Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether her Department plans to take steps to increase the number of hours that children in young offender institutions have access to education.

The Government has inherited a criminal justice system in crisis. This has placed an unacceptable strain on the Children and Young People Estate. We are determined to tackle the challenges – giving staff the support they need to reduce violence, increase access to education and help these children to turn their lives around.

Following the Education Thematic Review recently published by Ofsted and H M Inspectorate of Prisons, education delivery in young offender institutions, as well as wider performance, is under review.

The Youth Custody Service (YCS) is committed to promoting the development of each child in its care by delivering a range of learning and enrichment activities that are individualised, responsive to children’s needs, and aligned with trauma-informed care. This is an integrated whole-systems approach involving various professionals. Education providers are working alongside subject-matter experts (Heads of Education, Skills and Work) and Governors to develop broad and balanced curriculums that facilitate the holistic development of all children in the YCS’s care. This includes access to vocational training and creative learning.

The Children and Young People’s Strategy that is being developed will provide greater detail about our long-term vision for the future of the youth estate, with education and wellbeing at its centre.