The youngsters at Rainsbrook are all persistent offenders

The privately-run Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre near Daventry houses 76 youngsters aged from 12 to 17.

Most have been convicted of serious crimes.

They must go to crime avoidance classes and earn privileges through good behaviour.

The Youth Justice Board said the seven sessions of education provided every day were "supportive yet challenging", and a lot was being done to turn youngsters away from crime.

I'll make sure if I do go out I'll have something to do Corina

It said the unit was "performing at the highest level."

One trainee, Corina, said she now thought of other people and not just herself.

"Before I wouldn't think what I'm doing to my mum by all this.

"Now I feel really guilty when I talk to her.

"I'll make sure if I do go out I'll have something to do...not just walking around the streets up to no good."

Units like Rainsbrook are seen as the way forward

There were some recommendations for improvement, including more specialist training to help staff cope with children who had mental health problems.

Chairman of the Youth Justice Board, Lord Warner, said that youngsters at Rainsbrook were some of the most difficult in society.

"They can't be put in the prison service, which is a much bigger, more impersonal institution without great suffering for them.

"What we're trying to do is give them much more personal attention.

"There are higher staff ratios here...so we're trying to put some resources into turning these youngsters lives around."

Two new secure units for youngsters are planned for Milton Keynes and Essex.