What is EOTISC?
EOTISC stands for Education Otherwise Than In a School or College. It is support provided for children and young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and cannot currently attend an early years setting, school or a post-16 setting. It is sometimes called EOTAS (Education Otherwise than at School).
It is designed to be short‑term (usually up to one school year), and helps your child build the skills and confidence they need to return to an education setting when they’re ready.
Why might EOTISC be offered?
The local authority may agree to EOTISC if they feel your child’s needs cannot be met in an education setting, even with support. This decision is always backed by professionals who know your child.
This might be because of:
- Health issues
- Anxiety or emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)
- A period of exclusion
- Other barriers that make school attendance very difficult
What can EOTISC include?
EOTISC is personalised. Your child might receive:
- Online learning
- One‑to‑one tuition at home
- Lessons or activities at a specialist centre
- Hospital education, if needed
- Therapy, such as counselling or speech and language support
- Life skills sessions to help build independence
How is EOTISC different from home education?
Home education, also called Elective Home Education (EHE), is when you choose to educate your child at home. You take full responsibility for planning, arranging, and funding their education.
If your child has an EHCP and you choose to home educate, the local authority no longer has to provide the support written in the EHCP, because you are choosing to make your own arrangements.