Parents With EOTAS Experience - Building Effective Support Packages

“Thanks Kate… this feels really therapeutic, I don’t think I’ve ever really laid it all out like this before.” That’s what Leah said after I interviewed her and captured her story. Last year, as part of the research for our book, I captured around 30 case studies about the experiences of parents navigating the SEND system, families fighting to get their children the support they’re legally entitled to and so desperately need. Their stories matter, both for awareness, and for validation too, helping parents feel less alone and better informed. Now I want to turn my focus to something that comes up time and time again, but still feels misunderstood: 🌈 EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) - (sometimes referred to as EOTISC, Education Otherwise Than In School or College) 🌈 For those who aren’t familiar with this term, it’s one way a local authority can fund a child’s education when they aren’t able attend school. Think of it like a tailored education package, where provision, support and activities are funded outside of a traditional school setting. Like homeschooling but where the local authority retain responsibility for ensuring the child gets a suitable full time education, and for footing the bill. But there’s very little clarity around what good looks like. 🤷♀️ What’s actually possible?
💁♀️ What works well in practice?
🤷♀️ What should families be pushing for?
🙅♀️ And where is the system falling short again? I recently found out our local authority hadn’t even sent off our latest school consultation when I thought we were expecting for responses. We now won’t hear anything until April 20. EOTAS is our backup if this “last chance saloon” school can’t meet her needs. And while I can’t control how long the local authority sits on applications… I can control what I do next. Hyper-curiosity mode fully activated. If EOTAS becomes our reality, I want to be ready to build the best possible package for my daughter. One that truly meets her needs, supports her wellbeing, and gives her a real chance to thrive. And if I can help other parents do the same along the way, even better. Let’s figure it out together. 🩷❤️🧡💛 CAN YOU HELP? 💛🧡❤️🩷 I’d love to speak to parents with experience of EOTAS. Those who’ve made it work, and those who’ve struggled. If that’s you, and you’d be open to sharing your story: 👉 Comment below 👉 Visit Neuroextraordinary (.co.uk)to read some of the case studies I’ve already completed (I’m adding more to the community section regularly) #SEND #EOTAS #Neurodiversity #Education #Inclusion #ParentVoices By the way, do you like the photo? It was taken by the fabulous Victoria Beddoes in the King’s Cross Wallacespace’s gorgeous building! 💖