Preparation for Adulthood
Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) is a support framework for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It helps pupils to develop their future goals and aspirations for adult life, whilst ensuring the right provision is in place from health and social care perspectives.
The framework focuses on four key areas: employment, independent living, community inclusion, and health and wellbeing. At Chiltern Wood School, we believe that good practice for Preparation for Adulthood starts from the moment pupils join our school. Through personalised planning and goal-setting, we provide our children and young people with meaningful opportunities and experiences to build their skills and prepare for life after school. This approach is embedded throughout our curriculum and school life, ensuring every pupil receives the support they need to achieve their goals and succeed in adulthood.
Our preparation for adulthood leaders are Sarai Luque Talavera and Hannah Goldsmith. If you would like to contact them to learn more, please contact the school office.
E: office@chilternwood.bucks.sch.uk
T: 01494 532621
Parent feedback
“Your dedication to understanding his needs and helping him thrive means more to our family than words can fully express. We’ve noticed how excited he is to go to school each day and how much progress he’s made with toileting. You always go above with taking the kids to Tesco and cookery.”
Parent Survey 2025
“This is an excellent school and provides the support and help that each child needs. It has a good balance of outdoor experience and day to day requirements.”
Parent Survey 2025
“Chiltern wood school is the great place for children with special needs ❤️.”
Parent Survey 2025
The Four Pillars
The four areas of PfA are:
Education and Employment – exploring options like college, supported living, employment
Independent living – planning for housing, choice and control over their lives including supported living
Participation in society - friendships, relationships and community
Good health – ensuring they maintain good physical and mental health as adults
Annual Reviews
At Chiltern Wood all pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Each pupil has an Annual Review which is held every year, there are two Annual Reviews for those pupils under the age of five. These meetings actively monitor the child/young person’s progress over the course of the year and considers the progress made to the long-term outcomes. During these meetings updates are given by all those involved with the pupil’s care and the pupil voice is shared. Reviews should be person-centred and consider what has been successful for the individual, what is important to the young person and what is important for the young person as they progress towards adult life. From Year 9, Annual Review meetings must focus on preparing for adulthood and should consider how best to support students to:
Discuss suitable post-16 pathways that lead to potential outcomes for further education, training or employment
Prepare for independent living, including exploring decisions young people want to make for themselves e.g. where they want to live
Maintain good health and wellbeing in adulthood
Develop independent travel skills to enable independence
Participate and maintain relationships in the community – including support on activities in the community
Annual Review discussion topics
Useful Links
Contact - The charity for families with disabled children
