Prisons Inspectorate seeks to examine STCs
Neil Puffett
Friday, June 3, 2011
Secure training centres (STCs) should be monitored by the Prisons Inspectorate, chief inspector of prisons Nick Hardwick has said.
STCs, which hold 14- to 17-year-old young offenders, are currently inspected by Ofsted but, speaking at a conference on youth custody and human rights at the University of Plymouth, Hardwick said he is in discussions about adding some inspection responsibility to his remit.
The Prisons Inspectorate already assesses young people’s treatment and outcomes in young offender institutions. It has raised concerns in the past on issues including strip-searching, the use of restraint, segregation, time spent out of cells and resettlement.
Hardwick said that to improve assessments of STCs there should be a joint inspection regime between Ofsted and the Prisons Inspectorate.
"[Ofsted’s inspection of STCs] is a problem and misunderstands the nature of STCs," Hardwick said. "It seems to me STCs are not schools or colleges that happen to be a cure; they are prisons for young people in which some education takes place.
"The approach and experience we have would be of value for STCs and we’re in some discussion about getting involved. We won’t do it unless it is on terms that actually enable us to find out what is happening."