Open consultation

SEND reform: education otherwise than at school

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 10 July 2026

Applies to England

Summary

We are seeking views on improving support, quality and oversight for children and young people who are educated outside of school.

This consultation is being held on another website.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 18 September 2026

Consultation description

We are seeking views on how to strengthen arrangements for children:

• and young people receiving special educational provision through an education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) arrangement
• not attending school and receiving alternative provision because of health reasons
• receiving alternative provision in accredited online education providers

We want to understand how:

• support can be improved
• responsibilities should be clarified
• provision can be better quality-assured

We are also seeking views on how arrangements can support improved outcomes. This includes progression and, where appropriate, reintegration.

We would like to hear from:

• children and young people
• parents and carers
• early years settings
• schools and trusts
• local authorities
• further education settings
• sector organisations

Published 10 July 2026