Special schools and specialist provision

  1. Overview
  2. Maintained special schools
  3. Special education resource facilities (SERF)
  4. Independent and non-maintained special schools
  1. Short-stay schools
  2. SEND units
  3. Education other than at school (EOTAS)

7. Education other than at school (EOTAS)

EOTAS Section 61 (Children and Families Act 2014)

EOTAS (education other than at school) helps children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities learn outside of usual schools.

This is for children who cannot attend any school, even special schools and where no changes can be made to make it possible for them to attend.

EOTAS is arranged by the local authority through:

  • education, health and care needs assessment
  • education, health and care plan review
  • education health and care needs re-assessment

EOTAS is not elective, home education (EHE). EHE is where a parent/carer chooses to teach their children at home and are responsible for their education.

EOTAS Section 19 (Education Act 1996)

Schools and local authorities must make sure that all children of compulsory school age get a suitable education, even if they can't go to school. This might be because of illness, being excluded or for another reason. The education must be appropriate for the child's age, ability, and any special educational needs they have.

The first step is to talk to the school Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) about your child's educational needs.

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Primary and secondary education