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Rainsbrook secure training centre, which is privately-run, has been praised for its strong practice in safeguarding and protecting children and its child-centred approach, in a Social Services Inspectorate report, writes Clare Jerrom.

Young people felt safe and supported in tackling their problems, and the independent report of the 76-place centre near Rugby, which expanded by 73 per cent last June, identified a commitment to involving families and carers.

“The SSI report on Rainsbrook STC shows how far these privately-run facilities have come since they were widely criticised as a concept in the world of child care less than a decade ago,” said Lord Warner, chair of the Youth Justice Board, which contracts the running of the centre to Rebound.

The SSI raised concerns that remanded young people were transported by companies contracted by a local council, and not by one of the accredited companies approved by the YJB.

Escort vehicles were often insecure, there was insufficient escort staff and escorts sometimes had no identification. “These are serious matters which need to be immediately addressed,” the report said.

The SSI also urged consideration to be given to providing further training in mental health and appropriate aspects of the Children Act 1989.

None of the recommendations detract from the overall conclusion that the centre is “performing at the highest level,” the report said, and giving the young people “every chance of reducing or eradicating their offending behaviour”.

While 80-bed Oakhill STC at Milton Keynes is planned to open in June next year, the board confirmed that plans to build a 40-bed STC in Brentwood, Essex, were back on track for autumn 2005 after they were delayed following a spending review by the home office.