EOTAS

Also called Education otherwise than at school, Section 61

A package of education arranged outside any school, named in an EHCP. Rare, and a genuine option.

What it is

Education otherwise than at a school or college is provision arranged under section 61 of the Children and Families Act 2014, where the council is satisfied it would be inappropriate for the provision to be made in a school or college.

Where it applies, the EHCP has no school named in Section I and the whole package sits in Section F.

Where it applies

Children and young people with an EHCP for whom no school placement is appropriate — often after a placement has broken down, or where anxiety-related non-attendance has made school unworkable.

It is not the same as elective home education, where the parent takes on the duty and the cost. Under EOTAS the council arranges and funds the package.

How it works

A package is typically tutoring, therapies, and community or vocational activity, delivered at home or in other settings and named and quantified in Section F.

Because it lives in Section F, it carries the same absolute duty as any other provision in a plan.

What you can ask for

Ask for it explicitly, in writing, with the section 61 wording. Councils rarely offer it unprompted.

Ask for every element to be quantified. An EOTAS package that says "a bespoke programme" is unenforceable in exactly the way any vague Section F is.

If the council refuses, the school-placement content of the plan is appealable to the SEND Tribunal.

Where to get help

IPSEA has specific guidance on section 61. Not Fine In School is a parent-led resource for anxiety-related non-attendance, where EOTAS often comes up.