Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS)

If a parent carer is considering EOTAS for their child, they will need to put together a detailed request with supporting evidence. This helps the Local Authority understand the child's needs and whether EOTAS is the most suitable option.

The request must come through either an EHC Needs Assessment or an EHCP Review. Parent carers views must be recorded through these processes.

Following an EHC Needs Assessment, if it's decided that an EHCP will be issued then parent carers should make the request at that point. 

Following an EHCP Review, parent carers should make their request when the EHCP review paperwork is submitted.

All requests must be sent to the SEN Team.

The request should include

• an outline of the provision being requested under Section F of the EHC plan
• the full costs of provision they're asking for under Section F of the EHC plan
• a proposed timetable of what will be in place for the child or young person, e.g. hours, who will provide it
• how much tutoring or external activities will be accessed
• evidence of the qualifications of tutors or any other providers that will be educating a child or young person e.g. tutors, therapists, providers
• reports by professionals with their opinions of whether an EOTAS package would be suitable e.g. teachers, tutors, educational psychologist

It's important that the request is evidence based and explains why a setting can't meet a child or young person's needs.

Parent carers should also think about how they will manage the finances of an EOTAS package if it’s agreed. This can be discussed with the SEN Team if a package is agreed.