As we reveal, due to an "administrative error", the switch in fact happened on 1 September, despite the government's intention to delay the transfer until next April. Someone had neglected to delay the commencement order. Councils are only now finding out that they are already accountable for the education of those in young offender institutions.
Let's be clear: it is actually a good thing for councils to take on this responsibility. The change was contained in the 2009 Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act.
Ofsted has repeatedly found learning provision in youth prisons to be wanting, which explains partly why youth reoffending rates are so high. So it makes sense for councils to take on the learning needs of young offenders while in custody and upon release, and it is vital for "host" councils where the offender is placed and "home" councils where they live, to communicate their needs effectively. Education support is crucial in order to help rehabilitate and resettle these vulnerable young people and to thus reduce their likelihood of reoffending. It also chimes with this government's promised "rehabilitation revolution".
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
