Policy Statement

The London Borough of Waltham Forest recognises that, in limited circumstances, an off-site direction may provide an appropriate short-term intervention to support a child's educational, behavioural and pastoral needs, maintain their mainstream school placement and reduce the risk of suspension or permanent exclusion.

Off-site directions should form part of a planned programme of support, with clear objectives, regular review and an expectation that the child will remain on the roll of the directing school throughout the period of the direction.

The Council supports the use of off-site directions only where they are lawful, proportionate, in the child's best interests and consistent with the principles of inclusion set out in this Protocol.

Purpose

This section explains the purpose of off-site directions, the circumstances in which they may be used and their relationship with the Fair Access Protocol.

It also clarifies the respective responsibilities of schools, the Council and the Fair Access Panel.

Scope of this Section

This section covers:

• statutory off-site directions made by maintained schools;
• the role of off-site directions within the borough's graduated approach to inclusion; and
• the relationship between off-site directions and the Fair Access Protocol. 

This section does not cover:

• Alternative Provision placements determined through the Inclusion Panel;
• Managed Moves;
• permanent exclusions; or
• Fair Access Panel placement decisions. 

Statutory Position

An off-site direction may be used by a maintained school where it is lawful to direct a pupil to attend educational provision at another setting for the purpose of improving the child's behaviour.

Off-site directions should be:

• time-limited;  
• regularly reviewed;
• supported by a clear reintegration plan; and
• used only where they are in the child's best interests. 

Academies should have regard to the relevant statutory guidance and the terms of their funding agreements when making equivalent arrangements.

Principles

Where an off-site direction is being considered:

• mainstream education remains the preferred outcome wherever appropriate;
• the intervention should have clearly defined objectives;
• parents or carers should be involved in planning wherever practicable;
• the child's views should be sought where appropriate;
• progress should be monitored regularly;
• reintegration planning should begin from the outset; and
• the intervention should form part of a wider package of support. 

Relationship with the Fair Access Protocol

An off-site direction is not a Fair Access placement.

The Fair Access Panel does not determine whether an off-site direction should be used.

Where a child remains on roll at their school under an off-site direction:

• responsibility for the child remains with the directing school;
• responsibility for monitoring the direction rests with the directing school; and
• the Fair Access Protocol is not ordinarily engaged. 

If, following review, it becomes apparent that a mainstream placement cannot be sustained despite inclusive practice, Ordinarily Available Provision and reasonable adjustments, consideration should be given to referral through the Council's Inclusion Panel in accordance with the borough's graduated inclusion arrangements.

Where, following Alternative Provision or other interventions, a new mainstream placement is required, the Fair Access Protocol may subsequently become the appropriate route for securing that placement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Monitoring and Review

Schools should review off-site directions regularly to ensure that:

• the objectives remain appropriate;
• the provision continues to meet the child's needs;
• progress is being made; and
• reintegration planning remains on track. 

Where objectives are not being achieved, schools should consider whether additional support should be sought through the Council's wider inclusion arrangements.

Off-site Direction Pathway

Mainstream School
↓
Inclusive Practice
↓
Off-site Direction
↓
Regular Review

↘ Successful → Reintegration to School

or

↓
Needs continue to exceed mainstream support
↓
Referral to Inclusion Panel
↓
Alternative Provision, where appropriate
↓
Reintegration Planning
↓
Fair Access Panel, if a new mainstream placement is required

Key Practice Points

• Off-site directions are a temporary intervention, not a permanent placement.
• The child remains on the roll of the directing school.
• Reintegration planning should begin from the outset.
• The Fair Access Panel does not determine off-site directions.
• Where a new mainstream school is required following wider inclusion interventions, the Fair Access Protocol may become the appropriate route. 

Governance Note

Off-site directions form part of the Council's wider graduated approach to inclusion and should be considered alongside:

• Section 2 — Council's Key Principles;
• Section 7 — Children with Challenging Behaviour;
• Section 9 — Managed Moves;
• Section 11 — Alternative Provision;
• Section 12 — Reintegration from Alternative Provision; and
• Section 19 — Fair Access Panel Governance and Terms of Reference