Guidance for Schools : Off-Site Direction

An off-site direction is an intervention that should be used to improve behaviour. It may therefore be appropriate:  

• Where all internal strategies and interventions have been exhausted and the pupil would benefit from a period of time at another mainstream school or another setting to improve their behaviour.  
• Where the pupil is at risk of exclusion.  

Where a child is open to other services, off-site direction should be discussed and agreed with external professionals, for example:  

• If a child has an EHCP, or is at 'yes to plan' the EHCP Co should be consulted 
• If a child is in care the Virtual School Children in Care should be consulted 
• If a child has a social worker the social worker should be consulted 

Headteachers and Governors should consider off-site direction when a pupil is at risk of permanent exclusion as per DfE guidance.  

Schools need to consider how an off-site direction will meet any additional needs a pupil may have, including SEND, as well as how behaviour will be improved. School should note that off-site direction should only be used to improve behaviour and not as a sanction or punishment.  

Off-site direction can be a full or part time into another mainstream setting, as well as using unregulated alternative provision for part of the week.  

As Alternative Provision (AP) in Norfolk is unregulated, pupils are not able to attend a single AP full-time. Schools are advised to use a single alternative provider for no more than two days (four sessions) per week.  

For further information about Off-Site Direction to an unregulated alternative provision, schools should refer to the Norfolk County Council Directory of Unregulated Alternative Provision. 

It should also be noted that in the past, online learning has often been used as part of an Off-Site Direction 'package', with pupils often accessing this in their home. Please be aware following changes to The School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024 (legislation.gov.uk) within Working together to improve school attendance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) from the academic year 2024/25 schools will no longer be able to B code online provision.  but where appropriate the authorised absence 'C' code can be used. In order for the B code to be used pupils must be physically supervised as set out by the DfE in their guidance regarding remote education - Providing remote education: guidance for schools. The use of online learning can still be considered where it is in the best interests of the pupil and supports them to access their education. 

Please consult with [email protected] if you are considering reducing sessions or entitlement for a pupil. 

For schools considering an Off-Site Direction to an SEMH Centre or Base, schools should refer to their SLA or speak to your linked Inclusion Adviser.