(1)Before section 12 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 (c. 21) (research and information), and immediately after the cross-heading which precedes that section, insert—
(1)The Council may—
(a)make and carry on one or more schemes for the purpose of encouraging 10 to 15 year olds to undergo relevant education or training, and
(b)secure the provision of financial resources to such persons who are receiving or proposing to receive relevant education or training in pursuance of such a scheme.
(2)Sections 5(2) and (3) and 6(1), (2) and (5) apply in relation to the provision of financial resources under subsection (1)(b) as they apply in relation to the provision of financial resources under section 5(1)(c).
(3)In this section—
“10 to 15 year olds” means persons who have attained the age of 10 but have not ceased to be of compulsory school age;
“relevant education” means—
education (other than higher education) suitable to the requirements of 10 to 15 year olds, and
organised leisure-time occupation connected with such education;
“relevant training” means—
training suitable to the requirements of 10 to 15 year olds, and
organised leisure-time occupation connected with such training.
(4)Subsection (5) of section 2 has effect for the purposes of the definitions of “relevant education” and “relevant training” in subsection (3) above as it has effect for the purposes of that section.”
(2)In section 9 of that Act (assessment and means tests), in subsection (4), after “5(1)(c)” insert “or 11A(1)(b)”.
(3)In section 13 of that Act (persons with learning difficulties)—
(a)in subsection (1), for “and 8” substitute “, 8 and 11A”, and
(b)after subsection (6) insert—
“(7)In its application for the purposes of subsection (1) in relation to the functions of the Council under section 11A, the reference in subsection (5)(b) to “post-16 education or training” is to be read as a reference to “relevant education or training” (within the meaning of section 11A).”