Preparing for Adulthood programmes
About this course
What are the Preparing for Adulthood programmes?
ASDAN’s Preparing for Adulthood programmes are flexible, portfolio-based courses for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
They support schools, colleges and specialist settings to recognise small steps of achievement, build confidence and develop the personal, social, independence and employability skills learners need for adulthood.
The Preparing for Adulthood range includes:
Together, these certificated courses provide a practical, real-life context for learning. They help learners work towards meaningful outcomes, evidence progress over time and prepare for future education, employment, independent living and adult life.
ASDAN’s Preparing for Adulthood programmes can support the four broad areas of need outlined in the SEND code of practice.
We have produced free guidance showing how components of Preparing for Adulthood and our Entry 1 qualifications in Personal Progress can support learners with communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health needs, and sensory or physical needs.
Who are they for?
New Horizons supports learners aged 9 to 13 with special educational needs. It can be used to support PSHE, Citizenship and Careers Education, while also helping learners develop communication and numeracy skills through life skills activities.
Transition Challenge is designed for learners aged 14 to 16 with SEND. It offers two routes:
- Sensory supports learners with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), using a developmental approach that recognises every step of learning and achievement.
- Introduction and Progression supports learners to develop skills for independent living through activities linked to the key stage 4 national curriculum.
Towards Independence offers formal recognition for small steps of achievement towards a larger goal. With more than 80 modules, it can be used flexibly to build a personalised record of achievement for learners aged 16+ and adults.
Workright supports learners aged 14+ and adults to develop transferable employability skills and prepare for the world of work.
Progression
For learners working towards a qualification outcome, New Horizons, Transition Challenge, Towards Independence and Workright can support delivery of ASDAN’s Entry 1 qualifications in Personal Progress.
These progression routes help centres build flexible pathways for learners with SEND, from early engagement and life skills through to independence, employability and preparation for adulthood.
Learners may also progress to ASDAN qualifications in Personal and Social Development qualifications at Entry 1-3 or Employability qualifications at Entry 2 and 3
ASDAN training supports staff to introduce and deliver Preparing for Adulthood successfully. It provides guidance on programme selection, person-centred planning, delivery, assessment and internal quality assurance.
Training is included as part of ASDAN membership for organisations joining or renewing after 1 April 2026, excluding tailored INSET.
