Consultation and Engagement
This section is used to summarise the views of the public, dedicated groups and service users. It can make use of formal assessment of views, such as obtained from surveys, feedback meetings and focus groups.
The following consultation is summarised from Hartlepool's Big Conversation where residents expressed their views on a variety of topics.
Strategic Issue 1
Low educational attainment levels being exacerbated by low attendance and high exclusions
- Respondents highlighted issues with aspirations and culture, noting that some families prioritise benefits over education or employment, creating a cycle of low attainment.
- Concerns were raised about vulnerable students not getting the best opportunities, with commissioning of places for these students seen as inadequate.
- Calls for raising standards and expectations in schools to prepare students for new industries and higher education.
- Lack of support for children with special needs (e.g., ASD) was mentioned, with limited suitable provision leading to home education as the only option.
Strategic Issue 2
Multiple barriers exist to early years development, particularly in deprived areas
- Poverty and inequality were repeatedly cited as barriers, with families struggling to afford healthy food and heating, impacting children’s development.
- Respondents suggested life skills education for parents and children (e.g., cooking, budgeting) to improve family resilience.
- Community hubs and family hubs were praised for providing under-5s provision and food opportunities, but concerns remain about gaps in early years support in deprived areas.
Strategic Issue 3
Skills gap in the workforce, particularly in deprived areas
- Strong emphasis on developing transferable skills and promoting vocational training and apprenticeships.
- Respondents noted that job opportunities exist but uptake is low, partly due to cultural attitudes and lack of awareness.
- Calls for investment in training linked to emerging sectors (e.g., green energy) and better promotion of these opportunities.
- Employers and respondents stressed the need for retaining young skilled people and making Hartlepool attractive for them to stay.
Strategic Issue 4
Aspirations are low which hinders the number of residents seeking opportunities for higher education attainment and vocational education
- Many comments linked low aspirations to multi-generational unemployment and the decline of traditional industries.
- Respondents said aspiration “evaporated” decades ago, creating a culture of giving up.
- Suggestions included promoting apprenticeships, showcasing new opportunities, and engaging parents who often don’t encourage children to attend careers events.
- Some respondents explicitly stated: “We need to work on building aspirations… change the culture.”