EHC: Education Otherwise Than in School/College (EOTIS) for Children and Young People with EHC Plans - WNC

Education Other Than in School (EOTIS) is a short‑term education arrangement for children and young people who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan and cannot attend school or college because of complex needs. Education is provided outside a school or college setting due to medical, emotional, or social reasons.

EOTIS is not the same as Elective Home Education (EHE). EHE is chosen and funded by parents. With EOTIS, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is responsible for managing and funding the education. The main aim of EOTIS is to support the child or young person to return to school or college when they are ready.

Legal Framework

EOTIS is supported by law under:

• Children and Families Act 2014 (Section 19, Section 42 and Section 61). This allows WNC to arrange education outside school if attending is inappropriate.
• Education Act 1996 (Section 7). This outlines the parents' duty to ensure education.
• Equality Act 2010. This ensures inclusive access to education.

Before arranging EOTIS, WNC must consult with parents/carers and/or the child or young person.

When EOTIS Is Considered

EOTIS is only considered when:

• All support options in a school or college have been tried
• The child is having an EHC Plan assessment or review
• The child’s complex needs prevent them from attending school

WNC considers factors such as the child’s educational and medical needs, cost and suitability of alternatives, parental engagement, and how the child responded to previous education settings.

The Decision‑Making Process

Requests for EOTIS must include:

• Evidence from professionals
• A clear explanation of why school or college is not suitable
• Details of any request for a Personal Budget

All requests are reviewed by the SEND Placement Panel. If approved:

• EOTIS provision is recorded in Section F of the EHCP
• Any Personal Budget is recorded in Section J

Parental Requests

Parents may request EOTIS as part of an EHC Plan response or review. WNC may ask parents to confirm whether they intend to choose Elective Home Education (EHE).

If EHE is chosen, parents take full responsibility for education and costs. If EOTIS is approved, WNC remains responsible for arranging and funding the education.

Education Hours

There is no legal set number of hours for full‑time education. Guidance suggests:

• 18 hours per week for children aged 5–16
• 16 hours per week for young people aged 16–19

Hours may be reduced temporarily due to health or other needs. Travel time is not included.

Monitoring and Review

EOTIS is reviewed termly, including as part of the annual EHC Plan review. Reviews include input from the child or young person, parents or carers, and professionals. Reviews check progress, readiness to return to school or college, and whether provision still meets EHC Plan outcomes.

Funding

WNC funds EOTIS through:

• Direct Commissioning, where WNC pays providers
• Direct Payments, where families manage agreed provision

Direct Payments:

• Must be used only for agreed education support
• Require families to keep financial records
• Do not affect welfare benefits

Families must sign a Direct Payment Agreement and submit receipts regularly.

For more information, visit Personal Budgets and Direct Payments (for EHC Plans).

Safeguarding and Complaints

WNC has a duty of care. Any safety or wellbeing concerns are escalated by the SEND caseworker and, if needed, referred to safeguarding services.

Complaints should first be raised with the SEND caseworker. If concerns are not resolved, they can be taken through WNC’s Corporate Complaints Procedure.