Preparation for Employment and Adulthood (PEA) Statement of Intent

All young people deserve the very best preparation for adulthood from their school experience, and at Kenwood we understand how important this is for our cohort. At Kenwood we know our learners as individuals, and our personalised approach means that our young people will learn skills for employment and adulthood. These skills range from being able to live independently through to accessing an ambitious academic or vocational route beyond our setting and on to fulfilling and meaningful future employment. Kenwood students can and will change the world.

At Kenwood we make a significant curriculum commitment to PEA to best prepare our young people for adult life in modern Britain and as global citizens. PEA is not a standalone subject, but an integral component of our comprehensive Personal Development curriculum. This curriculum weaves together essential knowledge and skills through dedicated lessons in Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE), Community and Outdoors Education, and Preparation for Employment and Adulthood sessions; working collectively to nurture and empower each individual to achieve their full and unique potential.

Our PEA curriculum takes a practical, future-oriented approach, specifically designed to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need for a successful transition into adult life. We know that employment is a significant challenge for many; a 2023 Mencap report, for example, highlighted that only 5.1% of adults with a learning disability are in paid work. This stark statistic is precisely why our PEA curriculum purposefully places a strong emphasis on employment preparation.

Our young people have primary needs associated with communication and interaction as well as social, emotional and mental health complexities which result in an enhanced need for time and space to work through skills, acquire knowledge and gain practical application of skills for employment and adulthood. This curriculum will be spiraled in a way that supports their learning and builds confidence.

The four pillars of Preparation for Employment and Adulthood are:

• Health
• Independent Living
• Community Inclusion
• Employment

In PEA, students acquire substantive knowledge across Health, Independent Living, Community Inclusion, and Employment. This knowledge goes beyond memorising facts; it builds a foundational understanding that empowers young people to become discerning, embracing adults. They learn the processes needed to make informed decisions about their lives, including who to speak to, what information they need, where to find it, and how to arrive at conclusions that are right for them.

Substantive knowledge in Employment is typically sequenced from foundational awareness to practical application and ultimately, critical decision-making. For example:

• Awareness of Opportunities: Exploring the wide range of jobs available.
• Understanding Expectations: Learning fundamental workplace expectations.
• Navigating the Application Process: Knowing how to create competitive job applications.
• Mastering Communication: Developing knowledge of interview skills and professional communication.
• Strategic Planning: Knowing the travel options to a work placement to make informed commute choices.
• Contribution and Growth: Understanding the value of volunteering and community involvement.

Underpinning all this learning is disciplinary knowledge that is both unique to PEA and connected to learning across the curriculum. In PEA, disciplinary knowledge is not just about applying what has been learned; it is about developing the critical thinking and adaptable learning strategies needed to navigate an ever-changing adult world. It empowers young people to become lifelong learners who can independently acquire, evaluate, and act on new information.

This disciplinary knowledge equips students to:

• Seek and interpret guidance: Know when and how to access expert advice and support.
• Make informed decisions: Use a structured approach, weighing pros and cons.
• Problem-solve and adapt: Apply analytical thinking to real-world challenges.
• Critically evaluate information: Distinguish reliable sources and question assumptions.

For instance, learning about travel options extends to critically assessing “transport app” reliability, safety, and financial implications, to choose the best option. Similarly, students don't just learn about job applications; they actively research emerging industries and discern future qualification needs.

Our commitment to PEA ensures every young person is not only ready for adult life but is truly prepared to thrive and contribute at home, at work, and in their communities. Exceptional personalization provides a meticulous focus on each young person’s next steps, offering bespoke and responsive provision to help them get there. They will move on from Kenwood knowing how to live independently, advocate for themselves and look after their physical and mental health; ensuring future success as they progress confidently into adult life and into future education, employment or training.