2024-08-31-accounts

Friends of West Ashtead Presented at the Annual General Meeting on November 19th 2024 The Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower, Ashtead. KT21 1AZ TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT st st For the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024

Aim (Object) of the Charity

The aim of the Friends of West Ashtead (FOWA) is to advance the education of pupils at West Ashtead Primary School.

In planning the activities of the FOWA Charity for the year the Trustees and Committee kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The focus of the activities of the FOWA remains to fundraise to support the education experience of the pupils at the school, either through funding facilities, workshops or providing equipment.

Decisions on where the funds raised by FOWA are to be used are taken in consultation with the Head teacher and the committee. The FOWA committee is made up of parents and guardians who attend regular FOWA meetings. These meetings are open to all parents and guardians.

A fantastic contribution is made to the charity by a small group of very committed volunteer members. We are grateful for the many hours these volunteers have spent supporting the work of the FOWA in meeting its aim. This group includes the Class Reps and Committee Members and other Parents and guardians all of whom attend regular FOWA meetings.

Trustees

Chair	Jennifer Turner
Vice-Chair	Laura-Jane Fowler
Treasurer	James Balcombe

All Trustees give their time voluntarily and do not receive any remuneration or other benefits.

The FOWA operates within the guidelines of the national confederation of Parent Teacher Associations of which it is a member (membership number 21274). The FOWA has Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance to cover its meetings, activities, Officers and Volunteers.

FOWA delivered a calendar of seasonal events and fundraising activities throughout 2023/24 with the aim of bringing families together, helping build a social community and to create wonderful school memories for the children of the school.

●	Firework Night	Firework Night
●	Christmas Fair, Santa’s Grotto, and Raffle
●	Christmas Tree Sale and Recycling
●	Winter Warmer Sale
●	Boogie, Bounce and BBQ Summer Fair
●	Family Bingo Night in collaboration with MNDA
●	Family Quiz Night
●	Silent Disco
●	4 Mufti Days and Break the Rules Day
●	Ice Cream Sales
●	Easter Smarties Challenge
●	4 Bags2School Collections
●	School Class Photos Fundraiser
●	2nd Hand Uniform Sales
●	FOWA Lottery

A summary of the funds raised in 2023/24 is shown in the attached accounts, and an independent auditor will be appointed to examine the full set of annual accounts.

Serious Incidents

Nil return of serious incidents.

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Friends of West Ashtead Registered Charity No. 1067628 Annual Report 2023/24

FOWA Responsibilities as a Charity

The charitable status of the FOWA confers certain responsibilities upon the charity and the Trustees. As a charity with an income of between £25,001-£500,000 FOWA are required to submit an Annual Return, comprising an Annual Report and reviewed annual accounts. Since April 2009 as a charity with an income above £25,000 per annum the FOWA are also now required to report on any Serious Incidents. There are no Serious Incidents to report from the past year.

Treasurer’s Report The income raised less expenditure from this year’s fundraising was £10,786. There were Charity expenses of £759 including £518 for a new PA system which as well as being used for FOWA events is also supporting school plays, bank charges of £87 and £153 for insurance (our Parent Kind membership. FOWA’s key fund-raising event’s included Fireworks raising £2.8k, Christmas Fair & Trees raising £2.9k and the Summer fair which raised £2.7k. Outside of this there were many revenue streams organised and supported by parents which drove considerable contribution. During the year FOWA funded a brand new climbing frame for the junior years at a cost of £26,445 which was the result of 3 years of fundraising activity. Additionally, FOWA partially funded a number of workshops and trips, Christmas Disco, a Silent Disco and an author visit from Mel Taylor-Bessent and a replacement carpet. James Balcombe ACMA - Treasurer

Appointment of Independent Examiner of Accounts

We have appointed Mr Robert Gidney as the Independent Examiner of Accounts for Year Ending August 2024.

Future Plans

FOWA remains dedicated to being a central charitable and community group, committed to enhancing the educational experience of children at West Ashtead. Our mission is to bring families together through memorable events and activities that leave lasting, cherished memories for the children. Looking ahead, we plan to continue co-funding year group educational workshops, ensuring these enriching experiences remain accessible to all. We are also exploring new large-scale fundraising projects, inviting ideas from Leo Academy, teachers, and children to guide our efforts in making a meaningful impact on the wellbeing and educational experience of future generations at West Ashtead. One exciting focus area is further investment in our school’s outdoor spaces and grounds. Ideas under discussion include creating a wild garden, developing an all-weather mini football pitch, enhancing James’ Commemorative Pond area, and building an outdoor classroom. These projects aim to inspire creativity, promote wellbeing, and provide spaces where children can learn, play, and thrive. We are excited to work collaboratively as we bring these ideas to life and continue to support our vibrant school community. Trustees Report I'm pleased to share that this past year marked my final year as Chair of Friends of West Ashtead (FOWA), as I step down after a wonderfully fulfilling three-year term. It has been an incredible journey, working alongside such a dedicated team of parents and supporters to enrich the educational experience for our children at West Ashtead Primary School. I'm delighted to report that FOWA successfully achieved the goals outlined in last year's AGM. Following West Ashtead Primary School's transition to the Leo Academy of Schools in mid2023, FOWA focused on aligning with Leo's priorities while continuing to enhance our children's educational experiences. While Leo Academy leads on essential infrastructure improvements, FOWA has concentrated on fundraising to expand educational workshops. These include engaging collaborations with theatres, writers, and scientists, along with exploring captivating historical topics. Beyond workshops, I am very proud that FOWA after two years of fundraising were able to purchase the incredible outdoor climbing and play frame for the junior children to enjoy for years to come. As I hand over the reins, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together and confident in the continued success of FOWA. It will remain in excellent hands with our fantastic group of parent volunteers and the unwavering dedication of our core team, Laura Jane Fowler, and James Balcombe. Thank you all for your support and for making these past three years so rewarding!

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Friends of West Ashtead Registered Charity No. 1067628 Annual Report 2023/24

Jennifer Turner, Chair of Trustees Jennifer Turner 105 Stag Leys Ashtead, Surrey. KT21 2TL Accounts 2023/24

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Date 12 June 2025
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Income Statement

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Friends of West Ashtead Registered Charity No. 1067628 Annual Report 2023/24

Balance Sheet

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Friends of West Ashtead Registered Charity No. 1067628 Annual Report 2023/24

Balance Sheet as at 31st August 2024, £ Bank Acounts Current A/C Deposit A/C Current assets Prepayments Accrued Income Current liabilites Accrued Expenses Funds B/F Income Less Expenditure Funding Balancing	2023/24 2023/24	2022/23 2022/23
	13,139 0 13,139 994	32,979 0 32,979 306 655
	14,133 315 -	33,940 450 -
	13,818 33,490 10,786 30,458	33,490 20,450 21,636 8,596
	13,818	33,490

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Friends of West Ashtead School

st I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Friends of West Ashtead School (the Trust) for the year ended 31 August 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust 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.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

2. the accounts do not accord with those records.

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Friends of West Ashtead

Registered Charity No. 1067628 Annual Report 2023/24

I have completed my work and confirmed that there are underlying accounting records. These are being kept and are reflected in the report. From my sampling approach and relying on the confirmation and representation I have received from the Treasurer I’m happy to agree that there are no material issues.

Robert Gidney MChem (Hons) CA th Date: 5 June 2025 19 Acris street London Sw18 2QT

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Friends of West Ashtead Registered Charity No. 1067628 Annual Report 2023/24