Inspectors praise safeguarding work at Wetherby YOI, but warn over rise in violence
Adam Offord
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Safeguarding work and education services at Wetherby young offender institution (YOI) have been praised by inspectors despite a rise in the number of violent incidents at the West Yorkshire establishment.
The HM Inspectorate of Prisons report states education and learning opportunities at Wetherby YOI are broad and make progression possible, while skills development in vocational training was praised along with the promotion of a good work ethic.
Teaching and support staff displayed high levels of awareness, which helped young offenders prepare for their next steps towards resettlement.
Inspectors also said the safeguarding work was well managed and they praised the YOI's “comprehensive” safeguarding policy.
Chief inspector of prisons Nick Hardwick said: “Wetherby remained well-led and staff remained calm, measured and resilient.
“In most respects Wetherby provided the boys it held with positive opportunities to progress.”
Wetherby holds 204 young males under the age of 18 and has a capacity of 276.
Michael Spurr, chief executive officer of the National Offender Management Service, added: “I’m pleased that the chief inspector found that Wetherby continues to be a well-run establishment with skilled and professional staff.
“As the inspectorate's report makes clear, Wetherby manages a complex and challenging population.”
The report also praised the quality of supervision on the residential wings, identification of bullies and victims, and work to reduce self-harm.
However, concerns were raised over the levels of violence, which have “remained high” and significantly increased since the last inspection. There were instances of violent incidents between boys, which included the use of weapons and group attacks.
The report also said that attacks on members of staff were “particularly concerning” and had resulted in some bad injuries, but commended staff for not withdrawing or showing a loss of confidence.
“Addressing this should be the priority of the establishment and much of its other work depends on progress in this area,” Hardwick said.
Among the recommendations put forward by the watchdog is the development of an effective, comprehensive strategy in order to understand and reduce the high levels of violence.
It has also suggested that the analysis of data on levels of violence be improved and all incidents should be reviewed quickly after they have taken place.
Spurr added: “Tackling violence and providing a safe environment is the Governor’s top priority and we will use the recommendations in the report to support this work."
