Towards Independence
What is it?
Towards Independence provides a framework of activities through which personal, social and independence skills can be developed and accredited for those with severe (SLD) and profound multiple learning difficulties (PMLD).
Who is it for?
- Post-16 students (so there is a progression route from Key Stage 4)
- Students with severe (SLD), moderate (MLD) and profound multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)
Towards Independence can be undertaken at schools, colleges, residential homes, day and care centres and across local authority and private provision.
Structure
Towards Independence offers formal recognition for small steps in achievement towards a larger goal. Modules can be used separately and accumulated to build a record of personal achievements.
There are almost 50 modules to choose from, and the first of these - Starting Out - is mandatory. This module enables learners to be helped to recognise achievements and plan targets and challenges, which can then be developed through further modules.
The modules can be divided into themes (NB: Many of the modules can fit into more than one themed area).
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Creative Studies |
Creativity*; Making Pictures; Performing Arts; Photography/Multimedia; Pottery & Ceramics; Printing; Sound, Rhythm & Music* |
|
Independent Living Skills |
Everyday Living*; Independent Living; Meal Preparation & Cooking; Money; Using Transport |
|
Cultural |
The Environment; Current Affairs; Popular Culture; The World Around Us*; The Wider World |
|
Leisure/Recreation/Sport |
Physiotherapy*; Residental Experience Challenge; Sport & Leisure*; Sports Studies; Water Skills; Yogacise; Using Leisure Time |
|
Personal Development/ Citizenship/PSHE |
Knowing About Myself; Citizenship; Relationships; Multi-sensory Experiences*; Coping With People; Getting Ready To Go Out; Getting To Know A Group; Myself and Others*; Self Advocacy; Out In The Community; Recognising And Using Everyday Signs |
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Work Related |
Vocational Training/Experience; Going To College; Horticulture; Personal Safety; Practical Workshop; Using a Computer; Using ICT*; Work Awareness; World Of Work*; Time Management & Self Organisation; Animal Care (including Horse Riding and Stable Management); Business Enterprise |
* indicates modules particularly accessible for learners with PMLD.
Additionally, there is an opportunity to record students' achievements by allocating a 'P' Level/National Curriculum reference to their work, as and when this is appropriate. ASDAN has produced additional resources for recording 'P'/Milestone achivements in Literacy and Numeracy. Click here to view details on Literacy & Numeracy in Everyday Life. Levels of Support are used to show how the learner has achieved the activity. They show individual progression and differentiation between learners. These are:
- No Help
- Spoken/Signed Help
- Gestural Help
- Physical Help
- Sensory Experience
- Experience Recorded
Module Icons
Click here for the Towards Independence module icons, which you can cut and paste to use on your worksheets or documents.
Assessment
Following internal verification, centres are required to register candidates for external moderation four weeks prior to a regional Preparatory Network Moderation Meeting. The meeting provides a forum to receive information on national developments and updates, share good practice and moderate candidates' work.
Progression routes
There are opportunities for progression from Towards Independence to Workright or the Certificate in Life Skills, an approved Entry Level qualification, at Entry 1.
Training
For details of forthcoming ASDAN Preparatory Awards introductory workshops, click here.
Towards Independence module books
Click the thumbnails below for sample pages from a variety of Towards Independence modules:
FAQ
Q: How much do the ASDAN Preparatory Awards cost?
A: Click here to access the costs page, which features information about registration costs for the Preparatory Awards. Please also take into account the annual centre registration fee, if your centre is not yet registered with ASDAN.
Q: How can my centre start running the Preparatory Awards?
A: If you are not yet registered with ASDAN, your first step is to complete an Application for Centre Registration Form.
Current ASDAN centres need to ensure that the Preparatory Awards are added to their centre's registration. To do this, please complete an Additional Networks Registration Form.
Following registration, you will be able to access additional resources and guidance via the secure area of the ASDAN website.
ASDAN also provides introductory training workshops and can arrange in-house training.
Secure Area for registered centres
Once your centre is registered with ASDAN for the Preparatory Awards, you can access further information and resources via the website's Secure Area.
It contains all relevant updates, essential documents, meeting information and resources and enables you to:
- Download resources, including forms, guidance and moderation checklists
- Register your candidate numbers and names
- View updated Preparatory Network meeting dates
- Purchase materials from the online ASDAN catalogue
- Check the list of candidates registered from your centre
There is no limit to the number of people from a centre who can register for a Secure Area password. You can register for a password online, by clicking here to access the request form.