| Location | Pucklechurch, Gloucestershire |
|---|---|
| Status | Operational |
| Security class | Juvenile |
| Capacity | 400 (May 2007) |
| Managed by | Serco |
| Director | Brian Anderson |
HM Prison Ashfield (Formerly Pucklechurch Prison) is a male juvenile's prison located in the village of Pucklechurch (near Bristol), in Gloucestershire, England. The prison is operated by the Serco Group.
Ashfield Prison was built on the site of the old Pucklechurch Prison (a former adult remand centre), and opened in 1999. It was the first private prison in the United Kingdom to house young offenders. The prison was soon marred in controversy after repeated riots and reports of poor management. Conditions at the prison became so bad in 2003 that the Youth Justice Board withdrew prisoners from Ashfield, and threatened to recommend that the prison should be taken over by the public sector.[1] Conditions improved however, and the prison (under new management) was given a good inspection report the following year.[2]
In May 2006, staff at Ashfield Prison won a Health team award from the 'Public Servants of the Year Awards'. The award was in recognition of the staff's dedication to improving healthcare and personal health education for inmates held at Ashfield.[3]
In March 2008, a new wing for first-time offenders was opened at Ashfield Prison. The wing is specifically designed to create a positive environment for new inmates, and also has amenities for prisoners aged 15 and 16.[4]
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The prison accepts remand and sentenced young males between the ages of 15 and 18. The majority of its sentenced young persons are completing detention and training orders.
All inmates at Ashfield Prison receive a minimum of 25 hours of education each week. The prison also provides opportunities for employment with organisiations such as the Wessex Water, and several catering employers.
Other facilities at the prison include a library with restricted internet access, and a gym.
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