Current status: Answered by Angela Constance on 10 March 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to ensure that the Scottish Prison Service improves the educational opportunities available to prisoners at HMP Dumfries by increasing the range of subjects on offer and improving attendance rates and the number of qualifications offered or taken up, in light of the recent report, HMP Dumfries, Full Inspection, 26 to 30 August 2024, by HM Inspectorate of Prisons.
I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:
SPS are pleased that His Majesties Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, recognised that HMP Dumfries is a well-run prison and performs well against their standards.
In 2022 work started on the new SPS development and learning strategy, now called "Learning for a Better Future”. The strategy will be implemented across all SPS sites on 1 August 2025 and aims to utilise an enhanced screening process, to support and identify the specific needs of learners, and allow establishments to design Annual Learning Plans (ALP) which deliver a range of qualifications and opportunities appropriate to their specific needs.
The strategy and individual ALPs will help to identify ways for establishments to enhance engagement and participation in learning opportunities both in and out with the traditional classroom setting.