What does EOTAS look like? By Andrea Dixon-Boldy Founder of SEN PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
If you are a SEN Parent looking for support and knowledge then we are here to help, we offer FREE support within our Closed Facebook Group here
It doesn’t matter if you are a time served SEN Parent or just starting out, we explain it in layman terms.
EOTAS
EOTAS is an alternative education arrangement for children who cannot attend a school setting due to their special educational needs (SEN). It is not the same as home schooling and it is not AP (alternative provision provided via a Section 19 submission). EOTAS is funded and arranged by the local authority (LA) through your EHCP.
The term SEND by definition has been used as per the CAFA (Children & Families Act 2014) since 1996, the send system is and has been in CRISIS for some time. Sadly, this is only going to get worse especially when you consider the new CWB (Children Wellbeing & Schools Bill) and the new powers afforded to the LA via the SAO’s (School Attendance Orders) under the sub section Children not in School. It continues to be unfit for purpose and our Children’s mental health is in a rapid decline because of it. This, in a nutshell, is where you might need to consider EOTAS as a viable option, certainly if your child is too traumatised to set foot in school.
Remember under the Education Act 1996 your children’s education is provided by the LA. Your children and young people need tailored support and an education to suit their needs and not only are they deserving of ones but they are absolutely LEGALLY entitled to one!
How do you request EOTAS?
Ensure your child has an EHCP!
Firstly, you need to ensure your child has an EHCP. EOTAS is only granted through an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan). You need to evidence via medical supporting documents that your child can not be educated within a school environment and that the school environment cannot meet your child’s needs. The types of medical reports that can evidence this are: Psychologists – Psychiatrists -Therapists (OT/SaLT). You would also need to evidence by way of Sanctions / Exclusions / Absence / Adjustments how the placement has failed, additionally it is always beneficial to evidence the distress or harm that has been caused by attending a school setting.
If your child has an EHCP you can request EOTAS at annual review or through reassessment of needs, which in part, could provide some of the evidence you may need. To understand reassessment of needs then visit our website resource hub under EHCP & Ongoing Management of.
What EOTAS could look like for your child?
EOTAS is highly flexible and will be tailored to meet your child’s needs.
It can include:
Home-based learning – Tutors or specialists providing education at home.
Online schooling – Structured virtual lessons with qualified teachers.
Therapeutic education – Speech therapy, occupational therapy, or mental health support integrated into learning.
Therapeutic Animal Intervention – For example: Equine therapy or Farm
Alternative provision centres – Small, specialized settings designed for children with SEND
Community-based learning – Outdoor education, work experience, or creative workshops.
The above is not an exhaustive list and it can be a combination of all of the above, it truly can be tailored to meet your child or young person’s individual needs and the package is often developed off the back of medical evidence, assessments and reports. The key is that EOTAS must provide a full, suitable education that meets your child’s needs.
The local authority is responsible for funding and arranging this provision not the parent.
For more information message info@senparentsupportgroup.org
