Request clarification
Clarifying what provision or educational arrangement is actually being requested and what the request needs to say clearly.
Requesting local authority provision and education other than at school (EOTAS)
Navigate SEND helps families and professionals structure clear requests to local authorities for provision, including cases where education otherwise than at school may need to be considered because a child or young person cannot currently access suitable education in school.
This service is designed for situations where the key issue is not only identifying need, but setting out clearly what provision is required, why it is required now, and how the evidence supports a request for local authority action or alternative educational arrangements.
This service may be right if...
- You need to make a clear request to the local authority for additional or different provision
- A child or young person is out of school, unable to attend, or unable to access suitable education in school at present
- You need a better structured request for education otherwise than at school
- The evidence exists, but the case for provision needs stronger framing and organisation
- You need a more strategic route for setting out what is needed and why
WHAT THIS SERVICE DOES
Support when the key challenge is getting the right provision requested clearly
Some SEND cases reach a point where the main issue is not simply whether needs exist, but how to present a clear and properly evidenced request to the local authority for provision, support or alternative educational arrangements.
This can include situations where a child or young person is not able to access education in school at present, and education otherwise than at school needs to be considered as part of the wider case picture. Navigate SEND helps bring structure to that stage by clarifying the request, organising the evidence and identifying the strongest next-step route.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Typical scope of support
Strategic framing
Helping shape the strongest structure for explaining need, access barriers, rationale and practical implications.
Evidence alignment
Reviewing available reports, educational information and other case materials to show how they support the request.
Alternative education pathway clarification
Helping clarify when education otherwise than at school may need to be considered and how that fits into the wider SEND pathway.
Drafting support
Support with structuring requests, correspondence or associated materials where agreed.
Next-step planning
Clarifying what should happen after the request is made and how this fits with review, amendment, provision or ongoing advisory work.
BEST FIT
Who is this service for
Families
Parents and carers who need a clearer, more structured route for asking the local authority for provision or alternative educational arrangements.
Case managers and professionals
Professionals who need stronger request framing and a more strategic way to present provision needs to the local authority.
Children out of school or unable to access school
Cases where school-based education is not currently accessible or suitable and the route forward needs clearer structure.
HOW IT WORKS
A clear route from initial enquiry to completed request for support
Initial enquiry
You explain what provision is needed, what the current educational position is, and why local authority action or alternative arrangements may now need to be considered.
Triage and fit
We review the case at a high level and identify whether this is the right service pathway.
Consultation and scope
Where appropriate, we clarify the request, the current evidence picture and the likely next-step route.
Review and drafting stage
The request is structured more clearly, and the supporting case picture is organised where agreed.
Strategic next steps
The service concludes with a clearer route for what should happen after the request is made, including any linked review, amendment or advisory work.
Not sure if this is a provision issue, review issue or out-of-school education issue
If the case overlaps several stages, Navigate SEND can help identify the strongest entry point and the clearest next step.
HELPFUL STARTING INFORMATION
What is useful to have ready?
Current educational picture
A clear explanation of what is happening now, including attendance, access difficulties, or why school is not currently suitable.
Existing EHCP or review papers
If there is already a plan or recent review history, these help show the current framework.
Reports and professional evidence
Any reports or records that help explain need, barriers to access and the type of provision required.
Relevant correspondence
Any previous communication with the local authority, school or professionals that gives context to the request.
Related services
If the case is linked to another stage in the SEND journey, these services may also be relevant:
EHCP Needs assessment requests and reassessments
FAQ'S
Common questions
What does this service cover?
This service supports families and professionals with requests to local authorities for provision, including situations where education otherwise than at school may need to be considered because a child or young person cannot currently access suitable education in school.
What is education otherwise than at school?
Education otherwise than at school refers to educational arrangements made outside a school setting where that is necessary and more appropriate for the child or young person’s circumstances at that time.
When might this route be relevant?
This route may be relevant where existing provision is unsuitable, a child is out of school or unable to attend, or the local authority needs a clearer and better evidenced request for alternative arrangements or additional provision.
Do you work with both families and professionals?
Yes. Families are the primary audience, and case managers and other professionals can also use this service where the case and referral route are appropriate.
NEXT STEP
Need help requesting provision or education otherwise than at school?
If the key challenge is setting out clearly what provision is needed, why school is not currently working or what the local authority needs to consider, Navigate SEND can help identify the strongest next step.
You can also use our checklists, to see if you have everything you need.
We look forward to hearing from you.