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Glen Parva young offenders institution was criticised by the chief inspector of prisons last week for providing too little purposeful activity and resettlement work.

Anne Owers found that at least 30 per cent of young prisoners had no access to work or education and that those who were on work schemes often found themselves with little to occupy their time.

There was still a low uptake of places in education, the unannounced inspection found. Only 60 per cent of education places were filled on the day of inspection. But effective work had been carried out in preventing suicide, self-harm and bullying, and resettlement issues had begun to be dealt with.

The inspectorate's main recommendations were for increased staff supervision, a more respectful staff culture, and significantly more purposeful activity. Sentence plans should also address young prisoners' resettlement needs.