Management Information Sheet
Managed Moves and Re-integrations
Norfolk has had a successful managed moved protocol in place for a number of years with the most recent version fully revised in September 2012.
This protocol creates a legal framework for the safe and structured transfer of pupils causing concern between schools at all phases. Following extensive negotiations with Headteacher associations and unions it was agreed that the protocol would be used for early intervention only and would be managed by the Short Stay School for Norfolk.
Unfortunately colleagues occasionally attempt to transfer students between schools without the use of the Managed Moves process. These informal transfers are not managed moves and are not governed by any legislative or protective framework. Where both schools and family agree to an immediate transfer the in-year admissions process will apply but the Local Authority will not be able to support transport where the new school is beyond the statutory walking distance.
We would strongly advise against any school accepting an informal transfer of a pupil which has not been brokered as a managed move by the Short Stay School. Accepting informal transfers of pupils leaves Headteachers vulnerable should it later prove that the needs of the transferring pupil had not been fully disclosed or that risks to peers or staff had not been properly assessed. The involvement of the Short Stay School in the Managed Moves Protocol provides additional safeguards against these issues.
Schools should also be aware that Managed Moves are different from Reintegrations.
Reintegrations are also managed by the Short Stay School but involve the phased introduction to a new school of a pupil formerly on roll at the Short Stay School. Reintegrations are governed by the Fair Access Protocol and as with Managed Moves, all Norfolk Schools and Academies are statutorily obliged to take part.
The link here is to the School Admissions website where full guidance on in-year transfers is available. This link takes you to the Managed Move proticol and guidance pack.