Section 3. Methodology Section 3. Methodology Administering the survey 3.1 At the time of the survey in each secure training centre (STC) and young offender institution (YOI), all children were invited by researchers from HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) to complete a questionnaire. Every effort was made to speak to each child individually to explain the purpose and confidentiality of the survey, its voluntary nature, and the independence of the inspection process. We also offered to administer the questionnaire via an interview for children who said they needed assistance. 3.2 We did not ask children to put their name on their questionnaire, but to enable us to follow up any child protection and safeguarding issues, each questionnaire was numbered so that any relevant comments could be traced back to the respondent. Children were made aware of this. Self-completed questionnaires were placed in sealed envelopes and collected by HMIP researchers. Response rate 3.3 9 During 2018–19, 97% of children detained in YOIs and STCs at the time of our inspections were offered the opportunity to participate in the survey.9 As shown in Table 1, questionnaires were completed (either through self-completion or via an interview) and returned by 84% of the children who were resident in the establishment at the time of the survey. The response rate ranged from 71% at Rainsbrook STC to 91% at Wetherby YOI. In some instances, for example when a child was at court or an outside hospital or had limited English fluency, it was not possible to offer them a questionnaire. Children in Custody 2018–19 19