We work alongside local authorities and integrated care boards to transform outcomes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Drawing on the legacy and learning of the national Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) programme, we offer tailored support that builds capacity, strengthens partnerships, and centres the voices of young people and families.
Background
The Department for Education commissioned NDTi in 2012, to work with Pathfinder sites to trial some of the proposals contained in the 2011 Green Paper, Support and Aspiration.
Following the publication of the Children and Families Act 2014, the Department for Education commissioned NDTi to lead the delivery of the national Preparing for Adulthood programme. Since 2022 the programme has been delivered as part of the Department for Education’s RISE programme.
Many of the resources developed during the course of the programme are featured on this page.
What we offer
We understand that every area is different. That’s why our support is always bespoke and codesigned with you to meet your priorities and challenges.
Our offer includes:
- Needs analysis: In-depth exploration of local data, lived experience, and system dynamics to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities.
- Evaluation (including peer evaluation): Independent and peer-led evaluations to understand what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve.
- Research (including peer research): Evidence-informed insights, including participatory research led by young people and families.
- Training, coaching and mentoring: Capacity-building for professionals, leaders, and community partners, from foundational knowledge to strategic leadership.
- Coproduction with young people and parents: We create safe, inclusive spaces that challenge power imbalances and ensure young people and families are equal partners in shaping services.
- Redesigning systems and leading change: Support to reimagine and reconfigure services, pathways, and governance, always with a focus on inclusion, equality, and outcomes.
- Communities of practice: We help you establish and sustain vibrant learning networks that drive innovation and shared accountability.
Why work with us?
Deep expertise in SEND and transitions
A track record in national and local impact
A commitment to person centred, rights based approaches
Tools, resources, and learning from the original PfA programme
Let's talk
Let’s work together to raise aspirations, improve life chances, and build systems that truly work for young people.
We believe the best work starts with a conversation and we’d love to talk.
Featured resources
SEND reform: A chance to build belonging, voice and better futures
Our response to SEND reforms
Tools and resources
Preparing for Adulthood: Case studies and stories
Paratoi Bod Yn Oedolyn: Adnoddau Cymraeg
Preparing for Adulthood: Event resources
Preparing for Adulthood: Local offer
Preparing for Adulthood: EHC planning
Preparing for Adulthood: Friends, relationships and community
Preparing for Adulthood: Independent living
Preparing for Adulthood: Employment resources
Preparing for Adulthood: Person-centred planning tools
The four PfA pathways
The Preparing for Adulthood programme was designed to bring together a wide range of expertise and experience of working with young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.
Working at a local and national level, and across government, the programme emphasizes joined-up planning across education, health and social care.
Preparing for Adulthood focuses on four key outcomes:
- Employment
- Independent living
- Community inclusion
- Health
The PfA objectives
- Personalise your approach: Develop a personalised approach to all aspects of support using person centred practices, personal budgets and building communities.
- Develop a shared vision of improving life chances with young people, families and all key partners.
- Improve post-16 options and support: Develop post-16 options and support that lead to employment, independent living, good health, friends, relationships and community inclusion.
- Raise aspirations: Raise aspirations for a fulfilling adult life, by sharing clear information about what has already worked for others.