Following an unannounced inspection in March, inspectors rated the Keppel Unit at Wetherby Young Offender Institution, near Leeds, as "good" in terms of safety, respect, purposeful activity and resettlement.
Inspectors praised the “attentiveness and care” of staff as well as their work to prevent self-harm.
Inspectors found that staff at the unit, which holds 40 boys aged between 15 and 18, were “alert to the complex problems of bullying and victimisation” and their work to promote positive behaviour was “effective”.
Inspectors also noted that the atmosphere was “generally relaxed and supportive”, segregation was kept to a minimum and they could find little evidence of drug abuse.
However inspectors were concerned that shouting out of the windows during the night was a problem, but they said staff took appropriate action as soon as it was observed.
Other areas praised by the inspection team were the unit’s support of those from the care system as well as resettlement work through its effective use of caseworkers.
Chief inspector of prisons Nick Hardwick said: “Keppel cares for some of the most difficult boys currently held in custody.
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