Secure training centre receives high praise from Ofsted
Janaki Mahadevan
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Oakhill secure training centre (STC) has received a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors who applauded its education and welfare services and the innovation of staff and management.
The unit in Milton Keynes was described as "outstanding" by inspectors with particular praise given to the resettlement support and educational opportunities available to young offenders.
The report said the facility also did well to accommodate an additional three beds after the summer riots between August and October.
The latest inspection shows the journey Oakhill has been on since it received an inadequate rating in October 2008, just after G4S acquired the facility from Rebound.
The latest inspection which took place in November and was published this week, said: "The centre was calm and stable during the period of the inspection. All young people were fully engaged in all aspects of the centre’s regime, including attending education and participation in activities. Young people are clearly benefiting from a well-organised and efficiently managed centre."
Work across the community and with other agencies also impressed the inspectorate, which reported "there are many excellent examples of effective partnership working between the centre and local groups and services".
"Young people benefit from these connections particularly in relation to safeguarding their welfare and enhancing opportunities for community involvement as well as making amends for previous actions," the report added.
Preparations to resettle young people back in the community after release were described as "excellent" with the staff helping to protect the welfare needs of the young people described as "caring and nurturing".
Young people with low levels of literacy and numeracy were also seen to be making "exceptional progress" with good overall teaching.