Managed moves

A managed move is the process of permanently transferring a pupil to another mainstream school. It avoids the need to go down the route of exclusion and involves minimal disruption to the pupil’s education. It can also be used for other reasons, such as school refusal or welfare issues.

Managed moves should be voluntary and agreed between schools, parents and the pupil.

Managed moves should only occur when it is in the pupil’s best interests.

The law does not allow for 'trial admissions' for managed moves. Once a pupil has been admitted to a school, they can only be removed from the admissions register in limited circumstances. Regulations prescribe these circumstances.

If a temporary move needs to occur to improve a pupil’s behaviour, then off-site direction should be used.

If a parent feels pressured into a managed move, or is unhappy with it, they can use the school's complaints procedure. They can complain to the governing board and, if needed, the local authority.

In consultation with all schools, we have produced an easy to follow process for managed moves. This process will help to facilitate the smooth transition between schools.

Identification

A pupil can be considered for a managed move if they:

• regularly experience difficulties with emotional regulation, despite a range of support, interventions and plans in place
• have had multiple suspensions within the academic year
• have ongoing attendance difficulties, despite receiving extensive support to improve attendance
• sometimes uses physical behaviours that may place themselves and others at risk
• continue to experience emotional distress or bullying, despite support and interventions
• have needs or circumstances that may present a safeguarding or safety concern

Managed move process

1. The original school meets with the pupil and their parents or carers. If a managed move is considered as an option to achieve positive outcomes, possible schools for a move are contacted.
2. A date is agreed for the pupil and parents or carers to visit the new school.
3. The pupil will have a nominated link teacher at both schools. They will remain in education at the original school until a start date at the new school is set.
4. If all parties are happy to proceed, the link teacher from the new school will arrange a planning meeting with:
   • parent and pupil
   • the link teacher from the original school
   • other relevant professionals
5. At the meeting, all parties will discuss the behaviour policy of the host school and produce a ‘Managed Move Agreement’.
6. A start date at the new school is agreed and the pupil will be registered with the new school from that date.
7. Review meetings will take place throughout the managed move.
8. If the managed move is not successful, the new school will follow the usual suspension or exclusion process where relevant. 

How you can help

You can help the process by:

• keeping in touch with the new school - you must provide 2 sets of contact details for them to use to contact you
• talking to them if there are any questions or concerns
• agreeing to work positively with the new school to resolve issues
• taking an interest in how your child is progressing and encouraging their regular attendance
• following the new school's attendance policy
• attending review meetings
• discussing the expectations of the new school with your child, including:
  • their behaviour policy
  • rules around mobile phone use
  • uniform expectations

More information

For more information, contact the Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and Inclusion Team.