Inspection and quality standards 22 Inspection has a key role to play in supporting high quality standards of learning. The Chief Inspector of Prisons will work closely with the new Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) whose remit will include the inspection of education and training of adult prisoners, and with OFSTED for juveniles under 18. The new quality standards required of all providers by ALI and the Learning and Skills Council will be applied to all learning and skills provision in prisons and that run by further education contractors. They will include the sound management and delivery of education and training, a policy of continuous professional development for all staff, and the promotion of good practice between prisons, the voluntary sector and others, such as employers and training bodies. We expect the partnership unit to focus its energies on those prisons with the greatest need for development. Case Study Wormwood Scrubs – a major improvement in prisoners' educational achievements The Prison Service is committed to making improvements to failing prisons. Wormwood Scrubs prison provides an excellent example of what can be achieved. Recent inspection reports had highlighted education as a weak area - education classes were poorly attended with teacher shortages and poor rates of achievement. Now it's a different story. Since November 1999, the education department at the prison has undergone significant improvements. The curriculum has been revised to focus on a range of skills and qualifications relevant to employment. The results are looking good with attendance improving dramatically and a rise in the number of national qualifications so that between March and November 2000, over 150 level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications were achieved by prisoners.

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