Written question asked by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Monday, 16 January 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 January 2012. It was answered by Crispin Blunt (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 January 2012 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Offenders: Literacy

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he is taking to help minor offenders overcome difficulties with reading and writing.

Answer: Young offenders held in the secure estate receive an individual learning plan to address their learning needs and objectives while in custody. If not already known, offenders have their literacy and numeracy skills assessed on arrival in custody. Education providers use a Hidden Disabilities Questionnaire developed by Dyslexia Action to test anyone who shows signs of having a learning difficulty and/or disability. This identifies a range of learning difficulties, allowing the education provider to direct the learner to the appropriate learning support and for further assessments if necessary.

Secondary information