Inspectors call Werrington YOI 'shabby' and 'violent'

An inspection report published today called conditions at the young offender institution “shabby” with widespread graffiti, some unclean areas and some young people unable to shower on a daily basis.

The report, which was based on an unannounced inspection carried out last August, also highlighted the level of violence between inmates and “opportunities for bullying” in the prison, which is located near Stoke-on-Trent.

“The number of violent incidents in the prison was high and some of these had been serious,” HM Inspectorate of Prisons reported.

“Bullying was evident and shouting out of windows was widespread. During the course of the inspection the atmosphere around the establishment was sometimes tense.

"Despite this, the number of young people on formal risk reduction measures was low.”

The prisons watchdog also found that educational opportunities were not up to scratch and that the lack of timetabled exercise in the open air was “unacceptable”.

While the inspectors did praise the generally friendly relationships between staff and boys, the reintroduction of two social work posts and the quality of health care, they said the prison had to do more to address its problems.

“In many ways it provided an appropriate caring environment that recognised the vulnerabilities of the children it held,” said Nick Hardwick, the chief inspector of prisons.

“But that was not enough. Staff were the adults in charge and their expectations about the behaviour of young people needed to be demonstrably clear and consistent.

"They needed to be more determined that young people, who had often been failed so badly by the education system in the past, were not also failed by the education and training provision at Werrington.

"For that to be so, and for Werrington to be back on track, the weaknesses identified in this report need to be quickly addressed.”

Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said the inspectorate’s findings reinforce the campaign group’s belief that children shouldn’t be in prison.

“The very least one can expect of a boys’ prison is that the children are kept in conditions which are safe and hygienic.

"This hasn’t been the case at Werrington, where fighting is commonplace and facilities are so shabby that boys have been unable to shower or change their underwear daily.

“The public deserves better than to have children kept in warehouse-like conditions, lying about in bed all day.”

Michael Spurr, the chief executive officer of the National Offender Management Service, said: “The young people whom Werrington cares for can be very challenging and I am pleased the chief inspector acknowledges that the prison provides a fundamentally safe and caring environment, with constructive staff-prisoner relationships, effective resettlement provision and an impressive restorative justice scheme.

"The governor is working with his staff to deliver a clearer and more consistent approach to discipline and to ensure further improvements are made in the provision of education and vocational training.”

HMYOI Werrington can house up to 160 boys aged 16 and 17.