A managed move refers to a voluntary arrangement between two mainstream schools, the pupil, and their parent(s)/carer(s), designed to support a permanent transfer that serves the pupil’s best interests. It is typically considered as an alternative to permanent exclusion. According to DfE guidance, managed moves should only be pursued following the implementation of appropriate early interventions. The process must be underpinned by comprehensive and timely information sharing between the originating and receiving schools, including any relevant risk management strategies.
Guidance document
Our managed move guidance and best practice document has been collaboratively developed by a working group of schools in partnership with representatives from the local authority. This document is fully aligned with the Department for Education (DfE)’s statutory guidance on exclusions and pupil movement, as outlined in the Suspension and Permanent Exclusion Guidance (PDF, 78 pages, 610KB).
Best practice notes
The use of the term “trial period” is no longer permitted under current legislation. The DfE explicitly prohibits its use due to its implication of a conditional placement which fails to meet the legal requirements for pupil registration and safeguarding. Instead, Haringey’s guidance refers to the “managed move process” and/or “off-site direction.” All pupils must be properly registered, and the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024 apply to both schools in cases of dual registration.
The Haringey guidance recommends a standard 12-week timeframe for managed moves, with a formal review at the 6-week mark. Extensions beyond this period should only be considered in exceptional circumstances, where there is clear evidence of benefit to the pupil and full agreement from all parties involved.
Although non-prescriptive, the guidance provides a structured framework to support consistency, transparency, and equity across Haringey schools and beyond. All schools in Haringey, as well as those in neighbouring authorities, are strongly encouraged to refer to this guidance when initiating or managing a move involving a Haringey pupil or a pupil currently enrolled in a Haringey school.