Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) and medical tuition

Step by step

1. What is EOTAS?

   Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) is bespoke educational provision set out in Section 61 of the Children & Families Act 2014. It applies when a local authority decides that none of the available schools or colleges can meet a child's needs. EOTAS packages usually include individual tuition and therapies at home or in the community.

2. Requesting an EOTAS package

   Discuss your concerns with your SEN caseworker. Evidence (such as clinical reports) should show why a school cannot meet your child's needs and why EOTAS is the only suitable option. The local authority will consider factors such as your child's needs, reactions to educational settings, and the cost. EOTAS is usually reviewed regularly and may be time-limited.

3. Medical tuition

   If your child cannot attend school for 15 days or more because of medical needs, the local authority must arrange suitable alternative education under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996. This could be through Hospital & Outreach Education (HOE) or home tuition. Education should start quickly and be equivalent to your child's usual timetable as far as their health allows.

4. Use Alternative Provision (AP) while planning

   Local independent Alternative Provision (AP)/special used as part of a reintegration plan: ReFocus (Wellingborough; 14–16) and On Track Education (Northampton & Silverstone; 11–19, Section 41 (S41) approved). **Hospital education:** ask your local authority SEND team or CAMHS whether an inpatient hospital education pathway is currently available, as provision changes over time.

5. Reintegration and reviews

   Both EOTAS and medical tuition plans should include regular reviews and a reintegration plan. Work with teachers, health professionals and your SEN officer to plan a return to school or a transition to another setting when your child is ready.