Teacher, I'm a brainbox, thanks to you!
This is the message on a card received by David Dillon and Katrina Alexander, who run the Prison Officer Association's learning centre at Bullingdon prison, in Oxfordshire. It is from one of the many learners who have benefited from not only the course they have completed, but also the advice, help and cups of tea they have received at the centre.
The centre was set up two years ago, with the blessing of the prison's governor, and has gone from strength to strength. It offers the 500-plus prison service staff, their families and members of the local community the opportunity to learn new skills and brush up on some old ones. There is a formal learning agreement and the centre's 12 PCs, 3 laptops, inter-active whiteboard, TV and DVD have been joint-funded by the Union Learning Fund, the POA and the prison. The sofa was rescued from the staff mess, before it was chucked out, and after a shampoo, looks as good as new.
The learning centre is situated outside the prison gate, next to the staff canteen and social area. The welcome pack for learners sets the scene: 'The centre is staffed by people who understand the pressures of working inside our prison system. It provides a safe and secure environment, away from prying eyes, so that everyone can address the digital divide...' It emphasises that the flexible learning on offer allows people to work at the speed of their choice at home and during work breaks. A visit to the centre is a part of the induction for new staff members.
A vast range of courses are on offer. There are the free Skills for Life sessions, providing learners with qualifications in literacy and numeracy. The full range of Learndirect courses can be accessed. Foreign languages, NCFE certificates in infection control or nutrition & health or safeguarding children & young people and NVQs in business administration are a mere sample of what is available. Complete beginners can sign up to the free myguide package which takes people through the first steps and beyond in computer skills and using the internet. The Bullingdon centre also has links with other prisons and can offer them learning opportunities.
But just as important, say David, the centre's manager, and Katrina, regional learner support officer, is that the centre is a space outside the prison, where staff can come in and relax, surf the net or swap a book from the book exchange or pick up the latest Quick Reads*. Katrina said: 'I tell people to pop in for just half an hour during the working day and regard it as a de-stressing session.' She and David are qualified giving in information, advice and guidance and are always willing to help out where they can.
Friends, family and neighbours of prison staff are welcome to use the facilities. David sees it as an important part of placing the prison within the community. A recent weekend's Family Festival of Learning invited local people to a whole range of events from didgeridoo lessons, manicures, wildlife tours, tag rugby and there was a bouncy castle for the children. The centre puts on sessions from the Job Club, talks from the RSBP and sessions from a chiropractor.
Last year, Bullingdon centre and the POA were recognised by the Union Learning Fund* for their excellent work. David Dillon and Steve Wrighton, one of the union's union learning reps, accepted a Quality award from author Lola Jaye at a ceremony in London. He said: 'It's been a tremendous help having a learning centre bang on the site. It means that you can directly signpost members to the centre and let them know what is on offer. Once they are in, they often go on to engage in all sorts of different kinds of learning.'
Joe Kennedy, 69, was introduced to the centre by a friend. He arrived nervous, but keen to learn some computer skills. He has completed a myguide course and visits most days. He said: 'I am now able to send and receive emails and keep in touch with family in Denmark. I can read newspapers online and I'm using the internet to research my family tree.' Joe's wife Rosie has taken a myguide course and intends to use her computer skills as she moves on to further qualifications.
David Dillon, said: 'For the staff here, seeing the joy of people who have achieved something in their learning is the best part of the job. We helped one visitor to write and cv and he went on to get a job. For prison staff, we provide a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where they can improve their skills to help them in their career or as part of their personal development.'
