Uche Wogu, a business and support manager at the Learning Trust, which runs education services in the borough of Hackney, conspired with a former east London police officer Kurtis Nwadikwa-Jonathan to submit bogus applications to the Trust for Sure Start out-of-school grants worth around 100,000.
Mr Wogu was responsible for administering early years and childcare grants, including the Sure Start out-of-hours fund, and getting them approved.
Between January and November 2003 the pair applied to the Learning Trust for grants to set up after-school clubs.
At Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court Mr Wogu was found guilty on two counts of misconduct in a public office and sentenced to two years imprisonment.
Mr Nwadikwa-Jonathan was jailed for 18 months after being found guilty of aiding and abetting.
The Guardian reported that the conspirators had intended to spend just enough of the grants they hoped to be awarded to offer 'orange squash and a biscuit' for the children, and keep the rest of the money for themselves.
Mr Nwadikwa-Jonathan's wife Edith, who was also involved, was given a 120- hours community service order for conspiring to obtain money transfer by deception.
Alan Wood, chief executive of the Learning Trust, said, 'This case shows that where we suspect any member of the Learning Trust staff of involvement in criminal behaviour, we will act swiftly and co-operate fully with the police. The vast majority of our staff work to high professional standards.
Any employee who lets both the public and their colleagues down must anticipate very serious consequences.'
