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2025-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 12114074 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1191685

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' Report 2 to 3
Independent Examiner's Report 4
Statement of Financial Activities 5
Statement of Financial Position 6 to 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 16
Annual Report 17 to22

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

TRUSTEES

Ms A Holcroft Mr R Jackson Mr A Marsh Mrs C Downes

REGISTERED OFFICE

REGISTERED OFFICE Astol Farmhouse Norton Shifnal TF11 9EW REGISTERED COMPANY 12114074 (England and Wales) NUMBER

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1191685

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

TCA (Shrewsbury) LLP Third Floor 21 St Mary's Street Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1ED

Page 1

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The charity's objects are to advance education for the public benefit by developing outdoor learning experiences.

Working closely with local community leaders and educators to ensure impact on key areas of need, EKO aims to enrich the life-long learning and wellbeing of young people and communities through high quality outdoor learning and nature connecting experiences and opportunities. These include forest school, bushcraft, healthy eating, creative art, environmental education, gardening, mindfulness and a wide variety of approaches to having fun outdoors, in all seasons and weathers, leading to positive outcomes on mental and physical health.

EKO's strapline is: LEARN: CONNECT: PROTECT

LEARN: Learning about ourselves, about others and respecting our differences through experiencing high quality outdoor learning activities involving teamwork and communication. We also learn about nature and notice seasonal changes.

CONNECT: Connecting with own emotions, and with other people, as we persevere with new experiences and develop new skills, as well as connecting with, and observing, nature by being outside in all seasons and in all weathers.

PROTECT: Developing resilience in our physical and mental health by participating in enriching and active outdoor experiences, alongside a caring nature towards others and an understanding of the importance of protecting our natural world.

Public benefit

At Educating Kids Outdoors, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore, learn and thrive in the great outdoors. Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide transformative outdoor educational experiences that have a positive impact on young people's mental and physical health and inspire a lifelong love for, and appreciation of, nature.

In today's fast-paced digital age, children are spending more time indoors and on their screens than ever before, leading to a concerning trend known as "nature-deficit disorder". This disconnection from the natural world not only impacts their physical and mental health but also deprives them of invaluable opportunities for positive growth and discovery.

Through our programmes and activities, EKO aims to reverse this trend by offering hands-on outdoor learning experiences that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, embrace neuro-divergency, inspire mindfulness and instil a deep appreciation for the environment, Whether it is exploring woodlands, identifying flora and fauna, growing vegetables, getting creating, learning new skills, managing risk or learning about where our food comes from, our aim is to inspire a sense of wonder, awe and resilience in young minds to protect them for the future.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

Details of the activities of the charity have been set out in the attached annual report.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

A financial review of the year for the charity has been set out in the attached annual report.

Page 2

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

FUTURE PLANS

The future plans of the charity have been set out in the attached annual report.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association are its governing documents. The charity is governed by a board of at least three Trustees, currently there are four. Each Trustee is appointed by a vote at a general meeting of the charity and is subject to re-election every third year. Every person appointed as a Trustee must also be willing to serve as a Director of the charity.

Organisational structure

The organisational structure of the charity has been set out in the attached annual report for the year.

TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The trustees (who are also the directors of Educating Kids Outdoors Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).

Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

24/06/2026

Approved by order of the board of trustees on .............................................. and signed on its behalf by:

----- Start of picture text -----
....................................................................
Ms A Holcroft - Trustee
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Page 3

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED Independont oxaminerfs reporttotho trustees of Edu¢•tlng Kld# Outdoors Llmltod {'the Companw) report lo the ¢h8rity trustees on my examination ol the accounts of the Company for the yèar ended 31 August 2025. Resporvdlbilities and basls of report A8 the charity's Iru8lees ol 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 requiremen15 of the Companies Act 20C I'the 2006 Acfl. Having satisfied mystrlf that the ac¢ounts of the Company are not required lo be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are *ligiblo for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 I'lhe 2011 ACVI. In Carrying out my examination I have followed Iht Dir•cb'on$ given by th& Charity Commission under Section 145151 Ibl of the 2011 A¢t. Ind•pend•nt •x•mln•rf• •￿t￿￿nt I have compl$led my examination. I confirm that no matters have com• lo my attention in cor+n•ction wllh th• examination giving me cause to believe.. accounting records were not kept In r•sp•ct ol the Company as required by Sectlon 386 01 the 2006 Act,. or the accounts do not accord with those Tecords.. or the accAunts do not comply with the accounllng requlrements of Section 398 of th& 2006 Act other than any requirernenl that the acc¢unl8 give a tru• and fair view which is not a matter conBidered as part ol an nd•pèndtrnl &xamination,' or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance wllh the methods 8nd principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable lo charities preparing Ih•ir 8¢¢ounl$ in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ir•l>nd IFRS 10211. I have no concern5 and have come across no other m8tt•rs in connedion with the ¢xamination lo which atten￿tr￿ should be drawn In thi8 report In ord•r to •nabl• a proper und•r$t4ndin9 01 the accounts lo be reached. C moe￿￿￿111•M5 FCA Bsc TCA Ishrewsburyl LLP Third Fbor 21 St Mary's Street shr￿$bUry Shropshire SY11ED Oate.. .24.kn...Jo.n.e....2016 Page 4

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Notes
Unrestricted
funds
£
Donations and legacies
2
6,313
Charitable activities
General
4
101,766
Investment income
3
146
Total
108,225
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
General
115,383
Other
-
Total
115,383
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(7,158)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
41,809
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
34,651		 Restricted
funds
£
6,400
27,911
-
34,311
43,761
-
43,761
(9,450)
11,950
2,500		 2025
Total
funds
£
12,713
129,677
146
142,536
159,144
-
159,144
(16,608)
53,759
37,151		 2024
Total
funds
£
36,404
137,191
133
173,728
127,421
1,928
129,349
44,379
9,380
53,759

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 5

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

31 AUGUST 2025

CURRENT ASSETS
Notes
Unrestricted
funds
£
Restricted
funds
£
Debtors
8
9,879
-
Cash in hand
36,233
2,500
46,112
2,500
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
9
(8,298)
-
NET CURRENT ASSETS
37,814
2,500
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
37,814
2,500
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more than one year
10
(3,163)
-
NET ASSETS
34,651
2,500
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
12
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 2025
Total
funds
£
9,879
38,733
48,612
(8,298)
40,314
40,314
(3,163)
37,151
34,651
2,500
37,151		 2024
Total
funds
£
15,388
52,212
67,600
(8,618)
58,982
58,982
(5,223)
53,759
41,809
11,950
53,759

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 August 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

continued...

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION - continued

31 AUGUST 2025

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24/06/2026 . .......................................... and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. Ms A Holcroft - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, 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 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 financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

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':

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that 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 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.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

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 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.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Page 8

continued...

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

Debtors and Prepayments

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

3.

Donations
Grants
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Other Grants
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest receivable		 2025
£
1,188
11,525
12,713
2025
£
11,525
2025
£
146		 2024
£
18,069
18,335
36,404
2024
£
18,335
2024
£
133

Page 9

continued...

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Fees
Camp Bestival
Grants
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Local Authority Grants		 2025
£
101,766
-
27,911
129,677
2025
£
27,911		 2024
£
101,620
4,975
30,596
137,191
2024
£
30,596

Included within grant income is £27,911 (2024: £30,596) received from Telford & Wrekin Council, Staffordshire County Council, Shropshire Council, and Oakengates Town Council; funding received from the Government and Local Authorities during the year. Apart from the employment allowance credit against Employers National Insurance, the charity has received no other financial assistance from the government.

5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2025 nor for the year ended 31 August 2024.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 August 2025 nor for the year ended 31 August 2024.

6.

STAFF COSTS
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2025
£
92,759
2,586
2,097
97,442		 2024
£
66,961
-
2,459
69,420

The Key management personnel of the charity to whom the Trustees delegate the day-to-day running of the organisation are the Directors. The total employee benefit of the key management personnel of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025 were £64,957 (2024: £51,300).

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2025 2024
Average number of employees 4 3

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

Page 10

continued...

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
7.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
funds
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
19,404
Charitable activities
General
110,370
Investment income
133
Total
129,907
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
General
95,550
Other
1,928
Total
97,478
NET INCOME
32,429
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
9,380
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
41,809
8.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Restricted
funds
£
17,000
26,821
-
43,821
31,871
-
31,871
11,950
-
11,950
2025
£
3,200
6,679
9,879		 Total
funds
£
36,404
137,191
133
173,728
127,421
1,928
129,349
44,379
9,380
53,759
2024
£
11,271
4,117
15,388

Page 11

continued...

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

9.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2025
£
Other loans (see note 11)
2,280
Trade creditors
-
Social security and other taxes
(158)
Other creditors
382
Accrued expenses
5,794
8,298
10.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
2025
Other loans (see note 11)
£
3,163
11.
LOANS
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
Amounts falling due within one year on demand:
2025
£
Other loans
2,280
Amounts falling between one and two years:
Other loans - 1-2 years
3,163
12.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
Unrestricted funds
At 1.9.24
£
in funds
£
General fund
25,809
(7,158)
Designated funds - Growth and
Expansion of Charity
10,000
-
Designated funds - Countryside
Connection
6,000
-
Restricted funds
41,809
(7,158)
The Mercers' Company
10,000
(10,000)
The Shropshire Good Food Partnership
1,950
(1,950)
The Wynn Foundation
-
2,500
11,950
(9,450)
TOTAL FUNDS
53,759
(16,608)		 2024
£
2,747
3,011
879
361
1,620
8,618
2024
£
5,223
2024
£
2,747
5,223
At
31.8.25
£
18,651
10,000
6,000		 2024
£
2,747
3,011
879
361
1,620
8,618
34,651
-
-
2,500
2,500
37,151

Page 12

continued...

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
The Mercers' Company
Holiday activities and food programme
(HAF)
The Walker Trust
The Shropshire Good Food Partnership
The Wynn Foundation
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated funds - Growth and
Expansion of Charity
Designated funds - Countryside
Connection
Restricted funds
The Mercers' Company
The Shropshire Good Food Partnership
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.9.23
£
9,380
-
-
9,380
-
-
-
9,380		 Incoming
resources
£
108,225
-
27,911
3,900
-
2,500
34,311
142,536
Net
movement
in funds
£
32,429
-
-
32,429
10,000
1,950
11,950
44,379		 Resources
expended
£
Movement
in funds
£
(115,383)
(7,158)
(10,000)
(10,000)
(27,911)
-
(3,900)
-
(1,950)
(1,950)
-
2,500
(43,761)
(9,450)
(159,144)
(16,608)
Transfers
between
At
funds
31.8.24
£
£
(16,000)
25,809
10,000
10,000
6,000
6,000
-
41,809
-
10,000
-
1,950
-
11,950
-
53,759

Page 13

continued...

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
The Mercers' Company
Holiday activities and food programme
(HAF)
The Walker Trust
The Arts Society, Wrekin
The Shropshire Good Food Partnership
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
129,907
10,000
26,821
3,750
1,300
1,950
43,821
173,728		 Resources
expended
£
Movement
in funds
£
(97,478)
32,429
-
10,000
(26,821)
-
(3,750)
-
(1,300)
-
-
1,950
(31,871)
11,950
(129,349)
44,379

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Net
movement
Transfers
between
Unrestricted funds
At 1.9.23
£
in funds
£
funds
£
General fund
9,380
25,271
(16,000)
Designated funds - Growth and
Expansion of Charity
-
-
10,000
Designated funds - Countryside
Connection
-
-
6,000
Restricted funds
9,380
25,271
-
The Wynn Foundation
-
2,500
-
TOTAL FUNDS
9,380
27,771
-		 At
31.8.25
£
18,651
10,000
6,000
34,651
2,500
37,151

Page 14

continued...

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
The Mercers' Company
Holiday activities and food programme
(HAF)
The Walker Trust
The Arts Society, Wrekin
The Shropshire Good Food Partnership
The Wynn Foundation
TOTAL FUNDS
Designated Funds		 Incoming
resources
£
238,132
10,000
54,732
7,650
1,300
1,950
2,500
78,132
316,264		 Resources
expended
£
Movement
in funds
£
(212,861)
25,271
(10,000)
-
(54,732)
-
(7,650)
-
(1,300)
-
(1,950)
-
-
2,500
(75,632)
2,500
(288,493)
27,771

Growth and Expansion of the Charity

The Trustees have designated £10,000 towards the growth and expansion of the Charity, and it is planned for these funds to be spent across 2024/25 and 2025/26. It is planned for these funds to be spent on a new website and marketing material, to help grow and raise awareness of the Charity.

Countryside Connection

In July 2024, EKO received a donation of £6,000 from Countryside Learning. The board have designated these funds to be used towards EKO's 'countryside connection' work with school children at Weston Park. The funds will be used towards funding school visits in the 2025/26 academic year, where children can learn about the countryside, meet the people who work in it and become more aware of rural career opportunities.

Restricted Funds

The Mercers' Company Grant

Last year, the charity received a grant of £10,000 towards the EKO@WestonPark "Good Growing Programme". This supports EKO's Health Eating Programme for children and was fully spent in the financial year.

Holiday activities and food programme (HAF)

The charity has received restricted funding from local authorities to support with the facilitation and running of clubs for disadvantaged children during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays which has been fulyl spent in the financial year.

The Walker Trust

During the year,, the charity received a grant of £3,900 to fund the development and implementation of an outdoor learning offer over the academic year in a primary school in Telford & Wrekin. This included school staff training, presentations to families, development of a forest school area and weekly outdoor learning sessions with pupil and was fully spent in the financial year.

Page 15

continued...

EDUCATING KIDS OUTDOORS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Shropshire Good Food Partnership

Last year the charity received a grant of £1,950 to deliver a number of workshops to teachers and educators as part of SGFP's Schools Food Web supported by Let's Go Zero Fund which was fully spent in the financial year.. The overall objective of the project is to drive food education, learning and practical skills leading to de-carbonisation in schools through a climate-friendly food system.

The Wynn Foundation

The charity received £2,500 in August 2025 restricted income for coach travel costs for the next 3 years. The charity plans to spend these funds over the next 3 financial years.

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £2,097 (2024: £2,459). Contributions totalling £382 (2024: £361) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.

14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

During the year £5,912 (2024: £5,832) has been paid to Barrow Associates Limited, of which Trustee R Jackson is the Director.

Page 16

Educating Kids Outdoors Limited Trustees' Report For the Year Ended 31 August 2025

17

Educating Kids Outdoors (EKO) Trustee Report - 1 Sept 24 - 31 Aug 25

1. INTRODUCTION

Educating Kids Outdoors (EKO), registered charity (no. 1191685), was established in 2019, with the mission to support and enhance the learning and well-being of children and families through immersive, outdoor, enriching experiences. Its aim is to foster deep connections with nature and nurture a love of learning through play-based outdoor activities. Through its work, EKO strives to help children develop a positive sense of self, increased confidence and resilience in today’s challenging world.

Our approach is rooted in kindness, curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to looking after ourselves, others, and nature. We encourage children, families, and educators to embrace the outdoors, promoting the benefits of a childhood full of nature connection and unstructured outdoor play, especially in an age dominated by digital distractions.

2. OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024-2025

EKO session participants having fun at Weston Park. Over 3000 children, adults and families participated in our term-time and Holiday Club sessions at Weston Park over the year, engaging in fun, outdoor, educational activities.

“The children loved Going on a Bear Hunt through the maze at Weston. The props used to bring the story alive really captured their interest and allowed them to recall the story. They could use their prior knowledge during the story stick activity, this also allowed some

18

Educating Kids Outdoors (EKO) Trustee Report - 1 Sept 24 - 31 Aug 25

individuality to shine through and they loved bringing something home. They loved every minute.” School staff

“For staff, it was very well run. Timings were spot on and it felt very relaxed and safe, which meant we could enjoy it too!.” School staff

“All the staff / volunteers were so friendly and welcoming and clearly put a lot of effort into running the day.” School staff

EKO continues to engage with more schools across the West Midlands who are seeking to improve and extend their outdoor learning offer in schools. We offer consultancy advice, training for staff, presentations to families, development of outdoor learning site, weekly in-school curriculum linked outdoor learning sessions with pupils, after school clubs, high quality curriculum-linked school visits to Weston Park as well as bespoke one-off theme linked days.

Some key outcomes and milestones for the year include:

“Everyone came home happy and enthusiastic. Staff did not feel exhausted, which can often be the case after a trip. It was a lovely culmination of our learning and a super end to the half term.”

“We are incredibly lucky to have EKO Holiday Club. You all have such an impact on Max’s life and growth.” Parent of 1:1 Holiday Club child

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Educating Kids Outdoors (EKO) Trustee Report - 1 Sept 24 - 31 Aug 25

3. PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

EKO has long recognised the power of collaboration in maximising our impact and helping us to grow and extend our services:

“Really positive – staff commented on how wholesome and calming the day felt.“

4. FINANCIAL REVIEW

Unfortunately EKO has achieved lower than expected income from donations this year due to the current UK economic situation as well as personnel issues. Our reserves have ensured that we are able to move forward sustainably but in response to this we are developing a robust fundraising strategy for 25/26 which includes a large fundraising event.

Our funding continues comes from a variety of sources, including:

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Educating Kids Outdoors (EKO) Trustee Report - 1 Sept 24 - 31 Aug 25

We know that seeking funding is becoming more and more challenging and we are committed to using all monies raised in the most effective and impactful way for children’s life-long learning and well-being.

Reserves Policy

The charity aims to keep liquid reserves equivalent to 6 months running costs which equates to £68,784.

At the year end, the charity had free reserves of £18,651 (2024: £25,809) representing unrestricted funds, less designated funds and fixed assets held.

5. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, AND MANAGEMENT

EKO operates under the governance of a Board of Trustees, who bring diverse expertise in education, business finance, strategy, school leadership, and legal frameworks. The charity’s day-to-day operations are overseen by our CEO, Natasha Branston, who is supported by a full-time Creative Director, Amanda Yates, along with a small team of inspiring EKO Forest School Leaders (many of whom are ex-teachers) and other sub-contracted professionals.

The Trustees regularly meet to review EKO’s activities, strategic direction, and financial health, ensuring we maintain effective oversight and governance. We also encourage a culture of learning and feedback, regularly seeking input from headteachers, local mental health professionals, parents, and participants to continuously improve our programmes.

The Chair of Trustees, Amy Holcroft, is a solicitor who specialises in data protection law and is currently the Chief Privacy Officer for the cloud communications company, Twilio, Inc. Amy is also trustee of the Sir Halley Stewart Trust.

Richard Jackson has over 40 years business management and finance experience both in industry and through running his own consultancy. Richard’s voluntary work includes being Governor of 2 local schools, as well as a trustee and founder member the first Free School in Shropshire.

Adrian Marsh has worked within the education sector for nearly 50 years. Recent experience includes headship of a primary school, acting headship of a special school and chairman of governors at a local primary school. In all three of these settings, outside learning is a priority as a main focus for engaging children, of all abilities, in every aspect of the curriculum. Additional skills include working with educational budgets; addressing pupil and staff pastoral needs; holding colleagues to account and ensuring that children make good progress.

Clare Downes brings her marketing, business development, strategic and coaching skills to the board. Clare ran her own marketing communications agency for 18 years, working with innovative start-up brands and family businesses. Clare then re-trained in executive coaching and now works with Founders, c-suite and SLT within dynamic scaling businesses, across many different sectors. Clare supports and challenges these individuals as they navigate their approach to leadership and business growth.

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Educating Kids Outdoors (EKO) Trustee Report - 1 Sept 24 - 31 Aug 25

6. GOING FORWARD

Looking ahead to 25/26, EKO is committed to expanding our impact by:

We are excited for the year ahead and remain focused on our mission to create enriching, nature-based educational experiences that support the well-being and development of all children and families.

7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As always, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to our supporters, volunteers, staff, and Trustees for their continued dedication and never ending support and, in particular, to our strong and impactful partnership with the Weston Park Foundation. Our success this year would not have been possible without their commitment to the vision of Educating Kids Outdoors.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 24/06/2026

Amy Holcroft Chair of Trustees

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