REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04305048 (EnglAnd t)nd Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY P4UMBER: 1091258 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 FOR STEP BY sfEP SCHOOL LIMITED WBD Accountants Limited Stalulory Aiiditor Marlbridge House Enterprise Way Edenbridge Kent TN8 6HF
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS forthe Year Ended 31 AUGusf 2024 PAge Report of the Ti'ustee5 StAtement of Ti'ustees, Responsibilitie5 Repoi* of the Independent Auditors 8 to 11 Statement of Financial Aetivities 12 Balance Sheet 13 CAsh Flow Statement 14 Notes to the Cash Floiv Statement 15 Notes to the FinanciAI StAtements 16 to 26
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED {REGisfERED NUMBER: 04305048) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEI S foi'the Year Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 The Trustees of the chai'ity who are also Directors a]'e pleased io present their annual i'eport together with the financial statements of the charity for the y¢ai' ending 31 August 2024, which are also prepared to meet the requiiEments for a directors, repoit and aeeouiits for Companies Act purposes. The financial slalements comply with the Chai'ities Act 2011, th¢ Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Aiticles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Chai'ities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo ¢hai'ities preparing tl)eir accounts in accoi'dance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102, effective l January 2015). OBJECTIVES AND AcfivITIEI S Objectives and aims The pi'iinary activity of the charity is to run Step by Step School, an independent special day school. The School aims to offer an exceptional pn)vision for pupils with autistic spe¢ti'um conditions, rangii)g in age from 4-19, thi'ough the delivery of individually tailored teaching programs. All the children have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPS). The School has developed a high degree of expertise in teachiiig cliildren and young people with autism. The public benefit of the chai'ity is to provide specialist education in the region for children who are modei'ately to severely affected by autism. The School also provides advice lo parenls to help them overcome the challenges of l)aving a child or young person at hoine with autism. The mission of the chai'ity is to maximise the potential of pupils wiÉh Aiitislic Spectrum Condition5 (ASCS) thi'ough evidence based, individually tailored, outslanding teachii)g to enable them to thrive and live happy, eonfident lives. The overall goals of the charity are as follows:. To develop in each pupil the ski115 they need Éo achieve as high a standard of independence as possible. To enable pupils to express ¢hoice, exercise conli'ol over ihemselve5 and tlieir environment and achieve their full potential. To provide a highly niodified curriculum diffei'eiitiated lo meet the individual needs of each pupil through an appropriately biDad and balanced programme of education. To ensure the acquisition of appi'opriate communication skills for aGlive participation in day-to-day exp¢riences 2nd to enhance pupils, social and emotional growth, To monitoi. and record pi'ogi'es5 regularly ai)d consistently, ensuring that pupi15 al'e appropi'iately challenged in order to maximise personal development and enhance quality of life. To nurtui'e and encourage the development of positive, carii)g relationships between pupi15, their peers and the staff. To Create a secure environment within which the pupils develop A sense of confidence and self-esteem. To biiild working paitnerships with parentsl¢arer5 ii) ordei. to promote confidence and develop mutual support and consistency between hoi)ie and School. To co-operate positively with other piDfessionals and speGialist services so all of the pupils, needs ale addi'essed. To encourage interaction between School and the local community to promote inclusive opportunities. To provide training and support lo our staff. to ensure that they are competent ai)d confident in their roles and to promote theii. professioi)al development. To maintain our position at the forefront of knowledge in the education of children with autism. Step by Step School is committed to safeguardii)g and promoting the welfare of childrei) and young people, and expects all staff aiid volunteer5 to share this commitment. Phge I
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04305048) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the YeAr Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and pei'formance CharitAble Activities The Trustees consider that the School has continued to develop in line with the obj¢¢Èives of the charity during 2023-2024, and would like to highlight the following developments:_ The school ¢elebi'ated ils 20th anniversary with 2 special events and the commissioning of a mural with a local artist, involving pupils and staff The School has a rigorous and robust piipil progress dala system that is sliai'ed with Governors. Durii)g the 2023-2024 academic year, 880/0 of pupils Inade good oi. outstanding progi'ess. The School uses a basket of measures to track progress and these are reported to Governors temily, alongside a more detailed progress report annually. The School continued to work with a School Improvement Partner (SIP), who provides independent scrutiny of the School aci'oss the areas in the OFSTED framework and in meeting the Independent School Standards. The SIP reports directly to the Board of Trustees following each visit. There are 3 visits a year. Deinand foi. places at Step by Slep School continued to be strong. We had 34 pupils on roll at the end of the academic year 2023124 and received over 65 consultation papers fi'om Local Authorities foi. placement over the year. At the end of the academic year 2023124 we had 70 members of staff including 5 Qualified Teachers, 5 Board Ceitified Behaviour Analysts, 2 Occupational Therapists and 2 Speech and Language Thei?pists. New job descriptions were issued as phase l of our organis&lional management changes and th¢ iinplemenlation of our competency frimework Dui'ing the academic year, the School fiinded the following qualification5 for staff. I member of staff in undertaking a PhD, 2 witli their ABA masters, I with their National Piofessiorial Qiialification for Headship, I with a National Senioi. Leadership Qualification, I with a Strategic Leadership and Management Cmt Level 7 Diploma I with a teacher appi'eiiticeship to gain their PGCE The school has a rolling programme of training and development for all staff. Continuing pi'ofessional development is a key prioi'ity for the School. Our Deputy Head was commissioned to undertake an exlernal Safeguarding audit al anothei- independent school The School has 2 members of staff that are Team Teach trainers who ti'ain the staff team as well as delivering training at ai)other local special scl)ool The School operates a robust staff appi'aisal system. Staff join the appi'aisal cycle following successful coinplelion of their probation. Thei'e were 134 tai'gets set across 56 staff duriiig the yeai-, of which 102 were achieved, 22 were partially achieved, 2 not achieved and 8 ongoing The school purchasd an electric mini bus during the yeai. which is charged using our solar panels The school invested siibstantially in the building and environment with the following. New kitchen and loilets in the South block New fencing erected for both sides of the site - New flooring in two of the classrooms - New double glazed aluminium fire doors foi. Jo's Barn Permanent pathway around the Susan James wing Secondary swing Page 2
srEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04305048) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the YeAr Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 Deep dives were presented to the Teaching and Learning committ¢e on progress dat4 PSHE, Aits Award, Initial Teachgr training Appi'enticeship and Physical Development Presentations to the Full Governing Body covered Behaviour and Attitudes including ethics data and team teach, Personal Development and the Quality of Educatioii with a fo¢us on early learnei's and oui. Earwig platform The school developed its Use of AAC device5 for pupils to Aid communication and support their well-being, as well as ti'ialling strat¢gies to support Iliose pupils who are Gestalt Language Processors Oiii. work experience co-oi'dinalor an'anged placemenls for pupils as well as workshops on site for pupils to access and develop their vocational skills More opportunities for pupils to socialise acros5 the school were provided, including a range of curriculum days, a nurture group and an increase in lunchtinie clubs The 5¢hool developed its music cutyiculum working alongside the East Sussex music s¢ryi¢e. delivering orchestra sessions, music assemblig5. individual music sessions and staff training The sixth form pupils were able to take part in a gI911a[ Jiin Green Challenge with a large rai)ge of other provid¢rs FinAneial i'eview Principal funding sources Th¢ principal soui'ee of income for ihe School is fees paid by Local Authorities. The Trustees are aware that offering good value for money is paramoui)t when operating in the cui'rent economic climate and al'e committed to continuing to provide that. We apply as much fee income as possible to the benefit of the piipils attending the School. We had significant success wilh fundraising during 2023124 and raised a total of £16,672 of unresli'icted funds and £1,228 of restricted funds. The Truslees would like lo thank all the charities, companies, clubs, organisations and individuals who supported us during 2023124 and, in paiticular, would like to thank the following donors'.- East Gi'instead Rugby Football Club- Sunshine Sevei)s Tiger Bobs Golf Day - The Caravan Club E Grolleau-Begg - Gioundwork UK, part of Teseo Ashdown Forest Moi'ris Men Gutierrez family Pupils, Parents, Staff and Governors of our school for vai'iou5 fundraising efforts Reseiwes policy The Trustees have a policy (last updated on 24th Noveniber 2014) that the Fl'ee Reseryes held by the charity should equal at least three monihs of piojected Total Resources Expended. The Trustees define Fl'ee Resei'ves as iinreslricled funds not invested in tangible fixed assets, iiot yel committed or designated for a specific pui'pose, and excluding liabilities falling due aftei- Inore thai) one year {eg i)on-cun'ent portion of debt). At this level of Fi'e¢ Reserves, the Triistees coi)sider tl)at the charity would be able to continue operaling in the event of a significant drop in incoming I'esources. At the end of Aiigust 2024. the Free Reserves amounted lo £1,154,714 equ81 to 5.3 months of pi'ojected Total Resources Expended for 2023124, a level wlii¢h is considered acceptable by the Trustees Page 3
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04305048) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Yeai. Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 STRATEGIC REPORT FinaneiAI and risk management objectives and policies Key Indicatoi's of Fin8neiAI PeiformAnce School fee income in 2023124 increased by 17.36 % v5 prior year. Total resources expended increased by 7.80/0. vs prior year. Th¢ Charity l)as a fixed rate loan from Natwest to fund part of the capital expenditure for the Susan James Wing and at end of August 2024 had a loan outstanding of £192.220 Risk Management The Trustees regularly review the risks to which the charity is exposed lo ensure appropriate conlrols al'e in pla¢¢ aiid to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and ei'ror. The risks associated with running Step by Step School are both operational and strategic. Opei'ational risks al'e managed on a day Éo day basis by the Head Teacher and the staff, whilst the slrategic risks, beii)g mainly legal and financial, are maiiaged by the Board on a periodic basis through Board meetings, where budget monitoring is a slanding item. The Charity holds the appropriate level of insurance against fire and perils, liability and professional indeninity. Future plans The School is registei'ed for 40 pupils following a Department for Education Ofsted Material Change Inspection in Jiily 2021. The Trustees intend to expaiid the School gradually, whilst maintaining the quality of the provision at a very high level. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is coiitrolled by its governing documents, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limiled company limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act1985. Recj'uitment And appointment of neiv trustee5 There are two types of Trustees: Parent and Independent. The authorised number of Trustees is nine made up of two Parent Trustees and seven Independent Trustees. The Pai'eiit Trustees are decided by a vole amongst tl)e ciirrent pairnls and ihe Independent Ti'iislees are reci'uited through peisonal recommei)dations and through on-line platforms such as Inspiring Governance. Oi'ganis2tionAI sti'uetui'e All Dii'eclors of the company are also Trustees of the charity and there are no other Trustees. The Trustees seiving are noted below. Each Trustee is also a School Govenior. Decision making The Govei'nors meet as a full Board and as two Board commirtees: Teaching & Learning and HR & Finance. All key decisions require approval at tlie fiill Board. Ii)dividual Governors take on prepai'atory woi'k in advance of a Board meeting. foi. example reviewing certain school policies assigned to thein. Govei'nors visit the School during the day 2-3 times a year to monitor progress within a focused area of the School Impiovement Plan as part of a Quality Assiii'ance cycle. A professioi)al Clerk suppoi'ls ihe woi'k of the Governors. The Governing Boai'd also includes the Head Teacl)ei' and a Staff Govemor voted by staff. The Head Teacher and the Staff Govei'nor are not Trustees nor Company Directors. Day Éo day management of the School is del¢gat¢d to the Head Teacher, who reports to tl)e Chair of th¢ Board. The dislinclion between the operatioi)al and sli'ategic roles is clear and is reinforced through Trustee induction and ongoing li'aining. Page 4
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04305048) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES foi. the YeAr Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Induction and ti'aining of neiv tyustees All Trustees are subject to an enhanced DBS check and are required to undertake training in safeguardinChild Protection and the role of a School Governor. All Trustees also receive induction training {including gaining an appreciation of all policies and pro¢edui'es of Ihe School) fi'om the Head Teaclier and the Chair of the Boai'd. After induction, Ti'ustees are provided with both ongoing individual and group Ii'aining sessions, delivered on-line and by outside trainers. Each Triistee is formally appoiiited for a four yeai. tei'm at the Annual General Meeting of the Members of the charity which usually takes place during the first quarter of each calendar year. Should a vacancy a]'ise dui'ing Ilie year, the Board has the power to co-opt a new Ti'ustee for an interim period until the next AGM. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registei'ed Company numbei. 04305048 (England and Wales) Registered ChAI'ity numbei. 1091258 Registered office Step By Step School Grinstead Lane Sharpthorne East Gi'instead West Sussex RH19 4HP Trustees Dr C James Director Ms A Burdge Dii'e¢tor Ms B Gail Dii'eclor Ms N Smart Direclor M Colyer Director Ms T Lambert Dii'e¢tor Ms A Lily Directoi. Ms H A A Scott Dii'ector M B Bl'own Director (appointed 9.10.23) Auditol's WBD Accoiinlai)ts Limited Statutory Auditor Marlbi'idge Hoiise Enterprise Way Edetibi'idge Kent TN8 6HF BAnkei Natwest Coininercial Banking 2nd Floor Tui'npik¢ House 123 High Sli'eet Crawley West Siissex RHIO IDQ Pag¢ 5
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04305048) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 AUDITORS The auditors, WBD Accountants Limited, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Report of the trust¢¢s. incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on 24 February 2025 and signed on the board's behalf by: Ms A Burdge- Trustee Page 6
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES for the YeAI' Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 The trustees (who are also the directors of Step By Step School Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the finaiicial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted AountIng Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial yeai. which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoining resoui'ces and applicalion of Sources, including the income and expendilui'e. of the chai'ilable company for that period. In prepai'ing those financial statements, the 'ustees are required to select suitable accounling policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles iii the Chai'ity SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. State whethei. appli¢able accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in Ilie financial statements. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper aceounting I'ecords which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial positioii of tl)e charitable company and to enable them to eiisuir that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are a150 I'esponsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far a5 th¢ trustees are aware.. there is no i'elevant audit infomialion of which the charitable eoinpany's auditors are unaware; and the trustees have taken all steps tl)at they ought lo have taken to make themselve5 aware of any relevant audit information and to establish ihat the auditors are aware of that information. Page 7
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED Oplnion We have audited the financial statements of Step By Step School Limited (the 'charitable company,) for the year ¢i)ded 31 Augltst 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Slatement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in theii. preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdoin Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial slatements.. give a true and fair view of the slate of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 August 2024 and of its incoming resoui'ces and application of resoui'ces, including its income and expenditure, for lh¢ y¢ai' then ended. have been properly prepaiEd in accordajice with Uniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accouiiling Practice. and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Acl 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Siandards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and appli¢able law. Oiir I'esponsibilities under those standards are furtliei. described in the Audilois, resp0115ibililies for the audit of the financial statements section of our i'eport. We are independent of the fjharitkble coinpany in accordance with the ethical requirements that al'e i'elevant to our audit of the finai)Gial statemeiits in the UK, including th¢ FRC'S Etliical Standard, and we have fulfilled our otl)er ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requiremenls. We believe that the audit ¢vid¢n¢e we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. conclu5ioiis relating to going concei'n In auditing the financial statemei)ts, we have concluded that the trustee5' use of the going concern basis of ac¢ounting in the preparation of ihe financial statements is appropriate. Based on ihe work we have perfornied, we have Iiot iderktified any material uncertainties relatii)g to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable coinpany's ability to continu¢ as a going oncern for a period of at least twelve months froin when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our r¢5ponsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going conceni are described in the relevant sections of this report. Othei. infoi'mxtion The trustees Rre responsible for the other information. The other information comprises ihe infoi'mation included in the Annual Report, other ihan the financial statements and our Repoit of the Independent Auditors thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other infoi'mation and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly slated in our report, we do not expi'ess any forn) of assurance con¢liision thereon. In connection wilh our audit of the financial slatemenls, oui. responsibility is to l'ead the othei. information ai)d, in doing so, consider wl)ether the other inforniation is materially inconsistent with the financial 5talements oi. our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appeal's to be materially misstated. If we identify such matei'ial inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we al'e required to detei'mine whethei. this gives i-ise to a material misslatemenl in the finaiicial statements Ihemselves. If, based 011 the work we have performed, we conclude Ihat thei'e is a Inaterial mi5St8tement of this other ii)formation, we are required to report that fact. We hav¢ nothing to I'eport in this regard. Opiiiions on othei. mAtteis piysci'ibed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on tl)e work uiideitaken iii the course of the audit: the infoi'matioi) given in the Report of the Ti'ustees for the financial year for which tlie financial statements are pi'epai'ed is consistent with the financial slalements. and the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requii'emenls. Page 8
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE iVIEMBERS OF STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED MAttei¥ on )Yhich Ive are required to itport by exception Jn tlie light of the knowledge and understanding of the Gharitable ¢ompany and its environment oblained in ihe course of the audit, we have not id¢iitified Inalerial misstatements in the Report of the Trustees. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report lo you if, in our opinion: adequate accounting recoi'ds have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from braiiches not visited by us. oi. the financial statement5 are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns. or certain disclosures of trustees, remunerntion specified by law are not made. or we have not rec¢iv¢d all the information and explanations we require for our audit. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statemeiits and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and foi. such internal control as Ilie ti'ustees d¢tei'mii)e is necessary to enable the preparation of financial stateinents that are free from material misslatemei)t, wheihei. due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for a5sessiiig the charitable company's ability to eontiiiue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable. Inatters related to going Concei'n and using the going concern basis of accounting iinle5S the trustees either intend to liquidale the charitable coinpRny or to cease operations, or have no r¢alisti¢ alternalive but to do so. Page 9
REPORT OFTHE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED Our responsibilities for the audit of the finAnci#l stAtements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether Ihe financial statemei)ts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whethei. due to fraud or en'or, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors ihat includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a giiarantee that ali audit conducted in accordance with ISAS {UK) will always detect a mat¢rial misslatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considei'ed material if, individually or in the aggregate, they wuld reasoi)obly be expected io influence the economic decisions of user5 taken on the basis of these financial statements. The extent to which our procedurg5 are capable of detecting itTegularities, including fraud is detailed below: As pait of designing our audit, we determined Inaleriality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial slateinenls, iiicluding how fraud niay occur by enquii'ing of management of its own consideratioii of fraud. We obtaiiied an undei'slanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the company and determined that the most significant are those that relate to ihe compliance with the education, healih and safety and vai'ious legislation governing safeguarding children and we consid¢i'¢d tl)e extetit to which non coinpliance might have a material effect on the financial statements of tl)e ¢ompany. We also coJ)5idered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Cliarities Act 2011 aiid Companies Act 2006. In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct inipact on financial statements but compliance with which Inay be fundamental to the company's ability to opei'ate or avoid a material penalty. These include data protection and employment. We evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements, including the risk of override of controls and detemiined that the principal risks were I'¢lated to i'evenue recognition, posting inappropriate joui'nal entries and manageinei)t bias in accounting estimates and judgement areas of the financial 5tatement5 su¢h As ac¢i'uals and carrying value of fixed assets. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team includ¢d: Discussions with management and I'eview of third party reports, including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance witl) laws and i'egulations aiid fraud. Underslandiiig of the management's internal controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities Reviewing i'elevant meeting minutes. System walk-trough tests used to develop an in depth undeislanding of the entity's control enviioninent, however miniinal relian¢e is placed on contiol within the audit appioacli. Substantive test of detail cari'ied out, with a broad scope, in order to explore all aspects of revenue I'ewgnition. Perfoi'ming ai)alyli¢al pi'ocedures to identify any unusual or unexpected i'elationships that Inay ii)dicate risk of material misstatemenl due to fraud. Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Auditing the risk of management override of conlrols, including tlirougl) lestii)g journal entries and othei. adjustments for approprialeness. Thei'e are inhei'ent limitations in tlie audit procedui'es described above and the further moVed noi)-coinpliance with laws and regulations is from ihe events and tt7nsactioi)s reflected li) the financial statemenls, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the i'isk of not detecting a matei'ial misstatement due to fi'aud is higher Élian the risk of not detecting one resulting from eri'or as fraud may ii)volve deliberate concealment, by for exaniple, forgery or international misrepresentation or through collusion. A further description of our responsibililies for the audit of the financial statements is localed on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.fi'c.org.Iik/auditorsi'esponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of Ihe Independent Auditors. Page 10
REPORT OF THE INDEPEP4DENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED Use of oui. I'eport This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's membeis ih05e Inatters we are required to state to Ihem in an audilors, report and for no other puipose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume i'esponsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the harilabl¢ ¢oinpaiiy's members as a body, for our audit work, for this repoit, or for the opinions we have formed. K G Wood FCCA (Senior Stattitory Auditor} for and on bel)alf of WBD Accountants Limited Statutory Auditor Marlbi'idge House Entei'prise Way Ed¢i)bridge Kent TN8 6HF 24 February 2025 Pagell
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 31.8.24 Totsl fltnds 31.8.23 Total funds Unreslricled Fui)ds Restricted Funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 16,974 1,229 18,203 19.800 Charitable activities School running 2,582,924 2,582,924 2,200,779 Other trading activities Investment income 26,996 50,615 26,996 50,615 19,072 25.454 Tott41 2,677,509 1.229 2,678,738 2,265,105 EXPENDITURE ON Raising ndS 910 910 4,841 Charitable activities School running Support costs 2.324,401 28,497 17,903 2,342,304 28,497 2,168,183 26,505 TotAI 2,353,808 17,903 2,371,711 2,199,529 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) 323,701 (16.674) 307,027 65,576 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forwai'd 1.889,284 171,690 2,060,974 1,995,398 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 2,212,985 155,016 2,368,001 2,060.974 The notes fonn part of these financial slalemenls Page 12
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04305048) BALANCE SHEET 31 AUGUST 2024 31.8.24 Total funds 31.8.23 Total funds Unresti'icted Funds Restricted Funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 13 ,199,599 153,484 1,353,083 1,390,438 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 14 15 184 35,261 1,249,442 184 35,261 .250,974 184 35,709 920,683 1.532 1,284,887 1,532 1,286,419 956,576 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 16 (104,673) {104,673) (93,692) NET CURRENT ASSETS 1,180,214 1,532 1,181,746 862.884 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,379.813 155,016 2,534,829 2,253,322 CREDITORS Amounts falling due after more than one year 17 (166,828) (166.828 } (192,348) NET ASSETS 2,212,985 155,016 2,368,001 2,060,974 FUNDS Unrestricted fuiids Rest]'icted funds 21 2,212,985 155,016 1,889,284 171,690 TOTAL FUNDS 2,368,001 2,060,974 The financial slatements were approved by the Boai'd of Tru5t¢es and authorised for issue on 24 February 2025 and wei'e signed on ils behalf by: A Burdge- Ti'iistee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 13
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED CASH FLOW STATEMENT foi. the Year Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 31.8.24 31.8.23 Note5 Cash flows from operAting activities C8sli generated from operations 398,310 178,842 Net cash provided by operating activities 398,310 178,842 CAsh flows from investiiig activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Sale of tangible fixed assets Interest received (98,538) 4,500 50,615 (26,773) 25,454 Net cash used in investing activities (43,423) (1,319) Cash flows from financing #ctivitie$ Loan repayments in year (24,596) (23,610) Net Cash used in financing activities (24,596) (23,610) Chaiige in cAsh And cash equivalents in the repoi'ting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the i'eporting period 330,291 153,913 920,683 766,770 Cash and cash equivalents #t the end of tli¢ i'epoi'ting pei'iod 1,250,974 920,683 The notes form part of ihese financial slalements Page 14
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIiIiITED NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the Yeai. Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING AcfiviTIES 31.8.24 31.8.23 Net income foi. th¢ i'eporting period (as per the StAtement of Fiiiancial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges (Profit}Iloss on disposal of fixed ass¢t5 Interest received Decrease in stocks Deci'easel(increase) in debtors Increase in ci'editoi's 307,027 65,576 135,781 (4,389) (50,615) 143,761 169 (25,454) 270 (8,293) 2,813 448 10,058 Net eash pi'ovided by operation5 398,310 178,842 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS At 1.9.23 Cash flow At31.8.24 Net cash Cash at bank and in hand 920,683 330,291 1.250.974 920,683 330,291 ,250,974 Debt Debis falling due within l year Debts falling dlle after l yeai. (24,468) (192,348) (923) 25,520 (25,391) (166,828) (216,816) 24,597 (192,219) Total 703,867 354,888 ,058,755 The notes form part of these fii)ancial slalemenls Page 15
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINAP4CIAL STATEMENTS foi. the Year Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of pi'eparing the fJn%ncial statements The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with Ihe Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Repoiting by Charities: Statement of Recommei)ded Practice applicable to charities prepai'ing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standai'd applicable in the UK and R¢public of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019),, Fii)ancial Rew)rting Standard 102 'T]ie Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and ihe Companies Act 2006. The finan¢ial statements have been prepared under the hi5tori¢al cost ¢ottveiitioii. Income All income is recognised in the Slalement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds. it is probable that the in¢ome will be received and the amount can be measui'ed reliably. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal oi. ¢onsti'uctive obligation committing the charity to that expei)diture, it is pi'obable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditiire is acwunted for on an accruals basis and has been classified und¢i' headings Ihat ag'ega1e all cost related to the category. Whei'e Costs cai)not be directly attributed to particular headings ihey have been allocated to a¢tivities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Tangible fixed asset5 Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at histori¢al eost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is dii'ectly attributable to bringing th¢ asset to the location and condition necessary foi. it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Depreciation is chai'ged so as to allocate the cost of assets less thefftr residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight line nieihod. Depi'eciation is provided on the following basis: Improvemei)ts to property Fixtures and fittings Motor vehicles in accordance with the property 330/0, 25 % and 200/0 on cost 25% on cost The assets, residual valiies. useful lives and depi'ecialion methods are i'eviewed and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date. Gains and losses on disposals are det¢rmin¢d by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and a rewgnised in the incoine statement.. Stocks Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and nel realisabl¢ value. After making due allowance for obsolete and slow Inoving ileins. TaxAtion The charity is exempl from corporation tax on ils charitable activities. Fund accounting Ui)restt'icled ndS can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular I'esti'i¢ted piii'poses within the objects of the charity. Restriclions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particulai. restricted puiposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes lo the financial statements. Page 16 ¢ontiniied..-
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the YeAr Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Hii'e purchase And leasing commitments Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. Pension costs Ind other post-retirement benefits The charilable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitsble mpany'5 pension scheme are chai'ged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they I'elate. Govei'nment giynts Government grants are recognised under the accrual model. Government grants relating to revenue expenditiire are recognised in income on a systematic basis over the pei'iods in whi¢h tl)e entity recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended lo compensate. Government grants include Coi'onavirus (COVID-19) National Tgsting Programme and Teachers, Pension Employer Conlribution Grant DONATIONS AIYD LEGACIES 31,8.24 31.8.23 Donations Grants 18,203 18,122 1.678 18,203 19.800 Grants receivd, in¢luded in the above, are as follows: 31.8.24 31.8.23 COVID grant 1,678 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIC¢ S 31.8.24 31.8.23 School uniform sales Other income 278 18,794 26,996 26,996 19,072 INVESTMENT INCOME 31.8.24 31.8.23 Deposit account inlerest 50,615 25,454 Page 17 continued...
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued foi. the Yeai. Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 31.8.24 31.8.23 Activity School running School fees 2,582,924 2.200,779 RAISING FUNDS Raising donatioiis and legacie5 31.8.24 31.8.23 Marketing Fundraising fees 694 216 4,301 270 910 4,571 Other trading activitie5 31.8.24 31.8.23 Opeiiing stock Closing stock 184 {184) 454 (184) 270 Aggregate amounts 910 4,841 CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES COSTS Support costs (see note 8) Direct Costs Tota15 School running Support costs 2,342,304 2,342,304 28,497 28,497 2,342,304 28,497 2,370,801 SUPPORT COSTS Goveriiance costs Support cost5 28,497 Page 18 continued...
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- eojitinued for the Ye41. Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 SUPPORT COSTS- continued 31.8.24 31.8.23 GovernAnce costs Auditors, remuneration Auditor5, remuneration for non audit work Legal and professional fees Clerk to the Governors Governor training Goveinor meeting cost 6,709 2,917 18,254 6,703 4,044 13,781 1,219 383 375 479 138 28,497 26,505 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) Net incomel(expenditure) is slated after Chargin{CredIting). 31.8.24 31.8.23 Auditors, remuneralion Othei. non-audit services Depreciation - owned assets Other operatii)g leases Surplusl(deficit) on disposal of fixed assets 6,709 2,917 135,782 70,822 (4,389) 6,703 4,044 143.761 71,474 169 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BEIYEFITS There were iio trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2024 nor for the year ended 31 August 2023. Trustees, expenses Truslees, expenses totalling £138 was paid for the year ended 31 August 2024 and £375 for the year ended 31 August 2023. ii. STAFF COSTS 31.8.24 31.8.23 Wages and salaries Social secui'ity costs Othei. pension costs 1,599,501 129,675 105,384 1,488,081 116,206 91,589 1,834,560 ,695,876 The avei'age monthly niiinber of einployees during the year was as follows: 31.8.24 65 31.8.23 61 Teaching and SALT staff Adininislration staff Di'ivei. 70 66 Page 19 continued...
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued foi. the Year Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 ii. STAFF COSTS - continued The number of employees whose employee benefits (excliiding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was.. 31.8.24 31.8.23 £80,001- £90,000 £90,001- £100.000 12. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENfs FROM Donations and legacies 14,809 4,991 19,800 ChAI'itAble aetivities S¢hool I'unning 2,200,779 2,200,779 Other trading activities Investment income 19,073 25,454 (i) 19,072 25,454 TotAI 2,260,115 4,990 2,265,105 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 4,841 4,841 ChAritAble activities School I'unning Support costs 2,146,218 26,505 21,965 2,168,183 26,505 TotAI 2.177.564 21,965 2,199,529 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 82,551 (16,975) 65,576 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought foiward 1,806,734 188,664 ,995,398 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD .889.285 171,689 2,060,974 Page 20 continued...
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued for the YeAr Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Improvements to property Fixtures and fittings Motor vehicles Totals COST At I September 2023 Additions Disposals 1.931,334 49,397 563,125 32,577 (100,oio) 80,899 16,564 {22,000) 2.575,358 98,538 (122,010) At 31 August 2024 1,980,731 495,692 75,463 2,551,886 DEPRECIATION At I September 2023 Charge foi. year Eliminated on disposal 624,084 95,236 479,937 38,734 (99,899) 80,899 1,812 (22,000) 1,184,920 135,782 (121,899) At 31 August 2024 719,320 418,772 60,711 1,198,803 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 August 2024 1,261,411 76,920 14,752 1,353,083 At 31 August 2023 1,307,250 83,188 1,390,438 14. STOCKS 31.8.24 31.8.23 Sto¢ks 184 184 15. DEBTORS: AMOU]YTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.8.24 31.8.23 Trade debtors Oiher debtoi's Pi'epayments and accrued income 125 6,955 28,629 401 34,860 35,261 35,709 Page 21 continued...
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - eontinued foi. the Yeai. Eilded 31 AUGUST 2024 16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.8.24 31.8.23 Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 18) Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Other creditors Acci'uals and deferred income 25.391 8,414 28,950 11,142 30,776 24,468 13,674 21,375 7,679 26,496 104,673 93,692 17. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFfER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 31.8.24 31.8.23 Bank loans (see note 18) 166,828 192,348 18. LOANS An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below: 31.8.24 31.8.23 Amounts falling due within one year on demaiid: Bank loans 25,391 24,468 Amounts falling between one and two years.. Bank loai)5- 1-2 years 26,524 25,493 Amounts falling due between two and five yeai's.. Bank loans- 2-5 years 56,650 83,410 Amounts falling due in MO than five years: Repayable by instslments: Bank loans more 5 yr by instal 83.654 83.445 19. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows.. 31.8.24 31.8.23 Within one year Between one ai)d five years In more than five yeai's 66,298 235,153 77,988 68,958 233,926 133,782 379,439 436,666 Page 22 continued...
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED P40TES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued foi. the Year Ended 31 AUGUST 2024 20. SECURED DEBTS The following secured debis are included within creditors: 31.8.24 31.8.23 Bank loans 192.219 216,816 The charity has a pensions guarantee of £18.000 and a Natwest cash security for credit cards of £7,500. There 15 a charge over cash deposit with no security limited by Natwest Bank plc and a debenture over all the assets of the company also held by Natwest Bank plc. 21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 31.8.24 At 1.9.23 Unrestricted funds General fund Site Development 1,779,971 109,313 336,819 (13,118) 2,116,790 96,195 ,889,284 323,701 2,212.985 Restricted fujids DET Outdoor learning areas Susan James Wing Yurt and forest area Foi'est seating area Pupils resources Forest School Sensoiy Shelter 15.765 148,775 2,300 460 468 224 3,698 (8,618) (6,135) (1,200) (240) (45) 869 (1,305) 7,147 142,640 1,100 220 423 1,093 2,393 171,690 (16.674) 155,016 TOTAL FUNDS 2,060,974 307,027 2,368,001 Page 23 continued...
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Yeai. Ended 3] AUGUST 2024 21. MOVEMENT FUNDS - continued Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: In¢oming resources Resources expended Movement in fund5 Unrestirytted funds General fund Site Development 2,677,509 (2,340,690) (13,118) 336,819 (13,118) 2,677,509 (2,353,808 } 323,701 Resti'icted fund5 DET Outdoor learning areas Susan James Wing Yurt and forest area Forest seating area Pupils resources Forest School Sensory Shelter (8,618) (6,135) {1,200) {240) {45) (210) (1,455) (8,618) (6,135) (1,200) {240) (45) 869 {1,305) 1,079 150 1,229 (17,903) (16,674) TOTAL FUNDS 2,678,738 (2,371,711) 307,027 Cornpaiytives for movement in funds Nel movement ID funds At 31.8.23 At 1.9.22 Unrestrieted funds General fund Site Development ,684,303 122,431 95,668 (13,118) 1,779,971 109,313 1,806,734 82,550 1,889.284 Resti'icted fui)d5 DET Oiitdooi. leai'ning areas Susan Jaines Wing Yurl and forest area Forest seatiiig area Pupils resources Forest School Sensory Shelter 27,981 155,386 3,500 700 468 629 (12,216) (6,611) (1,200) (240) 15,765 148,775 2,300 460 468 224 3,698 (405) 3,698 188,664 (16,974) 171,690 TOTAL FUNDS 1,995,398 65,576 2,060,974 Page 24 continued...
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - eontinued for the Yeai. Elided 31 AUGUST 2024 21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Resource5 expended Movement in funds Unrestrieted funds General fund Site Development 2,260,115 (2,164,447) (13,118) 95,668 (13,118) 2,260,115 (2,177.565) 82,550 Restricted fuiids Other Equipment DET Outdoor learning aa$ Susan Janies Wing Yurt and forest area Forest seating area Forest School Sei)sory Shelter 720 (i) (720) (12,215) (6,611) (1,200} (240} (405) (573) (12,216) (6,611) (1,200) (240) (405) 3,698 4,271 4,990 (21,964) (16,974) TOTAL FUNDS 2,265,105 {2,199,529) 65,576 A cun'ent year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is a5 follows.. Net Inovement in fund5 At 31.8.24 At 1.9.22 Unrestricted funds General fund Site Development 1,684,303 122,431 432.487 (26,236) 2,116,790 96,195 1,806,734 406,251 2.212.985 Resti'ieted funds DET Outdoor learning areas Susan James Wing Yurt and foi'est ai'ea Forest seating area Pupils resources Forest School Sensory Shelter 27,981 155,386 3.500 700 468 629 (20,834) (12,746) (2,400) (480) (45) 464 2,393 7,147 142,640 1.100 220 423 1,093 2,393 188,664 (33.648 } 155,016 TOTAL FUNDS 1,995,398 372,603 2.368,001 Page 25 continued...
STEP BY STEP SCHOOL LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEP4TS - continued foi. the Yeai. Eilded 31 AUGUST 2024 21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued A current year 12 month5 and prior year 12 months ¢onibined i)¢t movement in funds. included in the above are as follows: Incoming resoui'ces Resources expended Movement in funds Uni'estiicted fund5 General fund Site Developinent 4,937,624 (4,505,137) (26,236) 432,487 (26,236) 4,937,624 (4.531,373) 406.251 Restiicttd funds Other Equipment DET Oiitdoor learning areas Susan James Wing Yurt and forest area Forest seating area Pupils resour¢es Forest School Sensory Shelter 720 (i) (720) {20,833) (12,746) (2,400) (480) (45) (615) (2,028) (20,834) (12,746) (2,400) (480) (45) 464 2,393 1.079 4,421 6,219 {39,867) (33,648) TOTAL FUNDS 4,943,843 (4,571,240) 372,603 22. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transactions for the yeai. ended 31 August 2024. Page 26