Preparation for Adulthood (PfA)
At Oaktree, we are committed to ensuring our students do more than just complete their education; we prepare them to thrive in the "big wide world." Our Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) Framework is a robust, four-stage developmental programme designed to bridge the gap between education and independent living.
For more information about PfA, please contact one of the PfA leads;
Ryan Dickson Life & Independence Lead; rdickson@oaktreeeducation.co.uk
Melissa Beeks Heath, Relationships & Community Lead; mbeeks@@oaktreeeducation.co.uk
Daniel Young Work & Enterprise Lead; dyoung@oaktreeeducation.co.uk
Students with complex needs often develop a negative sense of self and struggle to see themselves living successful, fulfilled lives where they contribute positively to their community. Our framework aims to allow students to be taught skills that they need in adulthood, practice them in a safe, non-judgemental environment and then finally to use them in real world situations to develop real confidence and independence.
By focusing on measurable micro-skills, we empower students to move from emerging abilities to mastering complex life tasks, ensuring they leave us with the confidence and competence to navigate adulthood.
Our Four Key Strands of Development
Our curriculum is built around four essential pillars that cover every aspect of a fulfilling, independent life:
Life & Independence Skills: Students master the essentials of daily living, including home management, nutrition, financial literacy, independent travel and navigation.
Health, Relationships & Community: We prioritise emotional regulation, resilience and self-advocacy. Students learn to build healthy boundaries and contribute meaningfully to their local communities.
Work & Enterprise: This strand develops professional standards, teamwork and problem-solving. Through enterprise projects and career exploration, students build a clear work identity. Creating the resilience and adaptability required for the modern workplace.
My Future Pathway: We shift the power to the student, teaching them how to set long-term goals, understand their adult rights and lead their own transition reviews.
The Oaktree Journey: From Support to Mastery
We use a sophisticated assessment model to track progress and ensure no student is left behind:
Emerging: Building foundations through consistent modelling and adult support.
Developing: Increasing confidence with structured prompts and guided practice.
Secure: Achieving independence and consistency in familiar environments.
Mastering: Generalising skills to new, complex contexts and supporting peers.
Why the PfA Framework Works
The Oaktree PfA programme is more than a curriculum, it is a roadmap to autonomy. By breaking down complex life goals into achievable micro-skills, we provide:
For Students: A sense of tangible achievement and the tools to handle real-world challenges like budgeting, travelling and workplace conflict.
For Parents/Care givers: Peace of mind that their child is developing the practical safety and independence skills needed for life away from home.
For External Organisations & Ofsted: A transparent, evidence-based framework that demonstrates a rigorous commitment to high-quality outcomes and long-term student success.
Our goal is simple: to ensure every Oaktree student graduates with the skills to lead a life of choice, opportunity and independence.