## **Friends of St Peter’s School Association AGM 23[ rd ] October December 2024** ## **Finance Overview 2023-24** In the financial year ending 31[ st ] August 2024 the Friends of St Peter’s School Association received an income of £45,221 and expenditure of £45,975. These figures have been independently examined and pending agreement today will be reported to the Charity Commission. It’s important to note here that these figures are the income and expenditure, not the event profits that we routinely report within our school community. As a comparison, the annual profit received from events/grants is £31,531, and spending on school projects was £32,286, creating a slight deficit in the year of £755. This profit/spend summary is as follows: ## **Income** We have seen a significant boost to a ‘normal’ fundraising year, as we have been fortunate to also receive a very generous grant from MBNA (£16,472) to provide increased IT provision for the school. This was a fantastic addition for the classrooms and is very much appreciated. Despite the grant, it has also been our highest fundraising profit total for several years, an increase on 2022-23 by £4,070. This has been largely driven by the return of the Bonfire, the Spring BBQ and the summer Circus – all great events for the school community as well as boosting profit for school projects. The range and format of events Friends have run has evolved significantly over the years, as the parent group within the community has changed too. It’s worth periodically reflecting on historical events to make sure our current event plans are still relevant and raise adequate funds based on the effort and available volunteer team required. ## **Expenditure** We committed to funding the new playground equipment in the previous financial year, and we were able to pay for that balance in full last Autumn at the point of installation. It’s great to see the children enjoying the new climbing equipment during playtimes, and for parents to see directly how their fundraising is benefitting school. As also mentioned above, we have been extremely fortunate to have been given a grant from MBNA to enhance the classroom’s IT provision. As such, a purchase of 25 laptops and 20 iPads has been made (plus associated charging devices and software) which completes the full-class set available for our children. Another new way Friends have been able to support school this year is in an enrichment context. We have supported budget constraints around school trips and supported via a general ‘hardship’ route for parents too. It was decided to support school by transferring a £250 donation each term (rather than via an individual trip etc basis), and then school can use their discretion on where the funds are best directed. The ongoing continuation of this needs to be decided. After such a great year of fundraising, and minimal spending this year (aside from pre-committed costs) there is a much stronger fund available now for supporting new initiatives. We’re in a good place to plan the requirements from school for the next academic year, and ensure funding is in place accordingly. ## **Friends of St Peter’s School Association AGM 23[ rd ] October December 2024** ## **Finance Overview 2023-24** In the financial year ending 31[ st ] August 2024 the Friends of St Peter’s School Association received an income of £45,221 and expenditure of £45,975. These figures have been independently examined and pending agreement today will be reported to the Charity Commission. It’s important to note here that these figures are the income and expenditure, not the event profits that we routinely report within our school community. As a comparison, the annual profit received from events/grants is £31,531, and spending on school projects was £32,286, creating a slight deficit in the year of £755. This profit/spend summary is as follows: ## **Income** We have seen a significant boost to a ‘normal’ fundraising year, as we have been fortunate to also receive a very generous grant from MBNA (£16,472) to provide increased IT provision for the school. This was a fantastic addition for the classrooms and is very much appreciated. Despite the grant, it has also been our highest fundraising profit total for several years, an increase on 2022-23 by £4,070. This has been largely driven by the return of the Bonfire, the Spring BBQ and the summer Circus – all great events for the school community as well as boosting profit for school projects. The range and format of events Friends have run has evolved significantly over the years, as the parent group within the community has changed too. It’s worth periodically reflecting on historical events to make sure our current event plans are still relevant and raise adequate funds based on the effort and available volunteer team required. ## **Expenditure** We committed to funding the new playground equipment in the previous financial year, and we were able to pay for that balance in full last Autumn at the point of installation. It’s great to see the children enjoying the new climbing equipment during playtimes, and for parents to see directly how their fundraising is benefitting school. As also mentioned above, we have been extremely fortunate to have been given a grant from MBNA to enhance the classroom’s IT provision. As such, a purchase of 25 laptops and 20 iPads has been made (plus associated charging devices and software) which completes the full-class set available for our children. Another new way Friends have been able to support school this year is in an enrichment context. We have supported budget constraints around school trips and supported via a general ‘hardship’ route for parents too. It was decided to support school by transferring a £250 donation each term (rather than via an individual trip etc basis), and then school can use their discretion on where the funds are best directed. The ongoing continuation of this needs to be decided. After such a great year of fundraising, and minimal spending this year (aside from pre-committed costs) there is a much stronger fund available now for supporting new initiatives. We’re in a good place to plan the requirements from school for the next academic year, and ensure funding is in place accordingly. ## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of the Friends of St Peters School Association** I report on the accounts of the Friends of St Peters School Association for the year 2023-2024 ## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: - examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act - to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act - to state whether particular matters have come to my attention ## **Basis of independent examiner’s report** My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: - (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: - a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and - b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met or - (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Name: Iain Jackson Relevant professional qualification or body: Architects Registration Board Address: **18 Laurelhurst Avenue, Pensby, Wirral, CH61 9NY** Date: **5 October 2024**