Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to provide screening for dyslexia in prisons.

His Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) offers screening to prisoners upon entry to prison for neurodiversity needs including needs associated with dyslexia. This helps us identify any additional needs they may have that might impact their ability to engage with the regime or learning opportunities in the prison. We would not attribute any additional needs that are identified during the screening process to a specific condition but do encourage individuals to self-declare any conditions or needs they consider themselves to have.

The Prisoner Education Service is in the process of procuring a new Additional Needs Indicator screening tool that will identify many of the traits and needs associated with dyslexia. This screening will be offered to all prisoners without a previous record of completing the new tool as part of introduction to education following reception into prison. Where needs are identified, appropriate support and reasonable adjustments can be put in place.

HMPPS takes a needs-led approach to supporting individuals with additional learning needs, such as dyslexia. To improve support for prisoners the Neurodiversity Support Manager (NSM) role has been rolled out across the prison service. NSMs implement a whole prisons approach to neurodivergence. They are responsible for improving processes to identify and support prisoner' needs and ensuring neurodivergent prisoners can access education, skills, and work opportunities within the prison.

Formal literacy teaching follows national accredited qualifications which must follow quality standards laid down by awarding organisations. All prisons have reading strategies, and we have established a national reading panel, including experts from the British Dyslexia Association. Reader pens, which help those with low literacy levels including those with dyslexia, are available across the estate for Governors to purchase, and use is widespread.

The NSM role provides additional support for learners with neurodivergent needs such as dyslexia to access both education and work. After screening, a Personal Learning Plan is created. These provide people who work with a prisoner information about the prisoner’s needs, goals and achievements. We are broadening prisoner employment pathways through an apprenticeship programme that can be used in open prisons. The Department for Education has recently announced that the requirements for English and maths qualifications for learners over 19 to access apprenticeships will be optional. This will support more prisoners with additional learning needs such as dyslexia to access apprenticeships.