Prison homework club for children

Homework is done in the visits hall

Schoolchildren as young as seven are being allowed into Wandsworth Prison once a week for a homework club.

The youngsters have to go through security searches before spending an hour with their fathers, who help them with their studies.

All prisoners taking part in the scheme at the south-west London jail undergo a full risk assessment.

Prison Governor Ian Mulholland said it played an important part in maintaining family relationships.

Mr Mulholland said: "The club takes place weekly in the visits hall and is monitored and staffed by a trained play-worker and prison officers.

"Positive family relationships contribute to the offender's eventual resettlement into the community and to the development of a purposeful, law-abiding life."

Wandsworth prison is currently able to hold 1,416 prisoners and is the largest prison in London.