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Young people are spending too long in their cells without any purposeful activity at Lancaster Farms young offender institution, a report today by Anne Owers, chief inspector of prisons, says.
The report on an inspection in January found that almost half of young adults and one third of juveniles were locked in their cells and did not have enough time outdoors.
Reception facilities were “limited and grubby” and anti-bullying arrangements were “almost entirely neglected until recently”, the inspection in January found.

However, Owers said today: “Lancaster Farms was once the flagship young offender institution in the prison system and, after a period in the doldrums, it appears to be improving. 
“Much has been done recently to enhance the safe and respectful treatment of the challenging mix of young people in the establishment’s care, and particular progress has been made in addressing resettlement needs. There is much still to do, particularly in terms of getting young people out of their cells and into purposeful activity, but there is also much to commend and encourage.”

More on youth justice.