Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Children, Education and Young People’s Services

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/324

Contact: Kate Reynolds, Deputy Director of Education

Kate.reynolds@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) is required to implement a policy for the delivery of Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) as highlighted by the SEND inspection in 2023. This policy is crucial to ensure that all children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), receive a suitable and effective education, even if they are unable to attend ‘traditional’ school settings.

Report by Director of Children’s Services (CA8)

a)    The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to consider and approve the attached draft policy and draft parents’ guide

b)    The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to request an annual review of the policy and that the findings of that review are presented to Cabinet in April 2026.

Amended recommendations approved as follows:-

RESOLVED to

a)    approve the attached draft policy and draft parents’ guide

b)    request an annual review of the policy and that the findings of that review are presented to Cabinet in April 2026.

Cabinet had before it a report regarding a policy for the delivery of Education Other Than At School (EOTAS). This was required to be implemented following the SEND inspection in 2023. The policy was crucial to ensure that all children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), received a suitable and effective education, even if they were unable to attend ‘traditional’ school settings. The EOTAS policy was designed to provide a structured framework for delivering personalised educational plans tailored to the unique needs of each child or young person.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the report.

During discussion the following points were made:-

·       The importance of the need for a transparent and thorough assessment process to ensure that all eligible students receive the support they need.

·       Ensuring consistent quality of education across different EOTAS provisions was a significant concern.

·       The availability and adequacy of support and resources for students and their families were highlighted as critical issues. Concerns were raised about the need for qualified teachers, appropriate educational materials, and additional support services such as counselling and therapy.

·       The role of parents and guardians in supporting their child's education under the EOTAS Policy was discussed. Speakers stressed the importance of providing guidance and resources to help parents effectively support their children's learning.

·       Concerns were raised about the need for increased funding, better training, and stronger collaboration between schools, local authorities, and other stakeholders.

·       Speakers emphasised the importance of regularly reviewing the effectiveness of EOTAS provisions. There were concerns about the need for continuous improvement and adaptation of the policy to meet the evolving needs of students.

Councillor Gaul moved and Councillor Gregory seconded the following amended recommendations, and they were approved.

RESOLVED to

a)    approve the draft policy set out in the annex to the report and draft parents’ guide

b)    request an annual review of the policy and that the findings of that review are presented to Cabinet in April 2026.