Coronavirus Act 2020

Section 38

SCHEDULE 17 U.K. Temporary continuity directions etc: education, training and childcare

PART 1 E+W England and Wales

Temporary continuity directions: England E+W

F1 1 E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. 17 para. 1 expires (25.3.2022) by Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 89 (with s. 90)

Temporary continuity directions: Wales E+W

2 (1) The Welsh Ministers may give a temporary continuity direction that applies to— E+W

(a) one or more named relevant institutions in Wales;

(b) all relevant institutions in Wales (or any part of Wales);

(c) relevant institutions in Wales (or any part of Wales) of a particular description.

(2) A temporary continuity direction is a direction that—

(a) is given—

(i) to the responsible body in relation to a relevant institution, or

(ii) in the case of a relevant institution without a responsible body, to the institution, and

(b) requires that body or institution to take steps specified in the direction in connection with the provision, for a specified period, of—

(i) education, training or childcare,

(ii) services relating to education, training or childcare, or

(iii) ancillary services or facilities.

(3) Before giving a direction under this paragraph, the Welsh Ministers—

(a) must have regard to any advice from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales or one of the Deputy Chief Medical Officers for Wales relating to the incidence or transmission of coronavirus, and

(b) must be satisfied that giving the direction is a necessary and proportionate action for or in connection with the continued provision of anything mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b)(i) to (iii) for the specified period for one or more persons.

(4) A temporary continuity direction under this paragraph may—

(a) require the taking of reasonable steps in general terms, or require the taking of particular steps that the Welsh Ministers consider reasonable, in relation to any of the matters mentioned in the following paragraphs;

(b) require a relevant institution to open, to stay open, to re-open, or to open at times when it would not usually be open;

(c) require a relevant institution to provide education, training or childcare, services relating to education, training or childcare or ancillary services or facilities;

(d) require a relevant institution to allow specified persons to attend that institution for the purpose of receiving education, training or childcare, services relating to education, training or childcare or ancillary services or facilities, provided by or on behalf of that institution;

(e) require the alteration of term dates;

(f) require a relevant institution to provide or make arrangements for the provision of transport or other services relating to the provision of education, training or childcare or to ancillary services or facilities;

(g) make different provision for different purposes, or be framed by reference to whatever matters the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate;

(h) make transitional, transitory or saving provision;

(i) make such other provision as the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate in connection with the giving of the direction.

(5) The duty of a responsible body or relevant institution to which a temporary continuity direction is given under this paragraph to comply with the direction is enforceable against the body or (as the case may be) institution by the Welsh Ministers making an application to the High Court or the county court for an injunction.

(6) An application made under sub-paragraph (5) may be made without notice being given to the relevant institution or responsible body.

(7) In this paragraph—

• “ancillary services or facilities” means services or facilities that are arranged or provided for those attending a relevant institution to receive education, training or childcare (including residential accommodation, meals, laundry facilities, medical services, advice, and pastoral support);

• “childcare” means anything which amounts to child minding or day care for children for the purposes of Part 2 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 (nawm 1) (see section 19(2) to (4) of that Measure);

• “local authority” means a county council in Wales or a county borough council;

• “registered childcare provider” means a person who provides childcare and is registered under Part 2 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010, but does not include a childminder who is registered to provide childcare on domestic premises;

• “relevant institution” means—

  (a)

  a registered childcare provider;

  (b)

  a school;

  (c)

  an institution within the further education sector, within the meaning of section 91(3) of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992;

  (d)

  an institution within the higher education sector within the meaning of section 91(5) of that Act;

  (e)

  a provider of education or training within the meaning of section 31(1)(a) or (b) or 32(1)(a) or (b) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 that—

  (i)

  is not an institution within the meaning of paragraph (c) or (d), and

  (ii)

  is in receipt of funding for provision of that education or training from the Welsh Ministers or a local authority;

  but does not include an employer who is a provider by reason only of the employer providing such education or training to its employees;

  (f)

  a provider of a course of education within the meaning of Schedule 6 to the Education Reform Act 1988 that is not an institution within the meaning of paragraph (c) or (d);

  (g)

  a local authority;

• “responsible body” means—

  (a)

  in relation to a school, the proprietor, within the meaning of section 579(1) of the Education Act 1996;

  (b)

  in relation to an institution within paragraph (c) or (d) of the definition of “relevant institution”, the governing body within the meaning of section 90(1) of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992;

  (c)

  in relation to a provider within paragraph (e) or (f) of that definition, the person with legal responsibility and accountability for the provider;

• “school” has the same meaning as in the Education Act 1996 (see section 4 of that Act);

• “specified” means specified, or falling within a description specified, in a temporary continuity direction under this paragraph.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 17 para. 2 continued to 24.9.2022 (23.3.2022) by The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Alteration of Expiry Date) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/348), regs. 1(2), 2(2)(c)(i)

Temporary continuity directions: authorisations E+W

3 (1) The Secretary of State may— E+W

(a) authorise a local authority to exercise any of the Secretary of State's functions under paragraph 1 in relation to one or more of the following—

(i) a registered childcare provider in the local authority's area;

(ii) a school in its area;

(iii) a 16 to 19 Academy, within the meaning of section 1B of the Academies Act 2010, in its area;

(b) authorise the Office for Students to exercise any of the Secretary of State's functions under paragraph 1 in relation to one or more registered higher education providers within the meaning of section 3(10)(a) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.

(2) The Welsh Ministers may—

(a) authorise a local authority to exercise any of the Welsh Ministers' functions under paragraph 2 in relation to one or more of the following—

(i) a registered childcare provider in the local authority's area;

(ii) a school in its area;

(b) authorise the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales to exercise any of the Welsh Ministers' functions under paragraph 2 in relation to one or more of the following—

(i) an institution within the higher education sector within the meaning of section 91(5) of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992;

(ii) a provider of a course of education within the meaning of Schedule 6 to the Education Reform Act 1988 which is not an institution within sub-paragraph (i).

(3) An authorisation granted under this paragraph may be subject to the fulfilment of such terms and conditions as are specified in the authorisation.

(4) In this paragraph—

(a) in relation to England, “local authority” has the same meaning as in section 579(1) of the Education Act 1996, and

(b) in relation to Wales, “local authority” means a county council in Wales or a county borough council.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Sch. 17 para. 3 continued to 24.9.2022 (W.) (23.3.2022) by The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Alteration of Expiry Date) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/348), regs. 1(2), 2(2)(c)(ii)

Publication, duration and guidance in relation to temporary continuity directions E+W

4 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the appropriate authority must publish a temporary continuity direction under paragraph 1 or 2. E+W

(2) Where a direction relates to a person specified by name—

(a) the appropriate authority must give a copy of the direction to that person, and

(b) the published version of the direction must not identify any individual without their consent.

(3) A temporary continuity direction under paragraph 1 or 2 has effect until the earlier of—

(a) the end of the period specified under paragraph 1(2)(b) or 2(2)(b) (as the case may be), or

(b) the revocation of the direction by a further direction given by the appropriate authority under the same paragraph.

(4) A person to whom a temporary continuity direction under paragraph 1 or 2 is given must have regard to any guidance given by the appropriate authority about how to comply with a direction given by that authority under that paragraph.

(5) In this paragraph, subject to sub-paragraph (6), “appropriate authority” means—

(a) the Secretary of State (in relation to a direction given under paragraph 1);

(b) the Welsh Ministers (in relation to a direction given under paragraph 2).

(6) Where a person gives a direction by virtue of an authorisation under paragraph 3, “the appropriate authority”—

(a) in sub-paragraphs (1), (2) and (4), means that person, and

(b) in sub-paragraph (3)(b), includes that person.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Sch. 17 para. 4 continued to 24.9.2022 (W.) (23.3.2022) by The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Alteration of Expiry Date) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/348), regs. 1(2), 2(2)(c)(iii)

Notices temporarily removing or relaxing statutory provisions etc: England E+W

F2 5 E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2 Sch. 17 para. 5 expires (25.3.2022) by Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 89 (with s. 90)

F3 6 E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3 Sch. 17 para. 6 expires (25.3.2022) by Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 89 (with s. 90)

Notices temporarily removing or relaxing statutory provisions: Wales E+W

X1 7 (1) The Welsh Ministers may by notice make provision in relation to Wales— E+W

(a) disapplying, for a specified period, any enactment listed in sub-paragraph (5);

(b) modifying, for a specified period, any enactment listed in the table in sub-paragraph (6), in the manner described in that table.

(2) A notice under sub-paragraph (1) may limit the disapplication or modification of a provision by reference to—

(a) a specified person or description of persons;

(b) a specified area;

(c) any other matter.

(3) A notice under sub-paragraph (1) may also make such consequential modifications of any other enactment, for the specified period, as the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate.

(4) A notice under sub-paragraph (1) must state why the Welsh Ministers consider that the issuing of the notice is an appropriate and proportionate action in all the circumstances relating to the incidence or transmission of coronavirus.

(5) This is the list referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a)—

(a) section 324(5)(a) and (b) of the Education Act 1996 (statement of special educational needs);

(b) section 328(5) of that Act (review of education needs);

(c) sections 437, 443 and 444(1) and (1A) of that Act (provisions relating to attendance at school);

[F4 (ca) section 69 of, and Schedule 19 to, the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (duty to secure due provision of religious education);]

(d) section 87 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (no requirement to admit children permanently excluded from two or more schools);

(e) section 101(1) of the Education Act 2002 (basic curriculum for every maintained school);

[F5 (ea) section 109 of that Act (implementation of the National Curriculum in maintained schools);

(eb) section 110 of that Act (implementation of the National Curriculum in nursery schools etc.);

(ec) sections 116A to 116K of that Act (the local curricula);]

(f) sections 28(1), 39(2), 40, 42(2) and 50(4) of, and paragraph 2(1) and (2) of Schedule 6 to, the Education Act 2005 (provisions relating to inspections);

(g) regulation 12 of the Childcare Act 2006 (Local Authority Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/88 (w.42)) (annual progress reports), so far as it requires an annual report for the years 2020 and 2021.

[F6 (ga) sections 13(1), 14(10), 19(7), 23(1) and 24(1) of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (provisions relating to individual development plans);]

[F7 (h) the National Curriculum (Key Stage 2 Assessment Arrangements) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/2915 (W. 254));

(i) the National Curriculum (Key Stage 3 Assessment Arrangements) (Wales) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/1394 (W. 108));

(j) the Education (National Curriculum) (Assessment Arrangements for Reading and Numeracy) (Wales) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/433 (W. 51));

(k) the National Curriculum (Assessment Arrangements for the Foundation Phase and the Second and Third Key Stages) (Wales) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1999 (W. 200));

(l) the National Curriculum (Moderation of Assessment Arrangements for the Second and Third Key Stages) (Wales) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1309 (W. 113));

(m) the National Curriculum (Desirable Outcomes, Educational Programmes and Baseline and End of Phase Assessment Arrangements for the Foundation Phase) (Wales) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1596 (W. 195)).]

[F8 (n) regulations 3 and 4 of the Changing of School Session Times (Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/572 (W. 54))]

(6) This is the table referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b)—

Act, Measure or statutory instrument	Enactment	Authorised modification
The Further and Higher Education Act 1992	Section 44 (collective worship)	Any duty imposed on a person by section 44 is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 1996	Section 3 (definition of “pupil”)	A person is not for the purposes of the Education Act 1996 to be treated as a pupil at a school merely because any education is provided for that person at the school on a temporary basis for reasons relating to the incidence or transmission of coronavirus.
Education Act 1996	Section 14 (functions in respect of primary and secondary schools)	Any duty imposed on a person by section 14 is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 1996	Section 19 (exceptional provision of education in pupil referral units or elsewhere)	Any duty imposed on a person by or under section 19 is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 1996	Section 324 (statement of special educational needs)	Any duty imposed on a person by section 324(5)(a) or (b) is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 1996	Section 328 (review of educational needs)	Any duty imposed on a person by or under section 328 is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 1996	Sections 512 to 512ZB (school meals)	Any duty imposed on a person by sections 512 to 512ZB is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
[F9 School Standards and Framework Act 1998	Section 69 (duty to secure due provision of religious education)	Any duty imposed on a person by section 69(1) is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 1997	Section 43 (provision of careers education in schools in Wales)	Any duty imposed on a person by section 43(3) is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.]
School Standards and Framework Act 1998	Section 70 (requirements relating to collective worship)	Any duty imposed on a person by section 70 is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
School Standards and Framework Act 1998	Section 89A (determination of admission numbers)	Section 89A has effect as if subsections (1) and (3) were omitted and in subsection (2) for “Such a determination under section 89 may also” there were substituted “ A determination under section 89 may ” and paragraph (b) (and the preceding “and”) were omitted.
School Standards and Framework Act 1998	Section 99 (general restriction on selection by ability or aptitude)	Section 99 has effect as if subsections (2) and (4), and the words from “unless” to the end in subsection (3), were omitted.
School Standards and Framework Act 1998	Section 118 (duty of local authority as respects availability of nursery education)	Any duty imposed on a local authority by section 118 is to be treated as discharged if the local authority has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Learning and Skills Act 2000	Sections 31 and 32 (education and training for those aged 16 to 19 and those over 19)	Any duty imposed on the Welsh Ministers by section 31 or 32 is to be treated as discharged if the Welsh Ministers have used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Learning and Skills Act 2000	Section 35 (financial resources: conditions)	Section 35 has effect, where a temporary closure direction or temporary continuity direction (under Schedule 16 or 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) applies in relation to a person, as if it authorised the Welsh Ministers to vary the conditions imposed, or impose additional conditions, under that section in relation to financial resources secured to that person under section 34.
Learning and Skills Act 2000	Section 140 (duty on the Welsh Ministers to arrange an assessment of a person with SEN in particular circumstances)	Any duty imposed on a person by section 140 is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
[F10 Education Act 2002	Section 101 (basic curriculum for every maintained school in Wales)	Any duty imposed on a person by virtue of section 101 is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.]
Education Act 2002	Section 108 (establishment of National Curriculum for Wales by Order)	Section 108 has effect as if it provided that any duty imposed on a person by an order under that section is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
[F11 Education Act 2002	Section 109 (implementation of the National Curriculum for Wales in schools)	Any duty imposed on a person by section 109 is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 2002	Section 110 (implementation of the National Curriculum for Wales in respect of nursery schools etc)	Any duty imposed on a person by section 110 is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 2002	Sections 116A to 116K (the local curricula)	Any duty imposed on a person by or under sections 116A to 116K is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.]
Education Act 2002	Section 166(2) (time limit for appeals by proprietor against decisions relating to registered schools)	The period for bringing an appeal is to be treated as increased from 28 days to 3 months.
Education Act 2005	Section 28 (duty to arrange regular inspections)	The duty imposed by section 28(1) is to be treated as discharged if the Chief Inspector has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 2005	Section 39 (measures to be taken by appropriate authority)	The duty imposed on a person by virtue of section 39(2) is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 2005	Section 40 (statement prepared by a local authority)	Any duty imposed on a local authority by section 40 is to be treated as discharged if the local authority has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 2005	Section 42 (statement to be prepared by proprietor of school)	The duty imposed on a person by virtue of section 42(2) is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 2005	Section 50 (inspection of religious education: Wales)	The duty imposed on a person by section 50(4) is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Education Act 2005	Paragraph 2(1) and (2) of Schedule 6 (procedure for inspections under section 50)	Any duty imposed on a person by paragraph 2(1) or (2) is treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Childcare Act 2006	Section 24 (arrangements between local authority and childcare providers)	Any duty imposed on a Welsh local authority by section 24 is to be treated as discharged if the Welsh local authority has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty; and section 24(2) has effect as if after “securing that” there were inserted “ so far as reasonably practicable ”.
Childcare Act 2006	Section 27 (duty to provide information, advice and assistance)	Any duty imposed on a Welsh local authority by section 27 is to be treated as discharged if the Welsh local authority has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010	Section 45 (supply of information to local authorities)	Any duty imposed on the Welsh Ministers under section 45(1) is to be treated as discharged if the Welsh Ministers have used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
Childcare Act 2006 (Local Authority Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/88 (W.42))	Regulation 3 (duty to prepare and publish assessments)	Regulation 3(3) has effect as if after “intervals” there were inserted “ subject to any direction given by the Welsh Ministers to prepare and publish an assessment at another time ”.
Child Minding and Day Care (Wales) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2574 (W.214))	The whole instrument	The Regulations have effect as if they included a Regulation in the following terms “The Welsh Ministers may, by notice in writing, relax any of the requirements of regulations 3, 4, 5, 12, 14, 15 or 16, or of paragraph 9 or 33 of Schedule 1, where to do so is a necessary and proportionate response to the incidence or transmission of coronavirus (and those requirements are to be read subject to any such relaxation).”
[F12 School Organisation Code made by the Welsh Ministers under sections 38 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (Statutory Code Document Number 011/18)	Paragraph 3.4 (consultation document)	Paragraph 3.4 has effect as if the references to “school day” include a day on which there would have been a school session but for any restriction on the attendance of pupils at the school in connection with the prevalence of coronavirus.
School Organisation Code made by the Welsh Ministers under sections 38 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (Statutory Code Document Number 011/18)	Paragraph 3.5 (consultation with children and young people)	Any duty imposed on a person by paragraph 3.5 is to be treated as discharged if the person has used reasonable endeavours to discharge the duty.
School Organisation Code made by the Welsh Ministers under sections 38 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (Statutory Code Document Number 011/18)	Paragraph 4.1 (manner of publication)	Paragraph 4.1 has effect as if the references to “school day” include a day on which there would have been a school session but for any restriction on the attendance of pupils at the school in connection with the prevalence of coronavirus.]

(7) The specified period in a notice under sub-paragraph (1) must not exceed one month.

(8) The Welsh Ministers may by notice (a “cancellation notice”) cancel a notice under sub-paragraph (1) with effect from the time specified in the cancellation notice.

(9) A cancellation notice may contain transitional or saving provision.

(10) Where a notice under sub-paragraph (1) modifies section 166(2) of the Education Act 2002 in the manner specified in the table in sub-paragraph (6), that modification continues to have effect in relation to any notice of a refusal, determination or order mentioned in section 166(2) of that Act served during the specified period in the notice under sub-paragraph (1) (except that if the notice under sub-paragraph (1) is cancelled, that specified period is treated as having ended at the time the cancellation of the notice takes effect under sub-paragraph (8)).

(11) Nothing in sub-paragraph (7) or (8) prevents the making of a further notice in relation to any provision.

(12) Subject to sub-paragraph (13), the Welsh Ministers must—

(a) publish a notice under this paragraph, and

(b) take such other steps as the Welsh Ministers consider reasonable to bring the notice to the attention of those persons likely to be affected by it.

(13) Where the notice relates to a person specified by name—

(a) the Welsh Ministers must give a copy of the notice to that person, and

(b) the published version of the notice must not identify any individual without their consent.

(14) In this paragraph—

• “enactment” includes an enactment comprised in subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978), and includes an enactment whenever passed or made;

• “specified”, in relation to a notice under sub-paragraph (1), means specified in the notice.

Editorial Information

X1 The power conferred under this provision to issue or cancel a notice may be exercised by means of a notice published in The Gazette

Textual Amendments

F4 Sch. 17 para. 7(5)(ca) inserted (23.6.2020) by The Curriculum Requirements (Amendment of paragraph 7(5) of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/624),regs. 1(2), 2(a)

F5 Sch. 17 para. 7(5)(ea)-(ec) inserted (23.6.2020) by The Curriculum Requirements (Amendment of paragraph 7(5) of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/624),regs. 1(2), 2(b)

F6 Sch. 17 para. 7(5)(ga) inserted (1.9.2021) by The Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/861), regs. 1, 11(2)

F7 Sch. 17 para. 7(5)(h)-(m) inserted (23.6.2020) by The Curriculum Requirements (Amendment of paragraph 7(5) of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/624),regs. 1(2), 2(c)

F8 Sch. 17 para. 7(5)(n) inserted (25.6.2020 at 12.00 p.m.) by The Maintained Schools (Amendment of paragraph 7 of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/640), regs. 1(2), 2(2)

F9 Words in Sch. 17 para. 7(6) Table inserted (26.8.2020) by The Curriculum Requirements (Amendment of paragraph 7(6) of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/891), regs. 1(2), 2(2)

F10 Words in Sch. 17 para. 7(6) Table inserted (26.8.2020) by The Curriculum Requirements (Amendment of paragraph 7(6) of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/891), regs. 1(2), 2(3)

F11 Words in Sch. 17 para. 7(6) Table inserted (26.8.2020) by The Curriculum Requirements (Amendment of paragraph 7(6) of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/891), regs. 1(2), 2(4)

F12 Words in Sch. 17 para. 7(6) Table inserted (25.6.2020 at 12.00 p.m.) by The Maintained Schools (Amendment of paragraph 7 of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/640), regs. 1(2), 2(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 Sch. 17 para. 7 continued to 24.9.2022 (23.3.2022) by The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Alteration of Expiry Date) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/348), regs. 1(2), 2(2)(c)(iv)

8 (1) The Welsh Ministers may by regulations amend the list in paragraph 7(5) or the table in paragraph 7(6) so as to add an enactment relating (directly or indirectly) to children, education or training, or to vary or remove an entry. E+W

(2) The power to make regulations under this paragraph is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(3) Regulations under this paragraph may—

(a) make different provision for different purposes;

(b) contain transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this paragraph must be laid before the National Assembly for Wales as soon as reasonably practicable after being made.

(5) Regulations contained in an instrument laid before the National Assembly for Wales by virtue of sub-paragraph (4) cease to have effect at the end of the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the instrument is made, unless within that period the instrument is approved by a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales.

(6) In calculating the period of 40 days, no account is to be taken of any time during which the National Assembly for Wales is—

(a) dissolved, or

(b) in recess for more than 4 days.

(7) Where regulations cease to have effect as a result of sub-paragraph (5), that does not—

(a) subject to sub-paragraph (8), affect anything previously done under or by virtue of the regulations, or

(b) prevent the making of new regulations.

(8) Where a notice has been given under paragraph 7 by virtue of the regulations and the regulations cease to have effect during the specified period set out in that notice, the specified period is treated as ending at the time the regulations cease to have effect.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 Sch. 17 para. 8 continued to 24.9.2022 (23.3.2022) by The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Alteration of Expiry Date) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/348), regs. 1(2), 2(2)(c)(v)

PART 2 S Scotland

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Sch. 17 Pt. 2 continued until 24.9.2022 (24.3.2022) by The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Alteration of Expiry Date) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/40), regs. 1, 2(d)

Interpretation S

9 S In this Part—

• “the 1980 Act” means the Education (Scotland) Act 1980;

• “the 2005 Act” means the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 6);

• “early learning and childcare” has the meaning given by section 46 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 8);

• “education” includes early learning and childcare, school education, further education and higher education;

• “education authority”, “grant-aided school”, “independent school”, “public school”, “school” and “school education” have the meanings given by section 135(1) of the 1980 Act;

• “educational establishment” means—

  (a)

  a school;

  (b)

  an education and training establishment approved by the Scottish Qualifications Authority under section 2 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1996 as suitable for presenting persons for SQA qualifications;

  (c)

  a further education institution;

  (d)

  a higher education institution,

  and is also to be construed in accordance with paragraph 11(6) to (8);

• “enactment” includes an enactment comprised in, or in an instrument made under, an Act of the Scottish Parliament;

• “further education” has the meaning given by section 6 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992;

• “further education institution” means—

  (a)

  a body listed under the heading “Institutions formerly eligible for funding by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council” or under the heading “Other institutions” in schedule 2 of the 2005 Act;

  (b)

  a college of further education which is assigned to a regional strategic body by an order made under section 7C(1) of the 2005 Act;

• “higher education” has the meaning given by section 38 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992;

• “higher education institution” means—

  (a)

  a body listed under the heading “Institutions formerly eligible for funding by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council” or under the heading “Other institutions” in schedule 2 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005;

  (b)

  a person who provides a course of higher education designated by the Scottish Ministers under regulation 4(9) of the Education (Student Loans) (Scotland) Regulations 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/154) for the purposes of regulation 3(2) of those Regulations;

• “managers”, in relation to a grant-aided school, has the meaning given by section 135(1) of the 1980 Act;

• “out of school care” means any form of care provided—

  (a)

  outside school hours;

  (b)

  during school holidays;

  to children who are in attendance at a school;

• “proprietor”, in relation to an independent school, has the meaning given by section 135(1) of the 1980 Act.

Duty to have regard to public health advice S

10 (1) A relevant operator of an educational establishment must have regard to any advice relating to coronavirus from the Chief Medical Officer of the Scottish Administration or such other person as may be designated for the purposes of this paragraph by the Scottish Ministers. S

(2) Before giving a direction under paragraph 11, the Scottish Ministers—

(a) must have regard to any such advice; and

(b) must be satisfied that the giving of the direction is a necessary and proportionate action for or in connection with the continued provision of education.

(3) In this paragraph, “relevant operator”, in relation to an educational establishment, is to be construed in accordance with paragraph 11(6) to (8).

Continuing operation of educational establishments S

X2 11 (1) The Scottish Ministers may give a direction under this paragraph (an “educational continuity direction”) that applies to— S

(a) the relevant operator of one or more named educational establishments in Scotland;

(b) the relevant operators of all educational establishments in Scotland (or any part of Scotland);

(c) the relevant operators of a particular description of educational establishment in Scotland (or any part of Scotland).

(2) An educational continuity direction is a direction relating to the continuing operation of an educational establishment for a specified period.

(3) An educational continuity direction may provide that any failure to comply with a duty or time limit imposed under any enactment or rule of law relating to education is to be disregarded to the extent that it would be attributable to the direction.

(4) An educational continuity direction may—

(a) confer additional functions on a relevant operator relating to—

(i) the provision of early learning and childcare, school education, further education or higher education;

(ii) the provision of related services (for example, out of school care);

(iii) the use of the operator's premises for the purpose of protecting public health;

(b) require an educational establishment to open, to stay open, to re-open, or to open at times when it would not usually be open;

(c) require a relevant operator to allow specified people or people of a specified description to attend an educational establishment or relevant premises for which the operator is responsible;

(d) provide for or require specified people or people of a specified description to attend a specified educational establishment or specified premises for the purposes of receiving early learning and childcare, school education, further education or higher education there;

(e) prohibit access in respect of the whole or a specified part of an educational establishment or of relevant premises;

(f) prohibit access in respect of the carrying on of all activities or in respect of the carrying on of specified activities;

(g) require measures to ensure safe standards of hygiene, and other measures to protect health, to be put in place;

(h) require the alteration of term dates, holiday dates or examination dates;

(i) require the taking of actions in general terms, or require the taking of particular actions, that the Scottish Ministers consider reasonable;

(j) make different provision for different purposes (for example, for different descriptions of people attending an educational establishment);

(k) be framed by reference to whatever matters the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate;

(l) make transitional, transitory or saving provision;

(m) make such other provision as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate in connection with the giving of the direction.

(5) In this paragraph—

• “relevant premises”, means any premises (other than residential accommodation) which people attend in order to receive services provided by or on behalf of the relevant operator of an educational establishment there (see also sub-paragraphs (8) and (9)),

• “specified” means specified, or falling within a description specified, in a direction under this paragraph.

(6) In this paragraph, “relevant operator”—

(a) in relation to a school, means—

(i) where the school is a public school, the education authority by which it is managed;

(ii) where the school is an independent school, the proprietor;

(iii) where the school is a grant-aided school, the managers,

(but see also sub-paragraphs (7) and (8));

(b) in relation to a further education institution or a higher education institution, means the governing body of the institution (within the meaning of section 35(2) of the 2005 Act);

(7) Where out of school care is provided by a person in a school, “relevant operator” also includes such a person.

(8) Where school education, early learning and childcare or out of school care is provided by a person in premises other than a school—

(a) “relevant operator” also includes such a person, and

(b) references to “educational establishment” in this paragraph are to be read as if they were references to such premises.

(9) Where early learning and childcare or out of school care is provided by a person acting as a child minder (within the meaning of paragraph 12 of Schedule 12 to the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 8)) in premises used mainly as a private dwelling, an educational continuity direction may only apply to the part of the premises in which such care is provided.

Editorial Information

X2 The power conferred under this provision to make a direction may be exercised by means of a notice published in The Gazette

Compliance and enforcement S

12 (1) A relevant operator of an educational establishment must comply with a direction under paragraph 11. S

(2) A relevant operator must have regard to any guidance given by the Scottish Ministers about how to comply with a direction under paragraph 11.

(3) The duty imposed on a relevant operator to comply with a direction under paragraph 11 is enforceable, on an application made by the Scottish Ministers, by interdict or (as the case may be) by specific implement.

(4) An application made under sub-paragraph (3) may be made without notice being given to the relevant operator.

(5) In this paragraph, “relevant operator”, in relation to an educational establishment, is to be construed in accordance with paragraph 11(6) to (8).

Publication, duration and review of directions S

X3 13 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the Scottish Ministers must publish a direction under paragraph 11. S

(2) Where a direction relates to a person specified by name—

(a) the Scottish Ministers must give a copy of the direction to that person, and

(b) the published version of the direction must not identify any individual without their consent.

(3) A direction under paragraph 11 has effect until the earlier of—

(a) the end of the period specified in the direction, or

(b) the revocation of the direction by a further direction given by the Scottish Ministers.

(4) Where a direction under paragraph 11 makes provision mentioned in paragraph 11(3), the Scottish Ministers must, so long as it remains in effect, review the direction—

(a) before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the date on which the direction was given; and

(b) before the end of each subsequent period of 21 days.

Editorial Information

X3 The power conferred under this provision to make or revoke a direction may be exercised by means of a notice published in The Gazette

F13 PART 3 N.I. Northern Ireland

Textual Amendments

F13 Sch. 17 Pt. 3 expires (25.3.2022) by Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 89 (with s. 90)

F13 Temporary continuity directions N.I.

F13 14 N.I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F13 15 N.I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F13 16 N.I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F13 Notices temporarily removing or relaxing education duties N.I.

F13 17 N.I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .