Directed Move overview
Directed Moves offer students who are currently struggling in their school environment (often due to behaviour or learning challenges), a fresh start in a new school. This is a structured approach, with a strong focus on support and positive outcomes.
The role of the Directed Move Co-ordinator
The Directed Move Co-ordinator leads the entire process in Enfield - they act as a central point of contact. Their aim is to make sure the move is well planned and successful, leading to better outcomes for students and an increase in positive transitions.
Aims of a Directed Move
The purpose of a Directed Move is to provide a new beginning for students. It’s an intervention used when other options to address student’s difficulties at their current school have been exhausted. This move always adopts a collaborative approach, involving the student, their family, both schools and other relevant support services.
The desired outcomes include:
- improved behaviour and attitude towards learning
- increased self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment in their new school
- build crucial social, emotional, and behaviour skills
- removal of barriers to learning
- gaining of new skills to help students settle in effectively
- greater independence within theschool setting
- higer achievement and clearer future goals
- early identification of any special educational needs (SEN)
- reduced reliance on long-term alternative provisions
- a decrease in suspensions and permanent exclusions for students in KS3 and KS4
Learner criteria for a Directed Move
- A Directed Move is typically for students in years 7 to 11 – specifically they are considered for *students experiencing bullying or social difficulties
- Students with significant behaviour concerns or who have been involved in a serious incident
- Importantly, students must not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at the time of referral
The Directed Move process
- The students current school refers them to the Fair Access Panel
- The panel reviews the case and discusses potential new schools
- Whenever possible the co-ordinator meets the student before the move takes place
- An induction meeting is arranged between the students current and new schools
- A tailored support plan is created for the students transition to their new school
- The co-ordinator provides continuous support to the student throughout the entire move
- Students receive one-to-one mentoring for 4-8 weeks
- During this process, there is a midway review at 4 weeks and a final review at 8 weeks detailing the student’s progress
- Detailed notes are kept on the student’s needs and progress
- Regular updates are shared with both schools and admissions
Timetable and support
Weekly visits are a key part of the Directed Move. Mentoring sessions are carefully planned around the school’s timetable, with one-to-one mentoring occurring weekly during a lesson that causes the least disruption.
The co-ordinator and other services provide one-to-one support throughout this process, and regular feedback is given to schools, students, and their families.