Next Generation Learning Awards Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 16:43

The Next Generation Learning Awards from Becta - the government agency for technology in learning - reward organisations throughout the UK that use technology in outstanding or innovative ways for the benefit of learners, communities and local employers.

Winner of the Offender Learning Award, Every Step Ltd, provides access to learndirect at Her Majesty's Prison & Young Offender Institution in Chelmsford.

Collecting the award was Guy Pottle, aged 23, who works at Every Step Ltd as a Skills for Life tutor. Guy comes  left school with no formal qualifications, he was sent to HMP/YOI Chelmsford in 2006, where he was introduced to the learndirect centre.

He went on to gain numerous qualifications including levels 1 and 2 in numeracy and literacy and levels 2 and 3 in ITQ. After growing in confidence he started to mentor other learners and has recently completed a teaching qualification. Upon his release this January, he was employed by Every Step Ltd.

Guy Pottle, said:

"I'm very grateful for the support I've received throughout my learning journey. The Every Step team is like an extended family to me. They care about me as an individual and for me that's very important and encouraging."

Patsy Quinn, a NIACE Programme Director for Digital Learning, who chaired the selection panel for the Offender Learning category, said:

"It was great to see such inspirational work taking place at HMP/YOI Chelmsford. This is clearly the kind of learning environment where offenders really can change their lives through learning."

Other winners included NIACE members Middlesbrough Council Community Learning and Croydon Adult Learning and Training, who won the Adult and Community Learning Award and Furthering My Learning Award respectively.

Patsy Quinn, said:

"Middlesbrough Adult Learning service should be congratulated on winning this award for the second year running. Over the last 5 years NIACE has seen how Middlesbrough has worked closely with their neighbouring authorities to make best use of public funding."

"In 2003 Croydon Adult Learning service was just starting to think about e-Learning. Since then they have participated in a number of NIACE programmes including E-Guides. It's really great to see how far they have come and they now have received national recognition for their work."