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SWEET DEAL

Attacks on staff at a young offender institution dropped 80 per cent after bosses gave sweets to reward good behaviour

Teens were given points for behaving well and then going to use their points at a 'merit shop'

ATTACKS on staff at a young offender institution plunged 80 per cent after inmates were given sweets for good behaviour.

The change at West London’s HMP Feltham came when teens got points for behaving well.

 Attacks on staff at HMP Feltham have dropped significantly after bosses started giving sweets as a reward for good behaviour
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Attacks on staff at HMP Feltham have dropped significantly after bosses started giving sweets as a reward for good behaviourCredit: PA:Press Association

These could be used at a “merit shop”.

The offenders, mainly aged 16 and 17, also ate meals together and had more time out of cells.

Inspectors found the turnaround within a year.

A report said:"Last year we reported how the focus had been on sanctions and regime restrictions; there was a cycle of violence and punitive responses, with no obvious strategy in place to break it.

"This had changed, and on this occasion we found a new focus on rewards and incentives for good behaviour."

Justice Minister Phillip Lee said it was “encouraging” to see.


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