What is Preparation for Adulthood (PfA)?

At Fox Hollies School, Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) is at the heart of our Post-16 curriculum. It supports students to develop the skills, confidence and experiences they need for life beyond school.

PfA focuses on four key areas:

• Employment and Lifelong Learning

• Independent Living

• Community Inclusion

• Health and Wellbeing

Rather than being taught as a separate subject, PfA is embedded across all learning. Students develop these skills through:

• real-life, project-based learning

• roles and responsibilities within school

• enterprise activities and practical tasks

• regular use of the local community

• shared experiences with peers

This ensures that learning is meaningful, practical and transferable.

All students work towards Preparing for Adulthood outcomes, but this looks different depending on individual needs.

• In the semi-formal pathway, (pathways 2 and 3) students develop increasing independence and apply skills across real-life contexts.

• In the informal pathway, (pathway 1) students build skills through sensory engagement, routines and supported participation, with a focus on communication, engagement and early independence.

We recognise that students will move on to different adult pathways. For some, this may include further education or employment. For others, the focus is on meaningful activity, independence and participation in everyday life.

Referenced from Transitions and Preparing for Adulthood - Local Offer Birmingham