70Child benefit in respect of children educated otherwise than at educational establishments
(1)In section 2 of the [1975 c. 61.] Child Benefit Act 1975 (meaning of " child ")—
(a)in paragraph (b) of subsection (1), for the words " by attendance at a recognised educational establishment" there shall be substituted the words " either by attendance at a recognised educational establishment or, if the education is recognised by the Secretary of State, elsewhere " ; and
(b)the following subsections shall be inserted after that subsection—
“(1A)The Secretary of State may recognise education provided otherwise than at a recognised educational establishment for a person who, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, could reasonably be expected to attend such an establishment only if the Secretary of State is satisfied that education was being so provided for that person immediately before he attained the age of sixteen.
(1B)Regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which education is or is not to be treated for the purposes of this Act as full-time.”.
(2)Regulations purporting to be made under section 24(1) of that Act and made before the passing of this Act shall be treated as validly made.