Section 24– General interpretation
71.Subsection (1) defines terminology used in the Measure.
72.Subsection (2) defines a ‘looked after’ child, for the purposes of the Measure, as having the same meaning as in section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989. That is a child who is in the care of a local authority (the responsible authority) or who is provided with accommodation by a local authority whilst exercising any functions under that Act.
73.Subsection (3) provides that the Measure is to be read as one with the Education Act 1996. This means that the definitions in that Act are to be read across into this Measure, and the general provisions in that Act apply to the Measure. For example the Welsh Ministers’ powers to direct under sections 496, 497 and 497A of the 1996 Act will apply in relation to functions conferred on local authorities and governing bodies by the Measure. The definitions set out in subsection (1) take precedence over any used in the Education Act 1996 if there is a difference in meaning (subsection (4)).
