New inspector calls for better education of young offenders

More needs to be done to improve education in
juvenile units, the new chief inspector of prisons said at the
launch of two new reports, writes Katie
Leason.

Anne Owers called for proper resources and
more flexible educational targets in ‘A Second Chance’, a joint
report with Ofsted, which shows that effective teaching is
difficult in some establishments due to the changing prison
population, staff shortages and unpredictable attendance. It also
showed that provision of vocational training is lacking, and that
arrangements for girls have suffered badly.

An audit by the Youth Justice Board shows that
about a third of young people aged 15-17 received into custody have
a reading age of seven or less, and more than two thirds are below
the level of an average 11-year-old.

It also finds that the curriculum in young
offenders institutions is limited and often inappropriate. The YJB
has agreed an action plan with ministers which will involve a
£40 million investment in improving education and training
provision over three years.

‘A Second Chance’ and ‘An Audit of Education
and Training Provision within the Youth Justice System’ from the
Youth Justice Board on 020 7271 3122.