Appendix III: HMI Prisons expectations for this thematic inspection 5. Children who are separated have access to a regime that meets their needs including regular and meaningful contact with staff and their peers.  Children are never subjected to a regime that amounts to solitary confinement.30  Children have meaningful conversations with a range of staff every day, including the opportunity to speak in confidence with a senior manager, a health care professional and a chaplain.  Children have regular opportunities for meaningful contact with their peers.  Children have sufficient activities to occupy and stimulate them in their cells.  Those who are temporarily removed from mainstream activities can access equivalent activity to their non-segregated peers, including time in the open air. Areas for association, education and exercise are properly equipped.  Children are not subject to punitive security measures.  Children can shower and use the telephone daily. 6. Children are separated for the shortest possible period before being reintegrated to a normal regime.  Children who are separated have a plan which ensures that their time is spent addressing their needs. The contents of plans are always properly linked to any other existing plans involving that child.  Reviews are held regularly and involve the child. Parents/carers and relevant professionals, including health care, social workers, youth offending team (YOT) workers and advocates, are engaged where appropriate.  Reviews identify and take action to address signs of declining emotional and mental well-being.  Children have access to appropriate independent advocacy and advice. They are supported to contribute fully and to challenge decisions made regarding their care.  The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) is informed of all reviews. Children can easily speak to members of the IMB in confidence.  Children have access to advocates, health care, social workers and legal advice. 7. Relationships between children and staff are warm, compassionate and helpful but staff maintain appropriate boundaries.  Staff behave in a fair and consistent way, care for children as individuals and respond to their needs.  Staff understand the impact of life experiences, such as trauma, abuse and mental illness, on behaviour.  Staff are vigilant in detecting signs of decline in emotional and mental well-being.  Staff show a genuine interest in children and listen to them, giving their time freely.  All children have someone to turn to if they have a problem.  Staff know how to raise concerns about colleagues’ behaviour or interactions with children and do so without repercussion. 30 46 The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the treatment of prisoners define solitary confinement as confinement ‘for 22 hours or more a day without meaningful human contact’. Separation of children in young offender institutions