A SCHEME to bring prisoners and their families closer together through play and learning has been hailed a success at Buckley Hall Prison.

Terry Piggott, Rochdale’s education executive director, visited the category C men’s prison to view the facilities and education provided.

He met the governor Pete Smith to discuss the work done in supporting families and learning and he celebrated the success of the prison, with SureStart, in winning the National Family Learning Award for the best family event.

The prison runs a series of family events, such as face painting and collage.

SureStart workers, who work part-time at the prison, have developed activities to develop interaction between prisoners and their children. The television set in the waiting area at Buckley Hall, which has a library provided by Rochdale Council, has been replaced with books and play equipment. And in the visiting area prisoners can read, play, draw and paint with their children.

Mr Piggott said: "This provision is much appreciated by prisoners and children.  There are many who have not seen their child for a while and it is important that their family relationship is as good as it can be given the separation. And it helps to prevent reoffending. We are trying to engage the children’s learning while encouraging the parents to expand their own reading skills."

He added: "The work done at the prison has received national recognition. It encourages more visits and strengthens important family bonds for the sake of all those concerned."

Stuart Jenkins, head of reducing reoffending at Buckley Hall, said: "I am proud of all the work that we do with SureStart and the award was the icing on the cake. The visit by Terry was to show him the work that we do. Stable family life helps to reduce reoffending and that is the main aim."