Education and training services

Tender description

Provision of prison based Learning and Skills Services throughout Scotland in the public prisons operated by the SPS. The services will be provided to adults with varying degrees of pre-existing educational engagement; disadvantaged learners; ‘young offenders’ in custody (18-24); and occasionally ‘young persons’ in custody (16-17). SPS envisage 1 main provider arranging delivery of the Services. Delivery may however include use of sub-contractors or training partners to deliver parts of the curriculum, and to respond to changing (prisoner) needs or work to support vocational skills or employability. The services will incl. delivery of a varied curriculum of learning and skills in prisons; learning needs screening of persons following admission to custody; specialist screening (e.g. dyslexia) where required; and working with SPS to ensure progress against the SPS Learning and Skills Strategy. The curriculum provided will address prison learner needs and reflect a mixture of core skills (literacy and numeracy); embedded learning incl. life skills; project themed learning; vocational skills (delivered directly or supporting the SPS's own activities). Delivery against Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) from SCQF 3 to 6, plus other relevant awarding bodies for vocational activities (e.g. REHIS, etc.). Support will also be required for higher education students or distance learning at level 7 or above. Provision of a managed learning environment (IT suite) in each prison and ensuring a range of appropriate learning materials associated with service delivery.