Have you had any conversation with government about their plans to create ‘secure schools’ to house detained children and young people? If so, are there any plans for these in London?

We understand that secure schools remain a key part of the Government’s vision for the future of youth custody. This new form of provision will be akin to schools with security rather than prisons with education, with a focus on education, wellbeing and purposeful activity.

The MoJ is focussed on opening the first secure school at Medway, Kent, which will be run by the Oasis Charitable Trust. The Department have also introduced measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to empower future providers to operate secure schools.

There are currently no other secure schools which are due to open and a lack of other secure accommodation in London. I have previously lobbied the government in relation to this and will continue to do so, as the current arrangements are not sufficient.