Company registration number: 05254229
Charity registration number- 1106952
The Spark Arts for Children
(A covnpany limited by guarantee)
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the Year Ended ) l March 2025
Community Accounting Plus
Units l & 2 North West
41 Talbot Street
Nottingham
NGI 5GL

The Spark Arts for Children
Contents
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees, Report
2to 10
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Financial Activities
12to 13
Balance Sheet
14
Statement of Cash Flows
15
Notes to the Financial Statements
16to25

The Spark Arts for Children
Reference and Administrative Details
Truslees
RLee
P Bennett
J Mann
S L M Guthrie
M Reza
M E Candler
Secretary
Kamini Chhana
Senior Management Team
Trina Haldar, Interim Director
Charity Registration Number
1106952
Company Registration Iyumber
05?54229
Registered Otrice
LCB Depot
J l Rutland Street
Leicester
Leicestershire
LEI IRE
Independeni Examiner
Eva Stevens. employee of
Community Accounting Plus
Units l & 2 North West
41 Talbot Street
Nottingham
NGI iGL
Bankers
Metro Bank
One Southhampton Row
London
WCIB SHA
Santander
san￿nder Business Banking operations
Sunderland
SR4) 4FW
Page I

The Spark Arts for Children
Trustees, Report
The trustees, who are directors for the puryjoses of company law. present the annual report together with the
financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended ) l March 2025.
Truslees and officers
The trnstees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as folloivs:
Trustees:
RLee
P Bennett
J Mann
S L M Guthrie
M Reza
M E Candler
Secretary:
T Kidder (resigned l June 2025)
Kamini Chhana (appointed l June 2025)
Structureg governanee and management
Il'ature ofgoverning documenl
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and registered charity. The charity is Controlled by its governing
document, a deed of trust. daied 8 October 2004. It has no share capital and the liability of each member in the
event of winding-up is limited to £ l.
Recruilpnenl and appoinlpnenl offtruslees
To help deliver its public benefil, the charity aims to have an overall balance of skills. aptitude and
representation within its Trusiees. Regular skills audits a￿ undertaken by the Chair, and recruitment is
undertaken where areas are felt to be underrepresented.
An equalities survey is undertaken )'early and any recnlitment aims for a balance across gender, ethnicity sexual
orientation, disability and lower soci(Feconomic groups.
The charity aims to have one "young" Trustee aged between 18-24.
One third (or the number nearest one third) of the Trustees must retire at each AGM, and may be re-elected.
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 l January 2019).
Page 2

The Spark Arts for Children
Trustees, Report
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The charity's objects per the Articles of Association are as follows:
To advance the education and development of children and young people in Leicester, Leicestershire and
beyond through a range of activities. including the organisation and promotion of an annual arts festival,
consisting of workshops and productions of dance, theatre and other performing arts- presented in theatres,
community venues and school5.
Mission, vision and values
Mission
Working in partnership to empower children to thrive. we explore the difference culture makes through arts
engagemenL creative interactions and cultural connections, enabling children's voices to be heard, their
creativity supported, and their cultural values understood.
Vision
Extraordinary experiences for children, sparking creativity and change.
Values
Our values underpin everything we do:
A fair and safe environment ￿'here everyone is valued
The space for big ideas to grow
We are curious and love learning
Empowering children and young people to be amazing
Since 2004, The Spark has been culturally raising the children of Leicester and Leicestershire. We empower
children's creative potential in nurseries. schools. playgrounds and homes. libraries. museums, theatres and art
centres. We promote children's cultural values and communities through strong partnerships, creative practices
and innovation.
A key strength is how we support artists at different stages in their careers and practices. Conceived in 2018,
Vital Spark is a movement that addresses the lack of diversity in live and digital perforniance for young
audiences. We co-create professional development opportunities and co-commission and produce new work,
supporting artists who are unde￿epresented in the creative and cultural industries. In turn, these artists support
us in our capacity to be a more inclusive and accessible organisation.
Our ambition is for our work to be as thought-provoking as it is playful. and for our organisation to be as
creative as our delivery. Our goal is to adapt and change as children's communities change and to continue to be
relevant to all children.
Page i

The Spark Arts for Children
Trustees, Report
Strategic objectives
The following strategic objectives provide continuity during change and the foundation5 for a structured period
of business developtnent from 2025. Our Strategic objectives:
Cornmi5sion and produce a high quality and diverse cultural progrdmme for children in cultural venues,
schools and libraries. enabling child￿n. their families and communities to experience the richness of the arts.
Deliver a cfrcreated children's arts festival recognised nationally and connected internationally for the
representation, ambition and innovaiion of the programme. and valued for its contribution to the quality of life
for children.
Champion arts-based learning and teaching for creativity. collabordting to ensure children locally access and
influence arts and cultural opportunities, no matter where they slart in life, as their right to creativity, agency and
play.
Build an entrepreneurial culture on existing work and new ways of working, where diverse organisational and
grassroots governance and creativity in strategy creates a step change in practice and moves our work towards
sustainability.
Our outcome5
Our values and strategies are strongly aligned with Arts Council England's Investment Principles and Outcomes
long tenn. We deliver Creative People, Cultural Communities and A Creative and Cultural Country outcomes,
principally..
Providing high-quality early years activities that reach families from a wider range of backgrounds.
Widening and improving opportunities for children and young people to take part in creative activities inside
schools-
Widening and improving opportunities for children and young people to take part in creative activities outside
schools:
Supporting children and young people to develop their creative skills and potential:
Improving access to a full range of cultural opportunities wherever people live:
Working with communities to better understand and respond to their needs and interests, resulting in increased
cultural engagement and the M'ide range of social benefits it brinus-
.h place-based partnership5 to 5UPPOrt and involve communities in hig￿ quality
Working collaboratively throuu
culture, improve creative and cultural education for children and young people, improve health and wellbeing
through creative and cultural activity, build ski115 and capacity in the cultural sector and grow its economic
impact;
Supporting new types of creative practice, new fonns of cultural content and new ways of reaching new and
existing audiences and participants.
Ensuring people have opportunities to sustain their careers and fulfil their potential in the creative industries,
especially those who are currently Under-￿present¢d.
Page 4

The Spark Arts for Children
Trustees, Report
Significant activities
Organisational restrueture
In January ?0?4, trustees began an independent review olthe organisation with the support of Nu Leaf.
Following the departures of Artistic Director ChrisiopheT Gorry and the Interim Executive Producer Tom
Ne￿ton in June 2024, Trina Haldar was appointed in September ?0?4. as Interim Director, and remains in place
to provide stability and leadership to ihe organisation during a period of significant change.
Following the depanure of Community Enoagement Offlcer James Lawrence in 2024, freelance marketing and
commLmications is fixed short-terni to provide expertise, place-based knowledge and effective and continuous
delivery.
The new organisational siructure is being phased in as we finalise the changes to existing roles and recruit into
new roles. This work will be completed during Autumn 2025 ￿1th vacant posts due to be filled by late 2025.
Our approach to Co-creation
Our ￿'ork is evidence-based and increasingly c(Fconstru¢ted between artists. teachers and children to improve
outcomes for children, families. artists and creative practitioners. C(pcreating evaluation will be key to our
success moving forward. With a change in leadership. we refined our theory of change in 2024 to support
embedding our organisation-wide evaluation framework. driven by our Quality and Ambition investment
principle and linking activity delivery and impact me&surement across our other investment principles:
Inclusivity and Relevance, Environmental Responsibility and Dynamism.
The Mega Bosse5 of Spark- Child Action Group
Children are at the heart of every.thing H'e do ai The Spark. This includes noi only what we do artistically but
also how we do it - we want to ensure children's voices are hear(L and most importantly action is taken.
Implemented in 202J. the child action group is made up of 8 to IJ year olds from across Leicester, and helps
The Spark to understand what kinds of arts and creaiive activiiies children want to see and tak.e part in, and what
'amazing' looks like for them. Their Quality and Ambition Manifesto drives our work:
We believe in equity for all. This means givino everyone the opportunity to join in
Spark Arts events should be exciting and enjoyable for all
We stand for everyone around the world to feel welcome and respected
Be fun, less boring.
We want Spark Arts to do activities in schools that help children to be confident
Children attend monthly sessions with members of the team and artists. Twice a year the trustees and leadership
team feedback to the child action group on the actions they have taken to deliver their manifesto across the
organisation and provide an opportunity for a feedback loop olprogres5. actions and development.
Our headlines for 2024-2025 are presented below, starting with a data snapshot and followed by a handful of
highlights to demonstrate how our work 15 reaching new audiences.
Employed 50 artists (compared to )4 in 20?3124)
Programmed 55 perfomlances (compared to 52 in 2023124)
Engaging 13,871 in person and 7,200 on social media tothlling 21,071 (compared to 17.322 in 2023124)
And 7,273 children and families actively panicipaiing (compared to J.762 in 2023124).
Page 5

The Spark Arts for Children
Trustees, Report
Public benefit
In summary, the main activities The Spark Arts for Children delivers throughout the year for public benefit is a
range of activities including artistic skills and capacity building. perforniing ans, visual arts and digital arts
presentations, productions and participation M'orkshops and events. Because these aciivities take place in
schools, libraries, theatres, arts cenires, museums, outdoors and online, we help to advance children's learning
and development, delivering social, economic and cultural education outcomes for children in Leicester,
Leicestershire and the East Midlands.
Importantly, we have priorilised child voice, participation: and leadership to support children to feel
empowered. to feel their voices are being heard and to see that change is happening because of the decisions
they are making and actions they are taking.
We believe that by supporting children, teachers, and artists to build their creative capabilities and by working
collaboratively, together we can make social and cultural change sustainable.
The trustees confirni that they have complied M'ith the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 201 I to
have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Achievements and performance
eriencin
the extraordina
Spark Festival 2024 and Spark Live
We are wannly known for our annual Festival and this year we launched Spark LIVE, while the main public
Festival now happens every other year. we present a little Festival magic through the year, on a non-Festival
year, in order to offer more to our community.
This year we hosted a total of l J Spark LIVE events a5 part of the At Your Schoo15 programme in partnership
with a number of cotnmunity and cultural vevjues acr055 the city. These were offered at low cost to Schools to
ensure all children can experience a rich cultural offer. We work-ed with theatre companies, musician5 and dance
companies to present a diverse ranue of activities that enabled those Viho wouldn't ordinarily engage in arts and
culture to engage in high quality activities.
Bllildin
a diverse workforee
Vitsl Spark Relationship Programme and Ideas Fund
Since 2018, 65 artists have engaged in Vital Spark.. in development (e.g. g(Fsees. masterclasses: networking
events). with investment in ideas (e.g. ideas fund. fundraising support. R&D. providing and brokering Specialist
guidance, mentoring). producing full commi55iOV]s (partnership developtnent, Co-commissioning investment)-
and Seat at the Table events (Code olcare development and peer to peer learning). Thi5 unique programme a150
supports softer skills development: in recognition that many underrepresented artists are intersectional and
function outside of a set System. We encourage. empower and enhance new approaches to creating and how the
industry receives their artistry.
In 2024-25. an investment of £20,000 supported: 7 artists. focusing on Early years, telling untold stories
through heritage lens. spoken M'ord. digithl animation. projection mapping, dance. and theatre. Over an the
engagement period. the artists took part in a residential (including masterclasses and network events, Go & See
visits {Manchester. London):J days. 7 venues visited. 9 perforniances attended. Created a Artist Takeover
Event: Sharing practice with 22+ programmers (including 2 international children's festival programmers).
One-to-one Support included.. 24 coaching sessions (6 per artisi). 16 mentoring sessions. 4 funding support
sessions. From the cohort of artists 4 funding bids were submitted.. J successful, I pending.

The Spark Arts for Children
Trustees, Report
A child's ri
htto
Leicester experiences significant deprivation. Before Covid-19, some Leicester communities faced inequalities
and exclusion
Leicester had the 7th highest poverty rate of 181 urban authorities (Leicester City Council,
2020). It is widely accepted that lockdo￿￿ had a detrimental effect on the m05t isolated and vulnerable,
particularly children. Our work delivers cultural opportunity and equitable outcome5.
Small Wonders
Small wonders, as part of our early years offer recommenced in October 2024 in partnerships with Leicester
Libraries and Early Help through our strong partnership with Leicester Cit), Council. Small Wonders continues
to SUPPOrt exceptional creative pedago(p
y and practice showing gromih potential for training and peer-to-peer
learning, particularly for artists new to the industry or Work in early years and early year5 practitioners. We will
continue to build our partnership5 towards 5UStainable engagement and funding.
Musie Champions
The musicians training programme, developing craft applicable to early years settings which will culminate in
September 20?5. Delivered a transfomiative sector development project. increasing the skills and expertise of
musicians. Working in partnership with Leicester City Council Neighbourhood Services and Early Help and
Leicestershire Music Hub.
We've explored and tested the delivery model underpitmed by two key principles: Equal partnership between
musician and early years practitioner- and Child led music play leading to the m05t impact on the child. We now
have grown an established talented and trained pool of local and regional freelance musicians (Music
Champions). who work effectively in early year5 child developtnent. Future itnprovements include increasing
parental engagement, early years Continuing Professional Development and Learning resource5 for musicians
and advocacy for music and the arts in early years practitioner training.
A ehild's ri
ht to creativit
At Your School Tour
With our ongoing commitment to culturally raise the children ol Leicester by providing access to hi￿] quality
arts and culture. we delivered our At Your School programme to a number of schools in May 2024.
Across 7 day5 we toured 3 production5 to Leice5teT Primary 5chools- Belongings a piece about a looked-after
child and what it means to belong: Arun Ghosh and Friends - live Ind￿JaIl gig in schools. and Birdie - three
professional actors with learning disabilities. blending intricate choreography. original music. to tell a powerful
story about climate change. J195 audience members experienced the productions across )4 perfonnances.
Building Brave Spaces
Supported by Paul Haml}'n Foundation. Building Brave Spaces works totseiher ￿'"Ith schools to explore how
theatre can harness and amplify children s voices and really place them at the heart of our ￿'ork with schools. In
partnership with Falcons, Medway, Mayflower, Charnwood Primary Schools we have been learning about
children's voice, participation and leadership in the PSHE curriculum, and the benefits of creative expression
and wellbeing on child development and learning.
Page 7

The Spark Arts for Children
Trustees, Report
Funding
The Spark Arts for Children receives National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding from Arts Council
England. now confirn]ed for the period 2023 to 2027.
The Spark continues to receive the majority of its income from Arts Council England, Trust5 and Foundations
and Local Authorities across the breadth of our work in creative workforce development, libraries, schools and
communities. including a core funding contribulion from Lei¢esier City Council for our festival work. During
the year the Charity also received welcome support from corporate partners and iTJdividual donors, and these
continue to be an important component of income generation.
Financial review
Deferred restricted funds to 20?4_25: £5,000 (?02i-24 £19,641)
Restricted Funds carried forward: £205.659 (20kn? J-24 £1 ?9.001)
Unrestricted Funds carried foTh'ard'. £119,766 (202J-24 £J8,777)
Totals reserves carried forward: £325,425 (?0? J-24 £167,778)
Policy on reserves
This section explains how and when our reserves can be spent and how much we need to hold in reserves and
why.
The purpose of the Reserves Policy is lo explain the stability of the mission, employmenL programmes and
ongoing operations of the organisalion and to provide a source of internal funds for organisational priorities
such as programme opportunity, and capacity and skills buildin£. The Reserves Policy is implemented alongside
other governance and financial policies. aligned to make sure policies and strategies are joined up to provide the
structure, systems and practices to deliver our strategic goals and operational plans.
Reserves are planned to provide an intemal source of funds for situations such as a Sudden increase in expenses,
one-time unbudgeted expenses, unanticipated loss in funding. or uninsured losses. Reserves are also intended to
provide an internal source of funds where the company permanently ceases charitable activities and must close
operations. Our reserves are used to demonstrate and build resilience. As such, they Serve a d￿a￿lC role and
are regularly reviewed and adjusted in response to both internal and external changes.
The minimum target for reserves to be held is currently established as an amount sufficient to maintain ongoing
operations and programmes measured for a set peri(Kl of three months. At the last financial year (23124) our
unresiricted reserves ￿'¢re £i8,777 (compared w.ith £124.?61 at the end of 2?12)). Our unrestricted reserves for
the end of the current financial year (?4n5) w.ere higher. holding £119,766. recorded in the financial records as
Unrestricted Funds. £68,777 is held as Um￿StrICted designaied funds and £50,989 is held as unrestricted general
funds. The Funds will be funded and available in cash or cash equivalent funds.
Building resilience. we need to hold this amount in operating reserve to set aside funds to meet essential future
spending on projects that will noi be mei from future income in the short tenn. We have a clear and realistic
fundraising strategy (incorporating trusts and foundatlons. sponsorship. public donations. direct activity income,
and other earned income) and a stralegy to reduce expenditure where possible across core budgets. These
strategies are planned to re-build Conlingency and Welfare reserves to £95k by ?0?7.

The Spark Arts for Children
Trustees, Report
Reviewing and reporting on Ihe Reserves Policy
The Reserves Policy 15 reuularly reviewed by the leadership team and reviewed on a quarterly basis by the
Board of Trustees to make sure we aren't setting aside too Inuch or too little.
We will use our trustees, annual ￿port to tell donors. funders and other stakeholders:
.hy we need to keep money aside instead of spending it on our charity's aims:
how much we hold in reserve;
.hy ￿'e need to hold this amount in reserve:
hat our reserves can be spent on.
Reserves are recorded in the financial records as Unrestricted General Funds. The Funds will be fimded and
available in cash or cash equivalent funds.
Level of r￿erVeS
At the last financial year (23124) our unrestricted reserves were £38,777 (compared with £124,261 at the end of
22123). Our unrestricted reserves for the end of the cu￿ent financial year (?4125) is £1 19,766.
Our strategies to re-build reserves are as folloi¥s-.
l. A clear and realistic fundraising strategy (incorporating trnsts and foundations. sponsorship, public donations,
direct activity income, and other earned income) reviewed and monitored on a monthly basis by the leadership
team.
2. A strategy to reduce expenditure where possible acr055 core budget5 (incl. overheads and marketing).
3. Increasing our partnership M'ork to reduce costs where possible through in-kind support.
4. Implement our full cost recovery tnodel to ensure we are recouping cost5 for project5 that require use of core
resources.
5. Establish income generating strand5 of work that increase the level olunrestricted funds.
This strategy is now implemented to build-up the reserves over 4 years (202i-27) to £95k, revised in 2024125.
Page 9

The Spark Arts for Children
Trustees, Report
Slatemenl of Responsibilities
The trnstees (who are also the directors of The Spark Arts for Children for the purposes of company law) are
responsible for preparing the truslees, report and the fmancial statemenis in accordance wlth applicable law and
United Kingdom Accounting Standards (Uniled Kinodom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). including
FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Siandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" The report and
accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in the Companies Act 2006 relating to small
companies.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law
the irustees must not approve the financial staiements unless they are satisfied that they giiwe a true and fair view
of the state of affairs of ihe charitable company and of ihe incoming resources and application of resources,
including its income and expenditure. of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial
slatements, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policie5 and apply them consistently-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards, comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject to any
material departure5 disc105ed and explained in the financial statements- and
prepare the financial statemenls 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 accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at
any time the financial posilion of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements
comply with the Companies Aci 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.
The trustees are responsible lor the tnaintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial inforn]ation
included on the charitable company's website. Leuislation governing the preparation and dissemination of
financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Stnall COTnpanies provision statement
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies ￿gIMe under the Companies Act 2006.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on 17 November 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
M Kela
rustee
Page 10

The Spark Arts for Children
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of The Spark Arts for Children ('the
Compall) )
Independent examiner'5 report to the trustee5 of The Spark Art5 for Children ('the Company,)
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March
2025.
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 Companies Act 2006
('the 2006 Act,).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company a￿ not required to be audited under Part 16 of the
2006 Act and are eligible for independent eiamination. I report in respect of my examination of your charity's
accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Chariiies Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my
examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5}(b) of the
2011 Act.
Independent examiner's stalement
Since the Company'5 gr055 income exceeded £?50.000 YOUT exatniner must be a metnber of a body listed in
section 145 of the 201 l Act. I confim] thai l am qualified to undertake the examiiiation because l am a member
of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy {CIPFA). ￿'hICh is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. l confirn) that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the
examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting record5 were not kept in respect of the Company a5 required by section 386 of the 2006 Act. or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records- or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section )96 of the 2006 Act other than any
requirement that the accounts give a 'true and faif view which is not a matter considered as part of an
independent examination- or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of
Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their
accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland
(FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attentioii
should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
E￿a S'tevei)s. BSL, LPFA. employee of Community Accounting Plus
member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and AccoUnL￿cY (CIPFA)
Units l & 2 North West
41 Talbot Street
Nottingham
NGI 5GL
17 November 2025
Pagell

The Spark Arts for Children
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 202$
(Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains
and Losses)
Unreslrieled
funds
Restricted
funds
Totsl
2025
Total
2024
Note
Ineome and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Investment income
188,887
188,887
342,664
2.054
176,634
268,751
1,619
Jll,861
2.054
Total income
2?1,744
311,861
533,605
447,004
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
(140.755)
(235.20))
(375,958)
{432,173)
Total expenditure
{140.755)
(235,20))
(375.958)
(432,173)
Net income
80,989
76,658
157,647
Net movement in funds
80,989
76,658
157,647
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought fon¥ard
1 ?9,001
167,778
152,947
Total funds carried forward
119,766
205,659
J?5,425
167,778
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods.
The funds breakdowm for the period is shown in note l i.
The notes on pages 16 to 25 forni an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 12

The Spark Arts for Children
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 202$
(Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains
and Losses)
These are the figures for the previous accounting period and are ineluded for comparative purposes
Unrestricted
Reslrieled
Total
funds
fund5
2024
Notc
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activilies
Investment income
176,6J4
15,440
1,619
176,634
268,751
1,619
253,311
Total income
193,69J
253,311
447,004
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
(279.177)
(152,996)
(432,173)
Total expenditure
(279.177)
(152,996)
{432,173)
Net (expenditure)/income
(85,484)
100,315
14,831
Net movement in funds
(85,484)
100,315
14.831
Reconcilialion of funds
Total funds brought fO￿ard
1 ?4,261
28,686
152,947
Total funds carried fon¥ard
13
129,001
167,778
The notes on pages 16 to 25 forni an integral part of these financial statements.
Page li

The Spark Arts for Children
(Registration number: 05254229)
Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025
2025
2024
Note
Fixed assels
Tangible assets
841
2,781
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
io
1.815
335,937
23,974
190,703
337,752
214,677
Creditor5: Amount5 falling due within one year
12
(13,168)
(49,680)
Net current assets
4,584
164,997
Net assets
325,425
167,778
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
Restricted funds
13
205,659
129,001
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds
119,766
Total funds
325,425
167,778
For the financial j'ear ending 31 March ?0?5 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477
of the Companies Act ?006 relating to small companie5.
Directors, re5ponsibilities-
The members have not required the charity to obtsin an audit of its accounts for the year in question in
accordance with section 476: and
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect
to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These financial 5tatement5 have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies
subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements on paue5 1? to 25 were approved by the trustees. and authorised for issue on 17
November 2025 and signed on iheir behalf by:
M Kela
rustee
M E Candler
Trustee
The notes on pages 16 to 25 forni an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 14

The Spark Arts for Children
Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
2025
2024
Note
Cash floivs from operating activitie5
Net cash income
157,647
Adjustments to cash flow's from non-cash items
Depreciation
Investment income
1.940
(2,054)
1,899
(1,619)
157,533
Working capital adjustments
Decreasel(increase) in debtors
Decrease in creditors
(Decrease)/increase in deferred income
10
12
22,159
(21,871)
(14,641)
(16,241)
()8,726)
19,641
12
Net cash flows from operating activities
143,180
(20,215)
Cash flows from investing actii'ities
Interest receivable and similar income
Purchase of tangible fLKed assets
2.054
1,619
(2,498)
Net cash flows from investing activities
2,054
(879)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
145,234
(21,094)
Cash and cash equivalents at l April
190,70J
211,797
Cash and cash equivalents at J l March
335,937
190,703
Reeoneiliation of net cash flow to movemellt in net (unds
Increasel(decrease) in cash
145,234
(21,094)
Net funds at l April 2024
190,703
211,797
Net funds at 31 March 2025
J35,9J7
190,70)
All of the cash flows are derived from continuing operations during the above two periods.
The notes on pages 16 to 25 forni an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 15

The Spark Arts for Children
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
l Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial Statements are set out below.
These policie5 have been consistently applied to all the years presente(L unle55 Othenvi5e stated.
Slatement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 I O?)) (issued in October 2019)
(Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK aTJd Republic of Ireland
(FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparalion
The Spark Arts for Children meets the definition of a publlc benefit entity, under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities
are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otheN'ise stated in the relevant accoLmting
policy notes.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material
uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to
continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date
of approval of the financial statements.
Income and endowments
Voluntary income including donations. gift5. legacies and grants that Provide core funding or are of a general
nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income. it is probable that the income will be
received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in HTiting of both the aTnount and settlement date.
In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of perforniance by the charity before the
charity is entitled to the funds, the income is defeTred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully
met, or the fulfilment of those condition5 15 wholly within the control of the charity and it IS Probable that these
conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Deferred income
Deferred incotne represents amounts received for future periods and 15 released to incoming resources in the
period for which. it has been received. Such income is only deferred when-
The donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in future accounting periods. or
The donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has uncondilioTJal entitlement.
Page 16

The Spark Arts for Children
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Inve51ment income
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend
due.
Expendilure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable
settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable
expenditure heading that aggregale similar costs to that calegory. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to
particular headings they have been allocated on a basls conslslent with the use of resources, with central staff
costs allocated on the basis of time spenl. and deprecialion charges allocated on the portloi) of the asset's use.
Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Charilable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services
for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated direcily to such activiiies and those costs of an
indirect nature necessary to support them.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and
therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the
charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories
covered by Chapter J Part I l of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section ?56 of the Taxation of Chargeable
Gains Act 1992. to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed a55ets
Individiial fixed assets Costing £500.00 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any Subsequent accumulated
depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairtnent losse5.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost OT valuation, le55 any estimated
residual value. over their expected useful economic life as follows-
Asset class
Plant & machinery
Computer equipment
Depreciation method and rate
200/0 on cost
330/0 on c05t
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from Custome￿ for merchandise sold or services perfornied in the ordinary
course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost
using the effective interest method. less provision for impainnenl. A proi'ision for the impainnent of trade
debtors is estsblished when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amoLmts due
according to the original tenns of the receivables.
Page17

The Spark Arts for Children
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-tenn highly liquid
investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insi￿lfICant risk of
change in value.
Trade credilors
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of
business from suppliers. Accounls payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an
unconditional right. at the end of the reporting period. to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve
months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months
after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost
using the effective interest method.
Fund strueture
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the tru5tees' discretion in furtherance of
the objectives of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trllstees.
Restricted income funds are those grants for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is
restricted to that area or purpose.
Pensions and other post retirement obligations
The charity operates a defined Contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed
contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pa), further
contributions even if the fund does not hold su￿1Clent assels to pay all employees the benefits relating to
employee service in the current and prior periods.
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are
due. If contribution paymenls exceed the contribuiion due for service. the excess is recognised as a prepayment.
2 Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
fund5
General
Total
2025
Total
2024
Donations and legacies.
Donations from individuals
Donations from community groups
380
188,507
587
176,047
188,507
188,887
188,887
176,6J4
Page18

The Spark Arts for Children
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
3 Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
funds
General
Restricted
funds
Totsl
202)
Total
2024
Grants & donation5
Sponsorships
Additional activitie5
Partner fees and reimbursement
Sundry
School sales & tickets
301,861
10,000
301,861
24,950
218,790
14,950
15,500
19,307
95
15,059
15,853
il 1,861
J49,664
268,751
4 Grants & donations
Unrestricted
funds
Restricled
funds
Totsl
Arts Council England
Braunstone Children, Young People and Family
Centre
Inspire
LCC Arts & Museums
LCC Festival Grant 2024
LCC Small Wonders
Leicester Neighbourhood Services
Leicestershire County Council
The National Foundation
Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Sundry donations
171,047
5,000
176,047
6,000
21,601
2,500
6,000
29,061
2,500
10,000
4,500
56,000
3,000
83,260
120,000
7,460
10,000
4,500
56,000
83,260
120,000
188,887
JOI,861
490,748
5 Inveslment income
Unrestricted
fund5
General
Total
2025
Total
2024
Interest receivable and similar income;
Interest receivable on bank deposits
2,054
2,054
1,619
2,054
2,054
1,619
Page 19

The Spark Arts for Children
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
6 Expenditure on charitable activities
Unrestricted
funds
General
Restricted
funds
Totsl
202)
Total
2024
Artistic/ Delivery
Project Overhead
Access & contingency
Direct activity staff costs
Freelance costs
Wages, social security. pensions
Rent and rates
Travelling
Audit & Accountancy
Company development
Office expenses
Insurance
Legal & Professional fees
Consultancy & subscriptions
Advertising & Promotion
Earned income costs
Access expenses
Research & development
Bank charges
I.T & Computing
Depreciation
26,811
6,057
85,935
3,446
3,684
1,120
11?746
9,503
3,684
1,372
21,892
187,686
11,159
529
2,172
2,900
1,517
,571
2,571
,364
10,401
180
,800
164
199
608
1,940
108,759
27,097
3,282
252
18,703
210,098
10,409
3,178
3,406
5,462
3,946
1,294
48
11,809
15.731
180
46,668
11,159
529
2.172
2.900
1.517
.571
2.571
141,018
10,401
180
1.800
199
608
1,940
142
424
140,755
235,20J
375,958
432,173
7 Iyet incomingloutgoing resources
Net incoming resources for the year include=
2025
2024
Depreciation of fLxed assets
1,940
Page 20

The Spark Arts for Children
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
8 Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
2025
2024
Staff cosls during the year were:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Redundancy costs
167,665
10,148
187,8J9
4,425
6.106
187,686
210,098
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management fram) employed by the charity during
the year was as follows..
2025
2024
Average number of employees
6 (2024 - 1 J) of the above employees parlicipated in the Defined Contribution Pension Schemes.
Contributions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £3,767 (2024 - £4,425).
During the year, the charity made redundancy an(Vor terniination payments which totalled £6,106 (2024 - £Nil).
No employee received emoluments of more than £60.000 during the year.
The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £92,197 (2024 - £120,543).
Page21

The Spark Arts for Children
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
9 Tangible fixed assets
Computer
equipment
Plant &
machinery
Total
Cost
At l April 2024
15,400
5,502
20,902
At 31 March 2025
15,400
5.502
20,902
Depreciation
At l April 2024
Charge for the year
5.502
18,121
1,940
1,940
At J l March 2025
14,559
5,502
20,061
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
841
At 31 March 2024
2,781
2,781
10 Debtors
202)
2024
Trade debtors
Prepayments
90
1,725
21,120
2,854
1,815
23,974
11 Cash and cash equivalents
2025
2024
Cash on hand
Cash at bank
iio
335,8?7
170
190,533
335,937
190,703
12 Creditor5: amount5 falling due within one year
2025
2024
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
2.509
3.325
12,415
1,014
12,993
19,641
2.334
5,000
13,168
49,680
Page 22

The Spark Arts for Children
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
13 Funds
Balance at
31 Mareh
2025
Balance at
April 2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Unrestricted funds
Generol
General
221,744
(140.755)
()O,000)
50,989
Designoled
Contingency & Welfare
68,777
Total unrestricted funds
221,744
(140.755)
119,766
Restricted funds
Schools
Early Years
Librarie5
71.852
137,500
152,760
21,601
(84,243)
(193.424)
(97,536)
125,109
78,089
2,461
Total restricted fund5
129,001
)11.861
(2)5,20))
205,659
Total funds
167,778
533,605
(375.958)
J25,425
The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:
Schools Fund - Building Brave Spaces
Funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation this progrdm explores how perforniing arts pedagogy can improve
children's voice and agency in both the classroom and across whole schools.
Early Years Fund
Music Champions is funded by Youth Music and partner organisations Leicestershire Music and Leicester City
Council Early Help, to develop a lle￿. Early Years Music neN'ork= supporting musicians and early years
practitioners; and promoting the role music plays in the development of children aged 04 years. This project
will continue through to 2025.
Library Fund
The Spark has been commissioned by Inspire - Culture. Learning. Libraries, to progratntne m-.ork for children
and families into other libraries in Nottinghamshire. The agreement is for a 3-year period up to 2026.
General Fund5
The Spark is an Arts Council National Portfolio O￿aniSatiOn H'ith awarded ￿ndIng for a 4-year period to 2027.
Funding received supported core functions that contributed to the delivery of the variou5 Strands.
Page 2)

The Spark Arts for Children
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Balance at
31 March
2024
Balance at I
April 2023
Incoming
resources
Resourees
expended
Transfers
Unrestricted fund5
General
General
64.261
178.6J4
(238,836)
(4,059)
Designated
Vital Spark- Artists
Contingency & Welfare
Festival
(17,147)
16,704
(21,223)
8,578
60.000
38,777
14,616
(93,194)
60,000
15,059
(40,341)
4,059
38,777
Total unrestricted funds
124.?61
19).69J
(279,177)
Restricted
Vital Spark- Artists
Schools
Early Years
Libraries
(J I,878}
(40,409}
(58,560}
(2? 149)
19.761
92,500
107,JlJ
21,6?0
71,852
8,925
8,396
Tot21 restricted funds
28.686
253,311
(152.996)
129,001
Total funds
15?,947
447.004
(4)? 17))
167,778
14 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricled
2025
Total funds
General
Designated
Restricted
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
841
57,816
(9.84J)
841
337,752
(lJ,168)
68,777
211,159
(),325)
Total net assets
48,814
68.777
207,834
325,425
Unrestricted
2024
Total funds
General
Designated
Restricled
Tanuible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
2.781
46.899
(49,680)
2,781
214,677
(49,680)
38,777
129,001
Total net assets
129,001
167,778
Page 24

The Spark Arts for Children
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
15 Fees payable to indepeTJdent examiner
During the period. the fees payable (excluding VAT) to the charity's independent examiner Community
Accounting Plus are analysed as follo￿.5=
2025
2024
Independent examination
1,380
1,380
16 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them. have received any remuneration from the charity during the
year.
17 Related party transaetions
There were no related paty transactions in the year.
Page 25