EOTAS, (Education Other Than at School), is a phrase now synonymous with the recognition of children who cannot be taught in school. These children require an alternative programme due to their individual needs.
There are currently no reliable statistics available regarding how many children are on an EOTAS plan in the UK. However, information and services provider, GOV.UK, state that the number of children needing an EHCP is rising, “The number of EHC plans in place as at January 2024 increased by 58,914 (11.4%) from January 2023.” As our UK SEND community grows, this statistic could indicate that we may expect to see a rise in the number of children with EOTAS packages.
Children with an EOTAS package could learn in a library, at home, online or elsewhere. It is the responsibility of the local authority to source a suitable location that meets the child’s needs.
A child with an EOTAS plan will be expected to have an ECHP, or to be very advanced in the EHCP application process. It is inadvisable to apply for an EOTAS plan at the same time as an ECHP. If an EHCP document is complete or nearly complete, an application for an EOTAS plan can begin.
Once a parent or carer begins the EOTAS route, they will be looking for an education tailored to their child’s requirements. There are many questions that may arise as a parent considers where to go next.
How Can SENsational Tutors Help Your Child with an EOTAS Package?
We can ease a lot of stress for parents who are sourcing the best package for their child. However, before examining the actual EOTAS journey, it is important to mention that SENsational Tutors is built on the premise that all children have different needs; children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), are unique and require a bespoke approach.
Our tutors live and breathe everything that is SEND. Some of our teachers have been Headteachers in SEND schools, or in management positions within a school Senior Leadership Team. Many have specialised qualifications in fields such as autism, dyslexia or ADHD.
EOTAS/Local Authority Commissioning Manager at SENsational Tutors, Lizzie, has followed the culture and growth of EOTAS since it was established in 2014. “If a parent or carer approached us for advice about a package, I would take them through a stage-by-stage process which would end with my preparation of a proposal for their child.
There are a few steps to this procedure:
- Book an initial telephone consultation with us here;
- A discussion regarding how EOTAS works and where they are in their journey timeline;
- A look at options regarding who will pay for their child’s tuition, including options for a personal budget;
- A conversation about the next steps available.
There would then be a pause as the LA processes the proposal. The family would then negotiate with the LA via the terms of their child’s EHCP.
Lizzie adds, “The key element is funding; who will fund the child’s EOTAS plan?”
It is the LA’s duty to fund alternative provision that meets the full criteria set out in Section F of the EHCP, unless there has been prior agreement that the child’s parents or carers are agreeable to fund it themselves or alternatively.
A child with an EHCP will be entitled to a personal budget which can be spent on tuition, in addition to any other element of a child’s education. Lizzie explains: “Via the EOTAS structure, a parent will decide the method of payment of the personal budget, which can be issued in one of two ways:
- The LA transfers the budget to the family, and they then pay the tutor through a personal budget.
- Arranged payments are made where the LA would hold the funds and commission the provision of those funds via SENsational Tutors.
We can talk through both these options with you.”
Once the proposal has been finalised, the parent would once again approach Lizzie to find the right tutor to match their child’s bespoke requirements.
Additionally, SENsational Tutors can find an EOTAS coordinator to help you navigate your EOTAS package to ensure all professionals are updated, and collaborate to guarantee the best possible educational outcome.
We are not just tutors; we are confidence-builders that support and communicate to ensure you and your child have the best possible experience. Every one of our tutors has been through a rigorous vetting process and has proven their dedication, skill and commitment to the SEND community.
The Quality of our Lessons is Second to None
Our tutors build a customised plan for every child. It will be carefully prepared, factoring in questions such as:
- Have I gathered enough information from parents/carers about the child?
- Have I read reports and the child’s EHCP?
- What visual aids do I need?
- What technological support can I use?
- Have I ensured a peaceful, organised environment, conducive to a positive learning experience?
- What hands-on tasks can I use to keep the child engaged?
- Does my lesson share autonomy between both teacher and pupil?
- How can I break the lesson into achievable targets?
- What sensory experiences should be incorporated or avoided?
- Does this lesson suit the child’s learning style?
As your child begins their EOTAS journey, they will gradually build a trusting working relationship with their SENsational Tutor, away from the pressures of school. As time unfolds, the benefits of this learning style will reap their rewards. Now, in a comfortable learning space, your child will have access to unlock their full potential.
Lizzie concludes: “Our focus is 100% to meet the child’s needs and create lessons and packages tailored to suit the child. That’s what we do.”
If you would like to discuss your EOTAS plans, please click here to book a free consultation to discuss your child’s needs.
(Please note: The information provided within this blog, by SENsational Tutors, is for general information purposes only. We appreciate that every person is unique and any advice/experiences mentioned within the content of each blog may not be reflective of your own personal experience. All information on the site is provided in good faith and is for educational informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with appropriate professionals.)
