Can someone help explain this legislation in layman's terms?

[warmelephant]

Jurisdiction

United Kingdom

Section 576 of the Education Act 1996.
576 Meaning of "parent".

(1)In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, "parent", in relation to a child or young person, includes any person—

(a)who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him, or

(b)who has care of him, except that in [F1section 499(8)] it only includes such a person if he is an individual.

I specifically need an understanding of Part (b) 'it only includes such a person if he is an individual'

 

[adjusterjack]

Well, we are devoted to US law here, but I'll give it a shot.

Here's a link to the entire statute:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/56/contents

Here's a link to the section you quoted:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/56/section/576

And here's Section 499:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/56/section/499

It could mean that a government agency is not a parent, nor is the "Secretary of State" (a political office), nor is a committee or subcommittee, nor is any institution.

It would help to know what your situation is and why this definition is an issue for you. What I just wrote, out of context, isn't likely to help you.

But, rather than continue here, I suggest you seek a UK legal forum or legal assistance in the UK where somebody is experienced with the Education laws.