Managed moves - information for schools

Managed move process

A managed move is a formal transfer of a child from one school to another. It can only happen when both schools, the child, and their parent or carer agree to the move. It is used to help individual children to remain in school and complete their education.

Current government guidance states that parents should never feel pressured into removing their child from a school under threat of permanent exclusion.

Timing of a managed move set up

A managed move could be set up if a pupil has been identified as being at risk of exclusion or has significant attendance issues that are affecting their access to education.

The school will already have tried other strategies to support the pupil, but the risk of exclusion or disaffection remains.

Parties involved in setting up a managed move

The managed move is arranged by the head teachers of both schools. If both schools agree, a meeting is set up at the proposed school with the senior staff from both schools, the child and the parent or carer. Wherever possible, the meeting should be held within the normal school working day.

Parents are crucial to the success of a managed move and school staff  should arrange a time when they can attend the meetings.

Child attendance at meetings

Parents should agree with school staff whether their child should be present for the whole meeting or join in when appropriate. Generally, children at secondary schools attend the whole meeting.

Aim of the first meeting

A managed move cannot be arranged if the home school make it clear the child cannot return if the move is unsuccessful.

At the initial meeting, everyone will consider the positive points and main concerns. Everyone present will have the opportunity to have their say and will be expected to offer some positive contribution to the managed move.

For any move to be successful, the pupil will need to commit to meeting key behaviour and/or attendance targets. Everyone will sign the managed move agreement which outlines what is to be done, by whom and when.

Any transport requirements are the responsibility of the home school and the parent.

Length of time for the managed move

A managed move can run for up to 12 weeks. The meeting can decide on how long they think is appropriate to allow your child the opportunity to settle into the new school and show progress.

A formal review is held at around the halfway point with a final review at the end. During this time the pupil will remain jointly registered with both schools.

Child's progress

A member of the school staff will normally meet the pupil regularly to review their progress. This will allow them to talk about the positives and how to continue to be successful.

The key people who attended the original meeting will be invited to both midterm and final reviews to discuss the pupil’s progress.

Any concerns about the placement, the support and any new strategies implemented will also be discussed. Following the final review, if the managed move has been successful, the pupil will transfer to the new school permanently.

If a managed move is not successful

The head teacher of the new school can terminate the move at any time if the move is not working. For example, due to a serious breach of school policy or persistent failure to meet targets set.

The pupil would then normally return to their home school. Details of what will happen if the managed move fails will be agreed upon at the initial meeting.

Last updated 22 May 2024