A Conversation with Brian Doyle – Head Teacher at Shelton Abbey Open Prison
Brian Doyle Head Teacher came to meet us, to tell us about himself and the services offered by the Education Unit (KWETB) in Shelton Abbey Open Prison.
Brian is a proud Wicklow man and started out as a qualified Carpenter and Joiner and Technology Teacher. He is a true educator and has taught woodwork in Youthreach, Post Primary, Prison Education and with FAS (DDLETB) as an Instructor for apprentice carpenters and cabinet makers. Brian came back to KWETB in 2013 as Head Teacher in the Education Unit.
Brian certainly has a passion for education and believes strongly in the role of education in giving people a second chance especially in the context of prison or pre-release programmes.
The Open Prison
Brian describes the open prison in a very positive light – it has a working farm and
gardens, tended by inmates which produce goods and services. The prison buildings themselves have no security fencing but rather resemble a rural farm setting. The inmates are encouraged to contribute to the up keep and wellbeing of the lands, animals and also to take part in active community service programmes. Of course Brian points out that it is a prison so if anyone breaches regulations and the freedom offered there are repercussions for them. He also states that this is a very rare situation.
A number of inmates engage in the Buddy Dogs Programme established in 2012. This programme trains inmates to train, care for and groom companion dogs for people with disibilities over eight months. The prisoners help with the bonding and transition of care to the new owner once fully trained. In most cases the new owner will be a child with special needs. These dogs make an enormous difference to the lives of people with disabilities.
The Education Service
The Education Service in Shelton Abbey is provided in partnership between the Irish Prison Service and Kildare and Wicklow ETB via Department of Education and Skills funding.
Brian points out that the first priority of the service is the provision of core subjects like literacy, numeracy and general basic education, supported by subjects such as Creative Arts, Physical Education and Fitness, Information Technology, Craft, Wood work, Life Skills and Healthy Living. Brian states that as an education unit that delivers courses through an expert staff group, it works to the highest QQI Certification Standards.