Catcote Futures gains Specialist Post 19 Institution status (SPI) 

Following a long process of due diligence, we are proud to announce that Catcote Futures has been awarded SPI status by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). This means that from September 2018 we will be on the Government’s list of approved providers and that funding will now be claimed directly from the Government and not via Hartlepool Borough Council (HBC). 

On receipt of the successful application form we were asked to submit detailed financial information which was duly scrutinised and surpassed their requirements for stringent financial compliance and audit. 

The third part of the process involved an inspector from the Department of Education spending a day in the Learning and Skills Centre looking at staff skills and experience, study programmes, appropriate qualifications, student progress, assistive technology, safeguarding, statutory policies and procedures, transition and Preparation for Adulthood. 

The Inspector submitted her report to the National ESFA panel who then granted us Specialist Status. 

With full support from the HBC Commissioner we feel that the benefits of becoming independent will improve outcomes for our ESFA funded students as well as our life-long learners.  

Over the past fifteen years we have created a unique learning environment for our adult learners and have great plans to develop our provision even further. We hope that students, parents and carers can play a major role in shaping the future and look forward to your continuing support. 

As Head Teacher I am proud and privileged to write these few words of welcome and an introduction to Catcote Futures. We have a vibrant establishment that expects every student to achieve positive results. Our curriculum and philosophies provide the possibility for academic and social development that enhance the life opportunities for our young people as they move into the adult world.

We offer a variety of options and programmes to young adults with a range of Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD).

At Catcote Futures we work together to:

• Provide stimulating and exciting learning experiences for all;
• Promote lifelong learning and enhance life and work skills;
• Recognise and value the achievement of each individual;
• Develop responsibility, tolerance and consideration for others;
• Strengthen the bond between college, home and the wider community;
• Build partnerships with business and commerce.

This is all achieved by employing excellent staff who provide support to students in both their academic and social development.

Our new Learning and Skills Centre offers specialist teaching areas and social spaces in which we can grow and further develop our curriculum offer and community use.

We hope our website will provide you with the information and news you need to keep you up to date with what is happening here at Catcote Futures. Whether you are a prospective parent, current parent, student, community member or casual browser we trust that you will enjoy looking at our site and be assured that we aim to provide the best for both our students and the wider learning disability community in Hartlepool.