Mentoring & Advocacy
One‑to‑one mentoring that builds trust, confidence and self‑regulation, and helps each young person’s voice be heard.
EOTAS — Education Otherwise Than At School
Information about EOTAS and how Meadow Pathways supports bespoke, trauma‑informed provision across Cornwall
Approved Alternative Provider for Cornwall
Meadow Pathways is an approved provider on Cornwall Council’s Alternative Providers list. We deliver trauma‑informed, evidence‑based inclusion, behaviour and SEMH support tailored to children, young people and schools across Cornwall.
- Commissioned and quality‑assured by Cornwall Local Authority
- Clear outcomes with measurable progress reporting for families, schools and commissioners
- Flexible delivery: in the home, in the community, outreach and transition support
Listed on Cornwall Council’s Alternative Providers list and available for commissioned EOTAS placements and school buy‑in.
What is EOTAS?
Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) means education or special educational provision that takes place outside a formal school or college setting. It must be agreed by the local authority as part of an EHC needs assessment, reassessment or EHCP review.
Children and young people accessing EOTAS are not on roll at a school or post‑16 setting. Provision may take place at home, in the community or in another setting that is not a registered school, and can include:
- Online or virtual learning
- Home tuition
- Tuition centres or specialist learning hubs
- Hospital education
- Therapeutic input, such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling or play therapy
All provision should be set out in Section F of the EHCP, which the local authority secures and funds. When a package is wholly EOTAS, Section I (the named school or setting) is usually left blank.
When EOTAS is considered
There are circumstances where children and young people with special educational needs cannot be educated in a school setting. This may be because of placement breakdowns, complex needs, emotionally based school non‑attendance (EBSNA), or because the provision they need cannot be delivered within a school.
If a child or young person is finding it very difficult to access their current setting, and an EHCP is in place or being secured, families and professionals can ask the local authority to consider an EOTAS request.
The Law and Guidance
EOTAS is set out in Section 61 of the Children and Families Act 2014:
“A local authority in England may arrange for any special educational provision that it has decided is necessary for a child or young person for whom it is responsible to be made otherwise than in a school or post‑16 institution…”
Children and Families Act 2014, section 61(1)
The local authority can do this only if it is satisfied that it would be inappropriate for the provision to be made in a school or post‑16 setting, and it must consult the child’s parent or the young person first.
Local authorities also have a wider duty to make sure every child receives a suitable education:
“Local authorities must make arrangements where, for any reason, a child of compulsory school age would not otherwise receive suitable education…”
SEND Code of Practice, paragraph 10.39 (Education Act 1996, section 19)
You can find out more about alternative provision and EOTAS in Cornwall through Cornwall Council’s SEND Local Offer.
📢 Update — September 2026: the Department for Education has consulted on proposed national changes to EOTAS as part of its SEND reforms, including quality standards for provision. Any changes would need Parliament’s approval and would not start before September 2030. Nothing is changing now, and we will keep families informed.
Our EOTAS Offer at Meadow Pathways
Meadow Pathways Wellbeing and Education Cornwall provides bespoke EOTAS provision across Cornwall. Wellbeing is central to learning, so we integrate therapeutic support with personalised education. We work closely with families and partner agencies to plan learning that supports emotional safety, builds confidence and re‑engages young people with purposeful learning.
Tailored Learning Packages
Personalised learning linked to the curriculum and built around each young person’s interests, strengths and EHCP outcomes.
Life Skills & Independence
Practical skills for everyday life, such as cooking and everyday tasks, that build independence for the future.
SEMH Interventions
Targeted support for social, emotional and mental health needs, including emotional regulation and resilience.
Wellbeing & PSHE
Wellbeing and PSHE packages that support healthy relationships, self‑care and personal development.
Transitional Services
Support for moving on to a new setting, college, training or the next stage of education, at a pace that feels safe.
Therapeutic & Curriculum‑Linked Activities
Nature‑based, creative and hands‑on learning, from outdoor exploration and cooking to art and sensory sessions.
Where Learning Happens
Provision reflects each child’s individual interests and needs, and activities are linked to the curriculum. Sessions can take place:
- 🏡 At home
- 🏘️ In community venues
- 🌳 Outdoors and in nature
- 🌈 Sensory spaces
- 💻 Online, where agreed
How EOTAS with Meadow Pathways Works
- ReferralComplete our secure referral form or get in touch to talk things through first.
- Getting to know youWe meet the young person and their family to understand their needs, interests and what matters to them.
- A personalised planWe plan a package of learning and wellbeing support around the young person and the outcomes in their EHCP, working with the local authority and other professionals.
- Trauma‑informed deliverySessions are relational and paced to the young person, putting emotional safety first.
- Review and reportingWe record progress and share clear, measurable reports with families, schools and commissioners, including for EHCP reviews.
Safeguarding
Keeping children and young people safe is at the heart of everything we do. Our safeguarding practice follows Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 and Working Together to Safeguard Children, and all staff are recruited in line with our Safer Recruitment Policy.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Michelle Pascoe
- Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Zoe Waitz
Read more on our Safeguarding page or in our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy.
Resources
Explore our key documents below:
Talk to Us About EOTAS
If you would like to discuss EOTAS for a child or young person, please contact the Meadow Pathways team or complete a referral form. For urgent safeguarding concerns, contact statutory services first.