What’s Happening?
The government has launched a consultation on Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) – the arrangements in place for children and young people whose needs mean a school or college setting isn’t right for them. The proposals could change who decides on EOTAS, who manages it day to day, and what happens if a family disagrees with a decision.
We know this matters a lot to Worcestershire families, whether your child already has an EOTAS arrangement, you’re going through the process now, or you simply want to understand a system your child may need in future. It also affects families if your child has no school place, isn’t on the roll at any school, is receiving interim, short-term provision while a school place is being found; or is in alternative provision, for example because of exclusion or health needs, rather than a long-term EOTAS
Why your Voice Matters?
Worcestershire Parent Carer Forum will be submitting a formal response to this consultation on behalf of local families. It is essential that lived experience from Worcestershire is heard by national policy makers. Your feedback and responses will shape our response which WPCF will submit before the consultation closes on 18 September 2026.
Have your Say!
There’s several ways for Worcestershire parent carers to get involved:
Attend one of our SEND Reform events:
SEND Reform – EOTAS: What’s proposed, and what it means for your family
Monday 10th August 2026 at 7PM
This event will specifically focus on the proposed impact for Section 61, Children and Families Act 2014 where a child has an EHCP that formally set as EOTAS within the EHCP itself and is intended as an ongoing arrangement, not a temporary one. Register in advance for this meeting
SEND Reform – Alternative Provision: What’s proposed, and what it means for your family
Tuesday 18th August 2026 at 7pm
The Department for Education is consulting on major changes to section 19 duties, where a child may have no school place, isn’t on roll at any school, is in alternative provision or is receiving interim provision. Register in advance for this meeting
What will the events cover?
Both Zoom sessions will cover:
- What EOTAS is, and how it’s different from other kinds of alternative or interim provision
- What the government is proposing to change, and why
- What’s staying the same, at least for now
- What organisations across the SEND sector are saying
- The key dates, including when the consultation closes
- Time for your questions and your views
You don’t need to be an expert, and you don’t need to have read the consultation document. Come as you are; we’ll explain the detail as we go.
Who are the events for?
Any parent or carer in Worcestershire with a child or young person who has, has previously had, or may in future need, an EOTAS arrangement or similar out-of-school or alternative provision. All welcome, whatever stage you’re at.
Accessibility
Both sessions will be held on Zoom with live captions available. If you need any other adjustments to take part, please let us know at worcsPCF@gmail.com and we’ll do our best to arrange it.
