You said: “There’s no updated information”
We did: At the beginning of the year we carried out a major exercise which involved updating information, pages, and links on the Local Offer website; it was a big refresh.
You said: “The Local Authority does not invest in the Local Offer”
We did: The Stoke-on-Trent Council decided to bring the Local Offer website ‘in-house’ to sit on a Council platform instead of an external one. Having the Local Offer on an internal platform means we can have more control when developing the website in the future, updates can be done timelier, and there will be overall more flexibility. The Council also appointed a Local Offer Development and Engagement Officer.
You said: “Nobody tells you about the Local Offer”
We did: During the first half of 2023 we sent comms to all our stakeholders (parents, carers, young people, schools, partners, service providers and practitioners) about the Local Offer. We also had articles in the foster carers’ newsletter, had a stand at the Together We Thrive event and have put together a communications plan to continue to raise awareness of the Local Offer.
You said: “Better information needs to be on”
We did: During the Local Offer refresh we uploaded a lot of new information, we are working closely with parents and carers who have told us what they want on the Local Offer which we will implement shortly. We also want to hear from more young people.
You said: “The website is not multilingual / also does not provide an audio of contents”
We did: We are looking at putting a translation tool on the site, this should be in place by the end of the year, we are also looking at having audio for a lot of the pages so that users can have the option of reading text or listening/watching a video.
You said: “Not very interesting” said by a young person
We did: We have had feedback for a ‘young peoples area’ within the Local Offer which is tailored specifically for young people in design and content; we are looking into this and hope to launch the young peoples' area before the end of the year.
You said: “Is it on Facebook?”
We did: A lot of parents have asked if the Local Offer is on Facebook – we are not on social media at the moment but will be very soon.
You said: Parents wanted to know more about local activities available in the area for children with additional needs – especially during the six weeks holidays, and the cost.
We did: We have a ‘Holidays Activities’ link on the Homepage under ‘Quick Links’ Holiday activities – SEND Local Offer (stoke.gov.uk)
You said: There should be actual pictures of Stoke children and young people on the website
We did: We are looking into this with PEGiS who are part of the Parent Carer Forum and Stoke-on-Trent IT.
