News

Stoke Heath Young Offender’s Institution, which was criticised last year as "not a safe establishment" in a damning government report, has made a miraculous recovery, writes Elizabeth Davidson.

Last October, inspectors recommended against sending children to the West Midlands institution until "decent and humane treatment and conditions are not only in place, but can be guaranteed".

The report cautioned the prison service to ensure that basic standards are "never allowed to deteriorate to the level found at Stoke Heath". Inspectors had found 717 reported injuries to children there during an eight-month period.

But a new prison inspector’s report said good leadership had changed attitudes among the staff, bullying was being tackled, induction had been revised, and support given to those at risk from suicide and self-harm had greatly improved.

Sir David Ramsbotham, the chief inspector of prisons, said: "I congratulate all those who work in Stoke Heath on what they have achieved in a comparatively short time."

Norman Warner, Youth Justice Board chairperson, said: "This shows what can be achieved by inspired leadership and a dedicated focus on the needs of juvenile offenders."