"If a child can't learn the way we teach - maybe we should teach the way they learn"
- Ignacia Estrada

Alternative Learning Experiences

EOTAS Package

EOTAS stands for Education Other Than At School. It’s a way of making sure children and young people who can’t attend mainstream school still get the education and support they need.

An EOTAS package is built around your child, not the other way around. Instead of being expected to fit into a classroom, their learning comes to them in a way that works for their needs.

This could include:

1:1 teaching at home or in a safe space
Therapeutic support such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counselling
Small group sessions (in person or online) if appropriate
Creative or practical activities that build confidence as well as knowledge

Every EOTAS package is designed with your child’s strengths, challenges, and interests in mind. The local authority usually agrees to it when school just isn’t the right setting, even with extra help in place.

The aim is always to keep your child learning, growing, and feeling safe—while working towards longer-term goals, whether that’s returning to school, moving into college, or building life skills for the future.

At its heart, an EOTAS package is about saying: “Your child’s education should work for them—not the other way round.”

How does an EOTAS Package work?

An EOTAS package is usually considered when it’s clear that a child’s needs cannot be met in a school setting, even with support. Because it’s a big decision, it involves the local authority (LA), the school, and you as parents working together.

1. The school’s role

The school should first show what support they have tried (adaptations, extra help, reduced timetables).
They need to provide evidence of why school isn’t working for your child despite these efforts.
They’ll often contribute to reports and assessments for the LA.

2. Parents’ role

You share your child’s experiences, strengths, and struggles, and explain why school isn’t the right environment.
You can request that the LA considers an EOTAS package if you believe it’s the best option.
You’ll be involved in planning what the EOTAS support should look like—your voice is key.

3. The local authority’s role

The LA is responsible for making sure your child receives a suitable education.
They review all the evidence (from school, professionals, and you as parents).
If the LA agrees that school is not appropriate, they can name “EOTAS” in your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The LA then arranges and funds the package—this could include tutors, therapists, or other specialist services.

What happens next

Once agreed, the EOTAS package is written into your child’s EHCP, so it’s legally binding. The LA should check in regularly (through reviews) to make sure the package is working and adapt it if your child’s needs change.

In short:

School: shows what’s been tried.
Parents: share your child’s story and advocate for what they need.
Local Authority: makes the final decision, funds, and oversees the package.