Managed moves

This page explains the circumstances in which a school can agree with a pupil and their parents/carers for the pupil to move schools. It explains what this will involve and what might be included in a managed move agreement. 

What is a managed move?

A managed move is used to initiate a process that leads to the permanent transfer of a pupil to another mainstream school. Managed moves should be voluntary and agreed upon with all parties involved, including the parents and the admission authority of the new school. If a temporary move needs to occur to improve a pupil’s behaviour, then offsite direction should be used.

Managed moves are frequently used as an alternative to permanent exclusion; as a result, no exclusion is formally recorded on the pupil's education record.

A managed move is different to the power of a school to direct a pupil off-site for the improvement of their behaviour. This is a particular power given to maintained schools under Section 29(3) Education Act 2002 and is strictly time-limited. It is important that you clarify with the school the legal basis under which they are proposing that a child is sent to another premises for their education.

A managed move can only be with the consent of all of those involved, whereas direction off-site under Section 29(3) can be done without the consent of the parents.

What is the process for deciding a managed move?

There is no statutory scheme governing their use, and there is limited guidance on how the process should work. However, best practice suggests that there should be a number of clear stages, as detailed below:

1. The school appoints a facilitator to oversee a managed move agreement.
2. The headteacher informs parents or carers in writing of the situation and proposal for a managed move.
3. The facilitator and headteacher discuss options and alternatives for the pupil involved.
4. The facilitator contacts other schools or Pupil Referral Units which might be suitable and parents can input into this process.
5. The facilitator holds a home visit with parents and carers to explain the situation and options.
6. The school hosts a managed move meeting. This should be attended by a representative of the school, the pupil and his or her family, any member of the school harmed by the pupil’s behaviour and the facilitator responsible for the move.
7. The managed move agreement should be drawn up and agreed to by all parties.

The school exclusion guidance does include a section on managed moves in paragraphs 48-52. . 

What might be included in a managed move agreement?

The managed move agreement should include:

• key information such as when it will begin, where it will be and what the next steps will be;
• an adjusted individual education plan for the pupil;
• the named person responsible for implementing the agreement;
• incentives and goals for achievements under the agreement.

What are the advantages to a managed move?

There may be the following advantages to agreeing to a managed move:

• A managed move may be a viable alternative to a permanent exclusion because the focus is on a fresh start for the pupil and providing support and services to the pupil in their new educational placement or programme.
• A managed move can ensure a transition with minimal disruption to a child’s education and without the need to go down the appeals route against a permanent exclusion.

It is important that parents and pupils are fully informed before consenting to a managed move.

Pressured to accept a managed move

If a parent believes that they are being pressured into a managed move or is unhappy with a managed move, they can take up the issue through the school’s formal complaints procedure with the governing board and, where appropriate, the local authority. Ofsted will consider any evidence found of a parent being pressured into a managed move that has resulted in off-rolling and is likely to judge a school as inadequate on the basis of such evidence.