Costed EOTAS
If your child is unable to attend school due to trauma, anxiety, autistic burnout, or other complex needs, and the Local Authority (LA) has agreed to provide Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS), you may be asked to submit a costed EOTAS package.
This guide will help you understand what a costed package is, how to create one, and what to include.
What is a Costed EOTAS Package?
A costed EOTAS package is a detailed plan outlining the educational provision, therapies, and support your child will receive outside of a school setting. It must include a clear cost breakdown to demonstrate how funding will be used to meet your child’s needs effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Costed EOTAS Package
1. Identify Your Child’s Educational Needs
Before drafting a costed package, review your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to ensure the proposed provision aligns with their identified needs and outcomes.
Consider:
- What education your child requires (e.g., specialist tuition, online learning, tutors).
- What therapies are essential (e.g., speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, mental health support).
- How your child will develop life skills and social opportunities.
Tip: If your child’s EHCP does not reflect their current needs, request an emergency review before finalising the EOTAS package.
2. List the Key Components of the Package
An effective EOTAS plan should cover:
Education Provision
- Private tuition (e.g., 1:1 specialist tutors, subject-specific tutors).
- Online education platforms (e.g., Wolsey Hall, InterHigh, Not Fine in School).
- Home education materials (e.g., textbooks, workbooks, subscriptions).
Therapeutic Support
- Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT).
- Occupational Therapy (OT) – including sensory integration support.
- Mental health support – clinical psychology, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), art therapy.
Social and Developmental Activities
- Mentoring or specialist social groups.
- Home education group memberships.
- Specialist outdoor or creative therapies (e.g., forest school, equine therapy, drama therapy).
Additional Support Services
- Learning Assistants (LSA) for structured learning and social support.
- Transport costs (if attending external provision).
3. Obtain Quotes for Each Service
Once you have identified the provision your child needs, gather cost estimates from service providers. This includes:
Private tutors – Request hourly rates and projected weekly/monthly costs.
Therapists – Ask for formal cost breakdowns, session durations, and frequency.
Online learning providers – Check package prices and membership fees.
Activity providers – Request quotes for specialist programmes (e.g., equine therapy, forest schools).
PAs/Carers – If your child needs a learning assistant, get agency rates or independent provider fees.
Tip: Some LAs require formal invoices or provider details. Always check their requirements before submitting your package.
4. Create a Cost Breakdown Table
A simple way to present your costs clearly is through a table format:
| Provision | Provider | Cost per Session | Sessions per Week | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Tutor | Jane Smith (Private Tutor) | £30 | 3 | £360 | £4,320 |
| Online Learning | Briggs | £250 | – | £250 | £3,000 |
| OT Therapy | Sensory Steps OT | £60 | 2 | £480 | £5,760 |
| Equine Therapy | Horse Haven | £45 | 1 | £180 | £2,160 |
| Learning Assistant | Direct Payment (Self-Employed) | £15/hr | 10 | £600 | £7,200 |
5. Justify Each Cost in the Package
LAs may scrutinise costs, so be prepared to explain why each element is necessary. Link everything back to EHCP outcomes. For example:
“A specialist English tutor is required because my child cannot access mainstream lessons due to severe anxiety. One-to-one tuition will enable them to continue working towards their GCSEs.”
“Occupational Therapy is essential to support sensory processing difficulties that impact my child’s ability to engage with education.”
6. Submit the Package to the LA
When submitting your costed EOTAS package:
Ensure all costs are clearly broken down.
Attach quotes or invoices as evidence.
Reference how each provision meets EHCP outcomes.
Keep a copy of your submission for future reference.
What Happens Next?
Once submitted, the LA will review your costed package. They may:
🔹 Approve the package in full.
🔹 Request further justification or adjustments.
🔹 Suggest alternative providers or cost reductions.
If your package is refused or altered unfairly, you can:
- Request a formal review meeting.
- Seek SEND legal advice or mediation.
- Appeal via the SEND Tribunal if necessary.
- If the LA refuse to provide a provision in Section F, they can be Judicially reviewed for it
Final Tips
Plan ahead – Get quotes early to avoid delays.
Be detailed – The more justification you provide, the better.
Negotiate if needed – Some LAs try to reduce costs; advocate firmly for what your child needs.
Seek support – Parent forums and SEND advocacy groups can offer guidance.