REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1068309 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 FOR EARLY HILDTrI OD PROJECT Chariot House Limited Chartered Accountants 44 Grand Parade Brighton East Sussex BN2 9QA
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3 1ST MARCH 2024 Page Report of th¢ Trustees Independent Examiner's Report StAtement of FinAncial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 9 to 15 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 16
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 The trustees present their report with the financial 5tat¢mcnts of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended PradiGe applicable to ¢harities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applieable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019). OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and Aims Obje¢tive5 and aims To promote educational and social welfare of Ghildren under the age of nine years, without distinclion of race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, &Jend¢r. sexuality, social class, disability or age by providing advice and support to parents, ¢arers and workers concerned with the education and social welfare of children. Mission Statement: The Early Childhood Project believes ihat all children have the right to develop in a positive environment free from prejudi¢e and discrimination. The Project, a registered charity, works positively to combat bias of every kind in co-operation with others across Brighton and Hove. The Early Childhood Project provides infomation. resources and support to all those people involved in young ¢hildren's care, play and edu¢ation. The Aims of the Early Childhood Project are: To provide a Toy Library service, information and social media to existing Early Childhood Project Members and to develop the scheme to include more families and voluntary. statutory and private sector organisations wishing to ensure that anti-bias equal opportunity awareness and children's rights is a part of their work. To provide and develop resources, including online, that support users in establishing anti-bias practice and equal opportunities and enable access to ihese resources. To enable groups to access resources that reflect all people. all children in a positive way, irrespective of race, disability, marital status. age, gender identity, social class, religion or differences in family lifestyle and culture. To provide advice, support and information in Brighton and Hove and district throughout local networks to statutory and community initiatives. To provide support, information, resources and anti-bias training lo workers and professionals working in early years play, care and education and to work co-operatively with their 511PPOrt n¢twork5 and colleagues. To remain aware and responsive to political and social changes within our areas of work. as they arise, locally and nationally. To develop partnerships and work cfroperatively with people both employed and working voluntarily with Children, in order to share knowledge, understanding. skills and expertise. Publie benefit In plannin8 the activitie5 of the Early Childhood Project for the year, the Trustees kept in mind the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and the duties set out in Section 17(5} of the Charities Act 2011. By working to the aims listed above, the Trustees identify the value that the work of Ihe charity has to parents, carers and those employed and working voluntarily with young children. This in turn, adds value to the lives of the young children in their care. It is the Trustees, commitment that the benefit of the work of the charity should be accessible to as Tnany people as pos5ibl¢ as detailed in the charity's objectives. thus improving their equality of opportunitie5. Page I
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMAIYCE Charitable activities During the reporting year, the Toy Library provided 186 sessions wilh 3965 people attend2n¢es (adults & children). This is an increase of 350/0 on sessions, and 82 /0 on attendances- the Toy Library sessions are very busy. During the reporting year, we had 432 Family Toy Library Members (people who attend the Toy Library in person), 412 family members and 20 agency members. The 412 family memberships represent 1,007 people (474 adults and 533 children) 150/0 of the parent Inembers were fathers. The parents included grandparents and people who identified as Transgender. 161 memberships lapsed in the year (due to natural tumover of children getting older). This is a 48°/o increase in memberships this reporting year. In September we opened the weekly toy library drop-in play group. Tuesdays in term lime. funded independently by ECP but held in Tarner F&mily Hub. This group is extremely popular with Capacity of up to 20 families at time to Ittend, we had 123 families join. representing 123 adults and 131 children. ECP'S produced and distributed 50 weekly play newsletters. The subscription list varies bul is approximately 1200 addresses, including toy library and play session meinbers, families and professionals across the city and beyond. We send it to Peru, China. India. Spain. Czech Republic, Italy to naine a few places our families have relocated lo but want lo remain in touch. ECP colleG*d, cleaned, sorted and gifted over 500 donat¢d items to families through a help yourself table and we saved boxes of toys lo give away at our play event for refugees and asylum seekers. We keep a stash of newl &s new toys and books that we give to parents/¢arers if their children are ¢elebraling a birthday or special date and have no resources lo buy presents, as well as at Christmas. We ran a play event in May 2023 wilh 145 attendees. We &yave away many of the gifted toy cais and had a cat themed day. 130 people attended our AGM 7 October 2023, witli a very busy play event running alongside. ECP provided bereavement support to 5 families. As of March 2024, we are actively engaged with national Schools of Sanctuary and working towards our own Sanctuary status. This work formali5¢5 the informal work have been doing for decades. It also strengthens our links with Voices in Exile. the International Group of Women. the multi-cultural group of women at Carlton Hill School and all the many and diverse families across the city with whom we work. We have again followed on from last year's suree5sful format by following the I1ce school tems and the seasons, also acknowledging and celebrating the different religious and cultural festivals throughout the year. ECP'S volunteers provided in excess of 31 O work sessions for ECP, totalling more than 1240 hours. In addition to which they attended events and meetings. ECP'S volunteers are a major resource and More thm a third of all the work hours at ECP are provided by these highly skilled and committed volunteers. We would like to thank Lucy Wednesday, Susie and Judy for their continued hard work and enthusiasm! In September we welcomed Lucy Hairsine to the staff team to run the Monday toy library session and the new, very popular and successful drop in play group each term time Tuesday. Judy has provided volunteering 5UPPOrt for both these session5, thank you. In July 2023 we said farewell and thank you to our Trustees Trevor Wilkinson and in January 2024 to Tessa Cobley when she left the Trustee team.- In whai has been an exceptionally busy but worthwhile year, we wish to thank our TNstees for their commitment and hard work. particularly as we are now working towards our Sanctuary Status, which is a whole team task. Page 2
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT REPORT OF TFIE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial position The Trustees, once again, agreed that use of the toy library would be free of charge for families. However, donations of funds would be a¢¢epted if offered. Like many small charities ECP is adjusting to a changing funding landscape, and applies for statutory and trust funding through the year, utilising the reserve for security to maintain project staffing and keep our services open. Reserves policy During the year 2020-21 ECP received an excess of donations following a fundraising appeal, which were added to the reserve and have been used each year subsequently to fund small in-year deficits, including 2023-24. This has brought the reserve in line with the 3 to 6 months running costs recommended by most funders. FUTURE PLANS We are continuing to work towards our Toy Library of Sanctuary Status Award. The toy library will continue to open four sessions a week to meet the increase in toy library memberships and ongoing need. three sessions each holiday week. The fr¢¢ toy library drop in play group will continue for tern time Tuesdays. We are working co-op¢ratively with Brighton & Hove City Council to continue to offer our toy library service from the Tarner Family Hub and develop further services as needed. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Coverning document The charity is controlled by its governin8 document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity. The organisation is a charity registered on 26 February 1998. registered number1068309. T]ie charity was established under a constitution adopted on 6 October 1997. Under this constitution, the Trustees are el¢¢ted at the Annual General Meeting. Organisational structure The charity 15 run by a Board of Trustees who delegate the day to day operation to the Project Co-ordinator, Clair Barnard, and staff. Working Name Early Childhood Project Page 3
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1068309 Principal address Tarner Family Hub Ivory Pla¢e Brighton East Sussex BN2 9QE Trustees Ms A J Lewis C J Randall T Wilkinson (resigned 121712023) Mx C Stray Ms J Simon Ms T Cobley (resigned 101112024) Ms C Redlich (appointed 711012023) Dr C Ackely (appointed 711012023) Ms A Orneri (appointed 711012023) Independent Examln¢r Dr Shona F Wardrop CA Chariot House Limited Chartered Accountants 44 Grand Parade Brighton East Sussex BN2 9QA Bankers CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Page 4
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONStBILtTIES The trustees are responsible for preparing th¢ Report of the Trustees and the financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales. the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of th¢ trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trnstees are required to select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless It is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 201 I, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trusi deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hen¢¢ for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by order of the board of trustees on and signed on its behalf by.. Ms A J Lewis- Trustee Page 5
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Early Childhood Project I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Early Childhood Project (the Trust) for the year ended 3 1st March 2024. Responsibiliti¢$ and b#$i$ of report As the charity trusfres of the Trust you are r¢sponsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('th¢ Act'}. I report in resP¢Ct of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Seclion 145 of the Act and in canying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of th¢ Act. Indepcndent examiner's stotement I have completed rny examination. I confirni that no material matters have come io my attention in connection wilh the examination giving me cause to believe thai in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act. or the accounts do not accord with those records. or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements conceming 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 Corne a¢ross 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. Dr Shona F Wardrop CA The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland Chariot House Limited Chartered Accountant5 44 Grand Parade Brighton East Sussex BN2 9QA Page 6
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT STATEMENT OF FtNANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unrestricted fund Restricted funds Notes IN'COME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 14,207 14,166 28,373 37,284 CharitAble Activities Other ,260 1,260 ,290 Investment income 56 56 36 TotAI 15.523 EXPENDITURE ON CharitAble activities Staff Cosls Project Costs Administration Costs 11,657 4,421 14,166 25,823 4,421 32,124 4,875 TotAI NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE) (5,583) (5,583) (3,136) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 20,811 20,811 23,947 TOTAL FUIYDS CARRIED FORWARD 15.228 The notes fonn part of these financial statements Fage 7
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT BALAN E SHEET 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unrestricted fund Restricted funds Notes CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank io 27.180 27,180 27,180 29,239 CREDrroRS Amounts falling due within one year (11,952) (11,952) (8,428) NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 15,228 15.228 20,811 NET ASSETS FUNDS Unrestricted funds 12 TOTAL FUNDS The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on and were signed on its behalf by.. A J Lewis- Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 8
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended PraGli¢e applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102} (effective l January 2019),, Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ of Ireland, and the Chariti¢s Act 201 l. The financial statements have bccn prcpar¢d under the historical cost convention. At the time of approving the financial statements. the trustees liave a reasonable expectation that thc charity has adequate re8ources lo continue in operational existcn¢e for the foreseeable future, and on that basis the charity is considered to be a going concern. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the entity, and are rounded to the nearest £ l. Income All income is re¢ognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable thal the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditur¢. 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 liave b¢en allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Taxation The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. Fund Accounting Unrestricted funds Can be used in a¢¢ord&nce with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds Gan only be used for particular restricted 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 notes to the financial statements, Judgements and key sources of estimation un¢ertAinty In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the charity is required to rnake judgments, estimates and assumptions about the Carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which Ihe estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period. or in the period of the r¢vision and future periods if the revision affe both the current and future periods. There are no estimates and assumptions that are considered to have a significant risk of causing a material adjustments to the financial Statements in a future period. Page 9 continued...
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT NOTES TO TIIE FtNANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES- continued Financial instruments The charity has only financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind thal qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially reeognised at transaction value and are subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, Financial Assets Trade and other debtors are recognised at the setilement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the ainount prepaid net of any discounls due. Financial Liabilities Creditor5 and provisions are recognised where th¢ charity has a present obligation resuliingy from a past event that will probably result in ihe transfer of funds lo a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation Can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are nornially recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any discounts due. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 2024 2023 Donations Grants 207 545 Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: 2024 2023 Brighton and Hove City Council Sussex Community Foundation Chalk Cliff Trust Big Lottery TCC 4,000 3,333 5,000 3,333 i 0,000 5.000 3,750 Commissions Enjoolata Foundation Pebble Trust Other Grant 9,890 13,103 4,996 2,000 500 28,166 INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Dep051t account interest 56 36 Page 10 continued...
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 INCOME FROM CHARIT ABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Total activities Other Tratning and Consultancy 1.260 1,290 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Direct Costs (see no* 6) Staff Costs Project Cosls Administration Costs 25,823 4,421 DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Staff costs Postage and stationery Sundries Toy Library Stock ECP Insurance Volunteer Expenses Development & Funding Accountancy Play packs Other staff costs Subseriptions Bank charge5 25,823 329 221 970 901 3.118 2,819 648 333 32,124 749 2.447 839 1,545 2.463 624 721 162 50 60 72 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS l Trustee was paid £nil (2023- £623) for running a group. He had done this for many years paid directly by Tamer Childrens, Centre as their staff member. but a change in the contract by the fupder necessitated him being remunerated via ECP. This was agreed by the Trustee5. Th¢ group has subsequently stopped running. Trustees, expenses During the year £27 was reimbursed to l Trustee for travel expenses as a volunteer (2023: £1,026). Pagell continued...
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 32.124 32,l24 The average monthly number of employees during the year ivas as follows.. 2024 2023 Full lime equivalent basis No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. Actual numbers of staff in 2024 was 3 part time employees (2023.. 3 employees). Key Management Personnel remuneration amounted to £16,391 (2023.. £16,391) Page 12 continued...
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - eontinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund Restricted funds Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMEIYTS FROM Donations and legacies 23.538 13.746 37,284 Charitgble Activities Other 1,290 1,290 Investment income 36 36 TotAI 24,864 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable Aetivities Staff Costs Project Costs Administration costs 18,378 4.875 l3,746 32,124 4,875 Total 28,000 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) (3,136) {3,136) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds broughi forward 23.947 23,947 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD io, DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Other debtors ii. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Other Greditors 8,428 Page 13 continued...
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCII 2024 12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 3113ll4 At 1 /4123 Ullre$tricted funds General fund 20,811 (5,583) 15.228 TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Incomin8 resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund 15,523 (21,106) (5,583) Restricted funds Sussex Community Foundation Big Lottery Pebble Trust Chalk Cliff Trust Other Grant 3,333 3,333 2,000 5,000 500 (3,333) (3,333) (2,000) (5,000) TOTAL FUNDS 35 272) Comparatives for movement in funds Net movement in funds At 3113123 Ai 114122 Unrestricted funds General fund 23.947 (3,136) 20,811 TOTAL FUNDS 20,811 Page 14 continued...
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Ineoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund 24.864 {28,000) (3.136) Restrieted funds Brighton and Hove City Council Sussex Community Foundation Enjoolata Foundation 5.000 3.750 (5.000) (3,750) 13.746 TOTAL FUNDS 41746) 13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Related part transactions are disclosed in Note 7. 14. FIXED ASSETS The Charity owns some office furniture and equipment which is of modest value. It a150 owns a Toy Library which has accumulated over the period of the Charity's existenc¢ by means of small individual purchases and is currently insured for £66,418.. Page15
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT DETAILED STATEMEINT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legAcies Donations Grants 207 545 28.373 37.284 Investment income Deposit account interest 56 36 Charilable aetivities Training and Consultancy TotAI incoming resources 29,689 38,610 EXPENDITURE ChAritable activities Wages Postage and stationery Sundries Toy Library Stock ECP Insurance Volunteer Expenses Development & Funding Accounlan¢y Play packs Other staff costs Subscriptions Bank charges 25,823 329 221 970 901 3.118 2,819 648 333 32,124 749 2,447 839 1.545 2,463 624 721 162 50 60 72 Tolal resour¢es expended Net expenditure This page does not forni part of the statutory financial statements Page 16