A guiding principle of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is that it is “achievable by all”. Our programme guidance and rules must therefore be inclusive and flexible from the outset, while also maintaining consistency of experience and an appropriate level of challenge for all participants.
The way programmes are planned, delivered and undertaken can, and should, be adapted to suit participants’ individual circumstances and needs.
For example, a young person with additional needs may require more time or flexibility, additional support or prior training to complete their residential.
Though programmes are developed on an individual basis, the Residential section requires participants to work as a team, often with people they don’t know, which can be daunting.
Our Residential Requirements allow for participants, DofE Leaders, parents and carers to work together to decide what is appropriate for each young person. The conversation with them should focus on the required outcomes of the section, and how they can best be achieved. Best practice always requires flexibility and the potential to make reasonable adjustments based on young people’s individual needs.
