STCs, which hold 14- to 17-year-old young offenders, are currently inspected by Ofsted but, speaking at a conference on youth custody and human rights at the University of Plymouth, Hardwick said he is in discussions about adding some inspection responsibility to his remit.
The Prisons Inspectorate already assesses young people’s treatment and outcomes in young offender institutions. It has raised concerns in the past on issues including strip-searching, the use of restraint, segregation, time spent out of cells and resettlement.
Hardwick said that to improve assessments of STCs there should be a joint inspection regime between Ofsted and the Prisons Inspectorate.
"[Ofsted’s inspection of STCs] is a problem and misunderstands the nature of STCs," Hardwick said. "It seems to me STCs are not schools or colleges that happen to be a cure; they are prisons for young people in which some education takes place.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
