Skip to content

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://hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk.

© Crown copyright

“High aspirations for children” at Peterborough Youth Justice Service, rated ‘Good’ following inspection

Published:

Peterborough Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Good’ following an inspection of work with children and victims by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, said: “Children at Peterborough YJS were supported by skilled practitioners who had high aspirations for them. There was a clear focus on helping children to recognise their potential, and staff actively worked with them to effectively support positive change.”

Inspectors were impressed with assessing activity at the service and found a detailed analysis of what was required to support positive change for the child alongside a comprehensive understanding of what was needed to keep children and the community safe. The views of children, parents, and carers were clearly reflected, reporting they felt listened to and that their concerns were taken seriously.

Work with victims had been developed following a review by the service and its revised victim policy had improved quality engagement with victims and the support they received. Areas for improvement were identified and well understood and supported by a targeted and realistic action plan.

Mr Jones continued, “Overall, this was a well-led service, with a shared understanding across the partnership of Peterborough’s child-first approach. I am also encouraged by the service’s understanding of where work needs to be prioritised with work with victims. Peterborough YJS have a solid foundation in place from which they can improve even further.”

The Inspectorate’s report makes three recommendations. Two are for the Peterborough YJS management board, including to proactively drive its disproportionality action plan and assure themselves that progress is being made to reduce the number of children from the global majority being disproportionately made subject to YJS outcomes. One recommendation is for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, to improve the quality of information shared with the YJS regarding the individual needs and protected characteristics of victims.

Notes to editor 

  1. Inspections of work with children and victims is one of two separate types of youth justice inspection undertaken by the Inspectorate.
  2. In this inspection we have inspected and rated work against our standards in domain two, and the victims’ standard. For more information, visit our website: Youth Justice Services – HM Inspectorate of Probation
  3. This service works with children aged 10 to 17. The YJS supervise children with complex needs and some in the care of the local authority.
  4. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’; ‘Good’; ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’; rating specific aspects of each service and giving an overall rating.
  5. The report is available on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on 14 July 2026.
  6. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales.
  7. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in April 2026.
  8. For media enquiries; please contact Head of Communications: media@hmiprobation.gov.uk