Supporting Regulation, Engagement, and Independence

Our SEND provision is underpinned by the G.A.I.N. framework, ensuring that every learner receives the right support at the right time.

Ground
We prioritise emotional regulation, safety, and trust. Learners are supported through consistent routines, sensory-informed practice, and nurturing relationships that help them feel secure and ready to engage.

Awaken
Once learners feel grounded, we gently re-awaken curiosity and engagement through personalised activities, flexible learning approaches, and positive reinforcement tailored to individual needs.

Ignite
Learners are supported to recognise their strengths and interests. Confidence is built through achievable goals, vocational tasters, and meaningful success that motivates continued progress.

Navigate
We support learners to take steps towards independence, progression, and transition, whether that is into further education, supported employment, or adult services, in line with EHCP outcomes.

At Empowering Futures, we use ASDAN’s wide range of programmes to support learners of all ages and abilities. We ensure that every learner completes a baseline test when joining us so that we can set realistic goals, track progress, and provide the right level of support.

All sessions are delivered in a way that is personalised to learner interests and embedded with Maths, English and Digital Skills, so students don’t fall behind in their current school curriculum while benefiting from additional vocational and personal development opportunities.

(starting from age 7+ depending on programme)

ASDAN offers a suite of flexible qualifications and programmes that are highly effective for SEND learners.

• My Independence (ages 7–25+)
   
  • Exploring Aspirations (11–14)
     
  • Transforming Aspirations (14–16)
     
  • Realising Aspirations (14+)
     
  • Supporting Aspirations (for PMLD, any age)
     
• Preparing for Adulthood Programmes (ages 7–25)
   
  • Focus on employment, independent living, good health, friendships and community participation.
     
• Lifeskills Challenge (ages 7+, no upper age limit)
   
  • Flexible, bite-size challenges in PSHE, community, independence, work-related learning and sport.
     
• Personal Progress (Entry 1; ages 14–25+)
   
  • A nationally recognised qualification for learners with SEND to develop essential independence and communication skills.
     
• Personal and Social Development (PSD) (Entry 1–Level 2; ages 14–25+)
   
  • Builds confidence, self-management, teamwork, and community involvement.
     
• Employability (Entry 2–Level 2; ages 14–25+)
   
  • Supports the development of practical skills needed for the workplace.
     
• Personal Development Programmes (PDP) Bronze/Silver/Gold (ages 13+)
   
  • Practical challenges across 12 modules, adapted to individual SEND needs.
     
• Award/Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (AoPE/CoPE) (Levels 1–3; ages 14+)
   
  • Builds resilience, problem-solving, teamwork and self-management. Level 3 carries UCAS points.
     
• Other SEND-focused pathways (ages 7–25+):
   
  • New Horizons (KS2–KS3; 9–13)
     
  • Transition Challenge (KS4; 14–16)
     
  • Towards Independence (14–25+)
     
  • Workright (14–25+)
     
  • Raising Aspirations (pre-16)