CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES LIBPAR Y Trustees, Annual Report for the period Period start date: From 1st April 2024 Period end date.. March 31 St 2025 Charity name: Learning Library Charity registration number.. 1000589 Objectives and Activities Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in Its governing document Our main aim and objectives are to support children, young people and adults with additional needs by providing a free loan seNice of specialist resources to promote their holistic wellbeing and physical development. Our service provides items which are often expensive and may fall outside the average the family budget. All the items we provide are aimed at learning new skills, providing greater opportunity to interact with others, improving confidence and self-esteem, supporting sensory regulation, well-being and developing new interests and hobbies whilst having fun. Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, In particular, the activities¥ projeGts or services identified in the accounts. Our service is provided by means of Outreach Workers who visit members, homes, taking out equipmenl which will best benefit and support our members specific needs thereby encouraging physical and emotional development. We continue to ensure that resources are cleaned and sanrtised to ensure that the items are totally safe to loan out to families. Our visits are always flexible to accommodate any circumstances. Outreach workers visit approximately 6 weekly and consult with members wherever possible to ensure that all of our childrenlyoung people and adults have a voice and are able make their own decisions as to the items they would like to borrow and also give their views on items they have loaned. Additionally, we provide sensory pop us sessions throughout County Durham, to bring larger resources to families. We find this brings together our members and their families in an inclusive, non-judgmental environmenl. Travel can be a challenge for many of our members, and having the opportunity to have resources brought to the safety and comfort of their home is an invaluable part of our service. Statement confimiing whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit All Trustees are aware of their responsibilities as laid down by the Charity Commissioners. Achievements and Performance Summary of the main achievemonts of the charity, identifying the difference the charity's work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. As of 3110312025 the Learning Library had a total of 596 Individual members. Of these members their age groups were:. TOTAL MEMBERS BY AGE GROUP Aged 16-18 trluL'(I I:1 L J Ak. AKe5 12.1) 2Y. Ix Ai*d O-S 43% Aged ¢>5 AEed &ll Ages 12-15 54 Aged 1&18 14 Aged 19-25 Aged 26+ 256 264 Ai•d 6.11 44% During the financial year the Learning Library has continued to welcome new members, Totalling 230 over the 12 month period. Of these new members their age groups were'.- NEW MEMBERS BY AGE GROUP Ageij 19.25 1% Aged 16-18 0% Aged 26+ 1% ed 12-15 3% A8ed 6-1136% Aged O-5 Aged 6-11 Aged 12-15 Aged 16-18 Aged 19-25 Aged 26+ 136 A8ed 0-5 59% 83 During the financial year the Learning Library has continued to welcome new members, totalling 230 over the 12 month period. During the same period we have had 183 members journey with us come to an end. Therefore during this period the Learning Library had a growth of membership by 8.560/0 which was met head-on. Over recent years there has been a much broader knowledge and a shifting focus with regards to sensory regulation for our members. As our members can either have no sensory issues, or be over or under sensilive to some sensory input, it is essential that we support our members and their careers with regards to regulating their sensory needs. This is quite a complex process as individuals needs can change on an hour by hour basis, and we really work to try and help members identify when their sensory regulation may be impacted, and to try and put steps in place as soon as practicable to do so. A common example we get from families is that their child copes well at school, but as soon as they are home they are easily overwhelmed, or enter a crisis. A high proportion of our members are Primary Schools aged, 8nd it is those families who most commonly report this. We find that by supporting the individual to meet their needs, there is a positive effect on the entire household as there is a lower likelihood of a child reaching crisis point as we are able to intervene and recommend strategies to assist with this depending on the individual needs of the member. It is certainly not the case that every child that presents with masking behaviours at school, and then returns to their safe space requires the same intervention, it must be tailored to the individual. As an organisation we receive regular and high volumes of referrals each and every month. In the previous financial year 50 % of our new referrals were in the 0-5 age bracket. We often find that parentslguardians come to us really unsure about what to do for the best for their child. Sadly, we are in a time where there are substantial waiting lists for services for children with additional needs in this area, with families being quoted as much as 5 years for diagnosislintervention. As we are able to act so swiftly, we are able to work with fami5ies from the earliest chance, and work with and support families int their time of need. Some of the outcomes we measure within the organisation include learning a new skill, interaction with others and improved confidence. You can see from the numbers highlighted that we are able to quickly see positive outcome for our members. However one of the biggesl pieces of feedback we receive is Ihe benefit of having someone to turn to who will come out to their home and offer Information and advice around any difficulties the family Is facing and essentially to be shoulder to lean on whilst learning about and navigaling the challenges of having a child with additional needs. Financial Review Review of the charity's financial posltion at the end of the period For this period our income and expenditure totalled £145,052 Income £122,749 Expenditure INCOME APRIL 2024- MARCH 2025 Grants We received £109,741.70 in restricted grants and £10,536.70 in unrestricted grants totalling £120,277.85 Other income Income from bank interest, sales products and sales services totaled £3,083.09 Own Fundraisin Our own fundraising totaled £1.331.50 Subscri tions Income from Subscriptions totalled £6,440.94 Donations Donations to the Leaming Library from individuals and organi5ations brought in £14,131.40 Totals The total funds into the Learning Library was £145,264.78 EXPENDITURE APRIL 2024- MARCH 2025 Vehicle Costs The vehicle costs for this financial year to include, fuel, insurance and mainlenance etc was £6,989.98 which was a 33 % increase on the previous year. Staff Costs Staff costs totalled £146,which was a 870/0 decrease on the previous year. Runnln Costs This cost includes accountancy, repairs, stationery, postage, telephone, HR charges etc totalled £4,455.64 which was a 19010 reduction on the previous year. Premises Costs This cost includes building maintenance including, heating and lighting, buildings insurance etc totalled £10,342. 78, a 9¥0 reduction on the previous year. ui The cost this year for resourceslequipment was £13,540.83 with an additional £22,000.00 to purchase a new van. Wa Wages for financial year 2024-2025 were £68,419.24, an decrease on 5 % Totals Total running costs for the year came to £122,748.51. Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves ststing why they are held The Learning Library holds a separate high interest account where we hold our unrestricted reseNe funds. These funds are intended to support the organisation in a time of hardship. Should the Learning Library cease trading activities, it is expected that there reserves would fund any redundancy payments, prior to this the balance wotjld fund approximately 3 months running costs. These funds can only be accessed with authorisation from the board of Trustees. Amount of reserves held £33,582.94 Structure, Governance and Management Description of charity's trusts: Type of governing document Itrust daed, royal charter) Constitution How is the charity constituted? {e.g unlncorporated association, CIO) The Management group comprising of 7 Trustees make up the ￿gIStered charity Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees The Management Group Reference and Administrative details Charlty name Registered charity number Charity's principal addresg Learning Library 1000589 45-47 North Street Spennymoor Co. Durham DL16 6AP Names of the charity trustses who manage the charlty Date3 actgd if not for wholo gaf Trustee name Offlco {If any) Chairperson Vice Chairperson Namè of por8on lor body) entitled toa oint trust•0 Ifan Victoria Ross Denise Hickson Esther Chinchen Stephen Heslop Elaine William Treasurer Secretary Ray Heslop Rebecca Calder Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others The Learning Library does not have a Custodian Trustee Exemptions from disclosure Reason for non-disclosure of ke ersonnel details Not applicable Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trusteès, rèport above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etcl Victoria Ross Chair Date 20th January 2028 THE LEARNING LIBRARY 45- 47 NORTH STREET, SPENNYMOOR, COUNTY DURHAM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR TO THE 3 1ST MARCH 2025 T. & A. Dixon Accountancy Services The Old Doctors Surgery, High Etherley, Bishop Aiickland, Co. Durham DL14 OHS 'riiF, I,F.ARNING I.IIIRARY l. Indcpcndcnt Examiners Report 2. Accoiinting Slalenienl 3. SiaicmoiiL of Asscts and Liabilities Page 6 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Learning Library On accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Charity no (if any) 1000589 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 3110312023 Responslbilltles and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Indepondent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examIne￿S statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below ') which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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. 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. Please delete the words in the br8ckets if they do not apply. Signad: Date: 2211012025 Name: Mr Alan Dixon Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): ICPA IER Oct 2018 Address: Church View, High Etherley Bishop Auckland County Durham DL14 OHS Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). Gtve here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose, IER Oct 2018 THE LEARNING LIBRARY ReLeÉpt8 and Pdyments Account for the year to the 31., March 2025 The intormation on the followingy pages does not t.orrn part of the statutory financial statements. THE LEARNING LIBRARY Receipts and Payments Ilasis For th¢ Year to 31st Mareh, 2025 Re¢¢ipts Donation5 14,131.40 Grants Q.o-operative ComFnunity fund Granls Children in Need Durhani Couniy Coiincil 1,616.70 33.775.60 37.038.55 47,847.00 120,277.85 Other Income Bank Interest Crowdfunder SiilL' ()f van l.ost ilcnis ¢il¢s %ervAces 367.90 147.56 1,25C).119 962.49 345.25 3,083.09 ()wn Fundraising Rafflc Tombola 1,275.00 56.50 1,331.50 SubsL'ription.¥ Nlirsery %ch()015 Day Care 490.00 5,1130.94 120.00 6,440.94 145.264.78 ljank Ilalance as at 1st April, 2024 Lurr¢nt AL¢aunl Balance as at 31 st MarLh 2024 J)¢posil A¢¥ouni Balaiic¢ as at 31 st Marcli 2024 ()pening Cash in Hand 3(),562.13 33,215.04 224.17 73,1101.34 218,266.12 Payments F.quipm¢nt Toys & Equipment Molor Vehiclc 13.540.S3 22,000.00 35,540.83 Premises Costs Building maiThlen2￿Ce l Repairs / Keys l-leat & I,ig?lil Rent Tudhoe Unit Walcr Rates Buildinby Insurance 2,043.89 2.738.79 2,986.56 416.69 2,156.8S 10.342.78 Running C09t8 Accou1]t￿7¢Y HR Hank Charge5 L()ttLry Liu¢nLe Stationery Cleaning S{￿drI¢s Telephone & Int¢rnet l)elivcry Costs 601.60 1,414.68 289.77 20.00 622,32 59.06 316.61 908.40 4.455.64 Staff Co$t$ Statl. C()sts b lowcrs 16.00 30.00 146.00 Wages & On Cost Empl()y¢e wJ&¥es I IMRL I)aymcnl Pensi()n CIN 23.441.87 3,406.40 2.40() I)7 39,161.00 68,419.24 Vehicle Costs erviLe / Mainten(InLe Insurance Miscellaneous Road'lax 619.26 3,003.78 16.19 660.00 2.687.75 6.986.98 Subscriptions 35.00 l75.00 210.00 126,101.47 PY Creditors CY C.rcditors 1.331.86 4,684.82 3,352.96 122,748.51 PY Debtors C'Y l)eblors 141.70 354.73 213.03 Closing Cash Balance Current Account Balance as at 31 st March 2025 Deposlt AcGoiint Balance at 31 st March ?025 204.83 61,516.81 33 582.94 95 304.58 218,266.12 THE LEARNING LIBRARY Accounting Statement R¢¢¢ipts and Payments Basis oi. thc Year to 31 st Ma￿1], 2025 Recci ts 2025 Gifts, donations and oth¢r voluntary reLeipts 134,557 Receipts from Trading7 activities 9,080 ReLeipt8 earned from assets 1,628 Total ReLei 145 265 Payments directly for Lhurildble purpose Paynieiit% for publiLity and fundrai.8ing. Inanablcnicnl ￿]d adniinislralion 87,208 a nicnts 87,208 Net Rccci mcnls Cash funds I,asi Y¢ar E;'nd L(￿h r,uiids This Year End "Thc Charity has rc8tricl¢d funds The Churity has no endowment funds Signcd oi) b¢haifol'thc"fruslccs Approved by the bO(￿d of Tru%tee5 On - THE LEARNtNG LIBRARY Statement of Assets and Liabilities as al 31si March. 2025 Casli Funds Casli in 14and Bank Current ALcount Baiik l)cposii Account Total Cash Funds 205 61,517 95.305 Debtors Invoices outstandii)g at ycar cnd 355 Asscls Rclaincd for Charil 's Own Use Gcneral Account Bfwd 4,316 112.669 Dought Sold Depn Cfwd oiricc FurnilurL and F,'quipnicnl rixture4, fitting5 and Equipment - Co.8t Motor vchicl¢ - Cost 863 12,621 5,442 13,541 22.000 113.5111) 21,767 131180C) 1,260 123 454 l.iabililics Gencral Account 4,685 Si&?ncd on bchaif of Ihc I'ruslccs Approved by the board ot'Trustees on - (HARNY (OIAMIWON Learning Library Recei ts and ments accounts CC16a For the period frorn To 0110412024 3110312025 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ Restricted funds to th? nèamt £ Endowment funds to the near08t £ Total funds La8t yoar to tho n￿reSt £ to the nearnst £ A1 Re¢el ts Donalitsns 13,131 1,000 14.131 3,354 Grants 4,492 115,786 120.278 116,024 Other Incom8 1,455 1A55 99 Own Fundral$ing 1.332 1,332 S22 Subscriptions DebloTS Adjustment 6,441 6.441 4,495 213 213 228 ub total 28,838 116,786 143,424 123,268 A2 Asset and Investment sales, etc. 1,628 1,62B 268 Total recelpts 28,266 116,788 145,052 123,536 A3 Payments Mi8cellane¢us 210 210 100 Premises Costs 8,082 2,261 10,343 11,360 Running Costs 2,367 2,099 4,456 5.301 Staff C051s 146 146 1,181 Vehicle Costs 5,862 1.125 6.987 7.806 Wag?J & ON Costs 11,225 57,194 68,419 72,079 Volunteer Costs Subscription 125 Credilor8 Adjustment 3,363 3,353 1,159 Sub total 24.529 62.678 87,208 96.792 A4 Asset and Investment purchas•8, etc. 24.161 11.380 35,541 16.606 Total payments 48,690 74.058 122,749 113,398 Net of recelpts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds 20,424 42,727 22,303 10,138 A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds thls year end 73,001 73,001 62,862 52,577 42,727 95.304 73.000 CCXX R1 accounts ISSI 2211012025 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period UnrestriGted funds to n*arn$t £ Restricted funds to n?are8t £ Endowment funds to n•are$t £ Categories Details B1 Cash funds Bank & Cash Accounts 52,577 42,727 Total cash funds 52.577 42,727 (agree balanGes With rKeipts and paymen15 aceouniisll Unrestricted funds to nèarost £ Restricted funds to n•ora8t É Endowment funds to n•aro$t £ Dot