Explain

Education otherwise than at school (EOTAS, section 61)

The council may arrange some or all of a child or young person's special educational provision somewhere other than a school or college. It might be at home or in the community. It can do this only if it is satisfied that provision in a school or college would be inappropriate, and after consulting the parent or young person. The council remains responsible for securing the provision. This is different from elective home education, which parents arrange themselves.

When the council arranges education otherwise than at school, Section I can say so instead of naming a school. Section F must still be detailed and specific, and the Code says it should normally say what type of help, how much, how often, and the level of expertise of the person giving it.

Type of rule

Law (Act or Regulations)

Rule id

eotas

Rules version

england-2026.10

Law as at

30 September 2026

Sources

• Children and Families Act 2014, s 61Law (Act or Regulations)
• Children and Families Act 2014, s 42(2)Law (Act or Regulations)
• SEND Code of Practice 2015, Section F row (detailed and specific), para 9.69Code of Practice: must (restates the law)
• SEND Code of Practice 2015, Section F row (normally quantified), para 9.69Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)

Related

• Elective home education
• Section I (school, college or other placement)
• Education for children out of school (Education Act 1996, section 19)
• The council's duty to secure the provision (section 42)

All words explained · The rulebook