(1)When directed to do so by the National Assembly for Wales, the local education authorities in Wales (or such of them as may be specified in the direction) must consider whether they (or any of them) would be able to carry out their special education functions, in respect of children with the special educational needs specified in the direction, more efficiently or effectively if regional provision were made.
(2)In this section—
“regional provision” means—
provision of education for children from the areas of different local education authorities in Wales, at a school maintained by one of those authorities, or
provision made by two or more local education authorities in Wales for goods or services to be supplied by one of the authorities—
to the other or others, or
to one or more governing bodies of schools maintained by the other authority or authorities;
“special education functions” means functions under Part 4 of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56) (special educational needs).
(3)The authorities to whom a direction is given must report their conclusions to the Assembly not later than the time specified in the direction.
(4)In discharging their duties under this section, local education authorities must have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Assembly.