Guidance for Schools : Off-Site Direction

The following guidance applies to an Off-Site Direction to another mainstream school. For guidance on what should happen during off-site directions to unregulated AP, SEMH Bases/Centres or online learning, please refer to the respective guidance mentioned previously and listed at the end of this document. 

Throughout the off-site direction the receiving school must welcome the pupil as a member of the school community, and as such they will usually be placed on a full-time timetable and wear the receiving school's uniform. Parental consent is not required in order for a school to direct a pupil off-site under this provision. However, it should be a collaborative process. Therefore, as far as is reasonably practicable, the views and agreement of parents should be sought.  

Before an off-site direction begins, a planning meeting should be organised by the home school. This meeting should be attended by the home school, the receiving school, the parents or carers, the pupil and where appropriate, other professionals who may be supporting the pupil and their family.  

The purpose of the planning meeting is as follows:  

• To consider the purpose of the off-site direction and the objectives that will be achieved.  
• To ensure that the pupil and parents/carers understand the off-site direction process. 
• To establish any additional support which may be required, for example: SEND adjustments, engagement with social care professionals, access to breakfast club arrangements, transition timetables etc.  
• To agree a proposed maximum period of time for the off-site direction.  
• To identify and agree dates for regular review meetings.  
• To ensure the pupil is receiving a broad and balanced curriculum entitlement. 

As part of the planning meeting all options for onward pathways should be discussed.