Careers & Preparation for Adulthood

At Riverside Bridge School, preparation for adulthood begins from the earliest stages of learning and develops throughout a pupil's journey through the school.

We believe that preparing for adulthood is about much more than preparing for employment. It is about supporting pupils to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and independence needed to live fulfilling, meaningful and successful adult lives.

Our approach is personalised and progressive, recognising that every pupil's aspirations, strengths and future pathways are unique. Opportunities to develop independence, make choices, solve problems, build relationships and engage with the wider community are embedded across the curriculum and wider school life.

Our provision is structured around the four nationally recognised Preparing for Adulthood outcomes, ensuring that learning remains purposeful and focused on long-term success.

Employment

Pupils are supported to develop the skills, attitudes and experiences that contribute to future employment and meaningful occupation.

From an early age, pupils begin to develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and responsibility through classroom activities, enterprise opportunities and community experiences. As pupils progress through the school, these opportunities become increasingly focused on employability skills, workplace expectations and future aspirations.

Work-related learning, enterprise activities, employer encounters and work experience help pupils develop confidence and gain an understanding of the world of work in ways that are appropriate to their individual needs and abilities.

Independent living

Developing independence is a key priority throughout school life.

Pupils are supported to develop practical life skills that increase their confidence and ability to manage everyday tasks. This may include personal care, food preparation, travel training, organisation, communication, decision-making and managing daily routines.

Learning is personalised and progressive, ensuring that pupils build independence at a pace that is appropriate for them while developing confidence in their own abilities.

Community inclusion

Being an active member of the community is an important part of adult life.

Pupils are provided with regular opportunities to access their local community, build relationships and participate in meaningful activities beyond the school environment. Through community learning, educational visits, volunteering opportunities and social experiences, pupils develop confidence in unfamiliar environments and learn how to engage positively with the wider world.

These experiences help pupils develop a sense of belonging, increase social confidence and prepare them for greater participation in adult life.

Health and well-being

Good physical and emotional well-being is essential for independence and quality of life.

Pupils are supported to develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles, emotional well-being, personal safety and self-care. Through a range of learning experiences and support strategies, pupils learn how to make informed choices, manage their wellbeing and access support when needed.

Developing resilience, emotional regulation and self-awareness helps pupils build the confidence needed to navigate the opportunities and challenges of adulthood.

A Lifelong Journey

Preparation for adulthood is not a single programme or event. It is a continuous journey that is woven throughout learning, relationships and experiences across the school.

By providing meaningful opportunities to develop independence, confidence and real-world skills, we support pupils to become active participants in their communities and prepare for successful futures beyond Riverside Bridge School.

The impact of this approach can be seen in the confidence, independence and aspirations of our pupils as they move on to the next stage of their education and adult lives.

At Riverside Bridge School, careers education is designed to help pupils develop an understanding of themselves, their strengths and the opportunities available to them in the future.

We recognise that for many pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, career development is a gradual and carefully supported process. Our careers programme is therefore personalised, accessible and developmentally appropriate, ensuring that all pupils can engage meaningfully regardless of their communication, cognitive or physical needs.

Careers education begins early and develops progressively throughout a pupil's journey through the school. As pupils mature, they are supported to explore their interests, identify their strengths and develop an understanding of the skills needed for adult life and future employment.

A Gatsby-aligned approach

Our careers programme is aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks and adapted to reflect the needs of pupils with SEND.

This ensures that careers education is embedded throughout the curriculum and provides meaningful opportunities for pupils to explore future pathways, engage with employers and develop an understanding of the world of work.

Careers learning is closely linked to our wider Preparation for Adulthood framework, helping pupils understand how their current learning connects to future opportunities.

Understanding strengths and aspirations

An important part of careers education is helping pupils develop self-awareness and confidence.

Pupils are encouraged to recognise their strengths, interests and achievements through a range of structured activities and experiences. They are supported to think about their aspirations, make informed choices and develop confidence in discussing their future goals.

This process is personalised and adapted to each pupil's level of understanding and communication.

Employer encounters and workplace awareness

Pupils have opportunities to learn about different jobs, workplaces and career pathways through encounters with employers and real-world experiences.

These opportunities may include workplace visits, employer talks, enterprise projects, careers events and community-based learning experiences. Through these activities, pupils develop an understanding of different roles, workplace expectations and the skills required in employment.

Experiences are carefully planned and supported to ensure they are meaningful, accessible and relevant.

Careers guidance

As pupils move through the school, they receive increasingly personalised careers support and guidance.

This includes opportunities to explore post-16 and post-19 pathways, discuss future aspirations and consider the options available to them after leaving Riverside Bridge School.

Guidance is tailored to individual needs and delivered in ways that support understanding, participation and informed decision-making.

Working with families

Families play a vital role in preparing young people for their future.

We work closely with parents, carers, colleges, training providers and external agencies to ensure that pupils and families have access to accurate information, guidance and support throughout transition planning.

By working together, we help ensure that pupils move confidently towards the next stage of their education, training or adult life.

Through careers education, pupils develop a greater understanding of themselves, their strengths and their future possibilities.

They become more confident in making choices, exploring aspirations and engaging with opportunities beyond school. Over time, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and self-belief needed to make successful transitions and pursue meaningful futures.

At Riverside Bridge School, work-related learning plays an important role in preparing pupils for adulthood.

We believe that pupils develop employability skills most effectively through meaningful, practical experiences. Our work-related learning programme provides opportunities for pupils to develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, responsibility and independence through real-life contexts that are relevant to their future aspirations.

Opportunities are carefully adapted to meet individual needs and are designed to build confidence progressively over time. Pupils move from supported experiences within school to increasingly independent opportunities within the wider community, enabling them to develop the skills and confidence needed for adult life.

Enterprise opportunities

Enterprise activities provide pupils with valuable opportunities to develop workplace skills in familiar and supportive environments.

Through activities such as running the school café, managing the tuck shop, supporting school events and contributing to in-school services, pupils learn about responsibility, teamwork, customer service and money management.

These experiences help pupils understand how skills learned in school can be applied in real-life situations while developing confidence and independence.

Developing employability skills

Work-related learning is embedded across the curriculum and supports the development of key employability skills.

Pupils are encouraged to develop communication, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving, resilience and independence through a wide range of practical activities and experiences.

Learning is personalised and adapted to ensure that all pupils can participate meaningfully and experience success.

Employer encounters and workplace experiences

Pupils have opportunities to engage with employers and workplace environments through a range of carefully planned experiences.

These may include visits to local businesses, employer presentations, careers events, workplace tours and community-based learning opportunities. Such experiences help pupils develop an understanding of different jobs, workplace expectations and potential future pathways.

As pupils become more confident, they are encouraged to take increasing responsibility and engage more independently within these experiences.

Work experience

Pupils in Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form have opportunities to participate in meaningful work experience.

Placements may include supported roles within school, enterprise-based activities, community placements and external work experience where appropriate. Experiences are carefully matched to pupils' strengths, interests and future aspirations.

Work experience enables pupils to apply their skills in real-life settings, build confidence in unfamiliar environments and develop a greater understanding of the world of work.

Building confidence for the future

Work-related learning is about much more than employment. It helps pupils develop confidence, independence and an understanding of their own strengths and abilities.

Through a range of practical experiences, pupils learn how to communicate effectively, work with others, solve problems and take responsibility for their actions. These skills support successful transitions into further education, training, employment and adult life.

Through work-related learning and enterprise, pupils develop valuable skills that prepare them for adulthood and future employment opportunities.

They become more confident in new environments, develop greater independence and gain a clearer understanding of the expectations and responsibilities associated with work. Over time, these experiences help pupils develop aspirations, build self-belief and prepare successfully for their next stage of education, training or employment.

At Riverside Bridge School, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil moves successfully into their next stage of education, training or adult life.

Preparing for transition is an important part of our Preparation for Adulthood approach. We recognise that moving on from school can be an exciting but significant step for pupils and families, and we work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that transitions are carefully planned, personalised and well supported.

Our aim is for every young person to leave Riverside Bridge School with the confidence, skills and support needed to access meaningful post-school opportunities and continue their personal development journey.

Planning for successful transitions

Transition planning begins well before pupils leave school and is closely linked to each pupil's aspirations, strengths and long-term outcomes.

Pupils, families, school staff, colleges, training providers and external professionals work together to identify appropriate next steps and ensure that support is in place for a successful transition.

This process includes visits to new settings, transition meetings, personalised planning and opportunities for pupils to develop familiarity with future environments.

Qualifications and accreditation

Throughout their time at Riverside Bridge School, pupils work towards a range of qualifications and accreditation pathways that recognise their achievements and support future progression.

These may include OCR Life and Living Skills, the AQA Unit Award Scheme and other personalised accreditation opportunities that reflect individual strengths and aspirations.

Qualifications provide meaningful recognition of achievement while helping pupils build confidence and prepare for future education, training and employment opportunities.

Positive destinations

We are proud of the destinations achieved by our pupils and the success they experience beyond Riverside Bridge School.

Pupils move on to a variety of pathways, including further education colleges, specialist post-16 provision, supported learning programmes and our own Sixth Form provision. These destinations reflect the diverse needs, strengths and aspirations of our learners.

Our focus is not simply on securing a destination, but on ensuring that each pupil moves into a pathway that is appropriate, sustainable and supports their long-term development.

Working with families and professionals

Strong partnerships are central to successful outcomes.

We work closely with families, local authorities, colleges, training providers and external agencies to ensure that pupils receive the guidance, support and opportunities needed to make informed choices about their future.

This collaborative approach helps families feel confident about transition planning and ensures that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their journey.

The success of our Preparation for Adulthood programme can be seen in the positive destinations achieved by our pupils and the confidence with which they move into new environments.

Through personalised support, meaningful experiences and carefully planned transitions, pupils leave Riverside Bridge School with greater independence, stronger communication skills, increased confidence and a clearer understanding of their future pathways.

Our goal is for every young person to move forward with the skills, aspirations and support needed to thrive in adult life.

Destination data & leavers' outcomes

This section provides information about the destinations secured by pupils leaving Riverside Bridge School, including progression to further education colleges, specialist post-16 settings, supported learning programmes and our Sixth Form provision.