Directorate has given us basic skills targets, and we when we found out about learndirect we thought it would be another way to help us meet them.”
John was introduced to learndirect by County Training, a not for profit, council affiliated training organisation with which West Mercia Probation had existing links. Since November, two County Training staff have been working from the probation office to set up, administrate and deliver learndirect.
“When people first come in on an order from court they go through an assessment so we can draw up a plan for their time here,” continued John. “That’s when their motivation is at its highest, so here we front load our contact appointments.
“Having lots of contact in the first few weeks means we can maintain momentum and make offenders feel their programme is giving them something tangible and worthwhile.
“With learndirect we’re able to identify any skills gaps and get people signed up to the right course almost immediately – sometimes even at their first appointment. Most do basic IT courses and work towards their Level 1 and 2 Certificates in Adult Literacy and Numeracy, which we’re also able to offer on site.
“It’s really helped us being able to do everything from the probation office itself. We don’t have a sign on the front door saying ‘basic skills’, just as we don’t have a sign saying ‘drugs couselling’. Taking the labels and the stigma away makes it easier for offenders to take advantage of those services.”
Since the learndirect service went live in January, more than 20 people have taken the online tests. learndirect Co-ordinator Zita King attributes the success to the style of learning.
She said: “Breaking down the barriers to learning is vital for these learners. Many have had negative experiences with school, and learndirect works for them because it’s so different. There’s no confrontation with a teacher and no pressure to keep up with a class.
“The courses have a very practical focus and they’re flexible enough to fit around other commitments. For offenders in full time work or on community service, it’s the easiest, or only, way they can access education.
“The fact many courses have a fun or game-like feel has also helped engage people. Offenders who used to hate coming in even for the weekly meetings with their case officer are now spending all day here doing their learndirect courses!”
One of Zita’s learners is Anthony (not his real name), 23. Serving a twelve month order for stealing a van from work, Anthony came to Shrewsbury to be near his Nan.
He said: “I didn’t spend much time at school for one reason or another. I played truant and was into drugs, and left altogether when I was 15.
“When I came here I found out about learndirect and asked my probation officer if I could do it, and it was worked into my programme. It’s completely different from school and I’m actually enjoying it.
“I started off on literacy and numeracy courses working up to my Level 1 test, but you don’t feel like you’re ‘learning’ like you learn in a classroom.
“I like being able to go at my own pace and I like the fact Zita treats me like an individual rather than a student, like we’re both adults and on the same level. She’s there to help I get stuck but I can talk to her and we get on well. We even had a laugh when I did my Level 1 exams.
“One of my favourtite learndirect courses was MaxTrax where you answer maths questions as part of a racing game. It’s actually come in useful because now when I’m in a shop or something I can add everything up in my head. I’m also more confident with my English skills.
“At the moment I’m not doing learndirect because I’m on an ETS course – Enhanced Thinking Skills. It’s great because it’s helping my confidence even more and I’m learning to take part and have my say. When I’ve finished ETS though, I want to come back and do my Level 2 English and maths with Zita.
“After that County Training is going to help me on to a ‘New Deal’ catering course because I want to train to become a professional chef. Part of me can’t believe I’m thinking about the future, and how much I’ve changed.
“I used to be a drugged up, drunken mess and my life wasn’t going anywhere. It might sound bad, but I’m really glad I did what I did because I’m getting the sort of help and training I’ve never had before. Now I have goals and I feel like I’ve really turned a corner – I wouldn’t have been able to do that without probation and learndirect.”