Transition Challenge: ASDAN enhances its flexible, accessible and learner-led SEND programme

ASDAN is pleased to share the redevelopment of Transition Challenge, part of our Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) curriculum suite for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Transition Challenge is a tried-and-tested, activity-based programme at the heart of ASDAN’s Key Stage 4 PfA offer. It supports statutory KS4 subject content and wider preparation for adult life, while also catering directly to areas of need for learners with SEND.

This refreshed version of the popular programme strengthens its alignment with statutory requirements, increases accessibility and flexibility, and enhances opportunities for student-led learning. The redeveloped materials are now available to purchase.

Transition Challenge continues to support members working with KS4 and age 14–16 learners, providing an activity-based curriculum that reflects current guidance, member feedback and the needs of practitioners and learners.

Why has Transition Challenge been updated?

Following the successful release of updated versions of New Horizons and Towards Independence, this redevelopment ensures that the full suite offers a modern, relevant and comprehensive curriculum for learners that reflects current SEND guidance and broad areas of need.

We’ve updated activities and content to reference KS4 statutory subjects, the Preparing for Adulthood outcomes, and the PSHE Association’s planning framework for pupils with SEND.

What’s new?

Expanded activities and increased flexibility

The sensory pathway now includes an additional activity per module, giving members greater scope to personalise delivery and meet diverse learning needs.

Improved accessibility

Content is more visually accessible, with clearer structure and increased opportunities for student-led learning. Updated person-centred planning tools enable learners to take a more active role in shaping their own programme.

Enhanced documentation

Mandatory paperwork has been refreshed to support consistency and evidence gathering, while a wider range of optional resources is available, including formative and summative reflection worksheets and person-centred planning materials.

Digital and interactive resources

To support flexible delivery, selected documents are now available in interactive digital formats. These include evidence templates (such as witness statements, photographic evidence and observation records) and learner worksheets, including updated versions of ‘Module reflection’ and ‘My achievements’.

Improved tutor guidance

Tutor resources have been strengthened to offer clearer support when planning, delivering and evidencing the programme.

By teachers, for teachers: How centres shaped the redevelopment

The redevelopment of Transition Challenge was a collaborative effort, shaped by the voices and expertise of practitioners who use it day to day: Development areas were first identified through centre feedback, internal quality review and changes in national guidance.

ASDAN members contributed through:

Surveys – responding to proposed updates and development priorities.

Focus groups – exploring draft versions of the student books and resources, sharing expertise and co-constructing improvements.

Iterative feedback – providing insight at various stages to ensure the final materials reflect real-world delivery and learner needs.

This collaborative approach ensured that the updated resources remain flexible, practical and meaningful for a wide range of settings.

We hope the refreshed programme will give practitioners greater confidence in delivering Transition Challenge, and that the enhanced accessibility and student-led features will support meaningful learning and engagement.

Looking ahead

We believe the refreshed Transition Challenge will strengthen the way our members deliver their PfA curriculum: more flexible, more accessible, and more in tune with the needs and aspirations of learners with SEND. With increased choice, digital interactivity, and better support, this programme is more equipped than ever to drive meaningful outcomes.

If you already deliver Transition Challenge, you will now see the updated materials in your members’ area. If you’re considering offering it, now is a great time to explore the new resources, join one of our training workshops, or connect with our team to discuss how the refreshed course can work for your learners.

Our Transition Challenge: changes for 2025 document outlines how the modules have been updated and developed following feedback from our members.

We’re excited for this new chapter and for the opportunities it will unlock for our members and, most importantly, our learners.