This Order brings the provisions of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 specified in the Schedule into force on 19th September 2000.

The Order provides for the commencement of provisions which establish the body to be known as the National Council for Education and Training for Wales (section 30) together with provisions consequential on the establishment of the Council (section 51 and paragraphs 3, 4 and 93 of Schedule 9).

The Order also brings into force Schedule 4 which includes provisions relating to the membership, staffing, proceedings and accounting requirements of the Council.

The Order also brings into force two other sections necessary to allow the Council to begin the preparatory work required to enable it to take on its full functions: section 47, which gives the National Assembly for Wales power to issue directions to the Council, and section 49, which gives the National Assembly power to make grants to the Council.