HMP Channings Wood

Near Denbury, Newton Abbot, Devon

Contact: Jackie Thomas
Phone: 07785 280627

A large modern purpose built prison with industrial workshops, vocational training and a large education department. The prison hold sentenced Category C prisoners (those who cannot be trusted in open conditions but are unlikely to escape).

The education department delivers courses on an outreach basis to work based parties in the prison. It also supports learning in the Therapeutic Community which is housed in a separate unit in the prison. A larger education programme is provided in discreet accommodation in a Vulnerable Prisoners Unit which houses longer term prisoners who need to be located there for their own protection. The main education accommodation is purpose built with excellent practical and general purpose classrooms, staff and office facilities and a well stocked library. All the education courses include an IT session.

The department is well stocked with all modern education equipment and materials.

In addition to the core curriculum, the prison also runs a Firm Start course for inmates wishing to run their own business on release; Bricklaying, Industrial Cleaning, Horticulture, Catering, C&G Professional Cookery and ICT.

The prison holds 660 adult males. Many of these prisoners are serving long sentences, including life. The average length of stay is 9 months. 18% of prisoners require drug rehabilitation treatment, 3% ESOL and 30% Basic Skills.

A full time Vocational Training course in Industrial Cleaning (BICS) was introduced in June 2002.