Children in Custody: Education

Question

What steps he is taking to improve the provision of education for children in custody. I visited Feltham young offenders institution and witnessed at first hand the very challenging conditions in which dedicated professionals work with young people who have committed serious crimes and had a difficult start in life.

Question

Earlier this year, I visited Feltham young offenders institution and witnessed at first hand the very challenging conditions in which dedicated professionals work with young people who have committed serious crimes and had a very difficult start in life. In 2016, Charlie Taylor recommended moving away from young offenders institutions to secure schools. The Government fully accepted his vision, yet seven years on not a single secure school has opened. One has been built but it has not admitted any pupils. If the Government are serious about rehabilitating young offenders and cutting reoffending, when will they finally roll out secure schools for those pupils?

Question

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Education is vital to reduce violence, especially on the youth estate. However, violence on the youth estate is skyrocketing. Since last year, assaults on staff have increased by 33%. That puts prison staff at risk in their workplace and increases trauma experienced by children and young people. It can also prolong rehabilitation. How will the Minister use education and other methods available to him to reduce that violence?