Requirements for Secure School providers released

Guidance setting out the expectations and requirements for ‘Secure School’ providers has been published.

Secure schools will provide education for those in youth custody in a secure environment, which will combine the ethos of schools with the structure and support of secure children’s homes.

Educators will be given the independence to run unique custodial establishments, shaping their own tailored curriculum with greater flexibility and control of their custodial environment.

Secure Schools will have up to 70 places, and will be run by not for profit child-focused and creative providers who will put education, healthcare and purposeful activity at the heart of their work to rehabilitate young offenders.

Potential Secure Schools providers will now be able to start preparing applications in anticipation of the opening of a formal application period later in the year.

Justice Minister Dr Phillip Lee said: “Good education in and out of the classroom is the key to unlocking a secure and stable future for young people and I am determined to drive forward our comprehensive reforms so that young people are equipped with the skills to live successful, crime-free lives on release.

“Physical activity is key to a productive day in custody and I want education to be at the heart of the core day with children in Secure Schools engaging with health and education services that are tailored to meet their individual needs.

“Secure Schools will focus on the root cause of offending, by intervening early to help break the cycle of reoffending – making our streets safer and diverting young people away from a life of crime.”

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