Appendix III: HMI Prisons expectations for this thematic inspection Appendix III: HMI Prisons expectations for this thematic inspection HMI Prisons inspection of separation expectations 1. Safe outcomes for separated children are supported by effective leadership and management.  National and local leaders have a clear understanding of what separation is for and how it achieves these aims.  There is an effective strategy at a national and local level that informs the use of all forms of separation.  The use of separation reduces over time  Leaders and managers are aware of all children who are separated and ensure they are provided with a constructive regime that meets their needs.  Disproportionality in the use of separation is identified and addressed.  Children are not placed in unfurnished accommodation. 2. Children are only separated from others or removed from their normal location with the proper authorisation and are located for appropriate reasons.  The use of separation on normal location and in specialist units is appropriately authorised, monitored by senior staff and analysed for patterns and trends.  Separation is used only as a last resort after other alternatives have been considered and tried. It is used for the shortest time possible.  Health care staff promptly assess all separated children and contribute to care planning.  Children at risk of suicide or self-harm are only separated in clearly documented, exceptional circumstances.  Children are given the reasons for their separation in a format and language they understand.  Children and their parents, carers or outside workers are told about the decision to separate and the reasons for separation. They can make representations to a senior manager before children are separated in specialist units or on normal location.  Professionals from the community are invited to reviews of separation. 3. Separation is not used as a punishment.  Children are not separated as a punishment and the decision to separate them is for justifiable reasons including their safety and the safety of others. 4. Children who are separated from others are located in a suitable environment.  Cells and communal areas are light, well decorated and suitable for children.  Children have their own bed, chair and lockable cupboard and provision for the storage of personal belongings is adequate.  Children are allowed to personalise their cells.  Children have access to drinking water, a toilet and washing facilities at all times.  Children feel and are safe in their cells and communal areas.  Children can raise the alarm in an emergency.  Communal areas meet the needs of the population and are supervised effectively by staff.  Units are as calm and quiet as possible to avoid incidents and to enable rest and sleep  Children have access to necessary supplies of their own personal hygiene items. Basic hygiene items are provided free of charge.  Freshly laundered bedding and towels are provided on at least a weekly basis.  Children have access to sufficient cleaning materials to keep their cells and communal areas clean and are encouraged to use them.  Children have a varied, healthy and balanced diet which meets their individual needs. Separation of children in young offender institutions 45