Children aged from 15 to 17 are held in Feltham
(Picture: Steve Parsons/PA Archive)Child inmates in London are being taught new types of music to wean them off violent and misogynistic drill songs, the prison watchdog revealed on Tuesday.
A report on Feltham, a young offender institution, by the chief inspector of prisons says that teaching the detainees “wider genres” is intended to “broaden their horizons” beyond a “narrow interest in music associated with violence and misogyny, such as drill”.
It adds the lessons are also helping the inmates — who include a growing number of children sentenced, or on remand for gang killings — to “develop their character and confidence” and are contributing to a significant improvement in standards at the jail.
“Through the music curriculum children learned to broaden their horizons by developing an appreciation of wider genres, from a narrow interest in music associated with violence and misogyny, such as drill (a sub-genre of rap popular with younger generations),” the report states.
Tuesday’s findings follow a highly-critical inspection of Feltham in 2019 which led to an “urgent notification” being issued because of the chaos and violence inside.
In his new assessment, however, the chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, says that conditions inside have been transformed and that it is now “a safer, happier, and more productive environment” for the 75 children, aged from 15 to 17, who are held there.
He says other initiatives behind the improvement include an incentives scheme under which children can be rewarded with games consoles in their cells and the chance to join activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, the Army Cadets and barbering.
Mr Taylor praised the prison leadership but cautioned that risks remained. He added: “Much credit must go to the excellent work of the governor, who had created a strong team around her with a renewed sense of purpose and vision.
“Even when things are going well, because of the nature of the children it serves, Feltham is a fragile place and close attention and support from the Youth Custody Service will be essential.”
