What is MKIP?
The Milton Keynes Inclusion Partnership (MKIP) is a partnership of schools, Milton Keynes City Council and education providers working together to support children and young people who may be struggling in school or at risk of suspension or permanent exclusion.
The partnership helps schools access support, share expertise and identify the most appropriate educational pathway for children and young people.
Our aim is simple: The right support at the right time, in the right place.
Why we work together
Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and able to succeed in education.
By working together, schools and services can:
- Identify concerns early
- Provide support before difficulties escalate
- Improve educational outcomes and wellbeing
- Reduce avoidable suspensions and permanent exclusions
- Support successful reintegration into school
- Ensure children and families access the help they need
Parents and carers are important partners throughout the process and will normally be involved in discussions and reviews.
How support works
Step 1: A concern is identified
A child may be experiencing difficulties relating to behaviour, attendance, wellbeing or learning.
Step 2: School based support
The school puts support in place, which may include:
- Pastoral support
- SEND review
- Behaviour strategies
- Family meetings
- Attendance support
The aim is to address concerns early and help the child remain successful in school.
Step 3: Additional Professional Support
If concerns continue, schools may seek advice and support from other services, including:
- Early Help Early help | Milton Keynes City Council
- SEND Services Education and SEND | Milton Keynes City Council
- Virtual School Virtual school | Milton Keynes City Council
- Health professionals
- Alternative Provision providers
These services work alongside schools and families to better understand a child's needs and identify appropriate support.
Step 4: MKIP review
If concerns remain despite support, a referral may be made to MKIP.
School leaders and partner agencies review:
- Support already provided
- evidence of need
- additional interventions available
- what is in the child’s best interests
Step 5: Targeted intervention
Additional support may be agreed, including a time-limited off-site direction at Bridge Academy.
Step 6: Regular reviews
Progress is reviewed regularly with the child, family, school and professionals involved.
Step 7: Next steps
Following review, the agreed outcome may be:
- Successful reintegration into the child’s school with ongoing support; or
- Consideration of another educational placement through the Fair Access Protocol (FAP) where there is parental support and it is considered in the child’s best interests.
About Bridge Academy
Bridge Academy is Milton Keynes’ Alternative Provision service.
It provides short-term education and support for pupils whose needs cannot currently be met through their mainstream placement alone.
The aim is to help pupils:
- Remain engaged in education
- Improve confidence and wellbeing
- Develop positive behaviours and relationships
- Successfully reintegrate into school
What is an off site direction?
An off-site direction is:
- A temporary educational placement
- Agreed to support a pupil’s needs
- Regularly reviewed
- Focused on positive outcomes and reintegration
- Not a permanent exclusion.
Where appropriate, a pupil may attend Bridge Academy as part of this support.
My child has been referred to MKIP. What does this mean?
A referral means that professionals are working together to:
- Understand your child's needs
- Review support already in place
- Consider additional interventions
- Identify the most appropriate support and provision
Parents and carers remain important partners throughout the process.
If my child has been permanently excluded
Parents and carers have rights throughout the exclusion process, including the opportunity to:
- Attend relevant meetings
- Make representations to the Governing Board
- Request an Independent Review Panel where applicable
- Access independent advice and support
Further information about exclusions and parental rights can be found on the Exclusions | Information for parents | Milton Keynes City Council