Downview inspection report 2021
Summary
Downview is a closed training prison in south London that held 210 women at the time of our inspection, nearly three-quarters of whom were serving sentences of over four years and 40% were assessed as presenting a high risk of harm to others. The site was well looked after and women lived in cells that were generally in good condition, although in somewhat tired-looking accommodation blocks. The prison had successfully come through a challenging COVID-19 outbreak earlier in the year and was beginning to lift some restrictions. Leaders had prioritised opening up education and workshops had begun to operate, with women attending lessons in classrooms or outreach sessions on the wing. Though plans for the further rollout of education were not fully developed, Downview had made considerably more progress than we have seen elsewhere, and enthusiastic staff members were helping to drive this forward. Although inspectors saw many friendly interactions, relations between staff and women were not as good as we have seen in other women’s prisons.