Managed moves - Changes to procedures

As part of our Local First Inclusion programme, we want to support mainstream schools to be as inclusive as possible. A key element is to prevent exclusion and to support children and young people to learn in their local communities near to their homes and families, and alongside their peers. Managed Moves are a key strategy to support this aim.  

Updated guidance  

Due to changes made to Department for Education guidance, Norfolk County Council has updated processes around Managed Moves.  

Prior to the beginning of academic year 2024/25, Managed Moves in Norfolk were formally preceded by a period of dual registration between two schools. This entire period was referred to as a Managed Move. The changes in the DfE guidance, mean that the term Managed Move can now only signify the permanent move of a child to single roll. However, a Managed Move can be preceded by a period of offsite direction, usually lasting up to eight weeks. The aim of this off-site direction is to improve behaviour and must include regular reviews.  If it is in the best interests of the child or young person to move permanently onto the roll of the receiving school, a formal managed move will take place.   

New guidance in relation to this process (PDF, 189 KB) is attached. 

From this point forward, the period of off-site direction preceding a managed move will be referred to as a Direction Off-site with Intent to Managed Move (DOWIMM).  

Increased support  

We know that many schools have used managed moves very effectively to prevent exclusion and keep children in mainstream school. However, we also know that movement between schools is not always right for some of our children and young people, as this introduces a further school transition for a child or young person, often out of their peer group and community. Any move requires careful consideration and planning.   

Our data has shown that managed moves that are supported by an Inclusion Adviser at point of exclusion, or post exclusion are very successful.  However, far fewer managed moves, that are arranged directly between schools, without Inclusion Adviser support, result in a successful outcome. An unsuccessful managed Move can have a negative impact on children and young people who are already vulnerable. Historically, unsuccessful managed moves also put unnecessary pressure on the Local Authority transport budget.   

We have been talking to schools about how we can change our procedures to ensure that future DOWIMMs are only taking place when this is the right move for the child.  

After half-term we will be changing our procedures and will only be considering funding transport for children and young people where schools have worked with an Inclusion Adviser to plan the DOWIMM. The adviser will work closely with the school and, wherever possible, the closest school to a child and young person's home address will be considered first and foremost, to ensure children remain within their communities. All DOWIMM referred to an Inclusion Adviser will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.    

The adviser will also consider if an individual school travel plan is recommended to support a child or young person's future travel independence. These would be school led.  

With this collaborative approach, we will ensure that all pupils are embarking on a successful and supportive next step on their educational journey.      

These changes will take effect from 05 November 2024 and will be discussed further at forthcoming Fair Access Panel meetings, where schools are invited to raise any questions, they may have. Primary schools are invited to contact their Inclusion Adviser directly. We hope that this new approach will consolidate collaborative working between schools and the Local Authority and, as a result, DOWIMMs will continue to be instrumental in the inclusion of children and young people within mainstream education and reduce school exclusion.  

Any queries please contact James Cox at james.cox@norfolk.gov.uk or Joe O'Grady at joseph.ogrady2@norfolk.gov.uk .