Managed transfers to Southwark Inclusive Learning Service (SILS)

In some cases where the initial notification to the parent/carer and LA of a permanent exclusion has been issued, it may be appropriate to consider a managed transfer of the child or young person into the sixth day provision. The excluding school should make it clear in its notification to the LA of its desire for a managed transfer to be considered and complete the online request form.

A managed transfer describes circumstances where the LA, school and parent/carer enter into an agreement that a permanent exclusion can be rescinded to enable the young person to continue their school career without a permanent exclusion on their record. This may be beneficial in assisting the child or young person to maintain a positive self-image and avoid the label of a permanently excluded child.

There are significant legal implications of such a move. In these cases, the parent or carer waives their statutory entitlement to an independent review of the exclusion. Therefore, it's extremely important that the parent or carer has a full and comprehensive understanding of these implications, and can make a fully informed choice based on all of the information available. For these reasons a managed transfer to SILS will usually only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

The final decision on whether to implement a managed transfer will be taken by the Assistant Director for Education Access and Statutory Services and/or Assistant Director for Family Early Help and Youth Justice. Schools are not permitted to agree a managed transfer to SILS without the agreement of the LA under any circumstances.

A managed transfer will only be considered where the following conditions are met:

  1. A permanent exclusion notice has been sent to the LA. The school has informed the parent/carer and LA in writing of their intention to exclude the child or young person permanently.
  2. The managed transfer to SILS is clearly in the best interests of the young person.
  3. That the parent or carer understands this is a managed transfer to SILS. That the parent has been fully advised that she they are under no obligation to accept the transfer and understands that by doing so they are waiving the legal right to challenge the school’s decision at a later stage. 
  4. You have provided a summary of the young person’s wishes and feelings on the transfer.
  5. All possible alternatives have been explored (e.g., internal/off-site temporary placement, managed move, adjustments in school) and the reasons that these have not been successful or judged viable clearly recorded. 
  6. The exclusion is not linked to the absence of specialist assessment and intervention for unmet needs (including but not limited to an education psychology consultation, EHCP application, health and wellbeing assessment, FEH or social care referral).

All requests for a managed transfer will be assessed within the Attendance and Inclusion consultation framework by a SEWO in the Education Inclusion Team. As part of the consultation the officer will ensure that each of the above criteria is reviewed, and conclude by making non-binding recommendations to the relevant assistant director as to the suitability of the transfer.

Managed transfers will not be considered for students placed temporarily at SILS, Summerhouse, or other provision by a school under dual registration, by retrospectively converting such a placement at a later date. These children should have a reasonable expectation of having the opportunity to return to their mainstream school where this was the aim when placed. However, if a dual registered child at SILS or other provision is permanently excluded from their home school for behaviour occuring after starting such a placement, they will be eligible for a managed transfer assuming all criteria are met.

Schools must ensure that the pupil/family has been treated fairly throughout, that there has been appropriate alternative support offered, that all other alternatives to exclusion have been exhausted (including managed moves) and any outstanding SEN needs have been assessed and met. Although the consent of the child or young person is not required for a managed transfer, their wishes and feelings must be sought, recorded and fairly considered before a final decision is made.

Managed transfers will usually be completed within the 10 working days between permanent exclusion and the governors’ review panel. However, in more complex cases, the school (with the consent of parent or carer) may request that the governors’ panel be adjourned for further assessment and consultation before a final decision is made.

The online managed transfer request form must be completed in full by thereferring school.

Complete the online request form

Download the Managed Transfer process flowchart (PDF, 142kb)

Page last updated: 07 November 2024

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