It was a deeply personal decision agreeing to accept the challenge of becoming ‘Matron’ for a TV programme set in a mock borstal. I had myself been raised in the care system and had been placed in a secure unit twice as a teenager, and it was the positive and negative experiences of my childhood which pushed me to become part of this opportunity. An opportunity to offer a different way of life for some of our troubled young people. As soon as the title "bring back borstal” was released, I was aware that it may be sensationalist, but actually I feel it challenges the views of people who are the “lock em up and throw away the key’ brigade as it actually highlights the benefits of healthy eating, physical self care such as exercise and work and pride in ones work and appropriate discipline.  High levels of unemployment, the challenges of getting children exercising (especially girls) and lack of access to green outdoor spaces and healthy food for many children in our society are well documented. This programme, despite the arguably sensationalist, attention grabbing title, looked at the impact of these things on young people who want to turn their lives around.

People have argued it is making a circus of the young people involved and is no better than Jeremy Kyle. These young people volunteered and could leave at any time. They were brave enough to want to take advantage of an opportunity to reassess their lives and choices so far and yes, if the 'regime' of a borstal like centre could do that where previous interventions had not, it should be deemed a success.

It is disappointing that young people who have been through the care system are not deemed as fit to be able to make sound decisions for themselves, and seen as fodder for tv companies. Well, if this is to be true, then the care system must look at themselves as to why they would be left alone to make these decisions without support, if not able. I however think more highly of them, and believe that some can. They were over 16 and gave informed consent. The researchers went to great pains to ensure the process and what would be required of them was fully explained. There was no misrepresentations to them as happened in less ethical productions like benefits street.

Of course, I, like many others, could have written a highbrow academic piece in a thesis that about 4 people would read, but that wouldn't be true to me, I work with real people, who watch television, and for all its failings, it is a medium that attracts viewers and I hope, opens the debate and challenges the stereotypes about those young people.

Since the programme I know about great opportunities the young people

have taken advantage of including employment, housing and resisting reoffending.

Finally, back to the title and ethos - Borstal and similar institutions were very often not good places, like all institutions, the initial philosophy may have been good (healthy lifestyle, discipline and nourishment) but as with all institutions, the leadership makes or breaks it. Weak leadership, weak safeguarding systems, abuses of power and poor practice can ruin the best organisation.  I work closely with organisations, advising them on building and maintaining a child centred and best practice culture in terms of delivering excellent services, for the most vulnerable children and young people in our society. My experiences filming this show were emotionally demanding, and challenging, but overall gave me an experience which strengthens my work with young people and organisations.