The WhyPlayLearning
Education Updates
Understanding education updates in a simple, calm, and practical way
Welcome
Education can sometimes feel confusing, especially with changing terminology, new policies, and unfamiliar language.
This page brings together a monthly education update, along with clear explanations of common education terms, to help you feel more informed and confident.
Whether your child learns in school or through home education, my aim is simple:
to offer calm, practical guidance to help families feel more confident in understanding education.
Latest Update September 2026
Latest Education Updates (new legislation, consultations, guidance changes)
📘 Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 — Where Are We Now?
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, so it is now law. The Department for Education updated its official policy information again on 6 August 2026 to reflect the final Act.
For home educating families, the Act includes plans for compulsory Children Not in School registers in every local authority in England. It also introduces additional safeguards in certain circumstances, including for some children subject to child-protection arrangements and children attending special schools.
However, it is important to separate what the Act provides for from what families are required to do right now.
The current GOV.UK home-education guidance still states that parents may educate their child at home, must provide a suitable full-time education from compulsory school age, and do not have to follow the National Curriculum.
Why Play Learning will continue to follow the implementation of the new legislation and update this page as new regulations and guidance are published.
🌿 SEND Reform — The Latest Position
The Government's main SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First consultation closed on 18 May 2026. The Department for Education is now considering the responses before announcing its next steps.
There are, however, further consultations taking place as different parts of SEND provision are considered.
One particularly relevant consultation looks at Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS).
🏡 EOTAS Consultation — Open Until 18 September 2026
The Government is currently consulting on possible changes to support for children and young people whose Education, Health and Care plan provides for their education outside a school or college.
The consultation is considering:
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how EOTAS provision should be supported and quality-assured
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who should be responsible for overseeing provision
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support for children unable to attend school because of health needs
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the use of accredited online education providers
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how children and young people can achieve good outcomes while learning outside school
Importantly, the Government states that no decisions have yet been made.
EOTAS Consultation
The government's consultation on Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) closed on 18 September 2026. It looked at how education provision outside school should work in the future.
No decisions have been made yet. The responses are now being reviewed, and it may be some time before any outcome is announced. There's nothing home-educating families need to do in the meantime — and I'll update this page as soon as there's news to share. 💛
EOTAS is arranged by a local authority when a child's EHCP specifies that their special educational provision should take place somewhere other than a school or college. Elective Home Education is a decision made by parents to take responsibility for providing their child's education at home.
Our Thoughts
Many home educating families are understandably feeling uncertain as these changes are introduced.
The most helpful approach at the moment is to stay informed through reliable sources, avoid worrying rumours on social media, and remember that the majority of families who provide a suitable education for their children will continue to do exactly that.
As more official guidance is published over the coming months, we'll continue to explain any important updates here in plain English.
A monthly overview of what’s happening in UK education and what it may mean for families.
📖 Education Terms Explained (EHCP, SEND, CNIS, etc.)
EOTAS
Education Otherwise Than At School
What is it?
EOTAS means a child or young person receives education somewhere other than a school or college because this has been agreed as part of their special educational provision.
Why might it matter?
EOTAS is usually linked to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It is different from Elective Home Education because the education is arranged or agreed by the local authority rather than chosen independently by parents.
👉 In simple terms: Education outside school because it has been formally agreed as the right provision.
AP
Alternative Provision
What is it?
Alternative Provision is education provided outside a child's usual school setting when mainstream education is not suitable for them at that time.
Why might it matter?
It may be used for children who have been excluded, are unable to attend school because of illness, or need a different type of educational setting or support.
👉 In simple terms: Education provided somewhere different when the usual school setting is not appropriate.
SAO
School Attendance Order
What is it?
A School Attendance Order is a legal order that can require a child to be registered at a named school.
Why might it matter?
A local authority may consider issuing one if it believes a child is not receiving a suitable education and the situation has not been resolved.
👉 In simple terms: A legal order requiring a child to be registered at a school.
EHCP
Education, Health and Care Plan
What is it?
An EHCP is a legal document that sets out the education, health and social care support a child or young person may need if they have significant additional needs.
Why might it matter?
An EHCP helps make sure schools, colleges and other services understand the support your child is entitled to receive.
👉 In simple terms: Think of it as a personalised support plan that helps different professionals work together.
SEND
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
What is it?
SEND is a broad term used to describe children and young people who need additional support because of learning differences, disabilities or medical needs.
Why might it matter?
Every child is different. Some children need only small adjustments, while others need more specialised support.
👉 In simple terms: It simply means a child may learn differently or need extra help.
SENCO
Special Educational Needs Coordinator
What is it?
The SENCO is the teacher in a school who oversees support for pupils with additional needs.
Why might it matter?
If your child attends school and has SEND, the SENCO is often the first person parents speak to about support.
👉 In simple terms: They're the person who helps organise additional support in school.
EHE
Elective Home Education
What is it?
Elective Home Education means parents have chosen to educate their child at home instead of sending them to school.
Why might it matter?
Home education is a lawful choice in England. Parents have flexibility in how they educate their children, provided they receive a suitable education.
👉 In simple terms: Learning at home by choice.
CNIS
Children Not in School Register
What is it?
The Children Not in School (CNIS) Register is part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. It will require local authorities to keep a register of many children who are not attending school, including many who are home educated.
Why might it matter?
The register is being introduced in stages, and further regulations and guidance are still being developed. Parents should keep an eye on official updates as more information becomes available.
👉 In simple terms: It's a new system for recording children who are not attending school. It does not change parents' right to choose home education.
Ofsted
What is it?
Ofsted is the organisation responsible for inspecting schools and certain education providers in England.
Why might it matter?
Many parents worry that Ofsted also inspects home education.
They don't.
👉 In simple terms: Ofsted inspects schools—not families who choose to home educate.
LA
Local Authority
What is it?
Your Local Authority is your local council. It has legal responsibilities for education and children's services within your area.
Why might it matter?
If you home educate, your Local Authority may contact you to ask about the education your child is receiving.
👉 In simple terms: They're your local education team.
Quick, simple explanations for parents — no jargon.
Education is the foundation of growth, empowering individuals with essential knowledge and skills. It fosters understanding, promotes innovation, and shapes our communities for a brighter future.
Parent Confidence
Parent Confidence Guides (Coming Soon)
Practical support to help parents feel more confident in supporting their child’s learning.
Parent Confidence Guides (Coming Soon)
Practical support to help parents feel more confident in supporting their child’s learning.
Supporting Learning at Home
Learning does not only happen in classrooms. Many of the most meaningful learning experiences happen through everyday moments — through conversation, play, creativity, and exploration.
Explore the WhyPlayLearning resources to discover simple ways to support learning at home.
Final Note
Education is always evolving, but one thing remains the same:
Children learn best when they feel supported, understood, and encouraged to explore the world around them.