Journeys, Leaves and Seeds JLS Early Education Specialist CIC continues to provide community focused, nature-based learning and well-being opportunities for children, families, and educators across the Liverpool City Region. Our work centres on supporting emotional well-being, communication and language development, and inclusive access to outdoor learning, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities SEND. During the financial year September 2024 – September 2025, the company experienced significant growth in both reach and depth of impact. Across all programmes, we engaged 1,241 children through a combination of weekly forest school sessions, funded SEND family sessions, holiday provision, and community events . Key activities included: Weekly Forest School stay and play sessions at Bowring Park for preschool and homeeducated children, providing consistent opportunities for outdoor play, social connection, and early development. Fully funded SEND family forest school sessions, offering inclusive, supportive environments for children and their families, with strong attendance and consistently positive feedback. Weekend and holiday sessions, enabling wider community access to nature-based learning experiences. Delivery of a 10-week targeted therapeutic programme for Year 7 pupils with additional needs, which resulted in improved cooperation, emotional regulation, and engagement. Ongoing partnership work with Swanside Community Centre, including youth club provision, after-school clubs, and holiday activities reaching over 60 young people weekly. Continued collaboration with Growing Sudley CIC, delivering therapeutic outdoor sessions, family events, and specialist community programmes. The impact of this work has been significant. Feedback from schools, families, and partners highlights improvements in children’s confidence, emotional regulation, social interaction, and willingness to engage in new experiences. For example, children participating in therapeutic nature sessions demonstrated increased calmness and reduced behavioural incidents, alongside improved peer relationships . In addition to community delivery, the Director has provided school improvement consultancy to multiple specialist and mainstream settings. This work supports improved outcomes for children, particularly those with SEND, and generates income that is reinvested directly into the CIC to sustain and grow community provision. The company also secured £20,000 funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, enabling expansion of weekly sessions and SEND provision, alongside additional funding from Knowsley Council to support youth and home education projects . Overall, JLS C.I.C. has continued to deliver meaningful, inclusive, and accessible services that directly benefit the local community, with a strong emphasis on well-being, inclusion, and connection to nature.

The company actively engages with a wide range of stakeholders including: - Children and families accessing services - Parents and carers (including those of children with SEND - Local schools and educational settings - Community organisations and partner CICs - Local authority representatives - Directors and advisory members During this reporting period, stakeholder consultation was significantly strengthened through the establishment of a Parent Advisory Board, providing structured opportunities for parents and carers to contribute to the development of services and strategic direction . Consultation methods have included: - Parent Advisory Board meetings and discussions - Informal feedback during sessions - Online booking feedback and surveys - Social media engagement and communication - Partnership discussions with community organisations Stakeholder feedback has directly informed decision-making and service development. For example: Families identified a need for more inclusive and accessible provision during holidays, particularly for children with SEND, which is now being explored as a future development priority. Feedback highlighted the importance of creating non-judgemental, welcoming environments, reinforcing the company’s approach to inclusive, family-centred practice. Parents expressed willingness to contribute financially to sustain provision, leading to consideration of small pricing adjustments and donation models. Suggestions for improved communication and visibility (e.g. clearer information about safety and session structure) are being incorporated into website and engagement strategies. This ongoing consultation ensures that the company remains responsive, community-led, and aligned with the needs of those it serves.

The total amount paid or receivable by directors in respect of qualifying services was £30,576.03.

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration