Can Equine Therapy Be Funded Through an EHCP or EOTAS Package?

Parents often ask whether equine therapy can be funded through their child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)or through Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) packages. The short answer is: yes, it can, but it depends on how the plan is written and how you present your child’s needs.

In this guide, we’ll explain what EHCP and EOTAS are, how equine therapy fits in, and practical steps parents can take.

What Is an EHCP?

• An EHCP is a legal document in England that sets out a child’s special educational, health, and social care needs.

• It describes the support required for your child to achieve their outcomes.

• Councils are legally responsible for funding what is written into the EHCP.

What Is an EOTAS?

• Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) is an arrangement where the council funds alternative provision because school is not suitable.

• EOTAS packages can include therapies, tutors, and specialist services.

• They are flexible and can be tailored to meet a child’s unique needs.

How Does Equine Therapy Fit In?

Equine therapy is increasingly recognised as effective for children with: 

• Autism and ADHD

• Anxiety and trauma

• Sensory processing differences

• Emotional and behavioural challengesBecause equine therapy supports regulation, communication, and emotional wellbeing, it can be written into the “Health” or “Specialist Provision” sections of an EHCP, or included in an EOTAS package.

Steps for Parents

If you believe equine therapy would benefit your child:

1. Gather Evidence

   - Letters from SENCOs, educational psychologists, or therapists.

   ​- Reports that highlight difficulties with regulation, engagement, or school attendance. 

2. Link Needs to Outcomes- Show how equine therapy meets specific EHCP outcomes (e.g. “managing anxiety to access learning,” “developing communication skills”). 

3. Request in Writing- Ask your council caseworker to consider equine therapy as part of the provision.- Reference professional recommendations where possible. 

4. Trial Sessions - Some councils will fund trial blocks to evidence impact before committing long-term.

Why Parents Choose Equine Therapy

At Track Clinic in Somerset, we work with children funded through EHCP and EOTAS packages every week. Parents tell us that equine therapy:

• Provides a safe, calming environment away from school stress.

• Helps children build trust, confidence, and emotional regulation.

• Offers a non-verbal route to connection, especially for children who struggle with traditional therapies.