Share Your Views on New Plans for Education Otherwise Than at School

The government has launched a consultation on plans to improve support for children and young people who receive education otherwise than at school (EOTAS). The consultation is open to parents, carers, children, young people and professionals until 18 September 2026. No decisions have been made, and the government wants to hear views before deciding whether to make any changes.

What is education otherwise than at school?

Education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) is when a local authority arranges a child’s special educational provision somewhere other than a school or college. This may happen when a school or college is not the right setting to meet the child’s needs. EOTAS can take place at home or through a mix of different providers and is written into a child’s Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.

EOTAS is different from alternative provision. Alternative provision is usually arranged for children who cannot attend school because of illness, exclusion or other reasons.

Why is the government consulting?

The consultation is part of wider reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. The government says too many children do not get the support they need and that access to services can vary depending on where families live. The aim is to improve support, identify needs earlier and create a more inclusive education system.

Families and professionals who responded to the wider SEND consultation said that EOTAS needed more attention. This new consultation looks specifically at how EOTAS should work in the future.

What changes are being considered?

The proposals focus on several key areas.

Earlier support

The government wants children and young people to get help earlier. The aim is to reduce placement breakdowns and long periods out of education. The government recognises that some children will still need EOTAS and wants it to remain available when required.

Better quality provision

The consultation asks whether national standards should apply to EOTAS. The aim is to make sure support is safe, high quality, regularly reviewed and focused on helping children make progress.

Clear responsibilities

Under the proposals, every child receiving EOTAS would be linked to a named school or further education college. That setting would help manage the EOTAS arrangement and work with families and services involved in supporting the child or young person.

Support for health needs

The consultation also looks at children who cannot attend school because of physical or mental health needs. It asks how services can work together more effectively, provide support sooner and help children stay connected to learning.

Safe use of online education

The government is also seeking views on the use of accredited online education providers. The proposals aim to make sure children remain connected to a school where possible and that online learning is used appropriately.

What does this mean for families currently using EOTAS?

The government says it understands that many families have faced difficult experiences before securing the right support. More than 90% of children receiving EOTAS are aged 11 and over. Under the proposals, those already receiving EOTAS when any new system begins would be able to continue with their current arrangements.

Importantly, nothing is changing now. Any changes would not come into effect before September 2030, and only if approved by Parliament.

Have your say

Parents and carers have an opportunity to help shape future policy. The government is encouraging families to share their experiences and views before the consultation closes on 18 September 2026. Responses can be submitted online through the consultation page or by joining one of the government’s online events.

Your feedback could help influence how support is provided for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in the future.

You can find full details of the consultation, including links for the survey and online events at SEND reform: education otherwise than at school – what parents and carers of children and young people need to know