Inspectors find ‘early signs of improvement’ at troubled Rainsbrook STC

In December inspectors called for urgent action to be taken to stop the unacceptable treatment of vulnerable children in a “bleak regime” at Rainsbrook STC, near Rugby, Warwickshire, amid concerns that due to Covid-19 restrictions, newly admitted children – some as young as 15 – were being locked in cells for 14 days for as long as 23.5 hours per day.

As a result of Ofsted, HM Inspectorate of Prisons, and Care Quality Commission issuing an urgent notification in December, the STC ceased taking new children meaning that during an unannounced monitoring visit conducted on 26 January inspectors were unable to see whether improvements had been made at the unit where new entrants are held.

However inspectors did find signs of improvement. They said that children are not now locked in their rooms for excessive periods of time, can interact and socialise with staff and peers on the living units and have access to outdoor activities and fresh air. However, many said they were bored during the day.

The centre was found to be clean and tidy, and inspectors observed no signs of litter or graffiti and the children’s living units have begun to be redecorated. Children told inspectors that they have been consulted about how the communal areas should be furnished, and new furniture and paint has been ordered.