What is happening?
Feedback received during the SEND Reforms consultation activity early in the year highlighted the need for there to be a clear understanding of how ‘Education Other Than At School (EOTAS)’ would work within the proposed SEND Reforms.
Feedback from the Department For Education indicates that they see the option of EOTAS remaining in the new system and they want to understand how it can be best used. The stated priority is for children who receive EOTAS to be well supported, so they experience the best possible outcomes and wellbeing.
A consultation on how EOTAS should work within the SEND Reforms was open until the 18th Sept 2026.
This consultation asks questions about;
- How to ensure that every child learns in the environment that best supports their wellbeing and outcomes
- What high-quality EOTAS support should look like for children in the reformed SEND System
- How to support children already receiving EOTAS arrangements when the reforms come into effect
- What support should look like for children who can’t attend school due to health needs
- How education settings and Local Authorities use accredited providers for alternative provision
Nothing will change to the existing system until Sept 2030 at the earliest and only if approved by Parliament. The findings of the consultation will be published along with feedback received in the main SEND Reform consultation during Autumn 2026.
It is important to remember that the intent is that the new EOTAS system will be operating in a more inclusive mainstream environment that is intended to be more response to children’s needs. It is hoped by the Government that this means the need for EOTAS will be reduced.
It is expected that any young person in Secondary Education or above on an EOTAS package in 2030 will remain on the same package. For any child from Primary Education on an EOTAS package in 2030 a review of provision will take place at the end of the Primary phase.
What is being suggested?
From 2029 /30 it is proposed that if an EOTAS package is being consider the following process will be followed;
- A young person would initially undergo a needs assessment for an EHCP and Specialist Support Package (SSP) – LA responsibility
- The most appropriate SSP is identified and the LA working with the family, names a school or further education setting where the young person will be on role (this is likely to be a new setting and a specialist school or college) – this means that the right to challenge the named school / college in the EHCP through tribunal remains.
- The LA decides if some or all of the SSP will be delivered via EOTAS
- Named setting is responsible for arranging EOTAS provision from a Local Authority approved provider that has met new national standards
- Regular reviews take place to determine impact of EOTAS and if a plan for transition back to a formal setting is ever appropriate.
Questions Raised by SEND Families
- Is there a conflict between the LA controlling the funding and the education setting arranging and managing the EOTAS provision?
- Any link with a formal education setting might be traumatic for a young person who requires EOTAS provision. How will this be managed?
If you have any questions about this element of the SEND Reforms please email enquiries@paccshropshire.org.uk Once the Government has published its response to the SEND Reforms consultations PaCC will provide a further update.