The quality of education in young offender institutions (YOIs) has been steadily declining for the past decade, according to a scathing joint review by Ofsted and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP).
The report, published today, paints a grim picture of missed opportunities and systemic failures in the rehabilitation of young offenders.
Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, didn’t mince words:
“I am deeply concerned by these findings. The children in these institutions are entitled to a high-quality education that supports them to turn their lives around. The system is failing them.”
Isolation and Inaction
One of the most troubling aspects of the report is the increasing use of isolation to manage challenging behaviour.
Some children are allowed as little as 30 minutes a day outside their cells, a practice that Charlie Taylor, HMIP’s Chief Inspector, argues is counterproductive:
“Children in custody are among the most troubled and challenging in society… Their time in custody ought to represent a golden opportunity to address that through consistent interventions and support, but we continue to report on very poor provision.”
Findings from the review include:
- Both quality and quantity of education have reduced over 10 years
- Children have access to far too few work experience opportunities
- Staff struggle to manage complex behaviours, leading to increased isolation
- Some children spend as little as 30 minutes a day outside their cells
The Numbers Tell a Story
To illustrate the extent of the problem, inspectors provided the following data:
| Metric | Target | Current Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly education hours | 15+ | Often less than 10 |
| Daily time out of cell | 10+ hours | As low as 30 minutes |
| Staff-to-child ratio | 1:8 | Often 1:12 or higher |
Calls for Change
The review doesn’t just highlight problems; it also offers solutions. Recommendations for youth custody service leaders include:
- Significantly reduce isolation time
- Prioritise education attendance
- Recruit qualified teaching staff who can support children’s progress
Sir Oliver emphasized the urgency of the situation:
“I am especially concerned that children are spending extended periods in isolation, further compromising their opportunity to become successful and productive citizens upon their release.”
Next Stages
While the report doesn’t outline specific timelines for implementation, it’s clear that immediate action is needed. Legal challenges to current practices are likely, and stakeholders will be watching closely for signs of improvement.
For those seeking more information on this critical issue, visit the official Ofsted website for updates and the full report:
“A decade of declining quality of education in young offender institutions: the systemic shortcomings that fail children.”
Sources: THX News, Ofsted & HM Inspectorate of Prisons.
