2024-03-31-accounts - Home-Start Reading

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ME ST? RT ••• Reading Annual Report 2023-24

As we reflect on the last year, we are proud of everyone’s efforts to continue our valuable support for young families in need. The staff have worked tirelessly to provide the best service possible, ensuring that every parent has the support they need to give their children the best start in life.

However, this year has not been without its challenges. Our funding situation has presented us with significant hurdles that have tested our resilience and creativity. One of the most difficult issues we faced was when the Children in Need funding ended in June 2023. This multi-year grant had enabled the charity to run our two Family Groups in Whitley and Tilehurst for over 12 years, but sadly our application to extend this funding was rejected at the final stage of the process.

In the absence of alternative funding sources, the trustees had to make an incredibly difficult decision to suspend the Family Groups and prioritise Home Visiting as our core service, alongside other short term projects and courses, which are separately funded. The closure of Family Groups resulted in two staff redundancies, and we said a sad goodbye to Clare Abery and Hannah Taylor at the end of December 2023.

The Big Lottery award for the Improving Mental Health in the Whole Family project with Slough and Bracknell was welcome news and enabled us to re-establish the collaborative work that had previously been developed through this funding stream. We were also delighted to be chosen by The Oratory Prep School as their charity of the year and were even more pleased when the funds they raised were match funded by Microsoft.

Ella’s Kitchen has been generous in supporting the charity for almost four years. As this funding is due to end in June 2024, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the company for the huge difference they have made.

We are now seeking further corporate partnerships (both large and small) and being proactive in exploring new funding avenues and community fundraising events alongside the continuous process of grant applications to local and national funders. While some of our applications have been successful, the competition for limited resources remains fierce.

Despite these challenges we remain optimistic, and we are grateful for every donation, no matter what size, and believe that this collective effort will keep the charity going.

We said goodbye and thank you to trustees Ian Caren, Lottie Pheasant and Chinelo Onyewuchi and wish them well for the future. We were pleased to be joined by Andy Degiorgio and Sally Moore, both co-opted during the year pending formal appointment at the AGM.

We recognise that we need to expand the capacity of our board and develop our succession planning, so we are seeking new trustees with a range of skills. Please get in touch if you are interested.

In 2024 we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Home-Start Reading. We are looking forward to celebrating everyone’s successes and catching up with colleagues and families who have supported or been helped by Home-Start Reading over the years.

We would like to extend our thanks to our wonderful staff team, volunteers, trustees and supporters. Your continued resilience and dedication is the backbone of our charity and together we will keep navigating the challenges and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of families in Reading.

Catherine Troup & Sue Biggs

OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Co-Chairs Chris Guy Catherine Troup Jacqueline Burrage Sue Biggs Sally Moore Treasurer Andy Degiorgio Mark Lewthwaite Anna Vorster Our current board as on 1 September 2024

OUR STAFF TEAM

e e Kelly Dadd e e ®@ Manager .e @ ‘ - . ® e ° a e Marion Mortimer e @ @ @ e Peoeee® Home Visiting "eee Coordinator

Julie Hitchcock ® ®@ 6 Home Visiting & @ Coordinator e

Kathryn McCann Communications & Engagement Co-ordinator

Our current team as on 1 September 2024

Katerina Vlcek-Lambert Administrator

Services provided

*Extended Support - provided when volunteer/group involvement is yet to start / has ended and we have identified that the family would benefit from a period of extended contact. This year has notably higher numbers due to the closure of Family Group.

Key stats

83 17930 3041 Families Mums in Mind Children Mums in MindActive supported attendees supported voluattendeesteers

30 15 Mums in Mind Mums in Mind attendees attendees

30 1 Mums in MindVolunteers attendeesrecruited

Broad breakdown of referral agencies

I always feel my referrals are safe with you. Health Visitor, August 2023

We receive referrals from a number of sources. As expected, referrals this year were highest from health services and the local authority. Local organisations that referred to us during this period included other charities and community groups, such as PACT, Berkshire Women’s Aid and Wycliffe Baptist Church.

Thanks so much for such a lovely update and for all your amazing support. Health Visitor, March 2024

WHO WE HELP

Comparison of ethnicity data across Home-Start Reading, Reading borough and England

Eight out of thirteen wards in Reading contain areas classified as being in the 30% most deprived areas in the UK. Over half of the families we supported live in these areas. A quarter of families live in the three Reading wards that are considered to be in the 10% most deprived in the UK.

The above graph illustrates that the ethnic diversity of supported families continues to reflect the ethnic profile of the Reading area.

Approximately a third of the families we supported had English as their second language which, again, is broadly representative of Reading’s demographics.

This year we supported four families where one of the parents was in prison. We worked with six families of refugees or asylum seekers. 40% of the families we supported were living in a single-parent household. 40% were receiving Early Help or Children’s Services (local authority) support, and half of these families had either previously been subject to or were currently under a Child Protection or a Child in Need plan. Based on what we know and what families chose to share with us, 18 families had been affected by domestic abuse.

It follows that families often have challenges in more than one area. Each family is unique, with their own set of issues and strengths but there are recurring themes with many of our families that contribute to the cycle of disadvantage. We know that deprivation and/or being in a position of relative disadvantage is associated with poorer physical and mental health. With the continuation of local, national and global unrest and the cost-of-living crisis, too many families are still facing major obstacles to a safe, healthy and happy life.

Identified issues

Areas of social issues

OUR IMPACT - THE STATS

We encourage the parents we support to explore areas of family life they are finding difficult as well as to identify their areas of strength. We use a set of 14 broad areas for parents to self score in terms of coping prior to our support and revisit these areas and review scores during and at the end of their time with us. The nature of family life often means circumstances change and new challenges present themselves. It is not unusual to see these scores fluctuate and the results at the end of support are just a snapshot in time. It does show, however, that overwhelmingly families are able to identify improvements in their day-to-day lives following our involvement.

Managing Involvement in Coping with Coping with Coping with Coping with Parents' children’s children’s children’s physical health mental health feeling isolated self-esteem behaviour learning physical health 83% 83% 64% 67% 87% 78% 71% Coping with Stress caused Coping with work Managing Running Parents’ own children’s by conflict in caused by Use of services household budget the home learning needs mental health the family multiple children

OUR IMPACT - WHAT THE FAMILIES SAY

The positive impact of our support can also be shown in comments from the families themselves. Their honest and powerful words paint a picture of family life and the part we play in supporting them.

I don't know where you found J from but she is making me into a better person because of her non-judgmental attitude and the way she is. She makes me feel safe and happy.

December 2023

As we don't have visitors, it was really nice to have someone to come into your home. C absolutely loved her - he is always waiting for her, hugging her. I can't believe the difference between the beginning of your support, and now.

You offered invaluable support to me and my family through one of the hardest times of my life. I felt alone, trapped and scared. I always tried hard to stay positive and was attending trauma therapy at the time, but had no one to comfort or reassure me that I was doing OK in the days following my sessions. I needed to know I was a good mum despite my struggles and everything would be OK.

Having a volunteer to check in on us every week and discuss any emotions was what got me through my therapy. I wouldn’t have done it without her and my life has totally changed now.

November 2023

Honestly I don’t think I would have been able to return back to work without the support from your team and from L.

May 2023

At first I couldn't leave the house alone, I was just too stressed. K gave me the tools to literally just get out of the door and I didn't even know I needed that help.

June 2023

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING

We ran two volunteer preparation courses, in May and November 2023, and recruited ten new members of the volunteer team.

While they involve important training around supporting and safeguarding families, our courses are so much more than the cascading of information.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW VOLUNTEERS Karen Samantha Tony Sarah Silvina Daphne Clemencia Jo Hannah Tracey

The in-person sessions allow our coordinators and potential volunteers to get to know each other and foster a sense of belonging. They are also an opportunity to explore potential issues, manage expectations and consider suitability. They enable attendees to fully understand and appreciate the role they are taking on and how this fits into a much wider picture.

Activities are designed to facilitate self reflection. Potential volunteers are encouraged to use this self-awareness to consider how they would incorporate our ethos and approach to providing support, without compromising their own feelings, emotions or personal values.

The course was really good. Friendly, lots of information. Really good activity in the safeguarding.

This was a great all round course covering all aspects of volunteering – don’t change!

I feel more confident and understand more about what’s involved.

I feel very well prepared and happy that the co-ordinators will support me. I have gained confidence for the role and understand better how to support families.

55 families received home visiting support from us last year. This figure is a slight reduction from the previous annual report but is still an increase over recent years.

THANK YOU AND GOODBYE year. This figure is a slight reduction from the previous annual report but is still an increase over recent years. Marion Nicola H Lottie Ruth Chris M Once a successful link is made, families are supported for two Chris D Joanne Sara Linda Sophie hours each week. This support is very much based on what the Meena Sarah Arlene Jackie Fern family feel they need, from practical to emotional help. Our Katy Nicola P coordinators and volunteers adapt their approach to ensure families are able to engage with the process of change. The hard work starts before the link is made. We assess risks as well as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time (over 15 years) volunteering with Home-Start, but needs, consider the compatibility of the volunteers available with the now reluctantly feel it’s time to step down. I have always felt really supported as a family and record scores so there is data available to compare when volunteer and knew I could get help if ever I needed it. One thing I’ve realised is how we close support. Our Case Duration and Exit Strategy is now easy it is to believe only families experiencing poverty need our support, but this is so embedded in our practice, which helps make the most of our untrue. Home-Start provides such a valuable service for families. volunteer resources to better meet demand. Retiring volunteer, September 2024 I felt really comfortable with the volunteer around. She was very kind to C I've thought about you and your team and Home-Start as a whole, many times over the and supportive and friendly. Knowing she was coming each week last year. I still think it is a wonderful organisation, which has helped many families in really helped my mental health. I really appreciate the time she spent the most sympathetic and effective way. I say this to people whenever I get the with us and I loved everything about her. She brought light and smiles to opportunity. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your skill and your advice. my day. My son was always waiting for the doorbell for her to arrive! September 2023 Retiring volunteer, September 2024 i —a

MUMS IN MIND

We delivered two Mums in Mind courses this year. The September course was funded by Berkshire Community Foundation and the January one was delivered under the recently secured National Lottery funding.

The difference it makes

The course combines simple cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Mellow Parenting techniques, and is presented in a way that is relevant to the challenges of being a mum facing anxiety and depression.

We provide a creche that is flexible to the needs of each mother and allows for free flow between the course and the creche room. This is often the first time mums have left their baby with others.

We run simple craft activities in parallel with the formal learning. We find that mums appreciate the opportunity to focus on an external activity, which allows them more control over how and when they engage with difficult emotional topics. The mums who joined the course were incredibly anxious and all made huge steps to overcome their worries in order to attend. We know that our gentle and individualised approach is key to encouraging people to attend as well as helping them overcome obstacles to their wellbeing.

We continued to facilitate an extension to the course, with six less formal sessions for mums together with their babies, to allow further development of peer support and friendships. With the funding from the National Lottery we plan to evolve this into a more structured ‘baby group’, including sessions with various early years professionals.

I really enjoyed last week’s My week has been session, so it was much easier to so, so but I’m here come along today. Coming to the today and Tuesday group today has meant that I have is now my favourite had a good start to my week. day of the week.

I was feeling very nervous at the beginning, but now am feeling very confident doing things like saying my feelings, chatting with other mums.

I will be more aware of the I loved the routine and how easy going beginning, but now am feeling "little things" and celebrate the group is. I felt relaxed and really them. I enjoyed the adult very confident doing things like loved the crafts. Invaluable and so saying my feelings, chatting with company. I feel more much support. And I have loved being other mums. confident with how I am as able to relate to other mums. a parent. It has allowed me to see that I’m I enjoyed the safe space in having a stronger than I thought and I I enjoyed sitting together, voice to speak about my feelings. feel less alone. doing activities with other Having the themed weeks allowed me Above is a simple representation of the mums. It was good to know to focus. I feel more confident and impact of the course. We use a variety of how other mums feel – I’m not more aware of my feelings about I have learnt to be more patient questions, from clinical screening tools alone! It was good to get out of being a mum. and speak positive things to my designed to measure levels of depression the house. children. I loved meeting other and generalised anxiety disorder, at the a Depression Anxiety a m Pre Course M Post Course mums and having adult start and end of the course. This allows conversations and learning that the mums to have a clearer idea of how I feel more confident as a mum You don’t talk about the s*** at other I’m not alone in my struggles. I feel they are doing. and understand my feelings baby groups but the honesty and more positive. I have learnt about more. In the group I was feeling rawness from the other mums has how I can increase my self esteem. We calculated the pre and post scores of confident and safe enough to really helped me. I feel more I have learnt about my habits that the 15 attendees and have presented be able to talk. confident. I’m more aware that I have

I have learnt to be more patient and speak positive things to my children. I loved meeting other mums and having adult conversations and learning that I’m not alone in my struggles. I feel more positive. I have learnt about how I can increase my self esteem. I have learnt about my habits that may affect my relationship.

We calculated the pre and post scores of the 15 attendees and have presented them as an average to illustrate the general trend of improvement.

been surviving in flight or fight.

FUNDERS

Financial Summary Key figures 2023-2024

Income £113,157 Expenditure £145,192

The shortfall of expenses over income in the year was covered by the use of our reserves. Our unrestricted reserves at the end of the year are enough to cover six months of running costs. The trustees’ target is three to six months.

Fundraising update

We had a smaller cohort of runners for Reading Half Marathon and the Green Park Challenge this year, but, between them, they raised £1,218.65.

We’re grateful to Queen Anne’s School, Tubman House at Leighton Park School and The Oratory Prep School for raising funds for us during this financial year. Also to Terry Dixon of Terry’s Reading Walkabouts who chose us as one of his good causes of the year and raised £2,887.56 for us.

Thanks too to Reading Bach Choir, South Chiltern Choral Society and friends for raising £1,758 for us through carol singing. Microsoft generously agreed to match what we raised through those events as well as the £3,864.18 raised at The Oratory Prep School Christmas Fair.

We’re also grateful to business networking group Omni Reading, which has adopted us as its charity, and held a raffle to collect funds for us at their Christmas lunch.

Changes to our team

With funding from Children in Need coming to an end last year we had to bring our Family Groups to a close and say a very sad goodbye to our Family Group Coordinator, Claire and Play Leader, Hannah. Home-Start Reading has been providing family groups for over 20 years with Claire at the helm for the last eight of them.

It was incredibly disappointing after such dedication from the Family Group team. We miss them and wish them the very best.

The impact of losing two people from a small team at the end of 2023 was far reaching and required substantial adjustment from the remaining staff. In the New Year we also faced the challenge of long term staff sickness, which further impacted an already reduced workforce.

By the end of this reporting year we were back to full strength and concentrating on moving forward and next steps.

What next?

With 2024 marking our 40th birthday, there is good reason for us to concentrate on and develop our core service. We will also be reflecting on what has changed over the years and how to respond to demand while celebrating the consistent and dependable essence of our unique approach. The National Lottery has funded a two-year project to recruit a support worker to help us find creative and innovative ways to manage the increasing level of need and the volume and complexity of referrals.

In partnership with Home-Starts Bracknell Forest and Berkshire East we also secured funding from The National Lottery Community Fund that will enable us to deliver a variety of courses and groups in addition to Home Visiting. These will specifically be designed to focus on improving mental health and emotional connections.

We intend to work alongside the board of trustees and within our operational delivery to explore our social and environmental responsibilities and review, develop and/or adopt policies and practice accordingly.

We’re grateful to all the individuals and organisations that supported us during the year...

Amazon Europe Amy Jennings Andy Degiorgio Ann Briggs Barclays Barry Perkins Benevity Berkshire Community Foundation Charities Trust Chris Dobby Circus Starr Clemencia Posada-Brown Connect Reading Cowshed Don Dobby Drive UK Consulting Easy Fundraising Ella's Kitchen First Days

Free Cakes for Kids National Lottery Community Fund Garfield Weston Foundation Neill Hendry Hexham Community Centre Nokia Home-Start UK Openreach In memory of Corinne Anne Dishington Our amazing runners Jacquline Burrage Patricia Saunders Jill Lake PB Nandra Jo Rado Postcode Society Trust John Lewis & Partners, Reading Project Linus Kate Angwin Queens Anne's School Leighton Park Trust RC Evans Liz Brown RM James Localgiving Reading Bach Choir Mary Wilson (The Small Business Analyst) Reading Borough Council Mark Lewthwaite and Sue Biggs Reading Community Lottery Microsoft Reading Family Aid Mobbs Memorial Trust Reading Station and Network Rail Moto Foundation Reading Voluntary Action Mr JE Crosfield Reading FC Community Trust

Rotary Club Reading Rupe Dadd Sofology St Laurence church South Chiltern Choral Society Sue Boxall Susannah Randall Terry Dixon The Atrium Health Club The Oracle The Oratory Prep School The Salvation Army The Weller Centre Tina Panting (TDP Photography) Turner's Court Twyford & District Round Table Waitrose & Partners, Caversham YMCA

PLEASE SUPPORT US

DONATE localgiving.org/charity/hsreading GENERATE DONATIONS AT NO EXTRA COST WHILE YOU SHOP easyfundraising.org.uk x Se | = PLAY THE LOCAL LOTTERY - Sj Hone 2 ) changeA betterSTARTa child’sstart canfuture | rTaa 50% OF WHAT YOU PAY COMES TO US ferry 5 ia readingcommunitylottery.co.uk GET YOUR ORGANISATION INVOLVED ae — oi “Sa =A Ea ~ ae - - - home start reading.org.uk/business support ~~SS 5~~ HEME

After a few weeks I felt that R and I built up a good friendship. Initially I was nervous about trusting her, but now we trust her so much - the girls are so excited to see her.

Home-Start support was just what I needed - reliable visits, same time, same day every week. R was so flexible to my needs, and would support me with whatever I needed that week. The timing of your support was perfect - especially when I was in the depths of depression.

I liked the fact that she would regularly say that she was there to support me. I wish more people knew about Home-Start. The whole of my wider family think Home-Start is great! I'm now ready for the support to stop, and for another family to e benefit from R's support.

March 2024

Follow us at @HomeStartRDG

office@home-start-reading.org.uk 0118 956 0050 home-start-reading.org.uk

Registered charity 1110638

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 05491570 (England and Wale3) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1110638 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FOR HOMETART READING LTD D C Dobby ACIB Tilehurst Reading Berkshire

HOME-START READING LTD CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page Report of the Trustees 1to3 Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet 6t07 Cash Flow Statement Note8 to the Financial Statements 9t013 Detailed Statements of Financial Activities 14

HOME-START READING LTD REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The tfustees are pleased to present their annual direLlors' repcwl together ith the financDal statements of th8 charity for the year ended 31 Marth 2024 which are also prepared to meet Ihe requirements for a dire¢Xors' report and accx)unts for Companies Acl purposes. The financial statements comply wilh the Charties Act 2011. the Companie5 Act 20. the Memorandum and Artides of Association, and Aco)unling and R&porting by Charities: Statemerrt of Recommended Practice applicable to chwities preparing their accounts in ac(£rfdance wilh Ihe Financial Reports'ng Standard applicable in Ihe UK arrtl Republic of Ireland(FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Charity number.. 1110638 Company number. 05491570 Reglstered Off0.. 7 Southcote Parade, SouthcA)te Fann Lane. Reading. Berkshlre, RG30 3DT Dlrnctov and Trustees The directors of the chadlable company (the charity) are its Irustees for the purpose of thafity law. The tnJstee8 and officers swving during the year and since the Ye end were as follows. Sue Biggs Catheftne Troup Kelty Dadd Mark Lewthwaite Jacqueline BuThage Christopher Guy Anna Vorsler Sally Moore Lottie Pheasant Sophie Croft Andy Deg(orgio Joinl Chair Joint Chair Seuetary Treasurei Appointed 05.04.2024 Resigned 31.03.2024 Resigned 20.10.2023 Appointed 14.08.2024 Independent Examln•r D C Dobby ACIB Tilehurst Reading B¢rkshire Governlng Document Home Start Reading is a rnpanY limited by guarantee govemed by its Memorandum and Articles. 11 is registered as a c*arty the Chaiity Commission. Page 1

HOIAE4TART READING LTD REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - COIrnNUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Appolnlmènt of Tru8teeg As set out in th8 Articles of Associalion the chair of th8 trustees is nominated by the èxecub've committee. Nominations for the alectui to the committee are considered and voted upon at the Annual Gèneral Meeling. The maximum numtr of rn8mbers of the executive sh811 bo no mote than twelve. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Rl•k m•nag•ment Hcrtne-start ReadirwJ 9rkS to a numtr of robust poliues derived from Home Stsrt UK induding '25t@r Recov8rylBusintts ContinuatK>n" "Heamh arKI Safe, "Dats Protection" and "Stsnding orde for Financial Managemenf. These polioes and prathces are regulaty rèvimd by Trustees. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectlv83 and alms To provi¢ a voluntary hc4ntrvisthng schem offenng frndy, knovAedgeable and practical halp lo farnilies with atleast one child under 5 may bè going thr¢)ugh a difficuli time, and in Reading providiNd targeted grixp aCtIvrt and pr(yJr8mm85 according to speafiG needs. Slgnm¢ant actlvftlgB Organising and managiThJ variou5 projects, events and a¢tsYrties dgned to Èchteve the above objeds. ACHIEVEPAENTS ANO PERFORMANCE Chartlabh acllvill•s The Chanty provides an Annual Report for adopts'on at ts AGM and than availab on rts EbsIte giwr¥J st*sbcs and a nOatiVe about its V8fiOUS acts'vities in 8upporb.ng families at home and through group adivrties, recording outputs and measures of the families, progress and sats'sfaction their 5UPPOrt. In 2023124 the Chanty 8UPPOrted 83 families. REPORTING PUBLIC 8ENEFrr As a Small tharty. the Charty A¢fs &j[l threshold, thg truste89' Teport foolses on Ihe main acts'vth'es Page 2

HOME4TART READING LTD REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - cop¥nNUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 PaARCH 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Rèvièw of the year Income (kueased by 25% on the prèvious year. Expendrture decreased by 2% on the previous year. A deficit funded frcffi was required this year of £32,035 Providing adequate fundin9 lor tho essenb'al administrative infrastrudure lo Support the tharity's many seThicas remains a very ¢onsiderable challeng•. Home -start Reading are very grateful for all the grants and donations received in the year, and are GontinuiThJ to depend on such grants and donakn'ons to provth their services in I communty. The trusle8s have recognised the UnrtaInl1•S in relation to thè Charivs fuluTè fundlng and have fuflh8r increased their efforb to source new and altsmative funding str&s to maintain the tharrty. HoY•tver, the remains a Éhortfall In secured funding and èxpected donations for the finandal year ending 31st March 2025, R•Mr¥o• pollcy In deternining the reserves policy of the tharity, thè Tfustees consKlef the ve1$ of risk and operalirKJ expenses rtyuired. It is the Tru3tees' goal to greate sufficnt reseNes lo cover at least six months. nornal operabng exKnses, given the statutory rwJundanLry ijbligations to rts staff, and the fad thal Homewstart R8adirvJ deals wilh vulnèrable families WI would require sufficient notice in the event that th• charity werè to ¢ea8e OTations. Th8 chantV5 arn deemed to bè adequate in téms of risk. Fund8 In dClI None ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Suè Biggs - Jolnt Chair Date.. Page 3

HOME4TART READING LTD INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HOME-START READING LTD I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 sel out on pages fiv8 to thirteen. R•Sp•ctI ro8pon•lbllltl•8 of trust•o# and examln•r The trustees (who are also directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. Th8 trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charltles Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for Independent examination, it is my responsibility to . - examlne the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act.. - follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commlssion (under sectlon 145(5Xb) of the 2011 Act - state whether partl¢ular matters have come to my attention, Basls of th• Ind•p•ndont oxamln•r'ii report My examination was carried out in accordance with the gener81 Dlrections given by the Charity Commisslon. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with thos8 records. 11 also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures In the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provlde 811 the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and falr vlew. and the report is lirniled to those matters set out In the statement below. Ind•p•ndent examln•r'8 Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (1) whlch glves me reasonable cause to believe that. In any material respect, the requirements.. - to keep accountlng records in accordance with sectlon 386 of the Companles Act 2006 and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requiments of sectlon 396 of the Companles Act 2006 and wlth the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met or (2) to which in my opinion, attentlon should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. D C Dobby ACIB Tilehurst Reading Berkshire Date 27 Au ust 2024 Page 4

HOMESTART READING LTD STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMnES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 Unr•strlctsd Rtstrlcl•d D•sign¥tad Total Fund8 Funds Fund8 2023 Total INCOME Donations and grants Ints)me from In¥tMentS Other Income 110,713 137 307 113Q20 151331 137 Total I1m• 110.850 2.307 113,151 151.238 -25 2% EXPENDITURe 121545 18.147 Tol•l •xp•n 126.548 18.647 144192 149,564 NET114COIIINGIIOUT¢JXMG) RESOURCES 115,696) (11.340 (32,0351 1.674 Trnn•f•r ot Fund• 11469151 110,3401 132.0351 1.674 RECONCIUATION OF FUNDS T¢>l•l funds Ixoullht f4)Mard Unro$trlcted lunds Restsicted lur De91gnaled ndS 10 79,211 79.291 55.109 16,340 30,848 31.024 31,524 16,340 31.V24 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 63.590 31,524 95.120 127.165

HOMESTART READING LTD BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2024 2024 Unrestrlctrd R•strlct•d D•8lgTratsd Totsl Funds Fund# Funds 2023 Totsl Rmtated Noto• FIXED ASSETS Tangible Assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtots.. amounts falling duo vjilhin on8 y8ar Cash at bank and in hand 3,618 164,153 110,601 3124 142,126 110,601 31.S24 142,12S 167.671 CREDrroRS Amounts falling due thIn one year 147m5) 147,005) 140*161 NET CURRENT ASSETS 83.596 31,524 9S,120 127,156 TOTAL A5SEf8 LESS CURRENT LIABILrriE3 63A96 31,524 96.120 127.166 TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS NET ASSETS 63 FUNDS Unrestricled funds Restricted funds Desi9nat8d Funds 11 03,S96 63,590 79.291 16.340 31,624 11 11 31.624 31,524 TOTAL FUNOS Page 8

HOME4TART READING LTD BALANCE SHEEr- coKriNUED AT 31 MARCH 2024 The charitable conyny is enlitled to exemption from audit under seiaion 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 for the year ended 31 March 2024 The trustees have not required the charitable company to obtain an audrt of its financial slatents for Ihe year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with section 145(5)(b) of the Charitss Act 2011. The tnjstses acknowledge Iheir responsbi ilities for la) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 of the Companies Act 20[. and (b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the Statè of affair5 of the charitable company as at the èrhl of each financi81 year and of its surplus or defKit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of 8ection 396 and which othe•88 comply with the charitable company. The financial statements have been prepared in acordance with Accounling and Reportlng by Charities: Statemènt of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing Iheir accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Républic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015)- (Charities SORP (FRS102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) and the Companies Acl 2006. The financial statements wèrè approved by the Board of Trustees on 12 September 2024 and were signed on its behalf by: Sue Biggs - Joinl Chair Catherine Troup - Joint Chair Page 7

HOME4TART READING LTD CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2023 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW Net Cash provided by cperating activities Purchase of equipment Net Cash provided by financial activrties 132.035) 1.674 132,0351 1,674 Change in cash and cash equivalents in th8 year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginnin9 of tha year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year (22,028) 164.153 142,125 162.513 164.153 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOMEIEXPENDITURE TO NEf CASH FLOW FROM OPERAMNG ACTIVITIES Net incomel expenditure for the year as per the statamant of financial activities Depreciation charges Decreasel(Increase) in Debtors Incr8asel(Decrease) in Creditors Net Cash provided by operating activitie8 132,035) 1,674 3.518 6,489 (22.028) 3,077 ANALYSIS OF CASTr1 AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash at Bank and in hand 142.125 164,153 Page 8

HOME-START READING LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES A¢¢ountFng ¢onventlon The firAncial statements have been prepared in acordance wth Accounting and Reportbng by Chafities: Statement of Recommended Pra(ce applicable to tharibes prepafifTg their acUnts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard appluble in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS102) (effective 1 January 20151- (Charities SORP (FRS102)). the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Incoming r080urces Ail incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the resourc: the trustees are virtually cert8in they will receive the rwJources: and the mon8tary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Incoming resourcA88 from grants are included in the Ststement of Financial Activities to match periods en the seplices relating to these grants are delivered. R•sourc•s exponded Expenditure is accounted for on an acrruals basis and ha8 been dassified urKkn headings Ihat aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs canrK>t be directly attTibuted to partilar headings ihey have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent wSth the use of resources. Governanco costs Include cost5 of preparation and examination of statutory aCcunIS and cost ol any legal advlce to trustees on govemance or ¢on5trtuiional matters. T•nglbl• fix•d assets Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to wrtte off each asset over its estimated useful life:_ Computer Equipment - straight line over 3 years. Taxatlon The chanty is exempt from corporation tax on its tharitable activrties. Page 9

HOMETART READING NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES {Contlnued) Fund accountlng Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discrection of the trustees in fUrtIk2n of the genera ObCtIveS of the charity. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through terms of an appeal. Desnated Funds DeSignatj funds are used for monies set aside from the general furKI for a Specif purpose. Further explanation of the rthre and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. Penslon costs and post-retlrement benefrts The charitable company operates a defined contributions pension scheme. Contributions payable to the chariLqble companrfs pension Schemè are charged to the Statement of Financial Adivities in the period to which ttw relate. Golng concem The trustees have recognised the uncertainties in relation to the Chantys luture funding and have further increased I1r efforts to source new and altemative funding Streams to maintain the charity. However, there remains a shortfall in secured funding arKI expected donations for the financial year ending 31st March 2025. If no signbficant additional funding is achieved, the charity will use rts feseNes, including designated reserves held for the event of closure. in the year ended 31 st March 2026. As a result tha Accounts have been prepared on this eventualty Income from Donations and Grants 2024 2023 Donations Grants Fund Raising 45,202 67.818 42,476 108,763 151, Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:_ 2024 2023 GRANTS Home Visrting Family Groupsl Groups 67.818 73,696 34,000 107.696 67.818 Bank Interest 137 Page 10

HOME-START READING LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Expenditure on Charitsble Activities 2024 2023 Staff Costs Termination costs Family groups Family projects activity costs Rent, rates and Servi charges Insurance Telephone, broadband & website Printing, postage and stationery Compulec costs Repairs and renewals Sundries Staff Training Fund Raising costs Professional fees Depreciation Governance costs (see note 4) Homestart UK Levy 118.589 3,759 685 7.810 1,701 1,500 3,819 1,524 122.923 3,153 6,247 3.872 1.590 2,582 3,118 1,891 2,230 71 833 94 1,013 874 2,724 145,192 149,564 Analysis of governance costs AGM and trustees meetings Page11

HOPAE-START READING LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEKrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Staff Costs 2024 2023 Gross wages and salaries Employerfs national insurance costs Pension costs 110.148 110,857 7.397 7.276 4,792 4,790 122,348 122.923 Tru8t8es' Remuneration and Beneflts There were no Irustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2023 (2021 Nil) The avernge monthly number of employees during Ihe year was as follows:. 2024 2023 Charitable Activittes TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Computer Computer Equlpment Equipmont COST Balanc• at 1 Aprfl 2022 Addltlon8 In Y•ar Balance at 31 March 2023 6,238 6.238 6,238 6.238 DEPRECIATION Balance at 1 April 2022 Charge for the Year 6,238 6,238 Balance at 31 March 2023 6.238 6.238 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 At 31 PAarch 2023 Page 12

HOME4TART READING LTD NOTES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Other debtors Accrued income Prepayments 3.518 CREOITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE THIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Sw'al security and other taxes Other Creditor3 1,699 15.806 931 15.085 24.51)0 10 MOVEPAENT IN FUNDS Unrnstrlcted Restrict•d Designated Total Funds Funds Fund8 Funds 2023 Balance at 1st Aprll 2022 79,291 16.340 31,524 127,155 125.481 Incoming resources Resources expended Not M0ment In funds 110.850 2,307 126,545) 118,647 115,695) (16,340 113,157 151,238 1145,192 {149,5641 (32.035> 1,674 Trangf•r tW••n Funds B•lanc• at 31st PAarch 2023 95 120 127 155 Page 13

HOME4TART READING LTD DETAILED STATEMENf OF FINANCIAL AvrnEs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 Unrestrlcted Re8trlclad Deslgnatad Tolal Funds Fund$ Funds 2023 INCOME Donations Grants Fund Raising 45,202 65,511 45202 67,818 42.475 10&763 2,307 110,713 2.307 111020 151.238 Investment income 137 110,850 137 113.157 2,307 151,238 Total In¢Miing rnAource8 110,850 2,307 113,157 151.238 EXPENDITURE Expendlture on Charltsblo Actlvltle8 Staff Costs Redundancy Costs Family groups Family projects activity costs Rent, rates arKJ servKe charges Insuran Telephone, broadband and Vb$ll8 Office cosls Computer costs Repairs and rerWa1s Sundries Staff Training Fund raising costs Profe9lOnal fees Homestsrt UK Le¥y Depreation Trustees meetings 106,024 3.759 12,565 118.589 3.759 122,923 3,153 6,247 3,872 1,590 2,582 3,118 1,891 2.230 71 1,728 1,701 1,500 3,819 1,524 6.082 7,810 1,701 3.819 1,524 1,488 1,013 2.724 1.013 2,724 874 126,545 18,647 145,192 149,564 NET INCOMINGIIOUTGOING) RESOURCES 15,695) 116,340) {32.035 1,674 Thi5 page does not fomi part gfthè statutory finan81 statements Page 14