Good progress has been made in preparing high risk prisoners on the Island for release, according to a review of HMP Isle of Wight, following last year's damning inspection which found there was a 'frightening risk' to the public.

However, concerns remain over a shortage of specialist staff and the high rate of self harm among prisoners.

HMP Inspectorate of Prisons followed up an unannounced inspection in September and October 2022, with a visit between June 5 and 7, this year.

The review found there was good or reasonable progress across all but one area of concern previously raised.

Read more: Damning inspection of HMP Isle of Wight calls for action

Since last September, when the prison was 'failing' to support rehabilitation and prepare prisoners for release, more robust processes have been put in place, the report found.

Between then and now, 56 prisoners had been transferred to resettlement prisons, to help them access support before their release.

During the eight months before the previous inspection, there had only been 17 prisoners moved. Inspectors said the change was a 'considerable achievement'.

The review found there were still considerable gaps in specialist staffing, however.

There had been no more probation officers recruited since the previous inspection, and there was not enough mental health support.

Levels of self harm remained high despite showing a slight downward trend.

Improvements had been made in care.

But there was insufficient progress in making sure prisoners could access education.

Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of Prisons, said: "The achievements of the governor and his team in such a short space of time were impressive.

"They had listened to the difficult messages delivered at the inspection, recognised the drift that we identified and had not been afraid to be self-critical.

"They had acted quickly and delivered some tangible outcomes. Some of this progress was fragile and it will always be a challenge to recruit enough staff, both uniformed and specialist, on the Island."