Supporting Students with EOTAS - Education Otherwise Than At School
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Verified Tutors
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Compassionate Teaching
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Sessions from £72
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What is an EOTAS Package?
Education Otherwise Than At School, or EOTAS, is an alternative educational provision arranged by local authorities for children and young people who, for a range of reasons find that mainstream or specialist school environments aren't the most supportive settings for their learning. These reasons include exclusion, medical conditions, or emotional and mental health needs. It recognises that different students thrive in different environments, and its purpose is to provide these students with educational opportunities tailored to their strengths and specific requirements.
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Legal Framework & Statutory Duty
EOTAS provision is guided by legislation, particularly the Education Act 1996 and the Children and Families Act 2014, which place a legal duty on local authorities to ensure that all children have access to an education that is suitable and supportive of their needs. These laws empower local authorities to provide education outside traditional school environments whenever those settings are identified as unsuitable or unable to adequately support the student’s learning and well-being.
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Tutoring and Coaching
Each EOTAS package is unique to the student, recognising their strengths, challenges, and interests. This might include bespoke one-to-one tuition, alternative curriculum pathways, specialist therapies such as speech and language or occupational therapy, and flexible learning options delivered at home, online, or within specialist community settings. The focus is on creating a supportive educational experience that promotes learning.
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Flexible Curriculum
One of the key advantages of EOTAS is its adaptability, as it does not strictly adhere to the National Curriculum. Instead, it offers greater freedom to develop teaching methods and content specifically around each student's personal interests, strengths, and learning style. This allows educators to adopt creative and diverse approaches, including more student-led learning experiences, practical projects, and hands-on activities. The result is an engaging and meaningful education that captures the student's curiosity and helps maintain their motivation by connecting learning directly to their own experiences and aspirations.
An Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS) package offers a bespoke educational experience for the student, providing flexibility in learning environments and schedules, which can be particularly beneficial for those who face challenges in traditional school settings. This personalised approach ensures that students receive the necessary support to succeed academically and personally, addressing all aspects of their development.
How to get an EOTAS package
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Ensure You Have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)
An EHCP is a legally binding document detailing a child or young person’s educational, health, and social care needs, along with the support required to meet those needs. To access EOTAS, an EHCP is essential. If your child doesn’t already have one, you can request an EHC needs assessment from your local authority. This assessment evaluates whether your child requires additional support beyond what is available through standard educational provisions.
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Gather Supporting Evidence
Collect comprehensive reports from relevant professionals, such as educational psychologists, medical practitioners, or therapists, that substantiate your child’s unique needs and explain why a traditional school setting may not be suitable. This evidence is crucial in demonstrating the necessity for alternative educational arrangements like EOTAS.
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Develop a Detailed EOTAS Proposal
Create a thorough plan outlining the specific educational provisions required for your child. This should include detailed descriptions of proposed services, cost estimates, and a structured timetable. The proposal should reflect your child’s individual needs and how the EOTAS package will effectively address them.
If this feels overwhelming, we can help. Feel free to contact us and we will support you in getting your EOTAS package.
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Submit Your EOTAS Request
Present your EOTAS proposal during the EHCP assessment, reassessment, or annual review process. Engage in open discussions with the local authority to ensure they understand your child’s needs and the rationale behind the proposed EOTAS package.
We Can Help You Get an EOTAS Package
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Understanding the Procedural Framework
We help families navigate the complex legal requirements outlined in the Children and Families Act 2014, particularly Section 61, and understand the distinctions between EOTAS and elective home education.
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Gathering Robust Evidence
Securing independent, detailed reports from educational psychologists, occupational therapists (OTs), child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), or other professionals is often a major challenge. We can help you compile evidence that clearly demonstrates why mainstream schooling is unsuitable for their child.
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Creating a Detailed, Costed Educational Plan
The process requires acting as unofficial accountants. Mapping out a comprehensive timetable and costing each element of the proposed provision. We help you justify the need for specialised services like therapy sessions, tutoring, or extracurricular activities.
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Communication with Local Authorities
We help you in negotiating with the local authority and ensuring that all expert evidence is accurately reflected in the draft EHCP (especially in Section F), which is another common struggle. We often find that draft EHCPs omit key details or do not fully incorporate the professional recommendations.
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Proving the Lack of Suitable School Placements
To be granted an EOTAS package, we must demonstrate that no mainstream or specialist school can adequately meet your child’s needs. Gathering and presenting this evidence in a convincing way can be very demanding.
The EOTAS Application Support We Offer
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Come and Have a Chat About Your Needs
Let us know what you need. Wherever you are in the application process, feel free to contact us to discuss the options available to you. The start of the journey can be intimidating, but we can help.
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Schedule Consultations with Our Specialist Team
We can schedule consultations with our specialists. During this session, we’ll review your progress, discuss your child’sneeds, and identify any gaps or opportunities to strengthen your case.
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Collaborate to Develop a Detailed, Costed Educational Plan
Work together with our team to create a comprehensive, personalised plan. This plan will outline specific educational and therapeutic provisions; including tutoring, coaching, therapy sessions, extracurricular activities, and any required resources with clear costings. A detailed plan ensures that your request aligns with the legal framework and the requirements of the local authority.
