Prison education programme commended as Good by Ofsted

Groundwork’s Employment Specialists develop practical and soft skills within a prison setting supporting people into careers such as construction and landscaping post-release and helping reduce the risk of reoffending.

Over the past 18 months we’ve been working in HMP Forest Bank delivering a range of construction courses. We’re currently delivering the government’s Skills Bootcamps; flexible courses which last up to 16 weeks, which give people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track them to a guaranteed interview with a local employer.

In January 2024, Groundwork received an Ofsted inspection of these provisions and were graded Good in all judgements. We are delighted with this result, particularly as it is our first full inspection and for a relatively new curriculum area.

Inspectors identified that:

Leaders and tutors have high expectations for learners. They set clear rules and boundaries regarding acceptable behaviour and conduct in lessons. Learners are consistently polite, courteous and respectful to peers, tutors and visitors. Learners enjoy attending their training classes because tutors use their industry insight and experience of the construction industry to make learning and skills training enjoyable. Learners look forward to attending their training classes and as a result their attendance and punctuality are high.