The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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 and a new grant from Henry Smith Foundation 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, housing advice from Key Choices Council staff and Environmental Health staff and smoking cessation.
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. Our delivery from Fare Share is twice a week and we supplement this with additional products. We are grateful for funding from RMBC, The National Lottery and Henry Smith Foundation. We provided over 40 food hampers to families at Christmas with funding from Voluntary Action Rotherham.
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 supplemented these with more formal but friendly classes delivered by RNN (Rotherham College). We have also provided sewing sessions for local women.
Outside spaces
Our fabulous volunteers continue to make our garden space blossom, with lovely fruit and vegetables to supplement pantry, as well as honey from our hives which we sell and put all profits back into Pantry.
CLP Homes
CLP is now a member of CLP Homes, and continues to make progress.
Fun Fest
Fun Fest in 2024 had a theme of Sport. It was well attended by approximately 1,500 people.
‘Greening’ Zone 1
A grant was received from Groundworks UK and additional funding from Rotherham East Councillors to enable us to invest in ‘greening’ Zone 1. This involved the replacement of all old single-glazed windows to double-glazed units, plus installation of solar panels, and insulation of the roof. We are hoping that this work will enable to make savings on energy costs.
Services for Children and Young People
Funding through Smiles for Miles (The National Lottery Consortium fund, led by the children young people and families consortium) and RMBC Universal Youth Funding enables us to run our 2 youth clubs where we see about 40 youngsters each week. In addition we continue to offer a football session with Rotherham United Community Trust. 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 have provided holiday clubs through Easter and Summer Holidays through HAF funding. In addition, we have developed a Roma-only playgroup with funding through Family Hubs and we support the Family Hubs offer to our clients.
Strategically
Work has continued to build relationships and consequently our influence with existing and potential partners. We are part of
Rotherham Food Network, looking at food poverty and developing local networks and strategies.
Eastwood Officers Group. This group aims to address issues particular to Eastwood. We have presented issues and possible solutions to the Council SLT Locality Board. We also sit on the Housing Sub-Group.
Children Young Peoples and Families Consortium – CEO is a Trustee. This involves working with partners such as Council, ICB and Police to influence practice and ensure that the voice of the VCS is heard and understood.
Voluntary Action Rotherham Strategic Leaders Group, sharing priorities and issues and identifying collective ways to bring about change
Clarity+ project. This is a collaboration between Sheffield University, other universities around the country and charities that support people from the global majority. Again this aims to identify and address with funders and others the particular issues that these charities face.
Roma Support Group. We work with and support RSG. Members of staff and the CEO have been instrumental in supporting their Mishto project, and promoting the aims with others – e.g. Council, NHS and ICB. Plus we have represented Roma people at APPGs for Brexit and EUSS
ICB – We attend the South Yorkshire Roma Interest Group, largely made up of health professionals, and influence thinking about Roma populations. An initiative that we undertook and evaluated will be presented to the ICB plus other specific areas of health Services
First 15 Steps – we are supporting this work with NHS to understand the needs of Roma people attending health services.
ESOL network meeting – helping ESOL providers to adapt to meet the specific needs of Roma people.
Employability Group led by the Council – influencing practice to meet the needs of Roma people
Humanitarian Hub – specific aims to relieve poverty across the Borough
Strategic Plan for 2025/26
CLP will:
work to continue to maintain financial security
strengthen governance through recruitment, by undertaking an audit of current skills and considering further recruitment. The Chair has indicated that they will retire at the end of 2025, and plans are in place to address this.
review the strategy and produce a plan on a page
rework the website to better reflect the range of our work
barriers that face Roma people and how we can address these
support CLP Homes to identify future strategic plans
continue to work on existing projects, developing and adapting, as needed
continue our work with partners to address employability issues for our clients, taking into particular account ESOL issues, poverty and lack of skills. This will be achieved through identifying further funding, increasing staff focus and skills on this element of our work and influencing local policy makers – e.g. Council and colleges. This should extend to work with both young people and adults.
continue to influence local policy makers about issues and
During 2024/25, we were able to sustain our level of income. We maintained the level of smaller grants and have continued to benefit from two larger grants from the National Lottery and Henry Smith Foundation.
These two major grants have allowed us to continue to develop the advice and support work and community hub work.
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.
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 2025.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 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. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. 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 Companies Act 2006.
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 Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements 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 financial statements 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.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
At each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
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.
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 (2024: £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.
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows: £1,500 Street Outreach Worker Project and £260 Barnardo's. There was no deferred income at the prior year end.
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 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.
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. Since this date, grants from various sources have been received to provide resources for the ongoing work of the social supermarket, as well as income generated from the running of the pantry.
During the year, there was a transfer of £5,000 (2024: £7,791) from unrestricted funds to cover in year overspend.
The National Lottery
A grant from The National Lottery was 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.
South Yorkshire Feasibility Study
A grant from South Yorkshire Community Foundation was received to develop the charity's evaluation systems.
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 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.
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.
During the year, there was a transfer of £500 (2024: £784) from unrestricted funds to cover in year overspend.
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.
RMBC Youth
A grant from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council was received to support the provision of youth work in Eastwood.
RMBC HAF Easter
A grant from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council was received to provide school holiday activities in the community during the easter holidays.
Rotherfed
A grant from Rotherfed was received to support translation services for clients to access their services around managing money.
Sheffield Wildlife
A grant from Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust was received to train staff in delivering outdoor activities to young people.
NHS Consultation
A grant from Voluntary Action Rotherham was received to support focus group/feedback work from the Roma community about local health services.
DADA Focus Group
A grant from Law for Life was received to provide a focus group to consult the community about safeguarding issues and relationships with Social Care.
International Roma Day
A grant from Sheffield University was received to fund International Roma Day celebration event hosted by Clifton Learning Partnership.
Medical Student Placement
A grant from The Gate Surgery, Rotherham was received to cover the costs of Clifton Learning Partnership hosting a medical student placement.
Multiply
A grant from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council was received to support the delivery of confidence building activities in relation to engaging with mathematics.
South Yorkshire COSYCF
A grant from South Yorkshire's Community Foundation was received to help support research work with Sheffield University.
RMBC Universal Youth
A grant from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council was received to support the provision of youth work in Eastwood.
Sported
A grant from Sported was received to help fund youth group entrance fees to the local sports center.
During the year, there was a transfer of £3 from unrestricted funds to cover in year overspend.
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows: