Our Pathways and the Preparation for Adulthood Framework

Our pathways are fully mapped to the Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) framework (Preparing for Adulthood | NDTi), supporting what young people told us they value for adult life:

• Employment and purposeful activity
• Independent living and autonomy
• Good health, wellbeing and resilience
• Friends, family and community connections
• Accessing the community with confidence

Across all pathways, students take part in enrichment, sport, community participation and learning outside the classroom. Learners practise independent travel, develop social skills and widen their world through local and regional experiences. Trips, visits and a residential allow students to explore new environments, push themselves safely beyond their comfort zones and develop lifelong confidence.

All Bloom pathways offer a curriculum delivered over a maximum of four days per week, supporting balance, rest, health and well-being.

Our programmes aim to help students

• build self-awareness and self-management using informed and empowered choice
• develop employability, vocational understanding and workplace confidence
• become active, valued citizens within their communities
• progress their communication, emotional regulation and social interaction
• develop independent living skills and make informed decisions about healthy lifestyles
• strengthen functional English and maths

Bloom is delivered at both Hillsborough and Peaks Campuses, each providing safe, supportive and aspirational spaces for learning and growth.

 

Our pathways

Independent Living

The pathway to Independent Living supports young people (from Entry 1 level) to develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive in adult life. This pathway provides meaningful, practical and personalised learning opportunities that reflect each individual’s aspirations and future goals. 

Learners will build their independence through developing skills in self-care, daily living, communication, confidence and decision making. Learning takes place in supportive and authentic environments, enabling individuals to practise and apply their skills in everyday life. 

The aim is to empower every learner to grow in confidence, make choices, build positive relationships, and take increasing ownership of their own lives, supporting them to achieve their aspirations for the future. 

Topics may include:

• basic cooking and nutrition
• health, wellbeing and self-care routines
• travel and road safety
• household shopping and money skills
• developing social awareness and relationships
• café work, enterprise or sustainability projects

 

Future Choices

Future Choices courses are aimed at learners working at pre-entry to entry 1 level. They are designed to provide a highly supportive, personalised pathway that helps individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities develop the confidence, skills and independence needed for adult life.   

The course focuses on learners as an individual, recognising their unique strengths, interests and starting points. At the heart of the programme is individualised learning.  Learners follow tailored learning plans that reflect their needs, communication styles, and personal aspirations.  Staff use a range of approaches - such as visuals support, sensory activities, repetition and practical experiences to ensure learning is accessible and meaningful. 

Progress is measured in small achievable steps, celebrating every success to build confidence and motivation. 

Topics may include:

• communication development
• “All About Me” and personal identity
• rights and responsibilities – “Everybody Matters”
• encountering new experiences and being part of things
• engaging with people, places and events

 

Supported Workskills

The Pathway to Supported Workskills is a specialized program crafted for individuals eager to develop the practical skills and confidence needed for adult life and the workplace. 

This pathway is the perfect starting point for those who aspire to work but aren't quite ready to jump into a formal work placement just yet.  We prioritize the "soft" and "hard" skills that employers value most, bridging the gap between education and employment.  We seek work placement opportunities following the first year of study to enable students to discover what they enjoy, what they are good at and what types of work might suit them. 

The skills for work are introduced at Entry Level and gradually increase in complexity. The goal is to move from "supported" tasks to "semi-independent" tasks over the course duration. 

Topics may include:

• preparing for work and understanding workplace expectations
• teamwork and collaboration
• interview and application skills
• independent travel
• career awareness and choice-making
• café work, enterprise or sustainability projects

 

Supported Internships

Our Supported Internship programme is designed to help our young people develop the skills, confidence and experience they need to move successfully into paid employment.  Combining workplace learning, personalised support and employability development, the programme enables learners to discover their strengths, explore their career aspirations, and gain valuable experience in a real working environment. 

Working closely with employers and specialist staff, learners develop practical workplace skills, communication, confidence, independence, and an understanding of professional expectations. 

 Each internship is tailored to the individual, with the right level of support to help them become increasingly confident and independent at work. 

Our ultimate aim is to open pathways to sustainable paid employment, empowering young people to recognise their potential, contribute to the workplace, and build a fulfilling adult life.