Education and training services

Tender description

Award of contract for the provision of prison based Learning & 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): & occasionally ‘young persons’ in custody (16-17). The prison based curriculum, will address prisoner learning needs or work to support vocational skills or employability. The services will incl delivery of a varied curriculum of learning & skills in prisons; learning needs screening of persons following admission to custody; specialist screening (e.g. dyslexia) where required; & working with SPS to ensure progress against the SPS Learning & Skills Strategy. The curriculum provided will address prison learner needs & reflect a mixture of core skills (literacy & 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, & ensuring a range of appropriate learning materials associated with service delivery.