A PRISON described as unique by inspectors is being used to inspire other jails across the country.

More than 80 per cent of prisoners are discharged into employment or training from Kirklevington Grange near Yarm, Stockton, and its community payback programme has earned £1m for the second year running.

An unannounced inspection last December, which has recently been published, described its Offender Management Programme and its prisoner run cafe which is open to the public as excellent.

The Category D resettlement prison for up to 273 men nearing the end of their sentence was also praised for being safe, but the report said too many prisoners arrived with false expectations about how quickly they would be allowed release on temporary licence (ROTL) leading to unnecessary confusion and frustration.

Nick Hardwick, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, said: “Kirklevington Grange has a unique and important specialist role. It performs this role very well although there is absolutely no room for complacency.

“It holds a more complex population than before and the risks inherent in its work will always need careful management.

“The prison’s future role under the transforming rehabilitation agenda was not sufficiently clear at the time of this inspection but as we have said in the past, it should not be seen as an anomaly but a highly effective model from which other parts of the prison system could learn.”

Governor Steven Robson said: “We shan’t be complacent on the back of this good report, but will continue to be innovative with our approach to ensuring that reducing reoffending and protecting the public remains at the forefront of our daily work.”

Staffed by prisoners, the car valeting service and Grange cafe which sells plants as well as benches, tables and chairs made onsite in the woodwork and metal workshops have turned into a thriving business.

The original coffee shop which opened around 18 months ago outside the perimeter fence has been expanded to meet demand and now has its own bandstand.

Takings for the food baked freshly on the premises as well as the bespoke products it sold, totted up to thousands of pounds each week which are ploughed back into expanding provision and integrating inmates back into society.

Graeme Parry, Head of Security and Operations, said: “The coffee shop and its products have gone through the roof. It has been a huge success story as it’s the first of its kind. We have had lots of other prisons come to look at the model.

“It’s about reintegrating prisoners back into society, if we have managed to get society here we are halfway there.”

“At first people might come because they are curious but it is really friendly and I do not think those that return even think about whether they have been served by a prisoner or not.”