New school to help rehabilitate young offenders

A new "secure school" which aims to get young offenders away from gangs and knife crime is set to open in Kent following a £40m renovation.

The Ministry of Justice said the "first-of-a-kind facility" for children and young people in custody would have "rigorous education and training" at its heart.

The school in Rochester, operated by specialist education provider Oasis Restore, is on the site of the former Medway Secure Training Centre.

Oasis founder Reverend Steve Chalke MBE said it "represents a revolution in youth justice that is built on both science and experience".

The Ministry of Justice said research showed smaller settings, high-quality education and healthcare, plus a specialised workforce, were key to turning young people's lives around.

Up to 49 children will be at the school at any one time – both boys and girls - and every young offender will be enrolled in formal education or training.

They will have individual rooms and there will be no bars on the windows as the site will be designed to have a community feel.

The average cost per person per year will be about £250,000.

Children will be called students and staff will be called teachers and restore practitioners.

Staff will be trained to offer one-to-one learning support and they will set targets in subjects such as English and Maths.

Young offenders will also be trained with workshops including barbering, design technology and catering.

Ofsted inspectors will hold the establishment to the same standards as other schools and secure children’s homes.

The first children, aged between 12 and 18, are due in the coming weeks.

The school’s core focus on getting troubled young people into jobs or further education is part of the Government’s plan to reduce reoffending.

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