A recent report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) highlights a troubling decline in the standard of education provided to children in young offender institutions (YOIs) in England. The review found that many young offenders are spending as little as half an hour per day outside their cells due to complex behavioral issues that necessitate isolation.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for improvement, stating that children require more time out of their cells and better-trained teaching staff. Ofsted’s chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, noted that the conditions in some YOIs were so distressing that inspectors sought counseling after their visits.
‘Survival Mode’
Lorenzo Alara, a 19-year-old who was incarcerated for drug offenses, described the environment in YOIs as one where many young people are focused solely on survival. He pointed out that showing enthusiasm for education can lead to social ostracism, labeling students as “nerdy.” Alara suggested that making education more skills-based and interactive could engage more young offenders, proposing incentives linked to their cell conditions to encourage participation.
Systemic Failures in YOIs
The YOIs examined in the report cater to males aged 15-18, including those facing serious charges like murder or rape, as well as others awaiting trial. The institutions—Cookham Wood, Feltham A, Werrington, Wetherby, and the Keppel unit—received grades of “requires improvement” at their last inspections, particularly concerning their educational provisions.
YOIs are mandated to offer at least 15 hours of education per week. However, “keep-apart” policies have led to some children being confined to their cells for up to 23 hours daily. Sir Martyn labeled this situation a “systemic failure” impacting some of the most vulnerable children in the country, insisting that their futures should not be disregarded.
Impact on Mental Health and Recidivism
The isolation imposed by these institutions has detrimental effects on the mental health of young offenders. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor pointed out that approximately 60% of those released from YOIs reoffend within a year, representing a significant financial and social burden on communities and their victims.
Youth Justice Minister Nic Dakin acknowledged the crisis inherited by the new Labour government, assuring that efforts are underway to formulate a comprehensive strategy for reforming youth custody. A previous review led by Taylor in 2016 recommended the establishment of “secure school” facilities aimed at prioritizing rigorous education and training.
New Approaches to Youth Rehabilitation
The first of these secure schools, Oasis Restore, opened in Kent earlier this year. Unlike traditional YOIs, it houses 12-18-year-olds in individual rooms without barred windows. The children are referred to as students, while staff members are designated as “teachers” and “restore practitioners.”
The founder of Oasis, Reverend Steve Chalke, emphasized the need to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The school offers small class sizes and one-on-one learning opportunities, alongside vocational courses in business and catering, aiming to prepare young offenders for reintegration into society.
As the government works toward reforming the youth justice system, the focus remains on addressing the educational needs and well-being of young offenders to help break the cycle of crime and foster successful futures.
