HMP Lincoln

Reinspection number 334642 HMP Lincoln Reinspection report Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009

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Background information ............................................................................... 3

Reinspection judgements.................................................................................. 3 Scope of the reinspection.................................................................................. 3

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Overall judgement ........................................................................................ 7

Effectiveness of provision.................................................................................. 7 Capacity to improve ....................................................................................... 7

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Main findings................................................................................................. 9

Employability training ....................................................................................... 9 Achievement and standards............................................................................ 9 Quality of provision ........................................................................................ 9 Literacy, numeracy and ESOL.......................................................................... 11 Achievement and standards.......................................................................... 11 Quality of provision ...................................................................................... 11 Personal development and social integration.................................................... 12 Achievement and standards.......................................................................... 12 Quality of provision ...................................................................................... 13

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Main findings................................................................................................. 9

Leadership and management .......................................................................... 14 Equality of opportunity ................................................................................. 14

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What learners think could improve ............................................................ 16

Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 3 of 16

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Reinspection judgements

Inspectors use a four-point scale to summarise their judgements about achievement and standards, the quality of provision, and leadership and management, which includes a grade for equality of opportunity .

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Key for reinspection grades

Grade 1 Outstanding Grade 2 Good Grade 3 Satisfactory Grade 4 Inadequate

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Key for reinspection grades

Further information can be found on how inspection judgements are made on www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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Scope of the reinspection

In deciding the scope of the reinspection, inspectors consider the previous inspection report ( www.ofsted.gov.uk ), reports from the inspectorate’s reinspection monitoring vists, and data on learners and their achievements over the period since the previous inspection. Inspectors also take account of the provider’s most recent self- assessment report and development plans, and comments from the local Learning and Skills Council (LSC) or other funding body.

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Scope of the reinspection

In addition to reporting on overall effectiveness of the organisation, its capacity to improve further, achievement and standards, quality of provision and leadership and management, this reinspection focused on:

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Scope of the reinspection

Preparation for life and work programmes:

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Scope of the reinspection

 Employability training  Literacy, numeracy and English for speakers of other languages  Personal development and social integration Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 4 of 16

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Description of the provider

1. HMP Lincoln (the prison) is a Category B closed local prison which first opened in 1872. The prison has an operating capacity of 738 and at the time of inspection held 655 prisoners including 18 young offenders aged 18–21 years of age. About 20% of prisoners are on remand. The prison holds up to 150 vulnerable prisoners in a dedicated wing. About three-quarters of prisoners stay for less than one month. The minority ethnic population is 19% and foreign nationals account for 5% of the prison population.

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Description of the provider

2. The education provision is subcontracted to Lincoln College. Each week Lincoln College provide education and training for 197 learners in Skills for Life, information and communication technology (ICT), adult literacy and numeracy, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), creative crafts, business studies, money management and citizenship. It also supports two learners on open and distance learning programmes. Additional support for learners with literacy or numeracy needs is available in all of the prison workshops.

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Description of the provider

3. Accredited training is available in most of the prison work areas. The prison provides learning and skills programmes for 45 learners in its workshops, the gymnasium, the gardens, the kitchens, and provides additional training courses in health and safety and food safety. All offenders who work in the prison are entitled to part-time education.

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Description of the provider

4. Provision of information, advice and guidance is subcontracted to Lincoln College. Lincolnshire Action Trust provides additional information, guidance and support for release. Lincolnshire County Council provides library services. Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 5 of 16

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Summary of grades awarded at previous inspection

Effectiveness of provision Inadequate: Grade 4

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Summary of grades awarded at previous inspection

Achievement and standards Inadequate: Grade 4 Employability training Contributory grade: Inadequate: Grade 4 Literacy, numeracy and ESOL Contributory grade: Inadequate: Grade 4 Personal development and social integration Contributory grade: Inadequate: Grade 4

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Summary of grades awarded at previous inspection

Quality of provision Inadequate: Grade 4 Employability training Contributory grade: Inadequate: Grade 4 Literacy, numeracy and ESOL Contributory grade: Inadequate: Grade 4 Personal development and social integration Contributory grade: Inadequate: Grade 4

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Summary of grades awarded at previous inspection

Leadership and management Inadequate: Grade 4

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Summary of grades awarded at previous inspection

Equality of opportunity Contributory grade: Satisfactory: Grade 3 Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 6 of 16

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Summary of grades awarded at reinspection

Effectiveness of provision Good: Grade 2

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Summary of grades awarded at reinspection

Achievement and standards Good: Grade 2 Employability training Contributory grade: Good: Grade 2 Literacy, numeracy and ESOL Contributory grade: Good: Grade 2 Personal development and social integration Contributory grade: Good: Grade 2

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Summary of grades awarded at reinspection

Quality of provision Good: Grade 2 Employability training Contributory grade: Good: Grade 2 Literacy, numeracy and ESOL Contributory grade: Good: Grade 2 Personal development and social integration Contributory grade: Satisfactory: Grade 3

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Summary of grades awarded at reinspection

Equality of opportunity Contributory grade: Satisfactory: Grade 3 Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 7 of 16

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Good: Grade 2

5. The overall effectiveness of the provision is good. More specifically, the quality of provision including employability training, literacy, numeracy and ESOL, and personal development and social integration programmes is good as are achievement and standards. Leadership and management are good and the prison’s approach to equality of opportunity is satisfactory.

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Good: Grade 2

6. The prison has demonstrated it has a good capacity to improve. The prison has responded well to the challenges from the previous inspection. Since then it has implemented significant changes in the management of learning and skills and successfully addressed almost all of the identified areas for improvement.

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Good: Grade 2

7. Achievement and standards have improved since the previous inspection. Significantly more learners achieve qualifications and achievement and standards across the prison are now good. Achievement rates are regularly reviewed, although these are not used to set targets to further improve the level of achievements. The quality of teaching and learning has improved and is now good in most areas.

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Good: Grade 2

8. The self-assessment process is good. It is effective in identifying areas for improvement, is appropriately consultative and takes into account the views of all stakeholders including the college and learners. The latest report is accurate with broadly similar findings to inspectors and provides a good assessment of all learning and skills activities across the prison. The prison makes good use of the findings of self-assessment and is effective in developing and implementing improvement plans based on these findings. The prison has a very clear understanding of the areas where it needs to improve and how it should do this. Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 8 of 16

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Key strengths

 Good achievement rates  Good range of provision  Good teaching on many programmes  Good support for learners who’s first language is not English  Good use of learning resources  Good actions to improve the quality of provision  Very good partnership working between college and prison  Good staff development for tutors

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Key areas for improvement

 Insufficiently developed coordination and use of individual learning plans  Unsatisfactory attendance and punctuality  Insufficiently systematic arrangements to identify additional learning needs including dyslexia  Insufficient identification and recording of learners’ personal and social development  Insufficient use of targets to further improve provision Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 9 of 16

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Employability training

Achievement and standards Contributory grade: Good: Grade 2

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Employability training

9. Achievement and standards are good. Since the previous inspection the prison has implemented a good system to recognise the skills and knowledge gained by prisoners. Prisoners who work in the workshops, the gardens and in waste management can now achieve a nationally recognised qualification. In the past 12 months 271 prisoners have achieved a qualification in the textiles and charity workshops. The achievement rate for this qualification is 100%.

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Employability training

10.Qualifications for laundry workers, which were underdeveloped at the previous inspection, are now well established. In the past 12 months all 64 learners who began the qualification were successful. The success rate for learners on industrial cleaning programmes is also good at 100% and includes three learners who qualified as assessors. The achievement rate for full qualifications for those who complete ICT programmes is good at 78%. The success rate for qualifications in business studies at level 1 is low at just 50%.

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Employability training

11.The standard of learners work is satisfactory. In the workshops learners work at an appropriate rate and demonstrate appropriate levels of skill in the operation of machinery and equipment. Learners’ written work is generally good, however, tutors do not always correct poor grammar and spelling.

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Employability training

Quality of provision Contributory grade: Good: Grade 2

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Employability training

12.The quality of employability training is good. Teaching and learning are good. Lessons are interesting and teachers are effective in engaging and motivating learners. Teachers in business studies make good use of external speakers, mostly from local businesses, to enrich the programme. They also make good use of examples of relevant local businesses to deliver the programme. For example in one session the tutor had collected recent newspaper reports on local businesses hit by the recession to support learning on business risk. In the good lessons learning was highly individualised and tailored to the needs of each learner. Occasionally however, a minority of learners dominate discussions with tutors and this interrupts the learning of others. Classroom management is good. Learners are kept focused and on task by clear and decisive teaching. They work well in groups and participate well in discussions. Practical training is good. Tutors

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Employability training

give praise where appropriate and support learners well to extend their skills and knowledge.

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Employability training

13.The planning of learning is satisfactory. All learners have an individual learning plan which includes the results of learners’ initial assessments. Many individual learning plans contain appropriate long and short term targets for learners although some of these are insufficiently specific or time-bound. The better plans include both work related and personal targets. Most tutors regularly review learners’ progress against their plan although in a minority of work areas reviews Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 10 of 16

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Employability training

do not take place. The review of learners’ progress with their personal targets is inadequate and there is insufficient recognition of their personal achievements. individual learning plans are course specific and there is insufficient coordination of a learners’ overall learning while at the prison.

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Employability training

14.Assessment is satisfactory. Assessment records are clear and contain sufficient detail of the activity and standards achieved. There are sufficient assessors in work areas and the prison has made some progress in updating assessors’ qualifications.

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Employability training

15.Resources have improved significantly since the previous inspection. Classrooms in the education department have interactive whiteboards and tutors are beginning to make effective use of these. Classrooms are available in the prison workshops where a range of education now takes place. Most classrooms offer a good learning environment although some of the outreach classrooms are too noisy.

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Employability training

16.The range of employability programmes is good. Accredited qualifications are available for those working in the workshops, the kitchen, the gardens, waste management, the laundry and as cleaners. ICT and business qualifications are available in the education department and a good range of self-employment and employability programmes are available through the resettlement department.

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Employability training

17.Support and guidance are satisfactory. Individual support for learners by tutors is satisfactory. Information, advice and guidance are satisfactory. Lincolnshire Action Trust provides advice and support on a wide range of issues during induction and during resettlement for those who are due to be released. Lincoln College provide appropriate advice and guidance for learners on education programmes. Jobcentre plus visit the prison every week to provide advice on employment opportunities and learners can be referred for jobsearch activities. Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 11 of 16

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Literacy, numeracy and ESOL

Achievement and standards Contributory grade: Good: Grade 2

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Literacy, numeracy and ESOL

18.Achievement and standards in literacy, numeracy and language support are good. The achievement rates for qualifications at level 1 and level 2 in literacy are high at 91% and 94% respectfully. They are also high for level 2 qualifications in numeracy at 97%. The achievement rate for key skills qualification at level 1 and 2 are also high. However, the achievement rate for entry level numeracy is very low at just 26%.

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Literacy, numeracy and ESOL

19.Standards of learners work are good. Learners make good progress in moving from one qualification to another. Many learners are only at the prison for a short time and, unlike at the previous inspection, make good progress over this period. They are aware of progress achieved and develop enhanced skills in literacy, numeracy and ESOL. The education provider works hard to recognise learners’ part achievement of a qualification before release or transfer. Attendance and punctuality remain unsatisfactory. Too many lessons start late or finish early.

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Literacy, numeracy and ESOL

Quality of provision Contributory grade: Good: Grade 2

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Literacy, numeracy and ESOL

20.Teaching has improved since the previous inspection and is now good. Tutors plan lessons well and ensure that activities are challenging and interesting. A good range of learning activities engage learners’ interests and allows them to explore topics thoroughly. In literacy classes tutors make effective illustrative reference to learners’ home region to reinforce understanding. ESOL classes provide learners with good opportunities to practice spoken and written English language skills. Tutors place appropriate emphasis on developing a productive rapport with learners and usually deal well with those who have very limited attention spans. Tutors monitor learners’ progress effectively. Assessment practice and testing arrangements are satisfactory. Learners receive regular and frequent progress reviews. However, reviews do not consistently include sufficiently detailed short-term targets to allow learners to effectively monitor

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Literacy, numeracy and ESOL

21.Since the previous inspection the assessment of learners’ literacy, numeracy and language needs has improved and is now effective. The outcomes of assessment on entering the prison is effectively reviewed before learners start their programme. Tutors make appropriate use of assessment results to plan learners’ programmes. Systematically effective arrangements to identify additional learning needs, such as dyslexia are not yet in place.

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Literacy, numeracy and ESOL

22.Tutors make good use of learning resources to support learning. Effective use is made of information learning technology to enhance the learning experience and engage learners. Classrooms in the education department are appropriately furnished and maintained. Recent improvements have secured a more welcoming environment that includes good subject identification in classrooms and displays celebrating learners’ achievements. The prison has improved facilities in the Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 12 of 16

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Literacy, numeracy and ESOL

workshops for outreach work which are now satisfactory. However, noise from the workshop areas impedes learning during some sessions. Class activity allows learners adequate use of computer facilities, including mobile computers, to support learning. The small numbers of learners participating in distance learning programmes are able to use a satisfactory range of learning resources. All tutors are appropriately qualified and experienced.

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Literacy, numeracy and ESOL

23.The range of provision is good. Following the previous inspection the prison developed a Skills for Life strategy which now guides developments and provides a framework for improvement across the prison. Key skills programmes are suitably integrated with literacy and numeracy classes. An appropriate progression route for ESOL qualifications is available that includes effective outreach provision. Learners can now work towards key skills in communication and numeracy at level 3. However, the prison has not yet fully implemented wider key skills across the prison. Learners are able to improve their literacy, numeracy and language skills by attending a good range of classes on residential wings and in workshops. However, there is no evening or weekend provision.

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Literacy, numeracy and ESOL

24.Support for learners is satisfactory and good for ESOL learners. Learners for whom English is not their first language benefit from an extended assessment that includes an introduction to the courses available at the prison. These sessions make good use of translated material and explanations in a language that learners are familiar with to explain the process and role of initial assessment. ESOL sessions effectively provide a sensitive and supportive environment to introduce learners to the prison. As judged at the previous inspection, the library adequately supports the prisons learning and skills provision.

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Personal development and social integration

Achievement and standards Contributory grade: Good: Grade 2

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Personal development and social integration

25.Achievement and standards are good. The recognition of learner’s development has improved significantly since the previous inspection and now includes adequate data to judge programme performance. In the previous 12 months all learners who have attended the life and social skills course achieved at least one unit. Learners who stay at the prison long enough have the opportunity to work towards the full qualification. Success rates in the gymnasium are good where all of the learners who completed their courses in community leadership, football, weight training and safety in sport were successful.

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Personal development and social integration

26.Learners develop good levels of confidence and significantly improve their ability to express themselves and work effectively with others. They demonstrate a clear tolerance of diverse views.

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Personal development and social integration

27.The standard of learners work in class is good. Learners engage well with the tasks set for them and produce work of a good standard. In art the variety of two-dimensional work shows good use and understanding of scale and Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 13 of 16

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Personal development and social integration

perspective. The prison effectively celebrates learners’ achievements in art through displays of work. The standard of writing and spelling is satisfactory. Attendance and punctuality are unsatisfactory with too many learners not turning up for lessons and some arrive a significant time after the lesson is due to start.

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Personal development and social integration

Quality of provision Contributory grade: Satisfactory: Grade 3

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Personal development and social integration

28.The quality of personal development and social integration training is satisfactory. Teaching and learning have improved since the previous inspection and are now satisfactory. Tutors plan lessons well. They actively create an appropriate learning environment in which learners can practice their skills. Lessons include a good variety of activities that allow learners to develop personal and social skills. Teaching resources are usually appropriately used. Most sessions include adequate individualisation of teaching activities to meet all learners’ needs. Tutors do not always use questioning techniques to fully test learners’ comprehension and consolidate understanding. Unlike at the previous inspection, tutors now include all learners in class activity. Appropriate use is made of the results of literacy and numeracy assessment to address individual needs.

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Personal development and social integration

29.There is insufficient identification and recording of the wide range of personal and social skills developed by learners. Individual learning plans do not include adequate setting of personal and social development objectives. Tutors do not routinely link how programme related goals could contribute to the achievement of personal objectives.

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Personal development and social integration

30.Progress reviews are regular and frequent. However, too few reviews include effective short-term targets. Some reviews do not help the learner to focus on actions that will contribute to future achievement. Where tutors do set short-term targets they are often insufficiently specific to allow learner’s to take responsibility for monitoring their own progress.

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Personal development and social integration

31.Resources are satisfactory. Learners in art have access to an adequate range of facilities. A kiln to fire clay is available. However, at the time of inspection it was not working and available activities were limited to two-dimensional work. Classrooms in the education department are suitable for the planned activities and number of learners who attend the class. The classroom used by the gymnasium is small, dark and cramped. Wing based classrooms are satisfactory. All tutors are appropriately qualified.

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Personal development and social integration

32.The range of provision is satisfactory. Since the previous inspection the prison has introduced a level 1 diversity qualification which gives learners the opportunity to achieve a full life and social skills qualification. In addition learners are now able to work towards appropriate accreditation in art. However, there remains no evening or weekend provision.

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Personal development and social integration

33.Support for learners is satisfactory. Tutors provide useful informal help in class. A ‘learner of the month award’ effectively acknowledges achievement, including those relating to personal development. During class sessions learners effectively Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 14 of 16

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Personal development and social integration

support each other. However, the prison does not routinely use peer mentors to support and encourage other learners. Arrangements to provide information, advice and guidance at relevant stages of the learners’ journey are satisfactory. As identified by the education provider there is a need to more effectively identify learners with additional needs, including the assessment and support of learners’ dyslexia needs.

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Good: Grade 2

Equality of opportunity Contributory grade: Satisfactory: Grade 3

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Good: Grade 2

34.The prison has responded well to the findings of the previous inspection and has implemented effective actions to improve the quality of the provision. The deputy head of learning and skills now plays a significant role in the management of the provision and provides effective leadership. This change has been very effective and staff involved in all areas of learning and skills now speak very positively about how the provision has improved. All but one of the areas for improvement from the previous inspection have been successfully addressed. The quality improvement group is now well attended and is effective in identifying and addressing areas for improvement. The quality of teaching and learning, judged to be poor at the previous inspection, has improved significantly and is now good. Staff have undertaken effective development in teaching and learning and are now subject to robust lesson observations. There are effective processes to share

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Good: Grade 2

good practice between all members of staff. The prison now effectively monitors the quality of the provision offered by both the prison and the college. The college now routinely provides the prison with recruitment, retention and achievement data and the results of all lesson observations. However, the introduction of processes to recognise and record the progress and achievement of non-accredited goals has been slow, a fact recognised in the self-assessment report. Similarly attendance and punctuality remains an area for improvement as it was at the previous inspection.

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Good: Grade 2

35.The college and the prison have a very effective working partnership, as recognised by the prison in its self-assessment report. The college is involved in all aspects of the development of the learning and skills strategy. It has aligned its own self-assessment cycle with that of the prison to aid the prison self- assessment process. The prison and college jointly moderate all observation of teaching and learning. The college supports the prison effectively through staff training in assessment and verification. The college helped the prison to introduce individual learning plans into workshops and other work areas in the prison. One of the college senior managers is a member of the prison quality improvement group. The college has recently helped the prison to refurbish part of the education department to make it a more pleasant and effective learning environment. Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 15 of 16

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Good: Grade 2

36.The good opportunities for staff development are well used. Staff are well qualified and the prison has implemented an extensive teacher training programme for prison staff. A high proportion of instructors and prison tutors are undertaking a national qualification in teaching and there are clear plans for all staff to have achieved this by 2010. Education department staff have access to a wide range of programmes both through the college and the prison and most staff are currently engaged in some form of development.

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Good: Grade 2

37.Communications across the prison was identified as an area for improvement at the previous inspection and is now satisfactory. There are an appropriate range of well attended meetings at all levels and across all areas of the prison to ensure that the whole prison is aware of and involved in learning and skills.

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Good: Grade 2

38.Strategic planning for learning and skills has improved since the previous inspection and is now satisfactory. There is a clear strategic plan giving overall strategic objectives with a development plan identifying more detailed specific actions to achieve them. However, targets are solely concerned with contractual compliance and key performance targets rather than using the available data, such as achievement rates, to set targets to further improve the quality of provision.

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Good: Grade 2

39.The use and analysis of data are now satisfactory. Managers make effective use of the wide range of data collected.

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Good: Grade 2

40.The promotion of equality of opportunity is satisfactory. As at the previous inspection, there is an appropriate range of policies and procedures covering, for example equality and diversity, harassment, and bullying. Since then the prison has introduced new policies to cover age and disability. Policies are reviewed at least every two years and all staff have taken equality of opportunity training. There is an expectation that equality of opportunity is discussed during learners’ progress reviews, although this is not always done effectively. All learners in the education department are made aware of the equality of opportunity policy and are given the policy written in an easily understood format. As at the previous inspection, learners are treated with dignity and respect and there is a good rapport between learners and their tutors. The prison collects data about the participation of different groups in education and training but does not collect

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Good: Grade 2

data about the relative performance of these groups.

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Good: Grade 2

41.The procedures for safeguarding learners meet current government requirements. The prison now has an appropriate safeguarding policy covering, in particular, young offenders, and staff have undertaken appropriate training.

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Good: Grade 2

42.The prison effectively deals with complaints. The prison centrally monitors all complaints, including those relating to education, and analyses these to identify any common concerns or trends. Almost all complaints are dealt with within the target of three days. Reinspection report: HMP Lincoln, 12 June 2009 16 of 16

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Good: Grade 2

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What learners like:

 The helpful tutors and teachers  Help to understand the English language  Getting a qualification which is recognised outside  The calm a peacefulness in the education department

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What learners think could improve:

 The gymnasium classroom is too small  Having more relevant vocational qualifications  The noise in the pods

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