PFA/Independent Living
RATIONALE
At Cloughwood Academy, we recognise that the transition from adolescence to adulthood presents a complex set of challenges—particularly for learners with additional needs. The Preparation for Adulthood/ independent living curriculum is a vital part of our school’s offer, supporting our students from Year 7 to Year 13 in acquiring the practical knowledge, personal skills, and self-belief they need to lead independent, fulfilling adult lives.
Our rationale is grounded in a firm belief that education must go beyond academic outcomes. Many of our learners face barriers that can make adulthood particularly daunting, including challenges with communication, social understanding, and emotional regulation. By embedding a structured and purposeful Preparation for Adulthood programme into the curriculum, we proactively address these barriers and ensure that all students are given the tools to thrive beyond the classroom.
The curriculum is built around four key pillars: Independent Living, Employability & Careers, Community & Citizenship, and Health & Wellbeing. These pillars provide a balanced and holistic approach, ensuring learners are not only informed about the adult world but are actively practising and experiencing the skills they will need in real-life contexts. For example, lessons include managing personal finances, understanding housing options, applying for identification, accessing health services, building a CV, and exploring personal rights and responsibilities within society.
Delivered sequentially from Year 7 through to Year 13, the curriculum is intentionally designed to evolve with students’ growing maturity and readiness for independence. It is tailored to individual needs, ensuring that every learner, regardless of ability or background, can make meaningful progress. External partnerships and practical enrichment opportunities enhance the curriculum further, providing authentic learning experiences that build confidence and real-world competence.
Ultimately, our Preparation for Adulthood curriculum reflects our commitment to preparing learners not only to leave school but to succeed in life. We aim to nurture confident, informed, and resilient young people who are ready to take on the responsibilities of adulthood, contribute to their communities, and lead safe, independent lives.
INTENT
The Preparation for Adulthood curriculum at Cloughwood Academy is designed to equip all learners with the essential life skills, knowledge, and confidence required to transition successfully into adulthood. This inclusive and responsive curriculum aims to reduce barriers to independence by providing practical, real-world experiences across four key pillars: Independent Living, Employability & Careers, Community & Citizenship, and Health & Wellbeing.
We are committed to nurturing confident, informed young people who can thrive in a modern society—contributing meaningfully to their communities, sustaining healthy relationships, accessing employment, and managing their own health and finances. The curriculum is sequential, responsive to individual needs, and enhanced through external partnerships provide authentic learning experiences.
The curriculum is not only about knowledge acquisition but also about building resilience, confidence, and the executive functioning skills learners need to make informed decisions, advocate for themselves, and live safely and independently as adults.
IMPLEMENTATION
The Preparation for Adulthood/Independent Living curriculum is delivered through a structured, progressive programme from Year 7 to Year 13, ensuring students gain increasing independence, confidence, and competence as they mature. Learning is sequenced to build on prior knowledge, with each of the four key pillars—Independent Living, Employability & Careers, Community & Citizenship, and Health & Wellbeing—embedded throughout each stage of learning.
Lessons are taught through a combination of practical activities, real-life scenarios, enrichment opportunities, and external partnerships. Students engage in hands-on experiences such as preparing meals, budgeting, travel training, exploring housing options, writing CVs, participating in work-related learning, and understanding how to navigate healthcare and community services. These activities ensure that skills are not only taught but are actively practised and applied in meaningful contexts.
The curriculum is adapted to meet the diverse needs of learners, with personalised targets, differentiated resources, and opportunities for additional support. Staff work closely with external agencies, careers advisors, and community organisations to provide experiences that reflect real-world expectations. Planned enrichment activities—including workshops, visits, placements, and community engagement projects—further strengthen students’ readiness for adulthood.
Throughout delivery, there is a strong emphasis on communication, emotional regulation, resilience, and problem-solving, ensuring students develop the personal and social skills required for independent living. The curriculum is continually reviewed and refined to ensure it remains relevant, aspirational, and responsive to the evolving needs of our learners.
IMPACT
The impact of the Preparation for Adulthood curriculum is seen in students’ growing independence, confidence, and readiness for adult life. Pupils demonstrate increased capability in managing daily tasks such as budgeting, personal care, meal preparation, travel, communication, and decision-making. They show improved emotional resilience, greater awareness of their own needs, and the ability to seek support when required.
Through practical experiences and external partnerships, students gain a clearer understanding of employment pathways, community roles, rights and responsibilities, and health-related decision-making. Many pupils progress to further education, training, or employment opportunities with a stronger sense of purpose and self-belief.
Assessment is ongoing and holistic, recognising progress in practical skills, personal development, and independence. Feedback from pupils, families, and external partners indicates that learners leave Cloughwood Academy better prepared for adult life, equipped with the tools they need to manage themselves safely, confidently, and responsibly.
Ultimately, the curriculum ensures that students transition from school as informed, capable young adults who can contribute positively to their communities and lead fulfilling, independent lives.