EOTAS consultation 2026: what is proposed and how to respond

The Department for Education is consulting on changes to Education Otherwise Than at School, usually called EOTAS. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on Friday 18 September 2026.

Nothing has changed yet. The consultation asks for views on future oversight, quality standards, school links and transition arrangements. Any legal change would require Parliament's approval.

This article covers England and reflects the consultation on 20 August 2026. It is general information, not legal advice.

What is EOTAS?

EOTAS is an arrangement where a local authority secures special educational provision somewhere other than a school or college because attendance at a setting would be inappropriate for the child or young person. Current EOTAS arrangements sit within the EHC plan and use the legal framework in section 61 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

EOTAS is not the same as ordinary elective home education. It is also different from alternative provision arranged because of exclusion, illness or another reason, although the consultation covers some related alternative-provision questions.

What is the government consulting on?

The consultation has four broad areas:

1. How EOTAS is used, managed and quality assured.
2. How children with existing EOTAS arrangements would move through the wider SEND reforms.
3. Support for children who cannot attend school because of health needs.
4. The use of accredited online education providers.

The questions matter to families, schools, colleges, EOTAS providers, health professionals and local authorities.

A named school or college on roll

The government is considering whether every child receiving EOTAS should be connected to a named school or further-education college and placed on its roll. The linked setting could provide oversight and help maintain a connection with education.

This is not a decided policy. The consultation asks how oversight should work and which setting should hold responsibility. Families may want to comment on safeguarding, suitability, accountability, school relationships and the risk of linking a child to a setting that cannot meet their needs.

National quality standards

The consultation asks whether national standards should apply to EOTAS provision and whether local authorities should verify them.

No national EOTAS standard has been introduced. A useful response can explain which safeguards, qualifications, outcome measures or review arrangements have worked, and which requirements could make a suitable arrangement harder to deliver.

What is proposed for existing arrangements?

The DfE proposes that children of secondary-school age and young people aged 16 or over who already receive EOTAS when the new system begins could continue with their existing arrangements.

For younger children, the proposal includes reassessment at the end of primary education. EOTAS could continue through a future Specialist Provision Package or a supported transition arrangement where appropriate.

These are consultation proposals, not current guarantees. Existing plans and EOTAS duties remain under today's legal framework.

When could changes begin?

The parent guide says nothing is changing now. It says changes would begin from September 2030 at the earliest and only if approved by Parliament.

Do not allow a proposed future model to weaken a current EHC plan. If EOTAS is specified now, the local authority remains responsible for securing the provision in force.

How to respond

You can respond:

• through the online consultation
• by emailing `EOTAS.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk`
• by post using the address on the GOV.UK consultation page

Easy Read, British Sign Language and Braille versions are available through the official page.

A strong response is specific. State:

• your role or experience
• which consultation question you are answering
• what currently works or fails
• the likely effect of the proposal
• a practical alternative if you disagree
• any safeguard you think is missing

Avoid including a child's name, medical details or identifiable plan content in a public-policy response unless the consultation's privacy information clearly permits it and you have decided it is necessary.

What families should do while the consultation runs

Continue using the current EHC plan process. Review whether the plan accurately describes the child's needs, provision and placement. Keep delivery evidence and raise concerns through the annual-review or complaint route that applies now.

The annual review checklist and draft EHCP review guide remain current.

Unisen helps families and schools organise evidence before a response is sent. Then submit your views through the official DfE channel before the deadline.

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