Kirsty Williams, Cabinet Secretary for Education
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The publication of the Education Otherwise than at School (EOTAS) Framework for Action is the culmination of two years hard work by the EOTAS Task and Finish Group chaired by Ann Keane, and the sector, and marks the start of the biggest reform of Pupil Referral Units and EOTAS provision in Wales. I believe that engagement with the sector is vital to the Framework’s implementation which is why I published the Framework for consultation in June 2017.
Although it comes as no surprise, I am very pleased to say that formal consultation responses, and feedback from consultation events, have been extremely positive. The EOTAS Task and Finish Group listened to what the sector had to say about the challenges faced, and the changes needed and have worked hard to ensure that their proposals reflected this feedback.
The Framework is a long term plan. We have deliberately adopted a phased approach to the proposals, not only to ensure that they are implemented in a considered and timely manner, but also because the Framework has to complement wider education sector transformation. EOTAS provision must form an integral part of our inclusive continuum of education – it should not be a ‘bolt-on’.
I would like to offer my thanks to Ann Keane and the EOTAS Task and Finish Group for their hard work in setting the direction of the Framework, and to the EOTAS Delivery Group, chaired by Prof Brett Pugh, who have picked up the mantel and will be working with the sector to implement the actions in the Framework. Most importantly, I would like to thank the sector for their engagement during the last two years of development. The sector has been, and continues to be, the best advocate for learners accessing EOTAS provision.
http://gov.wales/topics/educationandskills/schoolshome/pupilsupport/education-otherwise-than-at-school-framework/?lang=en