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Young people feel safe at Oakhill STC, says new Ofsted report

An Ofsted inspection report found that young people at Oakhill Secure Training Centre (STC) “feel safe” and highlights that the trainees “have benefited in significant ways from their support and experience of care at Oakhill.”
Oakhill secure training centre

An Ofsted inspection report found that young people at Oakhill Secure Training Centre (STC) “feel safe” and highlights that the trainees “have benefited in significant ways from their support and experience of care at Oakhill.”

The June 2019 inspection report says that the trainees find staff to be caring and supportive. Inspectors also praised the welcoming atmosphere on arrival and said staff develop “positive relationships" with the residents.

The recruitment and retention of staff “has improved markedly since the last inspection,” which inspectors called a “very significant achievement.” 
We are not looking for quick fixes but are focused on making long-term improvements to Oakhill, and will continue to make the necessary investments to ensure that the ongoing and future needs of the young people in our care are met.
Richard Stedman, Director, Oakhill Secure Training Centre (STC)
Richard Stedman, Director of Oakhill STC, said:

“The wellbeing of the trainees in our care at Oakhill is of paramount importance. I am glad that inspectors have recognised the hard work of our staff to deliver care-led support to the trainees under our supervision. As the report points out, we are not looking for quick fixes but are focused on making long-term improvements to Oakhill, and will continue to make the necessary investments to ensure that the ongoing and future needs of the young people in our care are met.”

“Though there have been areas of improvement in healthcare and education, they remain key focus areas, and progress is ongoing to address all of the inspector’s recommendations.”

Education and learning opportunities at Oakhill were praised in the report, saying that most trainees "make good progress” in their education. This is aided by an “interesting and varied enrichment programme” and “good teaching and support” which helps young people manage their behaviour.

Other areas that were highlighted include “prompt access” to healthcare professionals, interventions to maintain family contact and ensure visits are “a positive experience”, and “well coordinated” resettlement work.
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