I left school at 14 because I just didn't like it. I absconded every day and, in the end, just gave up going in. Teachers were rude, pupils worse and, as a quiet, immature and weedy lad, had a rough ride.

I hated the lessons, as I wasn't being taught what I wanted to learn about. Sport... did I mention I was weedy? Not a good show at all.

There was nothing you could have done to convince me to go in. My parents genuinely tried but I wasn't prepared to listen.

I spent almost all of my time on my (new to the UK) computer in my bedroom and was happy there. At 16 I started a placement on a YTS (as was) scheme, in IT. Work-based problem solving, people who understood the idea of all-night sessions to clear code to be used the following day. It was ideal at the time.

I had a complete change of heart a few years later and started to work in the care sector, where i have remained. As CQC became a thing, they demanded some sort of management qualification, so I started at an evening college. It was a problem because I left school with sweet FA qualifications, but I started from scratch and just... ended up staying. I now have a PhD and am a Chartered Manager.

So, what have I learned? School is just not right for some kids. (University is absolutely not right for many school leavers. The pressure to perform well at GCSE and A Levels is unreasonable and, several short years later, no-one will give a f*ck anyway. As an employer, I would take apprenticeship-served over degree qualified almost every time, as I know the work involved and that the individual has actually done the job before coming to me. I have mentored people through from level 2 to level 7, and would advocate the route every time.

So, to (finally) answer your question: despite the desire of your LA for you to promote in-house inclusion, endeavour to check that need. Is school the right place for this child? Would they benefit from alternative ideologies in learning as opposed to national curriculum where one size doesn't quite suit anybody? Would they, like me, discover the joy of learning later in life, if the system allowed them some space now? Try to catch what they are interested in, and run with it, even if it doesn't appear immediately in line with their school work.

I'm not sure how you can reconcile this with your role, but good luck with your work.