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Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS)

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Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS)

Contents

What EOTAS is
When EOTAS is considered
Legal duties and guidance
Requesting EOTAS
Funding and delivery
Monitoring and review
Related guidance

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What EOTAS is

Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) is education arranged by a local authority for a child or young person when attending school is inappropriate for their needs.
 This can include one-to-one tuition, therapy, mentoring, or community-based education delivered at home or elsewhere.

EOTAS is not homeschooling — it is a statutory form of provision that must meet the outcomes set in the child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Related guidance

  • Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • SEN Wellbeing
  • EHCP process
  • Local Authority duties
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    When EOTAS is considered

    EOTAS is only agreed when:

    • all reasonable efforts to identify or adapt a school placement have failed

    • school attendance would cause distress, regression, or risk to wellbeing

    • the pupil’s needs are so complex that education must be delivered in an alternative way

    Typical reasons include:

    • Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)

    • severe anxiety, trauma or medical conditions

    • complex sensory, behavioural or health needs

    • lack of suitable specialist school placements locally
    Learn when EOTAS may be appropriate
    Understand the circumstances where home or community provision replaces school.

    Legal duties and guidance

    EOTAS is covered under Section 61 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
     It allows the local authority to arrange education “otherwise than at a school” if it is satisfied that this is in the child’s best interests.

    Authorities also have a duty under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to provide suitable education for children who cannot attend school for reasons such as illness or exclusion.

    EOTAS provision must be:

    • suitable to the child’s age, ability and needs

    • full-time or equivalent, unless part-time is agreed for health or wellbeing reasons

    • planned, funded and monitored by the local authority
    Read statutory guidance on EOTAS
    Learn about legal responsibilities and EHCP requirements.

    Requesting EOTAS

    Parents or young people can request EOTAS:

    • during an EHCP needs assessment, or

       

    • at an annual review if school attendance has become unsuitable

       

    The request should include:

    • evidence that school is inappropriate (e.g. medical letters, reports, attendance data)

       

    • a proposed provision plan listing hours, activities and providers

       

    • risk assessments or safeguarding arrangements

     

    If the local authority agrees, Section I of the EHCP will be left blank (no school named) and Section F will list the EOTAS provision in detail.

    Find out how to request EOTAS
    See step-by-step guidance on making a formal application.

    Funding and delivery

    EOTAS is fully funded by the local authority as part of the EHCP.
     The authority may:

    • contract an approved provider directly, or

    • pay the parent or company managing the package to coordinate provision

    Provision often includes:

    • one-to-one or small group tuition

    • speech and language, occupational or mental health therapy

    • sports, art or outdoor education

    • supported work experience or life skills sessions

    Safeguarding, DBS checks and progress reporting are required for all professionals involved.

    Learn how EOTAS packages are funded and managed

    Monitoring and review

    EOTAS arrangements must be reviewed at least annually through the EHCP process.
     The local authority should ensure that:

    • all provision listed in Section F is delivered

    • the child is making measurable progress

    • the environment remains safe and suitable

    • re-integration or long-term continuation is discussed openly
    Read about monitoring and review for EOTAS
    Learn how provision is checked and updated.

    Find EOTAS support near you

    Discover qualified professionals who deliver home and community-based education for EOTAS programmes.

    Search for SEN tutors and therapists