Managed moves and directing pupils off site to improve behaviour

Last reviewed on 7 September 2021
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 6896

Pupils with challenging behaviour can be temporarily directed off site, or part of a 'managed move' to another school. Understand the procedures for each option, and find out about the best way to deal with failed managed moves and non-attendance at alternative provision settings.

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Contents

  1. Power to arrange off-site provision
  2. Directing pupils off site
  3. Managed moves
  4. If a managed move fails
  5. If the pupil doesn't attend the alternative provision setting

Power to arrange off-site provision

Maintained schools

You have the power to:

  • Direct a pupil off-site temporarily for education to improve their behaviour, or
  • Transfer to another school as a part of a permanent 'managed move' if all parties, including parents and the admission authority for the new school, consent

You must never use the threat of exclusion to influence parents to remove their child from your school.

This is outlined in paragraph 15 of the DfE's statutory guidance on exclusions.

Academies

You can arrange off-site provision for similar purposes under your general powers set out in your articles of association. 

The regulations and guidance around managed moves don't necessarily apply to academies. Check your articles of association to find out if they do apply to your school. If they don't, you can use the information below as a guide. 

Directing pupils off

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Also in 'Exclusions'