National Preventive Mechanism Annual Report 2009–10 Ofsted T he Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) is a regulatory and inspection body which seeks to promote excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. Its remit includes the regulation and inspection of childcare and children’s social care, and the inspection of schools, colleges and adult and community learning, among other services. In the context of detention, Ofsted inspects the care and educational provision for children in secure accommodation, and assesses the provision of education and training in prisons, young offender institutions and immigration removal centres as part of HMIP-led inspections. Children are placed in secure accommodation either because their behaviour poses a significant risk to themselves or others, or because they are on remand or serving a sentence. Secure accommodation is provided in two settings: secure children’s homes and secure training centres. There are 16 secure children’s homes providing care and support for children aged 10 to 17. There are four secure training centres providing places for 12 to 17-year-olds who have been remanded or sentenced by the courts. Ofsted is led by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector and is staffed by inspectors with expertise and experience in relevant areas, including, for example, education and social care. Methodology35 Ofsted carries out inspections of secure accommodation twice a year, with one unannounced inspection each year. Inspections may be full or interim. Full inspections assess compliance with regulations and nationally prescribed minimum standards, as well as the extent to which the provider achieves positive outcomes for children. An interim inspection predominantly involves following up on findings and recommendations from the previous full inspection. Summary of activities and key issues In 2009–10, inspections of secure accommodation by Ofsted found that the quality of care is predominantly good. Particular strengths were seen in the relationships between children and young people, the individual care they receive to meet their needs and the use of external partners to provide activities which they enjoy and from which they learn. As one child told the inspectors, “They are good at keeping us safe and allow us to do things we are interested in.” The number of secure establishments judged ‘outstanding’ increased from the previous year. These facilities were characterised by a calm and purposeful atmosphere and positive, professional relationships between staff and young people. Clear boundaries and consistent routines underpinned effective behaviour management and staff were skilled at diffusing difficult situations. These providers had strong systems for consulting with the young people in their care and engaged successfully with the local authority and other agencies to ensure their ongoing safety. Nonetheless, inspections of some secure establishments identified several weaknesses. These included the inadequate management of complaints, 35 For further information about methodology in relation to Ofsted’s inspections of education and training in prisons, young offender institutions and immigration removal centres, see HMIP profile at page 23. 40