EOTAS explained: A guide to Education Otherwise Than at School

For many children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) / Additional Learning Needs (ALN), the right support within a mainstream or specialist school enables them to access education successfully.

However, for some children, despite every reasonable adjustment and support being put in place, a school environment is simply no longer suitable for them. This is where Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) may be appropriate.

Understanding what EOTAS is, when it may be appropriate, and how it can be secured is an important step for families seeking the right educational provision for their child.

What is EOTAS?

Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) is educational provision package arranged for children and young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) – or an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in Wales – but who cannot reasonably attend school, even if additional support or specialist placements have been considered.

Unlike elective home education, where parents choose to educate their child themselves, EOTAS remains the legal responsibility of the local authority. This means the local authority is responsible for arranging, commissioning and funding the educational provision specified within the child’s EHCP/IDP.

The purpose of EOTAS is to ensure that children who cannot attend school still receive a suitable education that meets their individual needs and enables them to make progress.

When is EOTAS considered?

If attending school is a not practical and suitable way for the child to receive education, EOTAS may be the appropriate solution.

This may include children and young people who experience:

• Severe anxiety linked to attending school.
• Autism-related difficulties that make the school environment inaccessible.
• Significant sensory processing difficulties or sensory overwhelm.
• Trauma associated with previous school experiences.
• Physical or mental health conditions that prevent regular attendance.
• Multiple school placement breakdowns where no suitable placement can be identified.
• Complex special educational needs that cannot be met within any available school setting.

What can be included in an EOTAS package?

One of the advantages of EOTAS is that the package of provisions can be tailored specifically to the child’s individual educational, therapeutic and developmental needs.

Depending on the circumstances, an EOTAS package may include:

• Specialist one-to-one tutoring.
• Online or remote learning programmes.
• Occupational therapy.
• Speech and language therapy.
• Psychological or therapeutic support.
• Community-based educational activities.
• Life skills and independence training.
• Vocational learning opportunities.
• Access to specialist professionals where appropriate.

How is EOTAS different from home education?

Elective Home Education (EHE) is a voluntary decision made by parents to educate their child outside the school system. Parents assume responsibility for arranging and funding their child’s education.

EOTAS is different. Where EOTAS is specified within an EHCP/IDP, the local authority remains responsible for delivering suitable education. The LA must arrange the provision set out in the EHCP/IDP and ensure it meets the child’s identified needs.

Parents should not be expected to provide or fund that education themselves.

How to get EOTAS

Obtaining EOTAS can be challenging and often requires detailed evidence demonstrating why school is no longer suitable to their local authority.

Useful evidence may include:

• Medical reports.
• Educational psychologist assessments.
• Occupational therapy reports.
• Evidence from CAMHS or other healthcare professionals.
• Reports from current or previous schools.
• Attendance records.
• Evidence showing repeated placement breakdowns.
• Professional recommendations that school attendance would be detrimental to the child’s education, health or wellbeing.

What if the local authority refuses EOTAS?

Unfortunately, many families encounter resistance when requesting EOTAS.

Local authorities may argue that a school placement remains available or that further adjustments could enable the child to attend. However, the legal test is not simply whether a school place exists. It is whether that placement is capable of meeting the child’s needs safely and effectively.

If the local authority refuses to include EOTAS within an EHCP/IDP, parents may have the right to challenge the decision and request mediation or take an appeal to the tribunal.

How we can help

Navigating the EHCP/IDP process and securing suitable educational provision can feel overwhelming, particularly when your child is already struggling.

Our experienced education law team supports families throughout every stage of the process, from reviewing EHCPs/IDPs and gathering evidence to challenging local authority decisions and representing parents at tribunal appeals where necessary.

If you believe your child may require Education Otherwise Than At School, or your request for EOTAS has been refused, we may be able to help you secure the provision your child needs.