What is EOTAS?
EOTAS stands for Education other than at School. EOTAS is the legal mechanism whereby a
child or young person with an EHCP can receive special educational provision despite being
unable to attend an educational setting. Under a formal EOTAS arrangement, the child or
young person will not be required to be on the roll of, or in attendance at, a “traditional”
educational setting.
Your LEA is placed under an absolute legal obligation to make sure a child or young person
receives all of the provision contained in Section F of their EHCP, unless the circumstances
in Section 42(5) are met. Section 42(5) says the obligation is on the LA to provide the EHCP
provision unless “the child’s parents or the young person has made suitable alternative
arrangements.”
In summary, EOTAS is a formal special education package made under an EHC Plan, for which the local authority remains legally responsible.
What if it’s not in Section F of our EHCP?
To access EOTAS, provision must be in Section F of your child’s EHCP. It is this section that is legally binding.
All provision should be written into the EHCP with such a level of specificity that it leaves no room for doubt exactly what provision should be delivered.
This is especially important in EOTAS cases, as there are inherent organisational difficulties
that can arise when all elements of education are being sourced individually by different
external providers. You must be absolutely clear on the provision that should be in place, so you can enforce it if it doesn't materialise.
What does EOTAS look like?
Examples of EOTAS provision could be:
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online schooling
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tuition at home
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tuition or training at a specialist centre
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hospital schooling
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therapeutic interventions
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life skills training
An EOTAS package must not be confused with choosing to Electively Home School your
child.
Get in Touch
To book a consultation, arrange a tour of Thurleigh Equestrian Centre or enquire about any of our services, please get in touch
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Address: Thurleigh Equestrian Centre, Bedfordshire
Phone: 01234 771882
Email: info@thurleighequestriancentre.co.uk
Or complete our enquiry form [Right]
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