I make all my PPL students brief me on the vital actions for a malfunctions affecting flight safety on the takeoff run before lift off and for a engine failure or fire after liftoff. I also expect them to tell me the plan for how they are going to fly the departure.
For arrivals before we enter the airport environment/control airspace I expect them to complete a short descent and approach check which ends with an arrival brief. This brief is for the student to tell how he/she plans to maneuver to join the circuit.
I find that by the end of the PPL the student will automatically think about EFATO vital actions and have the route of flight clear in their mind on the departure and arrival. Numerous students have commented that early emphasis on this has helped them get in the habit of thinking ahead of the aircraft rather than reacting to events.