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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Offsite direction

34 replies

YourPearlQuoter · 04/03/2025 10:58

If a child has been sent to another school for an offsite direction move for 12 weeks is an admission form required to fill in

OP posts:
Lightuptheroom · 05/03/2025 21:31

So..
Directed off site isn't a managed move. It sounds like the original school are trying to prevent a permanent exclusion.
He will be dual registered. The In Year Admission form would be filled in if you want him to stay there. They should be holding regular reviews.
I note a previous post where someone says you get 'no choice' if placed under the fair access protocol.... in some ways you're correct, it isn't a 'choice' but parents certainly get to state a preference on the In Year Admission application.
My advice would be to contact both schools and ask for a joint review so that you know exactly what is planned.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 05/03/2025 21:37

YourPearlQuoter · 05/03/2025 20:49

I’m just going to pull him out of school because that school has gone about things the wrong way thank you for your advice but you don’t know the full story that school is trauma informed school they don’t communicate with each they say one thing I have raised my concerns in a letter which I received reply that they will reply to all the points I’ve made thank you for your advice I will make the appropriate decision for my child

To give him the best chances in life, you'll need to ensure that he gets a Grade 4/5 GCSE in English, Maths and Science and still gets to socialise and participate in sport with others in his age group in a safe/controlled way. Do you think you would be able to teach him these subjects to that level? If he has SEND, how would those needs be met - would you be able to drive an EHNCA get him assessed for a possible EHCP and arrange for EOTAS?

There would be support from the local authority Elective Home Education contact if you contact them - but it could end up with him going through the Fair Access Panel in any event just to ensure that he has the opportunity to take any exams - only by that point at an even greater disadvantage due to missing months or years of formal education and likely having to stay past 16 just to get the minimum qualifications he'll need in order to get jobs or apprenticeships.

'Just' pulling him out is rarely the best solution. I'd suggest you discuss it properly with both schools and the local authority to make sure his needs would be met for education, socialisation and health; it can be really lonely for them stuck at home all day every day with only one parent or just an X box for company and it makes returning to education even harder on them when it breaks down, as it does often due to it being a reaction against a school decision, rather than a philosophical belief entered into in full knowledge and understanding of what is needed.

YourPearlQuoter · 05/03/2025 22:23

It was definitely an admission form not an readmission form I’ve checked it

OP posts:
Ionacat · 05/03/2025 22:29

I would contact both schools in the same email and ask for clarification of what is happening so you get it in writing.

YourPearlQuoter · 05/03/2025 22:42

It’s an admission pack they have given me and i feel like no one is supporting me on here everyone who repents to post is more focused on what the schools doing and that there doing the right thing no one wants to here my side or believe what im saying

OP posts:
Lightuptheroom · 05/03/2025 23:14

You need to speak to both schools to know exactly what they are aiming at, all schools do different things with directed off site placements, the paperwork should follow a model of reviewing regularly and making sure you understand what is happening. Ask the school why you have been given an admission pack, is it something they routinely give parents in this position? They may think they are being helpful (local authority in year applications can take a while to process) Only the school can tell you why they've given that particular paperwork, ask them why.
I understand that this process can seem overwhelming and confusing, ask both schools to explain properly, it may be they are hoping that your son would have the opportunity for a fresh start.

all5ofyou · 06/03/2025 07:30

YourPearlQuoter · 05/03/2025 22:42

It’s an admission pack they have given me and i feel like no one is supporting me on here everyone who repents to post is more focused on what the schools doing and that there doing the right thing no one wants to here my side or believe what im saying

People are trying to explain it to you. Some of us work in schools or are school governors. It is normal to be asked for admissions information for an offsite direction because, for a temporary period, your son will be registered at both schools.

If you/he refuse the offsite direction then the next step may be expulsion. Is that what you want?

You might find this information helpful: https://childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/direction-off-site-for-the-improvement-of-behaviour/

Direction off-site for the improvement of behaviour - childlawadvice.org.uk

This page outlines the power a school has to direct a pupil off-site to receive alternative educational provision in order to improve their behaviour.  Introduction  Section 29A Education Act 2002 is the relevant legislation in this area, and it states...

https://childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/direction-off-site-for-the-improvement-of-behaviour

TeenToTwenties · 06/03/2025 07:43

To be honest I am having difficulty understanding 'your side' apart from the fact you and he would rather he stay in his home school and that travel to new school is £50 weekly via taxi.

Given that he has regularly failed to behave at home school but is managing at new school. Why do you think that is? Why do you think he would be able to behave at home school now when he hasn't before?

I wonder whether you may have a more articulate friend who could advocate for you with the schools? The friend could with your permission understand the process better and explain it better than the school seems to have managed.

My understanding is that if your son goes back to home school and behaves all will be well. But if he doesn't he may be excluded permanently giving you fewer options.

Please don't just remove him to 'homeschool' as I don't think you will be up to it.

Are there any UTCs in your area?

StrivingForSleep · 06/03/2025 11:49

I asked three questions in order to try to advise further. You ignored them. People can’t help if you don’t engage.

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