Literacy

Summary

The requester asked for data on prisoner illiteracy rates and assessment programs for learning disabilities in the Isle of Man. The Department of Home Affairs confirmed they do not hold specific literacy statistics but detailed the voluntary assessment processes and support available for dyslexia.

Key Facts

• The Department of Home Affairs does not hold data on the number of prisoners who are illiterate or have a reading age below 11 years.
• Prisoners attending education are offered voluntary assessments in English, maths, and indications of dyslexia.
• Suspected cases of dyslexia are tested by college staff, and a computer-based support program is available.
• The department is unable to test for learning disabilities other than dyslexia.
• Assessments are not compulsory for prisoners.

Data Disclosed

• 2017-12-21
• January 12th 2018
• 11 years
• 50% to 80%
• over 50%

Original Request

I would like to ask the Department of Home Affairs if they have any data showing the number of prisoners (either current or on average) who are illiterate and/or have a reading level of 11 years or under. Statistics in the UK vary from 50% to 80% (2017 figures show over 50%) of prisoners are functionally illiterate. I would like to know how the Isle of Man prison population compares to that. Also, what programmes are in place to assess prisoners for the causes of this e.g. dyslexia or other learning disabilities that may not have been addressed in the school education system. IM114453I

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

REFERENCE NUMBER:IM114453I January 12th 2018. REQUEST UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2015 (“the Act”) Thank you for your request dated December 21st 2017
Your request You asked for;

I would like to ask the Department of Home Affairs if they have any data showing the number of prisoners (either current or on average) who are illiterate and/or have a reading level of 11 years or under.

Statistics in the UK vary from 50% to 80% (2017 figures show over 50%) of prisoners are functionally illiterate.

I would like to know how the Isle of Man prison population compares to that.

Also, what programmes are in place to assess prisoners for the causes of this e.g. dyslexia or other learning disabilities that may not have been addressed in the school education system.

Response to your request

The answer to your question is

• We do not have data on the number of prisoners who are illiterate or have a reading age below level of 11 years.

• All prisoners attending education are given the opportunity to complete assessments in English, and maths, and also indications of dyslexia and identification of learning styles, but are not compelled to do so;

Chief Executive’s Office DHA Headquarters Tromode Douglas, ISLE OF MAN IM2 5AP Telephone: (01624) 694313 Fax: (01624) 621298 Web address: www@gov.im/dha Email: GeneralEnquiries.DHA@dha.gov.im

Department of Home Affairs Rheynn Cooishyn Sthie • Any prisoners suspected of having dyslexia are then tested by member of staff from college and support is offered. We have a programme on the computers designed to support dyslexic students in their studies;

• We are not able to test for any other learning disability.

I hope this answers your request.

Your right to request a review If you are unhappy with this response to your Freedom of Information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post to Sally-Ann Cain Sally-Ann.Cain@gov.im An electronic version and paper version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.
If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1 Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act; or 2 Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your rights to review is on the Information Commissioner’s website at: https://www.inforights.im/ Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about Freedom of Information requests can be found at https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/freedom-of-information/
Yours sincerely