REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04767369 (England and Wales)
REGISTERED CHAR￿ NUMBER: 1106002
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
FOR
FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
clemen￿ Hoar Cummings
Chartered Accountants
Riverside House
1-5 Como Street
Romford
Essex
RM7 7DN

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Page
Report of the Trustees
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Flnancial Activities
Statement of Financial Position
Notes to the Flnanclal Statements
10 to 19

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees who are also dlrectors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present
their report wlth the financlal statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024, The trustees
have adopted the provision5 of Accounting and Reporting by Charities., Statement of Recommended
Practice applicable to charities preparing thelr accounts in accordan￿ wlth the Financlal Reportlng
Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effectlve l January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The charity's objectives are:
To provide bables and pre school chlldren with special needs and/or disabilltles, resldlng In the London
Borough of Havering, an opportunity for educational development In a caring environment through a wlde
range of play actSvSties and experlences. To offer famllles of such chlldren support, informatlon and
advice, in a frlendly atmosphere of trust and confidentlality.
Our alms here at Flrst step are to.,
l. Continuously Improve good practlce for the delivery of servI￿S for babies and children wlth speclal
needs and/or disabi1Stles within Flrst step and wlth other servlce providers.
2. Provide support to parentslcarers and to empower them to sustain a good quality of Ilfe for thelr
famllies In the long term.
3. Malntain a hlgh-quality team of staff and volunteers who feel valued and who are motlvated, skllled
and adaptable.
4. Have continuous financial stabllity.
5. Ensure an excellent quallty of Serv1￿ through the hlghe5t standards of leadership and governance.
Alongside these, we have Identified four addltional areas of need:
l. To ensure that local need is acc￿ratelY identified and Services developed to meet the need
2. To ensure that services are Inclusive
3. To ensure that servlce users and staff are safeguarded approprlately
4. To ensure that staff and servlce users are fully involved In the deslgn, delivery and evaluatlon of
servlces,
Slgnlflcant activities
We offer a range of holistic and tallored servlces for famllles of chlldren with special needs andlor
dlsabllltles, These Include:
Famlly Support, Family Groups, One-to-one Support, Peer Support, Welfare Benelits Advlce, DLA
appllcatlon preparatlon, EHCP wrltlng advice and support, Information and Guidance, General Support,
School Holiday Actlvities.
Main activities undertaken to further the Charity's purposes for public benefit
The Trustees have pald due regard to guidance Issued by the Charity Commission In deciding what
activitles the charity should undertake, and are satisfied that the above actlvltle5 meet the public benefit
requirements.
Page I

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
Once again, over the year, First Step has provided servlces andlor support to over 100 chlldren and their
families, covering a diverse range of conditions, speclal needs and disabilities. We continue to support
many of our famllles who have attended First Step over the past 36 years and we are often told that
familles never leave from First Step. and that we are who they turn to for support when they face
difficulties.
The second year of our National Lottery Funding has provlded a secure baseline for our fundraising
income, and contlnuity for our Family Support, and has been welcomed at a time when we are seeing
Increasing levels of referral. Parents continue to tell us that there is very little support available for them
from Health and the Local Authorlty, and even what Is offered is delayed by long waiting lists. We have
seen a sharp rlse In referrals recelved during March 2023, and we are investlgating If thls Is a short-term
increase, or if this is a growlng trend that is likely to continue,
We continue to work in partnershlp wlth professionals from many of the teams within the London Borough
of Haverlng and NEL￿. These Include Health Visltors, Children and Adults with Dlsabllity Team O
Multi Agency & Referral Panel, Early Years Transltlon Panel, Speclalist Health Professionals,
Physiotherapyi Speech and Language and Nutrition, Occupational Health, Dentlstry and a wlde range of
other Professionals from Education, Social Servlces, the Welfare Rlghts Unit, SEND IASS and Local
Voluntary Organlsations.
We also provlde support to other playgroups, nursery and pre-schTr)I settlngs who are worklng with
chlldren with speclal need5.
We contlnue to play a full and actlve part wlthln the borough and beyond, wlth representatlves that sit on
the SEND Executlve Board, The Early Help Partnership, Multl-Agency Meetings and the NEL￿ Strategic
Patient Experlence Partnershlp where we seek to ensure that we do everythlng we can to ensure the
volce of famllles wlth chlldren wlth speclal needs and/or dlsabllities is heard.
As we recelve no National or Local Govemment financial support, all of thls work Is only possSble because
so many of our supporters dlg deep and glve generouslyi some sacrificially. There are too many to thank
Indivlduallyi but there were slgniflcant donations from the following Serv1￿ Groups, Communlty Groups,
Corporates and Local Buslnesses..
B F Mulley & Sons
Barclays Bank
Bow Lodge
Centrica Management Services
Concept Windows
Co-op
Cranham Modern Sequence Dan￿ Club
Grove & Dean
Havering Probus Club
Hornchurch 41 Club
HSBC Bank
Jolly Boys Golf
Marks & Spencer Romford
McDonalds RomfDrd
McLaren Anderson Consulting Ltd
Morton Mlchel
Mounthlll Engineers Limited
Mullls & Peake
Natlonwide
Olford Foundatlon
Premier League
Qulzze5 for Charlty
Roomes Furniture & Interiors
Romford Bld
Romford Lions
Rotary Club of Havering
Rotary Club of Hornchurch & Upminster
Schroder Investment Management
Springfield Playgroup
stapleford Abbots Golf CILFb Captain's Charlty
Tunnelcraft
United Reformed Church Trust
Upminster Golf Club - Captain's Charlty
West & Co
Additionally, there were a whole range of personal donations and fundraising from Indlvlduals that ranged
frotn £9,675 down to a few pounds. It is not appropriate to hlghllght them individually, but every
donation large and small Is a vital part of enabling famllles and children to be Supported. Of co(Jrse, thls
also included donations made for the London Virgin Marathon runners, a wide range of Individual led
fundraising activitles together with many in lieu donations In place of gifts or flowers to honour a loved
one, support a cause, or celebrate a speclal occasion or event.
We value our band of committed givers who donate regular monthly payments.
Page 2

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
We ran a full programme of Events, that include our Golf Day in September 2023, which raised over
£23,000 along wlth our well s(Jpported 35th Anniversary Ball, Bingo, Quiz Evenlngs, Tasty Treats,
Christmas Bazaar and Raffles. These events not only ralse vltal funds, but provide an opportunlty and
focus for our many supporters to stay in contact and involved with the charity.
We thank Clemence Hoar Cummlngs Accountants for their professlonal services. In additlDn, we thank
Redbourn Business Systems for their generous support wlth our fundraising software at well below the
market rate, Lead Generation Websltes who during the year redesigned and maintained our webslte at
highly subsid15ed rates, and the Havering Volunteer Centre, all of whom continue to generously provide
support for the organlsatlon.
Our Patrons, Glll Hare M.B.E, Jeremy West M.B.E, Tim Clarke and Gerry Byrne ¢ontlnue to actively
support and vlslbly campalgn, increasing the awareness of First Step and for thls we are most grateful.
Margaret Williams continues to actively support the Charfty through her Governance expertise.
We recognlse and slncerely thank all the individuals, companles and organisations for glvlng their time,
encouragement and financial support, and for thelr efforts to raise the proflle and share the vision of Flrst
step.
We recognise our valued ongoing relationshlps wlth West & Coe, Grove & Dean, Concept Wlndows,
McDonalds Romford, Tesco and Clarkes Carpets, Centrica Management Services IBritish Gas, Tunnelcraft,
and Mounthlll Engineers Llmited, along with our local Ward Counclllors who also actively support First
Step,
Our sincere thanks go to all our frlends In the community, staff, our team of volunteers and helpers, the
servlce groups, lodges, clubs, associations, fundraisers, supporters, foundations and grant glvlng bodies,
for their contlnued commltment, energy and shared values, wlthout whom we would not be able to
provlde our servlces.
On behalf of every famlly that has been supported In the past, those that are currently belng supported,
and those that will recelve support in the future, we want to most slncerely thank all who support First
Step, for your generous and sacrificial givingi both financlally and in your precious tlme.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Flnancial position
Total Incomlng and outgoing resources for the year are shown below, and the unrestrlcted net surplus for
the year was £48,013 (2023 surplus: £7,959).
2023-24
Unrestricted
Funds
2023-24
Restrlcted
Funds
2023-24
Total
Funds
2022-23
Total
Funds
Income
Expenditure
Surplus/Deficlt
£242,126
£194,113
£48,013
£73,402
£315,528
£202,978
£397,091
(£129,576) {£81,563)
£351,566
£392,627
(£41,061)
There was no deslgnated Income or Expendlture in either year.
A full review of the financial posltion of the charlty can be found on the followlng financlal statements.
Page 3

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal fundlng sources
The charity's principal funding Is generated through fundralsing and donatlons.
This year we recelved grant funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Year 2 of 3, The Utley
Famlly Charitable Foundation, a further provision of a grant from The Veolla Envlronmental Trust.
Durlng the year man3gement and trustees have and will contlnue to develop speclfic areas Including,,
i. strong fundralslng campaigns, including corporate partners and Individual donors
2. A more compelling income oeneratlng strategy and story
3. Sharply focused financlal reportlng and planning
4. Quantifying the impact of Ihe work we undertake wlth young children and famllles
Sub-commlttee5 made up of staff and trustees meet to review and develop strategy In the areas of
governance, service dellvery, finance, and human resources and then report to the main commlttee.
Reserves policy
Flr5t Step continLJes to be aware of the need to ensure that reserves are correctly invested and that they
recelve the optlmum Interest rate in thls area, whilst minimislng rlsk.
Trustees have adopted a reserves pollcy whereby the charlty needs to have a minlmum of 4 months
operating costs If no further income were to be received, Trustees are aware that current reserves are
Just under 9 months, which they belleve Is prudent In the post COVID cllmate.
It remains the trustee's intention to grow the level of support offered to our famllles and chlldren over the
comlng years In a sustainable manner.
FUTURE PLANS
Flrst Step remains a unique resour￿ In Havering and beyond, and when the continulng reduction In
services by the local authorltyi health and other charltles are considered, our provlslon is more vltal than
ever, Our future operatlons wlll continue to be carefully planned around the needs of the children and
families. Our alm Is to grow the level of Servi￿ In Ilne with the fundlng streams that are avallable.
The multl-year funding from The Natlonal Lottery, whlch funds a sl9nlflcant proportlon of our Famlly
Support has brought about a financial stabillty that there has not been for a number or years, and we
expect that our outcome 2024-25 will be at least break-even posltion as we need to grow reserves If we
are to Increase provision.
Family Support remalns our priority as our core servlce, and we can only grow our support for families
and chlldren as we secure funding for them.
However, Trustees have agreed to fund an Increased level of Fundraising activity as a longer-term
investment, utilising a restricted fund, a5 the long-term sustainable future of Flrst Step, is contingent on
a not only maintalning, but growlng our income year on year beyond the rate of Inflatlon.
We anticipate that the levels of referral will continue to grow during the comlng year, and anticipate that
our delivery wlll be stretched.
There is no doubt In our minds that First step offers support that Is slmply not available elsewhere and
there is a huge and growlng need for familles of children wlth special needs andlor disabilities to have
this help and assIstan￿. We are corrbmitted to maintaining and growing the support we offer, and we will
do everythlng posslble to ensure that First Step provides this unique Serv1￿ for generations to come.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity Is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limlted companyi
limited by guarantee, as deflned by the Companies Act 2006.
Page 4

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNrtY GROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Charity constitution
The Company is registered as a Charltable Company limited by guarantee and was set up by
Memorandum of Association.
Members of the Company guarantee that In the event of the Company's Insolvency and if requested, each
member will contrlbute to its liabilities to a maximum of £1.00.
Oryanlsational structure
None of the trustees have any beneficial interest in the company. All of the tnjstees are members of the
company and guarantee to contribute £1.00 in the event of a winding up.
Flrst Step Is commltted to enabllng and supporting its trustees to fulfil the Responsibilities of the Board as
Identlfled by the National Council for Volunta ry Organlsatlons (NCVO) which a re to:
o Further the charity's overall purpose, as set out In its governlng document, and setting Its directlon and
strategy,
o Make sure the work of the charlty Is effettlve, responsible and legal.
o Safegiiardlng people as well as finances, resources and property and making sure they're used to
further the ¢harlty's purposes.
o Be 'accountable' to those with an interest or stake In or who regulate the charity.
o Be clear about the people who carry out work for the tharlty trustees, staff, volunteers settlng up
and respectlng boundaries between the governance role of the board and operatlonal or day to day
matters.
o Make sure the board operates effectlvely by taklng account of good practlce, as mentloned in the
Charlty Governance Code.
There is an expectatlon that trustees wlll attend trainlng or courses that are agreed, as part of thelr
commitment and responslblllty to thelr role.
Discussions are held wlth the Chalr of Trustees or CEO and new trustees to Identify speclfic tralnlng
needs. New trustees are:
Given a pack of Informatlon on the organlsatlon of First step and all relevant paperwork to support thelr
role
Invited to Flrst Step to observe some of the sesslons and meet staff
Have discusslons wlth the Chalr of Trustees and CEO to identify trainlng or support needs
Asked to complete a checklist relative to First Step when they joln arKt another in 314 months and have
a revlew meeting with the Chair of trustees and CEO
Given the opportunity to meet with and get to know other trustees in the soclal tlme allocated before
the start of the formal business meetings
Provlded information on training provided by ￿levant organisations
The general governance of the charlty Is the responsibillty of the trustees, however the day to day
operation is delegated to the CEO. The CEO will take any matters of variation to trustees. meetlngs for
deci51on making.
Control procedures are in place to cover all areas of rlsk, l.e. Strategic, Operational, Flnancial,
Regulatory, Human Resour￿ and Reputational. The comprehenslve Risk Management Schedule is
continuously reviewed and updated to support trustees in the monitoring process of these areas.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Company number
04767369 (England and Wale5)
Registered Charity number
1106002
Page 5

FIRST STEP OPPORTLINITY GROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Registered office
Tangmere Crescent
Hornchurch
Essex
RM12 5PP
Trustees
R Mccorry - Chair
G Webb
B Anderson
B Peters (resigned 301312024)
L Van Den Hende (reslgned 291212024)
N Sawyer
M Flower
L Topps
M Thompson (reslgned 261612023)
I Gorsuch Treasurer (appointed 221512023)
S Powell (appolnted 30/1012023)
Independent Examiner
Clemence Hoar Cummings
Chartered Accountants
Rlverside House
1-5 Como Street
Romford
Essex
RM7 7DN
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 27 January 2025 and slgned on Its behalf by:
R Mccorry - Chair- Trustee
Page 6

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
rndependent examiner's report to the trustees of First step Opportunity Group ('the
Company.)
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended
31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of 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 requirements of the Companles Act
2006 ('the 2006 Act,).
Having satlsfled myself that the accounts of the Company are not requlred to be audlted under Part 16 of
the 2006 Act and are ellglble for Independent examination, I report in respect of my examlnallon of your
charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrylng
out my examination I have followed the Dlrectlons given by the Charlty Commlsslon under Section
145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since your charity's gross Income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a Ilsted body.
I can conflrm that l am qualified to undertake the examlnatlon because l am a member of the Associatlon
of Chartered Certlfled Accountants, whlch is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attentlon In connectlon
wlth the examlnation glvlng me cause to belleve:
accounting records were not kept In respect of the Company as required by Sectlon 386 of the
2006 Act,. or
the accounts do not accord wlth those records. or
the accounts do not comply wlth the accounting requirements of Sectlon 396 of the 2006 Act other
than any requirement that the accounts glve a true and fair view which is not a matter consldered
as part of an Independent examlnatlon. or
the accounts have not been prepared In accordance wlth the methods and prlnciples of the
Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reportlng by charitles (appllcable to
charltles preparlng thelr accounts In accordan￿ with the Financial Reportlng Standard appllcable in
the UK and Republlc of Ireland (FRS 102)).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connectlon wlth the examination to whlch
atteiition should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be
reached.
IG
Lee Blunden FCCA CTA
Clemence Hoar Cummlngs
Chartered Accountants
Riverside House
1-5 Como Street
Romft)rd
Essex
RM7 7DN
27 January 2025
Page 7

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2024
Total
funds
2023
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donatlons and legacles
140,820
73,402
214,222
286,218
Charitable activlties
Family support
Holiday sessions
3,482
485
3,482
485
4,022
407
Other tradlng actlvltles
Investment Income
other income
88,919
3,395
5,025
88,919
3,395
5,025
41,304
1,865
17,750
Total
241126
73,402
315,528
351,566
EXPENDITURE ON
Ralsing funds
84,943
4,067
89,010
78,754
Charitable activities
EdLFcational services
Family support
Holiday sesslons
tota I
144
104,753
4.273
144
224,710
5,354
119,957
1,081
195,266
3,820
New projects
77,873
77,873
114,787
Total
194,113
202,978
397,091
392,627
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
48,013
{129,576)
(81,563)
{41,061)
RECONCXLIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
146,284
546,581
692,865
733,926
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
194,297
417,005
611,302
692,865
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 8

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04767369)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
13
358,252
409,354
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank and In hand
14
59,289
218,654
82,416
242,041
277,943
324,457
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due wlthin one year
15
(24,893)
(40,946)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
253,050
283,511
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
611,302
692,865
NET ASSETS
611,302
692,865
FUNDS
Unrostricted funds
Restrlcted fu nds
18
194,297
417,005
146,284
546,581
TOTAL FUNDS
611,302
692,865
The charltable company Is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006
for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The members have not required the company to obtaln an audlt of Its flnanclal statements for the year
ended 31 March 2024 In accordance wlth Scctlon 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge thelr responsibilities for
(a)
ensurlng that the charitable company keeps accountlng records that comply wlth Sectlons 386 and
387 of the Companles Act 2006 ar)d
preparlng financlal statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affalrs of the
charitable company as at the end of each flnanclal year and of Its surplus or deflcit for each
flnanclal year In accordance wlth the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and whlch otherwlse
comply with the requirements of the Companles Act 2006 relatlng to flnanclal statements, so far as
appllcable to the charitable company.
(b)
These financial statements have been prepared In accordance wlth the provlslons applicable to charitable
companies subject to the small companles regime.
The financlal statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorlsed for Issue on
27 January 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
R Mccorry Chalr - Trustee
I Gorsuch
asurer - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 9

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, whlch is a publlc beneflt entlty under FRS 102,
have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting
by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applica ble to charities preparing their accounts
in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland
(FRS 102) (effectlve l January 2019),, Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting
Standard appllcable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The flnancial
statements have been prepared under the hlstorfcal cost convention.
Company status
The Company Is Ilmlted by guarantee. The members of the Company are the Trustee5 named on
page l. In the event of the Company belng wound up, the liabllity In respect of the guarantee is
limited to £1 per member of the Company.
Income
All income Is recognlsed in the Statement of Flnanclal Activitie5 once the charlty has entitlement to
the funds, it is probable that the Income wlll be ￿CeIved and the amount can be measured rellably.
For legacles, entltlement Is taken as the earlier of the date on whlch either.. the company Is aware
that probable has been granted, the estate has been finallsed and notlfication has been made by
the executor(s) to the Trust that a distributlon wlll be made, or when a distribution Is recelved
from an estate. Recelpt of a legacyi in whole or In part, Is only considered probable when the
amount can be measured rellably and the Company has been notlfled of the executorfs intentlon to
make a dlstrlbutlon. Where legacies have been notlfled to the Companyi or the Company Is aware
of the granting of probate, and the criteria for Income recognltlon have not been met, then the
legacy Is treated as a contlngent asset and dls¢losed If materlal.
Donatlons are credited to the Statement of Flnanclal Activities (SOFA) In the year In whlch they are
receivable, For condltlonal donations, where a clawback provlslon Is In place should the event
donated to not take place, these donatlons are recognised once the event has taken place.
Grants receivable and Local Authorlty fees are credited to the Statement of Flnanclal Activltles
(SofA) in the year in whlch they are receivable. Income is deferred only when the Charity has to
fulfll condltlons becoming entltled to It or where the donor has specified that the Income 15 to be
expended In a future perlod.
Donated servlces or facllltles are recognised when the company has control over the Item, any
condltlons associated with the donated Item have been met, the recelpt of economlc benefit from
the use of the company of the item Is probable and that economlc benefit can be measured
reliably, In accordance witli the Charities SORP {FRS 102), the general volunteer time of the
Frlends is not recognised and refer to the Trustees, report for more Informatlon about thelr
contribution.
On recelpt, donated professional servlces and donated facillties are recognised on the bassl of the
value of the gift to the Company which is the amount the Company would have been willing to pay
to obtaln service5 or facilities of equ Ivalent economlc benefit on the open market. a corresponding
amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of ￿Ceipt.
Income tax recoverable In relatlon to donations received under Glft Ald or deeds of covenant Is
recognlsed at the time of the donation.
Income tax recoverable In relatlon to investment Income Is recognlsed at the time the investment
income is re￿[vable.
Page 10
continued...

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACCOUNTING POLICIES - contlnued
Expenditure
Llabllitles are recognlsed as expendlture as soon a5 there is a legal or construttlve obllgatlon
committing the charity to that expenditure, it Is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will
be requlred in settlement and the amount of the obllgation can be measured reliably. Expenditure
Is classlfied by activlty, The costs of each activity are made up of the total of dlrect costs and
shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Shared costs whlch
contrlbute to more than one activity and support cost which are not altrlbutable to a sing le actlvity
are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central
staff costs are allocated on the basi5 of tlme spent, and depreclation charges allocated on the
portlon of the asset's use.
Costs of generatlng funds are costs Incurred In attracting voluntary income, and those Incurred In
trading activities that ralse funds.
Charitable activltles are costs Incurred on the company's educational operatlons, Includlng support
costs and costs relating to the governance of the company apportioned to charltable actlvities.
All expendlture Is incluslve of Irrecoverable VAT.
Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when recelvable and the amount can be measured
reliably by the company; this is normally upon notlfication of the Interest paid or payable by the
Bank.
Operating leases
Rentals under operatlng leases are charged to the Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltles incorporating
Income and expendlture account on a stralght Ilne basis over the lease term.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreclatlon Is provlded at the followlng annual rates in order to wrlte off each asset over Its
estlmatcd useful Ilfe.
Leasehold property
Property addltlons
Flxtures and fittlngs
Motor vehlcles
Computer equipment
4Wo on cost
20 % on cost
25Vo on cost
250/0 on cost
25 % on cost
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade dlscount offered,
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepald net of any trade discounts due.
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Cash aL bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquld Investments wlth a short term
maturlty of three months or less from the date of acqulsition or openlng of the deposSt or slmilar
account.
Liabilities and Provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there Is an obligation at the Balance sheet date os a result of a past
event, It Is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the
amount of the settlement can be estlmated reliably. Liabilities are recognlsed at the amount that
the company anticipates it will pay to Settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced
payments for the goods or services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate
of the amounts required to settle the obllgatlon. Where the effect of the time value of money is
material, the provislon Is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax
discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount IS
recogn Ised wlthln Interest payable and similar charges.
Page 11
continued..

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Taxation
The charlty Is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 of the Flnance Act
2010 and therefore it meets the deflnltlon of a Charitable Company for UK corporation tax
purposes, Accordlngly, the charity 15 Potentially exempt from taxation In respect of income or galns
recelved wlthin categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or
Section 256 of the Taxallon of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or galns
are applied excluslvely to charltable purposes.
Fund accountlng
Unrestricted funds can be used In accordance with the charltable objectives at the dlscretlon of the
trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restrlcted purposes withSn the objects of the
charlty, Restrictlons arise when speclfled by the donor or when funds are raised for partlcular
restrlcted purposes.
Deslgnated funds comprise unrestrlcted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for
particular purposes. The alm and use of each deslgnated fund Is set out In the notes to the
flnandal statements.
Further explanatlon of the nature and purpose of each fund is Included In the note5 to the financlal
statements.
Penslons
The Charity operates a deflned contrlbution penslon scheme and the penslon charge represents the
amounts payable by the charlty to the fund In respect of the year.
DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
2024
2023
Corporate donatlons
Donatlons and glft ald
Voluntary grants
26,932
107,309
79,981
29,178
64,501
192,539
214,222
286,2 18
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
2024
2023
Fundraislng events
Hall hlre and services
58,879
30,040
34,589
6,715
88,919
41,304
INVESTMENT INCOME
2024
2023
Deposit account Interest
3,395
1,865
Page 12
continued..

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2024
2023
Activity
Family support
Holiday sessions
Other Income
other income
3,482
485
4,022
407
3,967
4,429
OTHER INCOME
2024
2023
other Income
5,025
17,750
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Direct
Costs (see
note 8)
Educatlonal Services
Famlly support
Hollday sessions
144
224,710
5,354
230,208
DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2024
2023
Staff costs
other costs
Depreciatlon
115,684
65,977
48,547
99,978
50,473
48,635
230,208
199,086
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net Income/(expendltu￿ ) Is stated after charglng/(crediting):
2024
2023
Depreclatlon - owned assets
Independent examIne￿S fees
51,102
4,473
51,194
4,677
10. TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for
the year ended 31 March 2023.
Trustees, expenses
There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended
31 March 2023.
Page 13
contlnued...

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - contlnued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
11. STAFF COSTS
2024
2023
Wages and salarles
169,051
148,799
169,051
148,799
The key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controllingi running and
operating the charlty on a day to day basis cotnprise the Trustees and M Halls, Chlef Executive
Offlcer. The total remuneratlon (Including taxable benefits and employer's penslon contributions)
of the key management personnel for the year was £60,507 (2023: £56,813)
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
2024
2023
Total
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excludlng employer penslon costs) exceeded
£60,000 was:
2024
2023
£60,001 £70,000
12. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FXNANCIAL ACTIVITIES - 31 MARCH 2023
Unrestrlcted
Restricted
funds
funds
Total
funds
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacles
109,767
176,451
286,218
Charltable activities
Famlly support
Holiday sessions
4,022
407
4,022
407
other trad Ing activities
Investment Income
Other Income
41,304
1,865
17,750
41,304
1,865
17,750
Total
175,115
176,451
351,566
EXPENDITURE ON
Raislng funds
76,234
2,520
78,754
Charitable activities
Famlly support
Hollday sessions
82,640
2,944
112,626
876
195,266
3,820
New projects
5,338
109,449
114,787
Total
167,156
225,471
392,627
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
7,959
(49,020)
(41,061)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
138,324
595,602
733,926
Page 14
continued...

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
12.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEM ENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - 31 MARCH 2023 -
continued
Unrestrlcted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
funds
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
146,283
546,582
692,865
13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixture5
and
flttlngs
Leasehold
property
Property
addltlons
COST
At l April 2023 and 31 March 2024
1,153.673
31,630
114,039
DEPRECIATION
At l Aprll 2023
Charge for year
755,990
46,147
31,630
108,754
1,762
At 31 March 2024
802,137
31,630
110,516
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024
351,536
3,523
At 31 March 2023
397,683
5,285
Motor
vehicle5
Computer
equlpment
Totals
COST
At l Aprll 2023 and 31 March 2024
42,903
12,771
1,355,016
DEPRECIATION
At l Aprll 2023
Charge for year
42,903
6,385
3,193
945,662
51,102
At 31 March 2024
42,903
9,578
996,764
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024
3,193
358,252
At 31 March 2023
6,386
409,354
14. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2024
2023
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued Income
10,977
48,312
(29)
82,445
59,289
82,416
Page 15
continued..

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
15. CREDITORS. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2024
2023
Trade credltors
other creditors
Accruals and deferred Income
7,148
6,361
11,384
3,742
22,597
14,607
24,893
40,946
16. LEASING AGREEMENTS
Minlmum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
2024
2023
within one year
Between one and flve years
In more than flve years
8,364
33,456
25,092
8,364
33,456
33,456
66,912
75,276
17. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
2024
Total
funds
2023
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restrlcted
funds
Fixed assets
Current assets
Current Ilablllties
358,252
(139,062)
(24,893)
358,252
277,943
(24,893)
409,354
324,457
(40,946)
417,005
194,297
417,005
611,302
692,865
Included In restrlcted funds is a long-term leasehold property With a net book value of £351,536
(2023: £397,683). The basls of the property belng In restrlcted funds Is that the terms of the 25
year lease on the property speclfy certain restrictions on Its use by the charlty.
The ortglnal expenditure on the property was £1,153,673 and this related to the refurbishment of
the property. The charlty rnlsed the necessary funds to pay for thls. The expenditure was
capltalised and Is now being depreciated over the lease term of 25 years.
Page 16
continued...

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
In funds
Transfers
between
funds
At
31,3.24
At 1.4.23
Unrestricted funds
General fund
146,284
48,013
194,297
Restrlcted funds
Long Term Leasehold Properly
Depreciation Fund
Appeal Income
Veolla Environmental Trust
Awards for All
Glven Wilson Institute
The Natlonal Lottery
Asset Depreclatlon Fund
397,683
68,681
35,221
4,996
25,000
15,000
(46,147)
(47,936)
(31,698)
(2,498)
(1,547)
250
351,536
20,745
(3,523)
(2,498)
23,453
15,250
6,021
6,021
546,581
(129,576)
417,005
TOTAL FUNDS
692,865
(81,563)
611,302
Net movement In funds, Included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Movement
In funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
242,126
(194,113)
48,013
Restrlcted funds
Long Tcrm Leasehold Property
Depreciation Fund
Appeal Income
Veolla Envlronmental Trust
Awards for All
Given W1150n Institute
The National Lottery
(46,147)
{47,936)
(31,698)
(2,498)
(1,547)
(73,152)
{46,147}
(47,936)
(31,698)
(2,498)
(1,547)
250
73,402
73,402
(202,978) (129,576)
TOTAL FUNDS
315,528
(397,091)
(81,563)
Page 17
continued...

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - contlnued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
18.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued
Comparatlves for movement in funds
Net
movement
In funds
Transfers
between
funds
At
31.3.23
At 1.4.22
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Deslgnated
125,891
7,960
12,433
146,284
12,433
(12,433)
138,324
7,960
146,284
Restricted f unds
Long Term Leasehold Property
Depreciation Fund
Appeal Income
Veolla Environmental Trust
Awards for All
Given Wllson Institute
The Natlonal Lottery
443,829
78,060
66,219
7,494
(46,147)
(9,379)
(30,997)
(2,498)
25,000
15,000
397,682
68,681
35,222
4,996
25,000
15,000
595,602
(49,021)
546,58 1
TOTAL FUNDS
733,926
(41,061)
692,865
Comparative net movement In funds, 5nduded In the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Movement
In funds
U nrestricted funds
General fund
175,115
(167,155)
7,960
Restrlcted f unds
Long Term Leasehold Property
Depreciation Fund
Appeal Encome
Veolia Envlronmental Trust
Awards for All
Given Wllson Institute
The National Lottery
(46,147)
(9,379)
{101,832)
(2,498)
(46,147)
(9,379)
(30,997)
(2,498)
25,000
15,000
70,835
25,000
80,616
(65,616)
176,451
(225,472)
(49,021)
TOTAL FUNDS
351,566
(392,627)
(41,061)
LONGTERM LEASEHOLD PROPERTY DEPRECIATION FUND
The long-term leasehold property fund relates to the refurbishment of the premlses used by the
charltyi whlch is being depreclated over 25 years. During the year, depreciation of £46,147 was
charged (2023: £46,147).
The net book value of the property at the year end was £351,536 (2023: £397,683).
APPEAL INCOME
The appeal income fund has been created to establlsh a means of supporting the ongoing
charitable actlvltles of First step.
GIVEN WILSON INSTITUTE
The Given Wilson Institute funds were received to fund First Step to build a long-term source of
Income to make First Step more sustainable.
Page 18
continued..

FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued
NATIONAL LOTTERY
The National Lottery funding was received to fund Flrst step's Family First Project delivering Family
Support Sesslons.
VEOLIA FUND
The Veolia funds were received to be used towards improvement works to make the bullding more
suitable for community use
ASSET DEPRECIATION FUND
Thls fund represents the net book value of assets purchased using funds which have been spent In
full at the year end. This fund will be unwound as the assets depreciate.
19. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party trdnsactlons for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Page 19