HMP/YOI Erlestoke

What we found

Erlestoke is a category C training and resettlement prison holding men serving sentences of over 10 years. The prison was failing to provide appropriate education and training, with key workshops such as bricklaying closed and poor attendance at education. Those not in education or training only had three hours out of their cells a day, and could only go outside into the prison’s extensive grounds for half an hour. Drugs were a serious concern, with more than 60% of prisoners saying they were easily available. Violence and self-harm were also high.

Points to note: Use of force was high. Scrutiny arrangements were not sufficiently robust and inspectors identified some examples of disproportionate use of force and an inappropriate use of PAVA.