The case studies – key themes

Getting learners off to the best possible start:

how a focus on resettlement from the outset helps to motivate learners
providing information, advice and guidance
assessing the differing needs of learners
capturing and recording information on the individual learning plan
providing appropriate, timely and effective support to help learners develop personal skills
innovative approaches to induction and initial assessment.

Improving the learner’s experience and the impact of provision:

improvements in the areas of learning and/or curriculum, ranging from Entry level to higher education
effective practice in developing and embedding Skills for Life and information and communications technology (ICT)
innovative work in the arts curriculum, including drama and dance, which builds employability skills
distance learning, resource-based learning and e-learning.

Preparing learners for release, resettlement and a future free from offending:

preparing learners for progression to higher levels of study and into employment
maintaining continuity of learning and supporting learners in transition
exciting and effective work to enhance learners’ personal and social development
helping learners gain qualifications in vocational subjects and Skills for Life
work-related learning with tasters in employment
highly effective partnerships with industry.

Highlighting leadership and management for quality improvement:

bringing together those with differing roles and responsibilities to develop self-assessment and quality processes
managing partnerships to enhance quality, bring new opportunities and resources, and engage employers
effective use of learners’ feedback to develop curriculum and motivate learners
celebrating achievement and building a culture that supports quality improvement
developing staff and participating in national initiatives.