Prisons run on a pretty rigid timetable. In a typical Cat B prison, the day starts around 8am when prisoners are unlocked for work or education, with anyone not involved in either locked back up by around 8:30am. Lunch is around midday, afternoon activities start at about 1:15pm, and the evening meal is served around 5pm, followed by a period of association – time out of your cell to socialise, use the phone or the gym – roughly between 6pm and 7:15pm. Weekends and bank holidays tend to run a bit later, with unlock around 8:45am and final lock-up around 5:15pm. The exact times vary between establishments, so check the specific page for wherever you’re likely to end up, or ask on your induction.
In a Cat D (open) prison the regime is far more relaxed – you may well be unlocked all day and only need to attend roll call three or four times, so again, check the specifics for your prison.
| Types of prison and prisoners | Female and juvenile prisoners |
| Incentives and Earned Privileges | People you will deal with each day |
| Assaults and Bullying | Offenders with learning difficulties |