The analysis of secure settings visited by HM Inspectorate of Prisons from 2021 to 2022 found that education is at just over half pre-pandemic levels in most young offender institutions (YOIs). This means young people receive just 15 hours a week of lessons, instead of 27 hours before the health crisis.
In addition, children spend too long in their cells, found the inspectorate’s analysis. While nearly all children in secure training centres (STCs) spent more than two hours out of their cells at weekends, just 35 per cent of YOIs reported the same.
“Children cannot be educated or rehabilitated while they are locked up alone in their cells. If children are to lead successful, crime-free lives on release, the Youth Custody Service needs to take urgent action to stop the decline in education, skills and work provision,” found the inspectorate's report.
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