Wokingham Prevention and Youth Justice Service (PYJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Good’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Chief Inspector of Probation Martin Jones said: “We have seen significant improvements at Wokingham PYJS since our last visit [see notes to editor]. The staff are motivated and enthusiastic and are supported by a knowledgeable team manager who has been critical in driving these improvements forward. If the recommendations made in this report are taken on and addressed, we have no doubt the delivery of youth justice services will continue to develop positively.”

Inspectors found provision for children receiving an out-of-court disposal to be strong. Assessment activity for these children was thorough and were co-produced by children and their parents or carers. Diversity needs were understood by practitioners and good strategic links with health and education were present, ensuring a holistic, multi-agency approach overall.

The report found some variability in the standard of work delivered to support the safety of the child post-court. Planning activity was found to sometimes be generic and instances were found where interventions lacked responsivity to changes in children’s needs or circumstances. Positively, evidence was found of relationship building activities by practitioners to support engagement.

The report makes five recommendations, including that the Wokingham PYJS management board work to develop their understanding of the work undertaken with victims and the data required to determine efficacy of current activity.

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. This inspection took place in February 2020. This report was never published as it was part of a series of pilot inspections.
2. This service works with children aged 10 to 17. The YJS supervise children with complex needs and some in the care of the local authority.
3. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’, rating specific aspects of each service and giving an overall rating.
4. The inspection looked at standards of organisational delivery (leadership, staffing and facilities), their management of children serving court sentences (court disposals) and children serving cautions or community sentences (out-of-court disposals).
5. The report is available on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on 17 September 2024 at 00.01.
6. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales.
7. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in June 2024.
8. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)