Effective managed moves

The Department for Education supports the use of Managed Moves, ‘used to initiate a process which leads to the transfer of a pupil to another mainstream school permanently’ (September 2022). Essentially, giving a pupil the opportunity of a fresh start in a new placement. Managed Moves should be voluntary; therefore, parents have the right to decline this offer if presented to them for their child. Each pupil’s circumstances can be unique, but if it is felt to be in their best interest, this process can be a useful strategy allowing a pupil to transfer to a new personalised plan in a positive way. Managed Moves are most effective when they are supported and pupil centred. A carefully planned Managed Move can break a repetitive cycle of suspensions.

A Managed Move initiated following a successful period of off-site direction at the same school is viewed as being good practice. 

N.B. A Managed Move should not be confused with an ‘off-site direction’ - a temporary move to improve behaviour, or a suspension which is facilitated at another school.

The Managed Move process allows for further understanding of the needs of a pupil. It gives school and services an opportunity to respond positively; it is designed to bring all parties together to find a solution.

Managed Moves should be flexible to maximise the prospect of success. Full agreement and cooperation of schools, parents, and pupils is essential, if the move is to be effective. All parties must act in accordance with the Schools Admissions Code (DfE 2021) and have regard for admissions policies and procedures issued by the relevant Admissions Authority.

Unlike suspension, the Managed Move process is based on a voluntary agreement between:

• The pupil and relevant adults with parental responsibility. For a looked after child, discussion must include the Social Worker and Virtual School Head.
• A representative from the school the pupil currently attends (the home school).
• A coordinator delegated to oversee Managed Move planning, preparation, and reviews at the receiving school.
• For a pupil with an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHC plan) - The Local Authority (LA) EHC plan Assessment Team (EHCAT) should also be involved.
  1. Other relevant parties such as an LA Exclusions officer, Early Help Worker, or an advocate to represent the voice of the pupil may be included in the discussion and planning.
  2. School Governing Boards should be informed of any Managed Moves arranged in line with their responsibilities to track pupil movement as stated in the Suspension and Permanent Exclusion Guidance 2022.“106. Governing boards should already be challenging and evaluating what their school’s data is telling them about their school or academy trust. Boards should carefully consider the level of pupil moves and the characteristics of pupils who are moving on any permanent exclusions to ensure the sanction is only used, when necessary, as a last resort.
     1.  107. Governing boards should review suspensions and permanent exclusions, those taken off roll and those on roll but attending education off-site. It is important to consider both the cost implications of directing children to be educated off-site in AP and whether there are any patterns to the reasons or timing of moves. For example, if high numbers of children with SEND are moving, the school, academy or trust may wish to consider reviewing its SEN support”
  3. The Managed Move process can be used to reintegrate pupils from alternative education back into mainstream.
  4. DfE Suspension and permanent exclusion Guidance (September 22) also includes pupil movement, summarising when it is and is not appropriate for pupils to leave a school and when to remove a pupil from the school register. Schools are strongly advised to take this into account by developing secure processes for Managed Moves.