Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

	Page
Trustees' Report	1—4
Independent Examiner's Report	5
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)	6
Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)	7
Balance Sheet	8
Notes to the Financial Statements	9—17

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Objectives and Activities

Aims and Objectives

Incorporation

The charitable company was incorporated on 1 May 1997 and commenced trading on the same date. The charitable company passed a special resolution on 26 May 2017 changing its name from Cherrytrees Kindergarten to Lancaster Steiner School Ltd. The charitable company passed a special resolution on 31 October 2023 changing its name from Lancaster Steiner School Ltd to Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd, this is abbreviated to LISAL.

Objects and activities

The school’s aim is to provide an inspirational education for all, that will enable children to have a full experience of childhood, which can nourish and develop their innate capabilities, helping to create people who are responsible free individuals, who think clearly, observe perceptively and act considerately and constructively.

In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular to its supplementary public benefit guidance on advancing education and on fee-charging.

Our principal aims are:

A nurturing learning environment that values the individual needs of the children and supports their emotional development
A broad and integrated curriculum that encourages sustained engagement in education for life.
A key focus on social and emotional development of the pupils.
A creative curriculum and responsive teaching which supports pupils’ innate capacities for wonder and imagination.

Public Benefit

Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd is a charitable trust which seeks to benefit the public through the pursuit of its stated aims. Our fees are set at a level to ensure the financial viability of the school. Our Fee Assistance Scheme ensures that as many families as we can reasonably award reductions to are able to access the education the school offers.

Our school welcomes pupils from all backgrounds. An individual’s economic status, gender, ethnicity, race, religion or disability do not form part of our assessment process.

We are an equal opportunity organisation and are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy/maternity, age or marital/civil partnership status. We will made reasonable adjustments to meet the need of staff or pupils who become disabled.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

Main Achievements

Charitable activities

In 2024-2025 the school had 14 pupils, there were 13 in the year before.

Objectives of the year

The Trustees made a strategic decision to maintain the school at a smaller size during the financial year, ensuring that fee income of £87k remained below the VAT registration threshold for the school year. This approach was intended to provide parents of the existing pupil cohort with a full 12-month period to prepare for a 20% VAT charge that will need to be applied to fees once the school is required to register.

The school expects to register for VAT in August 2026, as projected revenue for the 2026–2027 school year is anticipated to exceed the VAT threshold. This increase in projected income reflects the work undertaken during the 2025–2026 school year to attract new pupils starting in September 2026, following two years in which the school had intentionally limited its growth.

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Trustees' Report (continued)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Financial Review

Financial Position

The charity had income of £115,669 (2024 - £105,936) and expenses of £106,726 (2024 - £90,535) and a surplus of £8,943 (2024 - £15,401)

Reserves Policy

The charity has a reserves policy which is to strive to maintain balances at a level equivalent to approximately three months’ expenditure (set at £30,000 for 24/25). This is reviewed annually and adjusted for increases in costs. Free reserves at the year-end were £43,117 (2024: £34,173), which slightly higher than the recommended amount.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 1 May 1997 and registered as a company on 1 May 1997. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

Trustee Selection Methods

Trustees are recruited from parents and friends of Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning. Potential trustees are proposed to the AGM for membership of Council. Trustees can be co-opted between AGMs if numbers on Council fall below the required level but must either stand down or stand for election at the next AGM. A third of elected trustees are required to stand down by rotation at each AGM.

Organisational structure

The organisation consists of a senior governance team made up of the company trustees and representatives of staff.

The trustees conduct an ongoing review of the major tasks in which the charity is involved and reviews the systems in place to mitigate any risks involved. Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation for all transactions and external risks by secure investment.

Induction and training of new trustees

New trustees are provided with an information pack and induction about their role and responsibilities as Trustees and Company Directors.

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees

Ms Gabi Cani

Mr John Barton

Ms Hollie Kritikos Blades (appointed 20/06/2025)

Mr Calum Maclure (appointed 20/06/2025)

Mrs Hannah Maclure (appointed 20/06/2025)

Mr Hugh Tuffen (appointed 20/06/2025)

Ms Zoe Wild (appointed 20/06/2025)

Charity Number

1066821

Company Number

03364291

Registered Office

Lune Road

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Trustees' Report (continued)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Lancaster

Lancashire

LA1 5QU

Independent Examiner

Christine Harwood ACMA

Accounts Matters Limited

3-2-1 Storey House
White Cross
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 4XQ

Bankers

CAF

25 Kings Hill Avenue

West Malling

Kent

ME19 4JQ

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Trustees' Report (continued)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Small Company Rules

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Ms Gabi Cani

Trustee

20th May 2026

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company 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 your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

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:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts 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 accounts 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 accounts to be reached.

Christine Harwood ACMA

21st May 2026

3-2-1 Storey House
White Cross
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 4XQ

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)

				2025	2024
		Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Total funds	Total funds
	Notes	£	£	£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies	3	15,588	-	15,588	13,470
Charitable activities:	4
Education		94,555	-	94,555	87,908
Other trading activities	5	4,832	-	4,832	3,441
Investments	6	694	-	694	490
Other	7	-	-	-	627

		115,669	-	115,669	105,936

EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities:	9
Education		(106,726 )	-	(106,726 )	(90,535 )

NET INCOME		8,943	-	8,943	15,401


NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS		8,943	-	8,943	15,401
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward		34,174	99	34,273	18,872

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	20	43,117	99	43,216	34,273

The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)

				2024
		Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Total funds
	Notes	£	£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies	3	7,041	6,429	13,470
Charitable activities:	4
Education		87,908	-	87,908
Other trading activities	5	3,441	-	3,441
Investments	6	490	-	490
Other	7	627	-	627

		99,507	6,429	105,936

EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities:	9
Education		(84,106 )	(6,429 )	(90,535 )

NET INCOME		15,401	-	15,401


NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS		15,401	-	15,401
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward		18,773	99	18,872

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	20	34,174	99	34,273

The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Balance Sheet

As At 31 August 2025

Balance Sheet

				2025	2024
		Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Total funds	Total funds
	Notes	£	£	£	£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets	14	3,675	-	3,675	4,323

		3,675	-	3,675	4,323
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks	15	500	-	500	500
Debtors	16	4,202	-	4,202	621
Cash at bank and in hand		48,371	99	48,470	35,253

		53,073	99	53,172	36,374
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year	17	(13,631 )	-	(13,631 )	(6,424 )

NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES)		39,442	99	39,541	29,950

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES		43,117	99	43,216	34,273

NET ASSETS		43,117	99	43,216	34,273

FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Restricted Funds				99	99
Unrestricted Funds				43,117	34,174

TOTAL FUNDS	20			43,216	34,273

For the year ending 31 August 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

On behalf of the board

Ms Gabi Cani

Trustee

20th May 2026

The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. General Information

Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 03364291 and registered charity number 1066821 . The registered office is Lune Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 5QU.

2. Accounting Policies

2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "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) (effective 1 January 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006.

The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

2.2. Financial Reporting Standard 102 - Reduced Disclosure Exemptions

The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland":

the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows and Section 3 Financial Statement Presentation paragraph 3.17 (d).

2.3. Going Concern Disclosure

The trustees have not identified any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt about the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern.

2.4. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the note to the financial statements.

2.5. Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

2.6. Resources Expended

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Governance costs

These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustee’s meetings and reimbursed expenses.

2.7. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures & Fittings	15% reducing balance
Computer Equipment	Straight line over 3 years

2.8. Stocks and Work in Progress

Stocks and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks.

2.9. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.

2.10. Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax as all its income is charitable and applied for charitable purposes.

3. Income from Donations and Legacies

			2025
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total
	funds	funds	funds
	£	£	£
Donations and gifts	588	-	588
Grants	15,000	-	15,000

	15,588	-	15,588

			2024
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total
	funds	funds	funds
	£	£	£
Donations and gifts	7,041	6,429	13,470
Grants	-	-	-

	7,041	6,429	13,470

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

4. Income from Charitable Activities

	2025	2024
	Unrestricted funds £	Unrestricted funds £
Education:
Education	87,865	83,724
Rental income	6,690	4,184

	94,555	87,908

5. Income from Other Trading Activities

	2025	2024
	Unrestricted funds	Unrestricted funds
	£	£
Fundraising events	4,832	3,407
Shop income	-	34

	4,832	3,441

6. Investment Income

	2025	2024
	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
	funds	funds
	£	£
Bank interest receivable	694	490

7. Other Income

	2025	2024
	Unrestricted funds	Unrestricted funds
	£	£
Reimbursements of costs	-	627

8. Net Income/(Expenditure)

The net income is stated after charging/(crediting):

	2025	2024
	£	£
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned	648	763

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

9. Analysis of Expenditure

	2025
	Support costs (see note 10 )
	£
Education	106,726

	2024
	Support costs (see note 10 )
	£
Education	90,535

10. Support Costs

	2025
	Education
	£
Employee costs	69,813
Premises expenses	5,802
General administration	26,578
Depreciation	648
Governance costs	3,885

	106,726

	2024
	Education
	£
Employee costs	66,295
Premises expenses	1,961
General administration	16,391
Depreciation	763
Governance costs	5,125

	90,535

11. Independent Examiner's Remuneration

	2025	2024
	£	£
Independent examination of the financial statements	770	660

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

12. Staff Costs

Staff costs were as follows:

	2025	2024
	£	£
Wages and salaries	67,931	64,945
Other pension costs	1,053	863

	68,984	65,808

No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.

13. Average Number of Employees

Average number of employees during the year was: 6 (2024: 8)

14. Tangible Assets

	Fixtures & Fittings	Computer Equipment	Total
	£	£	£
Cost
As at 1 September 2024	7,762	144	7,906

As at 31 August 2025	7,762	144	7,906

Depreciation
As at 1 September 2024	3,439	144	3,583
Provided during the period	648	-	648

As at 31 August 2025	4,087	144	4,231

Net Book Value
As at 31 August 2025	3,675	-	3,675

As at 1 September 2024	4,323	-	4,323

15. Stocks

	2025	2024
	£	£
Stock	500	500

16. Debtors

	2025	2024
	£	£
Due within one year
Trade debtors	2,147	621
Other debtors	2,055	-

	4,202	621

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

17. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

	2025	2024
	£	£
Other creditors	166	174
Taxation and social security	-	309
Accruals and deferred income	13,465	5,941

	13,631	6,424

18. Deferred Income

Deferred income movements in the year were as follows:

	2025	2024
	£	£
Balance at the start of the period	5,341	4,344
Income deferred in the current period	12,815	5,341
Amounts released in income from previous periods	(5,341 )	(4,344 )

Balance at the end of the period	12,815	5,341

Deferred income is made up of school fees received in advance

19. Pension Commitments

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund.

During the year the charge to the statement of financial activities in respect of defined contribution schemes was £1,053 (2024: £863).

At the balance sheet date contributions of £NIL were due to the fund and are included in creditors.

20. Movement in Funds

	As at 1 September 2024	Income	Expenditure	As at 31 August 2025
	£	£	£	£
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund	34,174	115,669	(106,726 )	43,117
Restricted funds
Sports Fund	99	-	-	99


Total funds	34,273	115,669	(106,726 )	43,216

	As at 1 September 2023	Income	Expenditure	As at 31 August 2024
	£	£	£	£
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund	18,773	99,507	(84,106 )	34,174
Restricted funds

...CONTINUED

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

TA Fund	-	6,429	(6,429)	-
Sports Fund	99	-	-	99


Total restricted funds	99	6,429	(6,429 )	99




Total funds	18,872	105,936	(90,535 )	34,273

21. Transactions with Trustees

None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current or previous year.

No trustee expenses have been incurred.

22. Related Party Disclosures

There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure.

23. Company limited by guarantee

The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of a winding up, such an amount as may be required not exceeding £1.

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)

	2025	2024
	Total funds	Total funds
	£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies

Donations and gifts	588	13,470
Grants	15,000	-

	15,588	13,470

Charitable Activities:
Education
Education	87,865	83,724
Rental income	6,690	4,184

	94,555	87,908
Other trading activities

Fundraising events	4,832	3,407
Shop income	-	34

	4,832	3,441

Investments

Bank interest receivable	694	490

	694	490

Other

Reimbursements of costs	-	627

	-	627


	115,669	105,936
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable Activities:
Education
Wages and salaries	(67,931)	(64,945)
Employers pensions - defined contributions scheme	(1,053)	(863)
Staff training	(829)	(487)
Rent	(60)	-
Rates	(3,347)	(1,656)
Light and heat	(2,395)	(305)
Computer software, consumables and maintenance	(457)	(616)
Repairs, renewals and maintenance	(16,918)	(9,467)
Insurance	(3,827)	(3,490)
Printing, postage and stationery	(532)	(334)
Resources	(2,054)	(389)
Telecommunications and data costs	(627)	(635)
Professional fees	(608)	(688)
Subscriptions	(1,481)	(621)
Bank charges	(60)	(60)
Sundry expenses	(14)	(91)

...CONTINUED

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Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning Ltd

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) (continued)

For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

NET INCOME	8,943	15,401
Depreciation	(648)	(763)
Independent examiner's fees	(770)	(660)
Legal fees	(3,115)	(4,465)

	(106,726)	(90,535)

	(106,726)	(90,535)

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