🌍 Independence Pathway

Preparing for Adulthood, Life & Community

Flexible, accredited life skills learning for young people preparing for adulthood and independence.

Because independence looks different for everyone.

The Independence Pathway helps young people develop the practical life skills, confidence, and community connections they need for adulthood.

It’s designed for learners who are ready to focus on real-world progress — from self-care and budgeting to travel, social inclusion, and future planning.

Our approach recognises that independence doesn’t happen all at once.

It’s a gradual process built through trust, mentoring, and experiential learning — helping each young person take ownership of their next steps at a pace that feels safe and achievable.

Many learners progress into the Independence Pathway after completing our Future or Creative programmes, continuing their journey toward confidence, capability, and adult life.

💬 Who It’s For

This pathway supports young people aged 14–25 who:

  • Are preparing for adulthood, employment, or further education
  • Need structured, supported learning around life skills and independence
  • Are on EOTAS or Alternative Provision packages
  • Have SEND, PDA, ADHD, autism, or anxiety-related needs
  • Benefit from relational, trauma-informed education in safe environments

The Independence Pathway is flexible, person-centred, and emotionally safe — designed for learners ready to grow beyond education into empowered, everyday life.

🧩 What We Offer

Learning is accredited through ASDAN Personal and Social Development (PSD) and Lifeskills Challenge modules, covering a range of Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) areas, including:

  • Independent living and daily routines
  • Personal safety, wellbeing, and healthy choices
  • Travel training and navigation
  • Managing money and budgeting
  • Community engagement and volunteering
  • Communication and problem-solving
  • Preparing for college, training, or work

All ASDAN qualifications are Ofqual-recognised, giving learners tangible evidence of their growth and practical readiness for adulthood.

🌿 How It Works

    • Individualised learning plans aligned with EHCP outcomes or personal goals
    • Delivery through 1:1 sessions, community projects, and experiential learning
    • Supported by mentors trained in neurodiversity, trauma-informed practice, and life coaching
    • Opportunities to link with Future and Creative Pathways for work-related or enterprise skills
    • Regular progress reviews with families and professionals

    Sessions take place in community settings or online — wherever learning feels real, accessible, and relevant.

💖 Trauma-Informed Independence

We understand that independence can feel overwhelming, especially for learners who’ve experienced anxiety, trauma, or high support needs.

Our mentors use a trauma-informed and co-regulated approach, helping young people develop autonomy while maintaining emotional safety.

Progress is paced to the individual — balancing challenge with trust, and responsibility with reassurance.

🧠 Our Approach

The Independence Pathway follows the national Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) framework — ensuring alignment with SEND and EHCP outcomes.

It’s built around four key developmental areas:

1️⃣ Employment & Further Learning

Exploring work readiness, transferable skills, and pathways to further education.

2️⃣ Independent Living

Building practical routines, budgeting, home management, and problem-solving.

3️⃣ Community Inclusion

Encouraging social participation, volunteering, and positive citizenship.

4️⃣ Health & Wellbeing

Supporting physical and emotional wellbeing, personal safety, and self-care.

This structure gives learners meaningful, measurable progress while nurturing the confidence and independence needed for adult life.

💡 Why It Matters

For many young people with SEND or complex needs, adulthood can feel uncertain and unsupported.

The Independence Pathway provides clarity, consistency, and encouragement — showing that independence isn’t about doing everything alone, but about developing the confidence and tools to manage life on your own terms.

Through trusted mentoring, community learning, and small, achievable milestones, we help learners move from dependence to direction — and from uncertainty to empowerment.

🌈 Outcomes

  • Learners completing the Independence Pathway will:

    • Achieve accredited ASDAN PSD or Life skills Challenge qualifications
    • Build practical daily living and budgeting skills
    • Strengthen communication, decision-making, and social confidence
    • Develop independence and community engagement
    • Prepare successfully for adulthood, employment, or further learning

✉️ Get in Touch


If you support a young person who’s ready to prepare for independence — at their own pace and in a supportive, trauma-informed way — the Independence Pathway can help them take their next step.


Because independence isn’t about doing it alone — it’s about believing you can.

Contact Us