Roots - Foundations for Learning

The Preparation for Adulthood (PFA) programme, developed by the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi), supports young people transitioning into adult life. PFA focuses on four areas:

• Employment
• Good health
• Independent living
• Friends, relationships, and community inclusion

Intent

The Futures curriculum aims to:

• Build confidence, skills, knowledge, and positive behaviours.
• Prepare students for life after college, whether in further education, employment, or independent living.
• Provide a nurturing environment tailored to individual ambitions and abilities.

Who is this for?

• Students with inclusion needs who require additional support.
• Learners not yet able to undertake Level 1–3 programmes due to prior attainment or other learning needs.

What does this look like?

• Four PFA principles embedded throughout the programme.
• Focus on developing knowledge, skills, behaviours, and confidence.
• Non-accredited programme assessed through RARPA to celebrate individual progress.
• Curriculum sequenced to scaffold learning across the year.
• English and Maths included at appropriate levels

Curriculum Areas

1. Life Skills

• Personal finance: bank accounts, budgeting
• Cooking, meal planning, and shopping
• Growing food
• Travel planning and navigation
• Personal hygiene and work-ready presentation
• Online safety and social media awareness
• Healthy lifestyles and managing relationships (inc british values and prevent)

2. Work Skills

• Employability skills and workplace behaviour
• Work experience opportunities (internal and external)
• Job search and application guidance
• Interview skills and mock interviews
• Planning next steps (college transition, internship, employment)

3. Communication & Customer Service

• Different communication methods
• Telephone and face-to-face communication
• Challenges in digital communication
• Peer vs. customer communication
• Teamwork and confidence-building exercises
• Customer service practice

4. Enterprise Project

• Budgeting, pricing, profit/loss calculations
• Stock management and rota organisation
• Marketing, branding, and packaging
• Engaging with the local community
• Promoting healthy treats and social responsibility

Progression from Roots

Students completing the programme can progress to:

• Aspire transitional year
• Level 1 study programmes within college
• Supported internships for work experience and employment preparation