347 Approval of independent schools.E+W
(1)[F1The Welsh Ministers] may approve an independent school [F2 in Wales] as suitable for the admission of children for whom statements are maintained under section 324.
(2)Regulations may make provision as to—
(a)the requirements which are to be complied with by a school as a condition of its approval under this section,
(b)the requirements which are to be complied with by a school while an approval under this section is in force in respect of it, and
(c)the withdrawal of approval from a school at the request of the proprietor or on the ground that there has been a failure to comply with any prescribed requirement.
(3)An approval under this section may be given subject to such conditions (in addition to those prescribed) as [F3the Welsh Ministers see] fit to impose.
(4)In any case where there is a failure to comply with such a condition imposed under subsection (3), [F4the Welsh Ministers may withdraw their] approval.
(5)No person shall so exercise his functions under this Part that [F5a relevant child] is educated in an independent school unless—
(a)the school is for the time being approved by [F6the Welsh Ministers] as suitable for the admission of children for whom statements are maintained under section 324, or
(b)[F7the Welsh Ministers are] satisfied that there is a place available for the child at the school and [F8consent] to the child being educated there.
[F9(5ZA)In subsection (5) “a relevant child” means a child with special educational needs—
(a)for whom a [F10local authority] in Wales maintain a statement under section 324, or
(b)for whom no [F10local authority] maintain such a statement and who is in the area of a [F10local authority] in Wales.]
[F11(5A)[F12Subsection (5)] does not apply to a [F10local authority] [F13 in Wales] deciding, for the purposes of section 324(5), whether a parent has made suitable arrangements.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 347(1) substituted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(2)(a), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
F2Words in s. 347(1) inserted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(2)(b), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
F3Words in s. 347(3) substituted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(3), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
F4Words in s. 347(4) substituted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(4), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
F5Words in s. 347(5) substituted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(5)(a), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
F6Words in s. 347(5)(a) substituted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(5)(b), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
F7Words in s. 347(5)(b) substituted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(5)(c), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
F8Word in s. 347(5)(b) substituted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(5)(c), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
F9S. 347(5ZA) inserted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(6), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
F10Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), Sch. 2 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 2 para. 7(4)(5))
F11S. 347(5A) inserted (1.1.2002 (E.) and 1.4.2002 (W.)) by 2001 c. 10, s. 42(1), Sch. 8 para. 12 (with s. 43(13)); S.I. 2001/2217, art. 5, Sch. Pt. II (as amended by S.I. 2001/2614, art. 4); S.I. 2002/74, art. 5, Sch. Pt. II
F12Words in s. 347(5A) substituted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(7)(a), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
F13Words in s. 347(5A) inserted (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 146(7)(b), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 347(5)(b) modified (1.9.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 148(3), 173(4); S.I. 2009/1513, art. 3