The report, which followed an unannounced inspection between April and May this year, also stated: “Again our overwhelming impression was that these young people were well cared for and that overall Parc was doing its best to ensure that they accessed good and useful services and continued to experience positive outcomes.”

In addition, the Inspectors said: “Parc is a safe institution. Young people indicated that they felt safe after their arrival and during their stay. We found safeguarding and child protection arrangements to be robust, well integrated and efficient. There was a good understanding among staff of their responsibilities concerning child protection.”

The report praised management and staff and commended measures put place to ensure low levels of violence, self-harm and drug use. It specifically highlighted the respectful relationships between staff and the young people within the establishment, describing this as the “heart of the unit’s success”.

HMYOI Parc currently houses 64 boys between the age of 15 and 18 years. The Juvenile Unit was last inspected in 2012, when the inspection also concluded “generally very positive outcomes.”

The facility is a distinct and separate part of Parc prison, which was recently praised in another report published in January 2014, listing it as one of the best performing prisons in the country. This is set to become the UK’s largest prison following an expansion in early 2015.

Janet Wallsgrove, Director of HMP & YOI Parc in Bridgend, said:

“We are very encouraged by the findings of this report and note the comments and recommendations made by the inspectors.

“This exceptional report is testament to the efforts of all of our staff and management over last year, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the establishment is fitting of the high standards we set ourselves.

“As noted by the inspectors, the number of young people with more complex needs has grown since the last report but we are pleased that staff have been able to continue to provide a respectful and appropriate level of care.

“Whilst we are very pleased with the findings of the report, we understand the complexities of an ever changing environment; therefore, we will continue to work with our staff, young people and others partners to ensure that we continue to move in the right direction.”