At The Appleton Project, we understand that many of the girls we support have experienced setbacks that have shaken their confidence in education.

ASDAN helps us rebuild that confidence by providing a flexible, skills-based curriculum that recognises achievement in a meaningful and accessible way.

✅ What is ASDAN?

ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) is a nationally recognised education charity offering short courses and qualifications focused on:

Personal development

Life and work skills

Social and emotional learning

Real-world, project-based achievement

Health and physical wellbeing

There are no formal exams — instead, students build portfolios of evidence through photos, reflections, group work and practical activities.

🌱 Why We Use It

ASDAN is an ideal match for our therapeutic and relational approach. It allows us to:

Reward small, meaningful steps of progress

Offer personalised, flexible accreditation

Reinforce confidence, emotional safety and curiosity

Link learning to real-life outcomes and future pathways

Recognise physical activity as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle

It also supports EHCP targets and complements reintegration plans for learners returning to mainstream or progressing to post-16 education.

📘 Example ASDAN Programmes We Offer

Programme

What it covers

Personal Development Programme (PDP)

Communication, wellbeing, numeracy, community action

PSHE Short Course

Mental health, identity, relationships, decision-making

FoodWise

Food prep, budgeting, healthy eating, kitchen confidence

Animal Care

Welfare, routines, linked to our neighbouring farm

Enterprise

Mini-business projects, pitching, problem-solving

Sport and Fitness Short Course

Physical activity, teamwork, health benefits, setting personal goals

Learners engage in regular physical activity through:

Outdoor games and movement sessions

Yoga, walking, and mindfulness-based physical routines

PE-focused projects that can count toward ASDAN units

Every programme is adapted to individual strengths, interests and physical needs.

🎯 Outcome: Progress You Can See

Each ASDAN unit completed contributes to:

A personalised portfolio of learning

A sense of achievement and motivation

A formal certificate (where moderated) that can support EHCP reviews, school reintegration or future college applications

For many of our girls, ASDAN provides the first qualification or certificate they’ve ever received — and that can be transformative.