Youth prisons have only 11 special needs experts

By Lauren Higgs Tuesday, 02 March 2010

Young offenders with special educational needs (SEN) could be missing out on specialist support due to a lack of trained professionals, according to figures obtained by CYP Now.

Specialist working in YOI. Image: Alex Deverill

The statistics, gathered by a Freedom of Information request, show there are 153 special education needs co-ordinators (Sencos) and learning support assistants employed in young offender institutions (YOIs) catering for 15- to 17-year-olds.

That equates to an average of 11 specialist SEN staff in each YOI.

Jenny Talbot, programme manager for learning difficulties and disabilities in prison at the Prison Reform Trust, said appropriate numbers of staff should be trained to work with young people with SEN.

She said: "If up to 75 per cent of young offenders have SEN, then 75 per cent of staff should be trained in SEN."

Martin Skeats, director of secure accommodation at the Youth Justice Board (YJB), said the YJB and the National Offender Management Service are reviewing the training of staff in YOIs.

"It is essential young people acquire the skills they need to build a positive future. To do this we recognise the importance of skilled staff," he said.

Data from the Learning and Skills Council, released in response to a parliamentary question, shows that 2,932 15- to 17-year-olds in YOIs were referred to Sencos for support during the academic year August 2008 to July 2009.

In addition, research by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists suggests two-thirds of young offenders also have communication problems.