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EOTAS Support
Support with preparing an evidence-based Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS) package
We help families understand the legal test for EOTAS, identify the evidence needed and prepare a detailed package of education and special educational provision where it would be inappropriate for that provision to be made in a school or post-16 institution.
What is EOTAS and when can it apply?
Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS), sometimes referred to as EOTIS, is an arrangement that may be made where it would be inappropriate for any special educational provision required by a child or young person to be delivered in a school or post-16 institution.
EOTAS is not the same as elective home education. Under an EOTAS arrangement, the Local Authority remains responsible for arranging and funding the special educational provision set out in the EHC plan. Parents are not choosing to take responsibility for providing their child’s education themselves.
An EOTAS package is built around the individual child or young person and may include a combination of tuition, therapies, educational activities, specialist support, an EOTIS case lead and personal assistance. Each part of the package should be clearly set out within the EHC plan, including what will be provided, how often, for how long and by whom.
Securing EOTAS usually requires detailed evidence showing what provision is needed and why it would be inappropriate for that provision to be delivered within a school or post-16 setting.
We support families to understand the legal test, review the available evidence, identify any gaps and prepare a detailed proposed package for consideration by the Local Authority or SEND Tribunal.
Key benefits
How we help with EOTIS
Explaining the legal test for EOTAS and how it applies to your child or young person
Reviewing professional reports and identifying the evidence supporting an EOTAS arrangement
Considering the education, therapies and other provision required to meet their needs
Preparing or reviewing a detailed EOTAS package, including providers, delivery arrangements, frequency, duration, staffing and costs
Ensuring the provision is specific, quantified and capable of being secured through the EHC plan, while identifying any gaps requiring further evidence
Considering how the package will work in practice, including oversight and coordination, or providing an EOTAS case lead to liaise with families, professionals and the Local Authority
You’re not alone
When families often seek our EOTAS / EOTIS Support
Families often seek support when one of these situations sounds familiar.
Their child or young person’s distress around attending school has become significant and sustained
Attending school is having a detrimental effect on their mental health, physical health or overall wellbeing
Their child or young person has been out of education for a prolonged period and suitable alternative provision has not been arranged
The Local Authority continues to maintain that a school placement is appropriate despite evidence indicating otherwise
Professional reports recommend that education or special educational provision should be delivered outside a school setting
They want to propose an EOTAS package but need support identifying, evidencing and costing the provision required
An EOTAS package is already specified in the EHC plan and they need a case lead to help coordinate the provision, liaise with those involved and oversee its delivery
Our SEND Options
How we support families with EOTAS
Securing EOTAS requires evidence that meets the legal test and shows why school-based provision would be inappropriate. We review the evidence, identify gaps and prepare a detailed package covering education, therapies, providers, hours and costs for use with the Local Authority, mediation or Tribunal.
Where EOTAS is already in place, we can also provide a case lead to coordinate provision, support annual reviews and address anything not being delivered.
EOTAS / EOTIS Package Preparation
This service is for families who need a detailed EOTAS / EOTIS package to present to the Local Authority, including during an annual or emergency review, mediation or SEND Tribunal proceedings.
We support children and young people aged 0 to 25, including those with highly complex special educational needs and disabilities or who have been without suitable education for a prolonged period.
We review the EHC plan and relevant professional evidence to identify the education, therapies and specialist support required, then prepare a proposed package setting out why EOTAS is being sought and how the provision could work in practice.
Where appropriate, we can also:
Prepare a weekly timetable covering education, activities, therapies and other support
Review information and quotations from proposed providers
Set out the staffing and level of support required and explain how the different elements of the package will work together
Produce a detailed provision map showing the provision, provider, frequency, duration, costs and supporting evidence
Identify gaps in the evidence or areas where further professional advice may be needed
Include arrangements for EOTIS lead coordination, oversight and review
You’ll receive a clearly structured EOTAS package setting out the provision being requested and the evidence supporting it, ready to use in discussions with the Local Authority or as part of Tribunal proceedings.
EOTAS Case Lead and Coordinator Support
Are you a parent looking for an experienced professional to oversee your child or young person’s EOTAS package? Or a Local Authority looking to commission independent coordination and oversight?
Children and young people receiving EOTAS don’t have the same school-based SENCO support ordinarily available to coordinate provision, professionals and reviews. Our EOTAS Case Lead provides that central point of coordination, helping ensure the different elements of the package work together and any gaps, delays or concerns are identified promptly.
The role may include:
Maintaining a clear provision map and timetable
Reviewing the EHC plan and agreed EOTAS package
Identifying gaps, delays or difficulties within the package
Coordinating tutors, therapists, providers, the family and Local Authority
Identify gaps in the evidence or areas where further professional advice may be needed
Coordinating meetings, reviews and agreed actions
Raising concerns where provision isn’t being delivered as specified
Preparing progress reports and supporting Annual Reviews
Our Case Leads are qualified SEND teachers with SENCO and senior leadership experience, including supporting children and young people with complex SEND.
This service does not replace the Local Authority’s legal responsibility to secure the provision in the EHC plan. It provides independent coordination and oversight to help keep the package on track.
All support is provided with reference to the legal framework governing Education Otherwise Than In School arrangements and is focused on ensuring provision is clearly evidenced, appropriately specified, and capable of meeting the child’s identified needs.
Terms of Business are provided to all clients before work begins.
Our process
How our EOTIS support works
1.
Initial review
Our Case Leads are qualified SEND teachers with SENCO and senior leadership experience, including supporting children and young people with complex SEND.
2.
Evidence analysis
We review the evidence to identify your child or young person’s needs, the provision required and how the evidence supports an EOTAS arrangement. We will also identify any gaps or areas that may require further professional advice
3.
Package preparation
We prepare a detailed EOTAS proposal bringing together the evidence and provision being requested. This may include:
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A proposed weekly timetable
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A provision map setting out each element of education, therapy and specialist support
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The proposed frequency, duration and staffing
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Details of proposed providers
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Quotations and costings
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Arrangements for coordination, oversight and review
4.
Ready for presentation
You receive a completed EOTAS package that can be presented to the Local Authority during an annual or emergency review, at mediation or as part of SEND Tribunal appeal. We will also explain any remaining gaps in the evidence and the further steps that may strengthen the proposal.
Is this the right support for you?
This service is particularly helpful where a child or young person is unable to access education in a school setting and the family needs support showing why EOTAS is required, what provision is needed to meet their needs, and how the proposed package should be delivered, coordinated and funded.
EOTIS support is usually most helpful when…
Attending school is causing significant distress or having a detrimental effect on your child or young person’s wellbeing or because of health needs
Professional evidence indicates that a school placement may no longer be appropriate
Your child or young person is out of education and suitable alternative provision has not been arranged
You want to propose a structured package of education, therapies and specialist support outside a school setting, including providers and costings
You are preparing for an annual or emergency review, mediation or SEND Tribunal appeal and need an EOTAS package to support your case
This service may not be the right fit if…
Your main concern is challenging other parts of the EHC plan or the placement named, rather than preparing a proposed EOTAS package
You do not yet have professional reports or evidence to support an EOTIS arrangement
You need general advice about an appeal but are not yet ready to identify the provision, providers and costings required
EOTAS is not the same as elective home education
Under an Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS) arrangement, the Local Authority remains legally responsible for arranging and funding the special educational provision set out in the child or young person’s EHC plan. Parents do not take on responsibility for providing their child’s education simply because the provision is delivered outside a school setting.
If you are unsure whether EOTAS may be appropriate, we can help you understand the legal test, review the available evidence and consider the options for your child or young person.
Free download
7 Things to Check Before You Accept a Draft EHCP
A practical guide to help you identify unclear wording, missing provision, and the key sections that matter before your EHCP is finalised.
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Real reviews from parents and carers we’ve supported through EHCPs, appeals and Tribunals.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions about EOTIS support
Still unsure about something? We’re always happy to talk it through.
Why families choose us
You are in safe, experienced hands
We are a multi-award-winning team of independent SEND advocates and consultants with backgrounds in healthcare, education and law.
Every member of our team has personal experience of navigating the SEND system, either as a neurodivergent person, as a parent advocating for their own child/ren, or both. That lived experience sits alongside our professional knowledge and shapes the practical, compassionate support we provide.
Our team holds Advanced IPSEA SEND Law Level 3 training at a minimum, undertakes ongoing professional development and keeps up to date with relevant case law, statutory guidance and developments in SEND law. Where appropriate, we may also seek specialist legal input on more complex matters.
We are proud of the recognition our work has received, but we are most proud of the families who continue to place their trust in us and the outcomes we have helped them achieve for their children.
SEND GUIDANCE
Helpful guidance for families navigating SEND
Explore related support
Other ways we can help
EHCP Content and Placement Appeals
Support challenging content, provision, or placement in a final EHCP, including EOTIS cases within Tribunal proceedings.
Tribunal Support and Representation
Support on the day of your SEND Tribunal hearing.
Working Document Support
Preparation and management of the Working Document used during Tribunal proceedings.
Here when you’re ready
Unsure whether EOTAS may be appropriate?
Contact us to discuss your child or young person’s circumstances. We can explain the legal test, review the evidence available and help you consider whether EOTAS may be an appropriate option.
Where EOTAS is being sought, we can also advise on the evidence required and help prepare a detailed proposed package setting out the education, therapies, providers, timetable and costs.