Support for reading in prisons
The Reading Agency works with prisons across the UK to help encourage and establish reading and literacy skills among adults in the criminal justice system. Our prison reading programmes provide comprehensive, evidence-based resources designed to meet individual reading needs at every stage of a prisoner’s journey.
Our approach goes beyond simple book provision—we work closely with prison libraries and education teams to deliver reading experiences that directly support HMIP/Ofsted’s vision of transformative education. As outlined in official recommendations, we provide ‘the chance to develop crucial literacy skills, expand knowledge, and find pleasure in learning‘, equipping prisoners with reading skills that support rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
What We Offer
Reading Ahead
Reading Ahead is a supportive reading challenge that builds confidence by encouraging reading for pleasure. Participants select six reads of their choice, ranging from books and magazines to recipes and poems, and carefully record their reading journey. The programme has shown remarkable success, with 81% of participants reporting increased enjoyment of reading, 72% reading more for pleasure, and 59% feeling significantly more confident about their reading abilities.
What you’ll get:
- Reading Ahead participant print packs, available in a range of quantity and additional resource options. Resources include the Reading Ahead Diary, certificate and bookmark, with posters and flyers advertising participation within your setting.
- Free dictionaries for completers*, thanks to the generous support from Give a Book.
- Access to the Reading Ahead online resource bank including booklists, training support, discussion prompts and more.
- Evaluation tools and resources, aligned with a national evaluation framework, and access to evaluation data and reports.
*Terms and conditions apply. Please contact us for more information.
Quick Reads
Quick Reads offers specially written books by popular authors, specifically designed for emerging readers, ESOL learners, and those facing concentration challenges. These accessible texts have proven incredibly motivating, with 92% of participants expressing interest in reading another Quick Read, 60% wanting to explore more works by the same author, and 43% feeling inspired to read more frequently.
What you’ll get:
- Bundles of selected Quick Read titles*
- Access to our specially created resource bank including reading guides, cover artwork, author videos, etc.
- Evaluation tools and resources, aligned with a national evaluation framework, and access to evaluation data and reports.
*Orders for Quick Read bundles must be placed before 31st January 2025
Reading Families
Reading Families for prisons is an annual programme that can be delivered throughout the year. Reading Families creates a unique opportunity for parents in prison to connect with their children through shared reading during family visits. By providing a structured way to interact, the programme helps build family bonds, improve communication, and create meaningful interactions that extend beyond traditional visit constraints.
What you’ll get:
- Reading Families participant print packs, available in a range of quantity and additional resource options. Resources include a Family Reading Log, certificate, and bookmark, with posters and flyers advertising the programme within your setting.
- Access to a specially created Reading Families resource bank including booklists, training support, discussion prompts and other relevant content.
- Evaluation tools and resources, aligned with a national evaluation framework, and access to evaluation data and reports.
Reading Well
Reading Well complements our offerings with curated booklists that support mental health and wellbeing. These carefully selected resources include materials addressing mental health challenges, providing teen support, and offering information about longterm conditions like dementia.
What you’ll get:
- Reading Well leaflets providing signposting to quality assured reading. Supporting book collections are available for purchase from usual suppliers.
- Supporting print and digital resources.
- Evaluation tools and resources, aligned with a national evaluation framework, and access to evaluation data and reports.
Costings and discounts
Bundle up for a multi-programme discount including:
- 10% discount on the purchase of materials for two programmes
- 15% discount on the purchase of materials for three programmes
- 20% discount for the purchase of materials on four or more programmes
Bespoke development
We have extensive experience of collaborating with organisations including prisons to develop highly effective reading packages, strategy and evaluation models that address specific place-based or audience requirements.
We can advise on bespoke delivery models an example includes Reading Friends, a proven reading and social connections programme using peer support or volunteer delivery and Mood-boosting Books, crowd-sourced, curated uplifting booklists developed by place or community featuring titles recommended to raise spirits and a smile. We can offer support to create and design a bespoke list to meet specific needs developed with your readers for your prison.
For further information on our offer and programmes, please get in touch via [email protected] for your query to be directed to the most relevant team.
We can also provide support with and training around evaluation and reading strategy development through our expert research and evaluation team. Contact [email protected]
