Skip to content

Table of contents

  1. What we found

All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated.

To view this licence, visit:
https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3

or write to:
Information Policy Team,
The National Archives,
Kew,
London TW9 4DU

or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

This publication is available at:
https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk.

© Crown copyright

HMP & YOI Low Newton

Published:
Open document

Inspection report - Low Newton (PDF, 2.3 MB)

Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP & YOI Low Newton by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, 10–20 November 2025.

A bar graph showing HMP Low Newton healthy prison outcomes in 2021 and 2025, with safety and respect remaining good, purposeful activity increasing to reasonably good from not sufficiently good and preparation for release improving from reasonably good to good.

What we found (Back to top)

Inspectors found a well‑run prison where strong, trusting relationships between staff and women were central to its success. Women praised the compassion, patience and consistency shown by staff, and many reported improvements in their well‑being and confidence since arriving at the jail.

The governor, who took up post in January 2024, had been instrumental in embedding a culture that prioritised dignity, understanding and rehabilitation. The rollout of ‘Behind the Behaviour’ training had helped staff to better understand the needs of the women they supported, contributing to calmer living environments and more constructive day‑to‑day interactions.

Our scores reflect a well‑run, decent prison. The inspection team left Low Newton with confidence that the improvements we highlighted would be sustained and built on. The governor and his team should be proud of their achievements – this prison sets the benchmark to which similar jails should aspire.
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor
Read the press release in full

These files may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of any of these documents in a more accessible format, please email media@hmiprisons.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Easy read summary – Low Newton (PDF, 409 KB)
Prisoner survey methodology and results – Low Newton (PDF, 505 KB)
Prisoner survey analysis workbook (Excel spreadsheet) – Low Newton (XLSX, 391 KB)
Staff survey methodology and results – Low Newton (PDF, 255 KB)