Praise for Oakhill STC's greater focus on child-first practice

However long-standing issues around violence, isolation of children and insufficient intervention work to reduce reoffending still remain at the STC, inspectors from Ofsted and HMI Prisons found during a visit last month.

The inspection concluded that the STC "requires improvement to be good", which is the same rating it was given after an inspection in May last year.

A strengthened leadership team and increased voice of children in shaping conditions at the setting were noted as improvements, as well as improvements around bespoke care plans which children now receive.

Children are described as having easy access to talk to staff, while the introduction of aa children’s council and complaint system has led to suggestions from young people being put into place, according to the report.

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However staffing challenges had a considerable impact on the care and support children receive, inspectors found.

Children are missing out on interventions to help prevent reoffending and the use of release on temporary licence (ROTL) is limited, meaning that children are unprepared for release and lack knowledge about coping strategies, they add.

According to the report 'the number of incidents of violence and aggression is high', and children’s ability to develop positive relationships with staff members was lessened due to high turnover.

A series of recommendations made by inspectors include:

• Increasing sufficient, skilled staffing that meets diverse needs and routines to ensure children are not locked in their rooms.

• Implementing an appropriate reading curriculum.

• Helping staff to confidently intervene in disputes between children to prevent escalation to violence and the need for physical restraint.

• Ensuring all healthcare areas meet infection control standards

• Promoting use of the dining room to allow children to eat communally and socialise.

• Making access to benefits fairer and ensuring that children who achieve platinum status in the incentive scheme but are unable to live in the enhanced house receive the same awards as their peers.

Michelle Price, director for Oakhill Secure Training Centre, said: "We are pleased to see that Ofsted has recognised the good outcomes staff at Oakhill STC are delivering in children’s education and healthcare. Improvements in reducing use of force and the wellbeing of children and staff are steps in the right direction. We know that we have further work to do to build on the significant progress made."

The inspection took place from 2 to 6 October at the STC in Milton Keynes, which provides accommodation for up to 80 children in custody. The centre was previously issued with an urgent notification for improvement in 2021 after “unlawful” levels of force were being used on children. This notice was lifted in January 2023.