Read the report: HMYOI Feltham A

Inspectors to HMYOI Feltham A, a young offender institution (YOI) in north-west London, found an establishment recovering from a worrying decline. In 2019 the Chief Inspector had invoked the Urgent Notification (UN) process due to the chaos and violence in Feltham, and it was pleasing to see a safer, happier, and more productive environment at this visit.

Strong leadership was behind the transformation. Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of Prisons, said:

“Much credit must go to the excellent work of the governor, who remained in post after the UN and had created a strong team around her with a renewed sense of purpose and vision.”

Outcomes had improved for the 75 children at Feltham in all healthy prison areas: safety and respect moved from ‘poor’ to ‘reasonably good’, and resettlement had improved from not sufficiently good to reasonably good. In purposeful activity, more work was required, but inspectors still saw improvement from the last inspection.

The ‘Alpine’ unit was a particular success. It provided enhanced support for children with the most complex needs and was managed by a staff group with excellent knowledge of the children under their care. Vulnerable children could mix together and time out of cell was maximised. Weekly enhanced support meetings included children and their families.

Feltham operated a successful incentives scheme which motivated children to behave well. Good behaviour was rewarded with a place on the Dunlin unit, where children spent more time out of cell and could access vocational training programmes.

An impressive 96% of children attended education, but there was much left to be done to improve the quality. Inspectors found encouraging plans to make improvements with good identification of strengths and weaknesses, but it was too early to know if these would have an impact on learning. Vocational training was not widely available, although the proportion of children being taught GCSE maths and English had increased. Teachers did not focus enough on individual children’s aspirations, and careers advice was lacking.

The prison will face a new challenge with the recent change in governor. Mr Taylor said:

“Even when things are going well, because of the nature of the children it serves, Feltham is a fragile place and close attention and support from the Youth Custody Service (YCS) will be essential to make sure that the transition from one leader to the next is a success.”

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Notes to editors

1. Read the HMYOI Feltham A report, published on 14 June 2022.
2. HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent inspectorate, inspecting places of detention to report on conditions and treatment and promote positive outcomes for those detained and the public.
3. The original Feltham was built in 1854 as an industrial school and was taken over in 1910 by the Prison Commissioners as their second Borstal institution. The existing building opened as a remand centre in March 1988.
4. Feltham A manages children on remand and those who have been convicted by the courts.
5. At the time of this inspection, the establishment held 75 children.
6. Inspectors identified eight examples of notable positive practice.
7. This inspection took place between 21 February and 4 March 2022.
8. Please contact Ed Owen at ed.owen1@hmiprisons.gov.uk if you would like more information.