Youth prison stabilises but violence remains high, inspectors find

An unannounced inspection of Wetherby YOI by the Prisons Inspectorate in March found significant progress had been made at the establishment in Yorkshire, which holds around 260 boys aged between 15 and 18.

Last year, inspectors found a significant deterioration in outcomes along with safety failings and unacceptable shortcomings in activities and educational provision. Inspectors also criticised the prison's use of painful restraint techniques and the practice of strip-searching boys under restraint.

In Wetherby's latest inspection report HM chief inspector of prisons Peter Clarke said there were signs of recovery at the facility following the appointment of Andrew Dickinson as governor.

"Overall we were more optimistic about Wetherby following this inspection than we were after last year's," he said.

"Stability was more evident and staff seemed to be recovering their confidence. The governor had a good understanding of the challenges he faced and was beginning the process of improvement."

Improvements included the discontinuation of collective punishments, a reduction in the number of boys who self-harm and improved behaviour management strategies. More than three quarters of staff have also been trained in minimising and managing physical restraint.

However, inspectors found that many concerns still remained. Painful restraint was still in use as was the practice of strip-searching boys under restraint.

Inspectors said that the recording and governance of these incidents was also not good enough and recommended staff-worn body cameras should be switched on and that the oversight of these incidents is handled at senior level.

Meanwhile, the proportion of young people locked in their cells during peak educational hours had almost doubled to 48 per cent and more violence against staff has been recorded in the past year.

The inspectorate also raised concerns about equality. Black and ethnic minority boys reported "significantly worse experience of victimisation by other boys and staff" but work to promote equality within Wetherby had been undermined by equality staff being redeployed.