Preparation for Adulthood
Preparing for Adulthood at Walton Leigh School
At Walton Leigh School, preparing our students for adulthood is a central and fully embedded part of school life. As a specialist school for students aged 11–19 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we are committed to ensuring every young person is supported to develop the skills, confidence and aspirations they need for their next stage of life.
Preparing for Adulthood is a key focus when planning students’ next steps and underpins our curriculum, practice and provision across all age groups. Our strong emphasis on developing independence informs teaching approaches and is reflected in each student’s Individual Learning Plan, ensuring personalised pathways that recognise strengths, needs and potential.
Curriculum and Skills Development
In the lower school, students begin to explore Preparing for Adulthood through their Theme and PSHE topics. Work-Related Learning is introduced appropriately to support early understanding of roles, routines and skills that promote independence and engagement with the wider world.
In the upper school, Preparing for Adulthood becomes increasingly structured and explicit. All students have timetabled Work-Related Learning/Independent Living Skills sessions. Where appropriate, students also access dedicated Preparing for Adulthood lessons covering all four key areas:
- Employment and Next Steps
- Independent Living
- Health and Wellbeing
- Community Inclusion
These sessions are carefully adapted to meet a wide range of needs and abilities, ensuring meaningful learning for every student.
Community and Work-Related Opportunities
Community access and visits are embedded within our curriculum and available to all students, enabling them to apply skills in real-life contexts and build confidence beyond the school environment. Older students are offered suitable work experience opportunities both on-site and within the local community, tailored to individual interests and capabilities.
Where appropriate, students are also supported to access college links, transition events and external opportunities that help them become familiar with post-19 pathways and expectations.
Supporting Families and Transitions
We recognise that successful transitions rely on strong partnerships with families. Parents and carers are supported throughout the transition process, with preparing for adulthood discussions forming a key part of Annual Review meetings. Families are provided with a comprehensive transition booklet containing up-to-date information about post-19 options and support services.
Students and parents are invited to attend our annual Careers and Next Steps Fair, offering the opportunity to meet a wide range of post-19 providers, including colleges, social care services and independent living providers.
Parents also have opportunities to attend dedicated transition events to share experiences and access guidance. Throughout this process, families are supported by our Home School Link Workers, Class Teachers and Senior Leadership Team, ensuring a collaborative, informed and personalised approach.
At Walton Leigh School, Preparing for Adulthood is not a single programme but a journey we share with our students and families—supporting every young person to move forward into adulthood with confidence, dignity and ambition.