Self-harm and violence remain key issues at Wetherby youth prison, report finds
Inspectors have warned that violence, weapons and self-harm remain serious issues at Yorkshire’s only youth prison, despite a falling population and recent leadership changes.
The HM Chief Inspector of Prisons found high levels of violence, frequent weapon discoveries, and weak staff-child relationships at HMYOI Wetherby. Education provision was rated inadequate, and rates of self-harm remain far higher than at comparable institutions.
The findings follow an unannounced inspection conducted between October 27 and November 6, 2025, during which Wetherby was holding 97 of its 288-capacity children.
The report identifies 11 key concerns, five of which are deemed priorities requiring “immediate attention” from leaders and managers. Among these are high levels of violent incidents, often involving weapons, “very high” rates of self-harm, and poor staff-prisoner relationships, with some children reporting verbal abuse by staff.
Inspectors also criticised leaders for failing to oversee the quality of education and skills training. Actions taken so far have not improved teaching standards, and staff, including outreach teachers, have not received targeted professional development.
Despite a new governor being appointed in 2024 and improvement plans being in place, inspectors said leadership has yet to deliver sufficient progress on safety or education.
Catherine Porter, Chair of Wetherby’s Independent Monitoring Board, said: “We have seen plans like this before, but this time, real change must take place. With fewer young people serving a custodial sentence, this is an opportunity that must be seized upon to improve the support towards rehabilitation these young people deserve to receive.”
Over the past year, 742 weapons were found during cell searches, while 12,475 incident reports were submitted, mostly relating to disorder, violence, or self-harm. Although self-harm reports have decreased since the last inspection, levels remain significantly higher than in other youth prisons.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “This report is further evidence of the crisis in the criminal justice system inherited by this Government.
“While we are pleased the Independent Monitoring Board recognised the commitment of staff and early progress at Wetherby, we recognise more needs to be done to tackle violence, stabilise education provision and ensure custody helps young people turn away from crime and rebuild their lives.
“New leadership is already delivering calmer units, more time out of rooms, fewer separations and a more stable regime that supports safety, rehabilitation and reduced reoffending.”