Skype, iPads and in-cell education at heart of major prisons shakeup

Prisons bill to be centrepiece of legislation in Queen's speech designed to improve life chances of most disadvantaged in UK

Prisoners should be able to use iPads in their cells and stay in touch with friends and family via Skype, a major study commissioned by the justice secretary, Michael Gove, is expected to conclude.

The review into prison education by Dame Sally Coates advocates the increased use of "in-cell technology, such as iPads, so prisoners can learn independently", according to extracts from a draft of the report seen by the Guardian.