The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the Charity.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)
The Charity is established to develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially and economically disadvantaged community of Rotherham East Ward and its environs, in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs and to participate more fully in society.
In furtherance of such objects, but not further or otherwise, the company shall have the power:
- to licence and develop the electronic mapping attainment grid and similiar software to track and monitor the progress of pupils within Foundation Stage, Key stages one, two and three and all other stages in a child's educational development;
- to cause to be written, and printed or otherwise reproduced and circulated, gratuitously or otherwise, periodicals, magazines, books, leaflets or other documents or films or recorded tapes;
- to hold exhibitions, meetings, lectures, classes, seminars, workshops and courses either alone or with others;
- to promote research, scientific work, scientific investigation and development into any aspect of the objects of the Company and its work to disseminate the results of any such research;
- to co-operate and enter into arrangements with any authorities, national, local or otherwise;
- to accept subscriptions, donations, devises and bequests of, and to purchase, take onlease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire and hold, any real or personal estate, maintain and alter any of the same as are necessary for any of the objects of the Company and (subject to such consents as may be required by law) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of or mortgage any such real or personal estate;
There has been no change in these during the year.
The charity has continued to provide services to the children and families within Eastwood. Our belief is that by addressing the issues of vulnerability, exploitation, unemployment, poverty and inequality can build and sustain a stronger community. This has included;
Advice and Support
A continuing grant from The National Lottery has allowed us to expand our advice and support. We are seeing increasing numbers of people, as the cost of living crisis squeezes families hard. We have continued to support people with EUSS and related issues. Local people can now get more specialist support from CARD about immigration and benefits, debt advice and money management from Rotherfed, housing advice from Key Choices Council staff, and getting into work support from Employment Solutions, amongst others.
Eastwood Pantry
Our Social Supermarket has rapidly become well established in the community. We now support 35+ people, with 4 people volunteering on a regular basis. We have increased our delivery from Fare Share to twice a week and we supplement this with additional products. We are grateful for funding from RMBC and the Co-op.
Community opportunities
The National Lottery funding has enabled us to consistently provide English conversation groups. These sessions are appreciated because they are low-key, fun and people are free to bring their babies. In addition to learning English it gives people a chance to meet new people in similar circumstances, develop friendships and support each other. We have also provided sewing sessions for local women, and established an IT group.
Supporting young people
In our 2 youth clubs we see about 40 youngsters each week, a football session was asked for and we have been able to make this happen as well. Rotherham United Community Trust also deliver sessions for the older age range from Zone 2, with the support of our Lead Youth Worker. Activities that young people have had the opportunity to explore have included trips to do canoeing, climbing and abseiling. Also in house activities in art and music. We had a fabulous Winter Wonderland experience for over 60 children, thanks to funding from HAF and we are hoping to expand our holiday activities in 2024.
Outside spaces
Our fabulous volunteers continue to make our garden space blossom, with lovely fruit and vegetables to supplement pantry.
CLP Homes
We have been working hard behind the scenes to make the charity a member of CLP Homes. This should help us in the long term.
Fun Fest
Fun Fest was back in 2023 after a hiatus of 3 years. It was bigger and better than ever with nearly 1000 people in attendance, having fun, meeting new people and enjoying activities around the theme of Carnival!
During 2023/24, We were able to sustain our level of income. We maintained the level of smaller grants and have continued to benefit from large grants from the National Lottery.
This major grant has allowed us to continue to develop the advice and support work and community hub work, but further substantial grants from Voluntary Action Rotherham and RMBC have allowed us to extend provision in youth work and the social supermarket respectively.
It is the policy of the Charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to 3-4 months of the Charity's expenditure. The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
The principle source of funding is through grant applications, a donation from Clifton EMAG Limited and a small trading income however the charity continues to welcome donations from both organisations and individuals.
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
New Trustees are appointed based upon skills required. They are committed to supporting our children and their families in engaging and participating in learning.
All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The Charity licences its copyrighted electronic mapping attainment grid products to an independent company and receives all the profits from the independent company for sales developments and training.
The Trustees meet regularly throughout the year, all contributing to the work of the Charity.
On behalf of the board of Trustees
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Clifton Learning Partnership (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.
As the Trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Clifton Learning Partnership is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Zone 1, Erskine Road, Eastwood, Rotherham, S65 1RF.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business.
The accounts are prepared on the accruals basis.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Grants received
Trading income
Other costs
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the current or previous year.
At the year end, there was £73 (2023: £73) owing to a trustee for expenses incurred for trading business activity.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
There is no deferred income at the year end. Deferred income at the prior year end was included in the financial statements as follows: £5,500 South Yorkshire Feasibility Study, £21,770 Smiles for Miles, £1,950 VAR Mental Health, £7,925 VAR BAME Mental Health and £5,000 VAR Shared Prosperity.
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund.
The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £5,094 (2023: £4,087).
The income funds of the Charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
Eastwood Growers
A grant from the Clinical Commissioning Groups was received to support volunteers with underlying health issues access support whilst being engaged in gardening activities.
EUSS (RMBC & Home Office)
Grants from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and the Home Office were received to support vulnerable EU citizens access Settled Status post Brexit.
Capital and Revenue Funding (RMBC)
A grant from Rotherham East Councillors was received to support capital funding projects at Clifton Learning Partnership.
Smiles for Miles
A grant from Voluntary Action Rotherham on behalf of The Childrens Young People and Families Consortium was received to support the provision of youth work in Eastwood.
UK Community Renewal Fund
A grant from Voluntary Action Rotherham was received to provide advice and support within the community to develop skills and employment.
PCC Shed Load of Cakes
A grant from Blend Kitchen was received to support the set up and delivery of cooking/catering opportunities within the community.
Tesco Bags of Help
A grant from the Tesco Community fund was received to create a garden at the rear of Zone 1 to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for the community café.
Pantry Budget
A grant from the Talbot Trust was received in the year ended 31 March 2023 to support the setting up of a social supermarket which includes spending on the building and fittings.
In the current year, grants from Co-op Local Community Fund, Leeds Building Society, the Neighbourly platform and Skipton Building Society were received to provide resources for the ongoing work of the social supermarket.
The National Lottery
A grant from The National Lottery was received in year ended 31 March 2023 to support Clifton Learning Partnership and Eastwood's response to the pandemic.
The current year National Lottery grants were received to deliver advice and support sessions and community development activities. An additional uplift grant from the National Lottery was received in recognition of the increase in core costs.
The National Lottery Consortium
A grant from The National Lottery was received to provide support and engage work with young people during the pandemic.
Winter COVID Grant (VAR)
A grant from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council was received to provide food support linked to the pandemic.
South Yorkshire Feasibility Study
A grant from South Yorkshire Community Foundation was received to develop the charity's evaluation systems.
PCC VRU
A grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner was received to enable the running of groups to help reduce violence against women and girls, including working on issues such as confidence and self-esteem.
Sheffield University Health Focus Groups
A grant from Sheffield University was received to fund supported focus groups to support Sheffield University research into health related issues in the Roma community.
Food in Crisis (VAR Christmas Hampers)
A grant from Voluntary Action Rotherham was received to enable food hampers to be distributed to families in need over Christmas.
VAR BAME Social Prescribing
A grant from Voluntary Action Rotherham was received to enable exercise classes to take place to address physical and mental well-being and reduce loneliness.
VAR Mental Health
A grant from Voluntary Action Rotherham was received to enable the support of the diverse group of volunteers in the garden and in the pantry, most of whom are vulnerable.
VAR BAME Mental Health
A grant from Voluntary Action Rotherham was received to fund support groups and trips out to address mental wellbeing for the BAME community members.
VAR Shared Prosperity
A grant from Voluntary Action Rotherham was received to help address the cost of living crisis by allowing people to share our space as a warm hub including exercise classes with refreshments and film nights for families.
VAR Family Hubs Event
A grant from VAR was received to support a focus group with Roma families about Family Hubs.
Bins
A grant from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council was received to fund a dual language member of staff to interact with the public in Eastwood about environmental and cleaning issues.
RMBC Gazebos
A grant from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council was received to fund the purchase of three gazebos for outdoor events.
Fun Fest
A grant from South Yorkshire Housing Association was received to fund a fun day for the community to come together and enjoy time together. It addresses community cohesion issues.
Growing Circles
A grant from Artful (Make It Happen) Ltd was received to provide additional food and resources at youth clubs.
VRU Sports Outreach
A grant from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council was received to support sports outreach youth activities in Eastwood.
The income funds of the Charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the Trustees for specific purposes:
Redundancy costs
The Trustees set aside £35,000 to cover possible costs of future redundancies. This was released in the previous financial year.
Play area
The Trustees set aside £52,000 for the refurbishment of a play area. £37,000 of this was released in the year the 2022 financial year with remaining amounts released in the previous financial year.
Youth work
The Trustees set aside £40,000 to cover the Charity's work with younger members of the community. This was released in the previous financial year.
Social Supermarket
The Trustees set aside £36,000 to open up a social supermarket for the local community to use and benefit from whilst struggling from the effects of COVID-19. £16,000 of this was released in the year the 2022 financial year with remaining amounts released in the previous financial year.
Caretaking/Premises
The Trustees set aside £15,000 to cover the costs of additional staff, cleaning and general maintenance costs required as they looked to extend their opening times. This was released in the previous financial year.
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.