All change!

Yesterday afternoon, I received the news that The Grange learning centre at HMP Hewell, the prison where the UK pilot commenced, is to close! This has come as a shock, not only for the project, but the staff and learners who are based there.

It appears the learners will be dispersed across to other prisons out of the area. I guess they have valid reasons. I am not overly concerned, as I know a good number of other prison institutions with young offender learners will welcome the chance to pilot our AR work and I am sure that we can make some good development elsewhere. It is a real shame that potentially learners who have already taken part in the initial pilot of the resources and devices, may now not continue with the opportunities.

Next steps:

· Prison staff involved in the project will speak to other institutions in the region and potentially further afield, to see if they would like to pilot the project and continue the work already established. These may include HMP Swinfen Hall, Featherstone, Full Sutton or Leyhill prison.

· Present the project overview and AR resources to the specific governor at the prison who welcomes the project and pilot.

· Speak with the security team of the change and formulating a plan to continue with the infrastructure and lock down of devices so a recommended guidance document can be completed and disseminated to all project partner institutions.