Unexpected transitions
There is a clear link between  (Rees Centre for Research, September 2015).
There are natural transitional moves such as moving from:
- pre-school/early years to primary school
- primary to secondary school
- secondary school to further education
There are also unexpected moves, such as:
- care placement breakdown
This could mean that the child is placed in another location and would have to change school - managed moves
These are formal agreements between two schools, a child and their parents/carers.
It allows a child at risk of permanent exclusion to transfer to another school for a trial period. This move may become permanent.
Unexpected transitions should only take place where absolutely necessary.
Social workers, carers, Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs), designated teachers, and the Virtual School should work together around care planning to avoid unexpected transitions.
In-year admissions
If a school move is agreed outside of the normal admission round:
- Social workers must urgently contact your Virtual School Advisor/Area Education Officer or Placement Officer. They can do this by completing the contact us form
- They will then discuss actions, interventions and the necessary transition planning
For further information, visit the in-year admissions section.
Page last updated: 15 May 2024