Off site direction and managed moves
Off site direction and managed moves
Off site direction can be used as a temporary move to improve a pupil’s behaviour, or as part of a time limited placement at another mainstream school with the intention that it will lead to a managed move. (as described in paragraphs 35 to 46 suspension and permanent exclusion from maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units in England, including pupil movement)
A managed move is a carefully planned transfer of a child from one school to another, and is often used as an alternative to permanent exclusion.
These may be suggested if other approaches to improve your child’s behaviour have failed and the school believes a fresh start elsewhere might work.
Off site direction and managed moves require the full knowledge and agreement of all parties involved, including:
- parents or carers
- the pupil
- the home school
- the receiving school
Headteachers must follow our formal procedure to make sure that negotiations between all parties can be fully supported by the local authority.
When a managed move is appropriate
Consideration for off site direction or a managed move must form an important part of your child's behaviour intervention plan, pastoral support plan or equivalent document, and be in their best interest.
Off site direction or a managed move should:
• be considered as a supportive strategy and not a sanction
• begin before the pupil reaches the point of being permanently excluded
• be used as an intervention strategy to give an opportunity for a fresh start
• stop repeated challenging behaviour which would have otherwise led to suspension
Schools who are unsure if off site direction or a managed move is an appropriate strategy to use can contact us for further advice and support. Parents or carers should discuss this in the first instance with their child’s school.
