HMYOI Parc has been praised for its strong leadership, positive culture and a clear focus on children’s needs.
Inspectors visiting the young offender institution in Wales found a calm, purposeful and child-focused environment where children were treated with dignity and most said they felt safe. Despite an increase in the population in recent months, senior leaders had maintained high standards, staff morale was good and most frontline officers were experienced and confident, all of which contributed to a feeling of stability across the establishment.
Children generally spend a good amount of time out of their cells. The prison had worked hard to mitigate the negative impact of keeping children in conflict apart, and nearly all children at Parc experienced more meaningful activity and interaction than those in other YOIs. Strong education provision was driven by effective relationships between staff and learners and an incentivising behaviour management system, which had increased children’s engagement in learning. Most had at least weekly access to the library and 84%, much higher than other YOIs, said that they could go to the gym or play sports more than once a week.
Care for vulnerable children was well-coordinated and family work was based on children’s individual needs. Boys moving to adult prisons were generally well-supported, but although the prison worked hard to plan for those returning to the community, some young people left without sustainable accommodation or a plan for continuing their education.
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, said:
“Parc is the best young offender institution in England and Wales. The children held there are cared for and supported in a positive environment where staff work hard to help them engage with education and prepare for their future. Leaders and staff should be congratulated for what they are achieving, which is undoubtedly an example to other YOIs.”
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