Have your say: Education Outside of School
The Department for Education (DfE) wants to hear from parents, carers, children, and young people about support for children who are educated outside of school.
This includes children and young people who:
Receive education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) through their EHC plan
Are unable to attend school because of their health needs and receive education elsewhere
Access alternative provision or accredited online learning
For example, your child may:
Learn at home because their needs cannot currently be met in a school setting
Receive tutoring, therapy, and education from different providers as part of an EOTAS package
Be unable to attend school due to medical needs and receive education in another way
The consultation is asking whether children and young people are getting the right support, who should be responsible for making decisions and monitoring provision, and how outcomes can be improved. The DfE has said that EOTAS will remain available for children and young people who need it.
This is an opportunity to share your experiences and help shape future support for children and young people with SEND who are educated outside of school.
Complete the consultation to share your views.
The consultation closes on Friday 18 September 2026.
Read SEND reform: education otherwise than at school for more information.
WIASS provides impartial information, advice and support to parents, carers, children, and young people with SEND. If you would like impartial information about EOTAS or SEND processes, please contact us.
Government publishes SEND reforms white paper
The government published its long awaited schools white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, on 23 February 2026. It sets out proposed future reforms to the SEND system.
These proposals aim to improve earlier identification of needs, strengthen support in mainstream settings, and create greater consistency for children and young people with SEND across the country.
At this stage, SEND law has not changed and all the current SEND legal framework remains.
The white paper represents proposals only, and these will now go through a national consultation process.
Parents, carers and professionals can read the official information and take part in the consultation.
Family Hubs
Family Hubs are a great place to go to get a wide range of range of services and support for you and your family – all in one place. Services are offered to parents and children aged 0-19 years (25 years for young people with special educational needs and disabilities).
Find out what's coming up by viewing the Family Hubs' timetables: