Commentary on Sections and Schedules Part 2 – Financial Assistance for Education and Childcare Sections 14 to 18: Financial assistance for education and childcare
73.Section 14 enables the Secretary of State or the NAW to give financial assistance for a number of educational or education-related purposes. These purposes are broadly defined and include, among many other objects, childcare, the use of educational buildings for different purposes and the support of teachers. Funds may be directed to schools, LEAs, individuals and companies. Education will include pre-school, school and FE, but not HE (apart from teacher-training). Subsection (2)(a) extends that power beyond the United Kingdom to enable support for visits or international collaboration that would benefit education in England or Wales.
74.The power allows the Secretary of State, or the NAW, to attach conditions, at her or its discretion, to the provision of assistance. In particular, as well as providing financial assistance directly, section 17 allows financial assistance to be provided via third parties. For example grants might be made available to an LEA, on condition that the LEA passes the grant on to its schools.