An unannounced follow-up inspection of Ashfield YOI, run by private firm Serco, found that use of force was "extremely high" and had increased since the previous inspection from an average of 17 restraints each month to almost 150 a month over the past year.
Inspectors said a survey of young people in the YOI found that 42 per cent had been restrained, and reiterated a recommendation that force only be used when there is an immediate risk to the safety of a young person.
Inspectors said they were, however, pleased to find that bullying was tackled robustly and the safeguarding team provided good support to victims of bullying and young people who self-harmed.
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