Anne Owers highlighted the unit as a beacon of good practice in an inspection report released on Friday (9 May). She said it was ironic such a glowing report would be its last as the Youth Justice Board (YJB) has now withdrawn funds and removed under-18s from the facility.
The Cheshire YOI housed the only open juvenile unit in England and inspectors found it was the sole male establishment to perform well across all four tests: safety, respect, purposeful activity and resettlement. The YJB took steps to close it in January, blaming a lack of referrals (CYP Now, 30 January-5 February).
Inspectors found fewer inmates felt unsafe than in other juvenile establishments, there was evidence of innovative anti-bullying and support work and young people were given education and training opportunities, with support for those with special educational needs.
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