§ Lord Topeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the event of a 16 or 17 year-old boy being sentenced to imprisonment under the existing age of consent legislation, he would have, during his detention, educational opportunities suited to his academic abilities. [HL817]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThere is a statutory requirement to provide sentenced prisoners under the age of 17 years with 15 hours academic education including English, Mathematics, life skills relevant to their age, and Information Technology. In the case of sentenced prisoners aged 17 years with learning difficulties, there is a requirement to provide education appropriate to their needs.
Prison education for all prisoners focuses on the core curriculum of basic educational skills (literacy and numeracy), life and social skills and computer skills.
The Prison Service is currently developing new regime standards for young people under the age of 18. They will include the development of a broader 211WA education curriculum for young people under school leaving age which will take into account their particular learning difficulties, especially dyslexia, attention deficits and hyper-activity disorder and any statement of educational needs. The Comprehensive Spending Review has made additional funds available for achieving the new standards.
The Prison Service is also planning to introduce an individual programme for each young person. It will be based on a thorough assessment and will include an action plan and programme suited to individual needs, ability and aptitude.