AIMS Accountant5 for Business Company registration number. 05694775 Charity registration number.. 1114076 HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT (A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 David Turner, AIMS Accountsncy 32 Caxton House Northampton Science Park Kings Park Road, Moulton Park Northampton NN3 6LG AIMS Accountants for Business HOME4TART WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Contents Reference and Administrative Detsils strategic Report 2to4 Trustees, Report 5t08 Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities Independent Examinerfs Report 10 Statement of Financial Activities 11 Balance Sheet 12 Statement of Cash Flows 13 Notes to the Financial Statements 14to19 AIMS Accountants for Business HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Reference and Administrative Details Trustees Juliet Smith - Chairperson Julian Payne - Treasurer Jean Berkshire Annie Lennox Felix Barth Rebecca Abbott Secretary Tracey Witham Prlnclpal Office Croyland Nursery School Croyland Road Wellingborough Northants NN8 2AX Registered Office Croyland Nursery School Croyland Road Wellingborough Northants NN8 2AX The charity is incorporated in England. Company Registration Number 05694775 Charlty Registration Number 1114076 Independent Examiner David Turner, AIMS Accountancy 32 Caxton House Northampton Science Park Kings Park Road, Moulton Park Northampton NN3 6LG Page 1 AIMS Accountants for Business HOME4TART WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present their strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024. in compliance with s414C of the Companies Act 2006. Home-start Wellingborough & District provides a unique service to families in our area by maintaining team of highly-skilled volunteers who visit families in their own homes. Our aim is to improve the lives of Ghildren and their parents through a combination of home-visiting support. social activities and interagency working. We operate in some of the CoUnt￿S most deprived areas, with an increasing migrant population settling from Eastern Europe alongside other ethnic minorities. Childhood obesity 15 high here, as are the number of children living in poverty when compared with the UK average. Our youngsters are statistically more likely tc experience poor health than national average. Ststistics show that teenage pregnancy is also higher here, as is the likelihood of mothers smoking during pregnancy. Our primary future objective is to ensure the financial stability of the cor8 service, through combination of fundraising efforts and grant applications Hom&Start's unique offer of friendship to families is recognised nationally and internationally as an effective means of family support. To Home-stsrt every family is special and we respond to each family's needs through a combination of home-visiting support, and social activities. We do this by recruiting and training volunteers, who are usually parents or carers themselves, to visit families with at least one child under the age of five at the time of referral to offer infonnal, friendly and Confidential support. Home-start schemes are rooted in the communities they serve - managed locally but supported by a UK wide organisalion (Home-start UK) which offers direction, training, information, and guidance to schemes to ensure consistent and quality support for parents or carers and children wherever they are. All Home-start schemes sign an agreement saying that they will comply with quality standards. In addition to its Core activty, Home-start Wellingl)orough & District organises a limited number of social activities for families including visits to local amenities, distribution of birthday and seasonal gifts donated by local people and businesses; and participation in community events whenever possible. Through our ne￿ork of volunteers, Home-start aims to increase the confidence and independence of the family by.. Page 2 AIMS Accountant5 for Business HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Offering support, friendship and practical assistsnce., Visiting families in their own homes in Wellingborough and the surrounding districts, where the dignty and identity of each adult and child can be respected and proteded. Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual and encourage them to enjoy family lrfe- Developing a relationship with the family: the approach is flexible to take account of drfferent Encouraging parents, strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of their children- Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships by providing a Y￿ekly supportlplay group and to use effectivety the support and services available within the Wellingborough community. Providing funding for specialist mental health support for parents and children. Promoting the education of the public in better standards of child care within the area of Wellingborough and its environs In 2023124 Home-start Wellingborough & District will.. - Support 46 families through home visiting Recruit, train and place 4 new volunteers to support families through home-visiting Retain at least 23 of its volunteers strengthen the support we offer to families by trying to fund services that are not available to them by any other means. Whilst recognising the uniqueness of the seNice that Home-start provides, we are aware that it is necessary to consider any avenues forjoint working in order to ensure that the families we serve have access to a holistic approach, that there is no duplication of services and that, administrative costs are minimised. The scheme will continue to work closely with a range of local organisations and agencies - statutory, voluntary and community. The scheme will continue to use all appropriate means to reach families who would benerrt from the use of our seNice. The methods employed to facilitate this include- Through direct contact with referrers, for example health visitors. social worf(ers, Ghiklren's centres, Greatwell Homes. Schools and other local agen￿ staff. Through publicity placed in communty centres and other venues. the library, the local press and community magazines. Through infom)ation stands in local venues as appropriate and other similar venues. Through attendance at and l or providing information for events organised by other agencies. Through word of mouth. Through infomiation produced in a variety of local communty languages. Current and continuing elements of our marketing Strategy include: On-line and printed publications. A regularly updated website and Facebook page. Page 3 'AIMS Accountants for 8usiness HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 To fund this work. we plan to follow a strategy that is based on raising core funding from a m5x of grants from Major Trusts and income from individual regular donors. Direct project delivery costs will be met through grants from Trusts such as BBC Children In Need. This will be supplemented by local fund-raising and support from local trusts (e.g.. Northamptonshire Communty Foundation) to provide families with outings. essential items and counselling. The strategic report was approved by the trustees of the charity on ...... behalf by: Juliet Smith - Chairperson Trustee Julian Payne - Trustee asu Page 4 AIMS Accountants for Business HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Trustees. Report The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charrtable company for the year ended 31 March 2024. Objectives and actlvities Objects and aims The charill5 aims are to increase the confidence and independance of the family by: offering support, friendship and practical assistance- visiting families in their own homes. where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected: reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life., developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed.. the approach is flexible to take account of different needs,. encouraging parents. strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefrt of their children, encouraging families to widen their nefv￿rk of relationships and to use effectively the support and Se￿l¢e$ available within the communty. Publlc benefit The trustees are aware of the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 regarding th8 reporting of the public benefit of the charity. The trustees recognise that, for the accounting period ended 31 March 2024, their report is required to include such a report. In setting the charitys objectives and planning activities, the trustees and management have given consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and believe that the charity meets the public benefit requirement. Research indicates that many difficulties experienced by adults and older children can be avoided or minimalised if children receive appropriate parenting which meets the needs of the child in their early years. The children are more likely to reach their full potential and be more able to contribute to society, they are less likely to have mental health problems, be involved in disruptive or criminal behaviour and will make better parents themselves. In line with this research the trustees are aware of the govemment initiative "Every Child Matters" (2003) and it is used as one of our guiding principles. The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefrt guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Structure, governance and management Governing Document Hom&Start Wellingborough & District is based at Croyland Nursery School, Croyland Road, Wellingborough. which is the company's registered office and principal address of the charty. Home-start Wellingborough & District is a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital. Its registered number is D5694775, having been incorporated on 1 February 2006. Home-start Wellingborough & District has always maintained charitable status with a new charity number of 1114076 being issued on 8 May 2006, following incorporation. Page 5 AIMS Accountants for Business HOME4TART WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Trustees. Report Appolntment of Trustees The trustees named on the previous page have seNed on the Board. Appointment and re-appointment is decided on an annual basis via election at the Annual General Meeting. One third of the trustees retire at each AGM, but can stand for r&election. The terms of office are three years. A trustee can stand for three consecutive terms, after which they must stand down for one year. before applying for re-election. Organisation Structure and How Decisions are Made. The Board when complete, consists of at least fwe and not more than twelve trustees. The Board meets at least five times a year with additional sub-committee meetings as required. The trustees review the management, income and expenditure and financial status of the charity and decide upon the allocation of funds. Relationship Between Charity and Related Partles Home-start Wellingborough & District is a local, independently funded charty, Wlth its own constitution and management committee. It is affiliated to Home-start UK through signing up to The Home-start Agreement to which it adheres in all areas of seNice provision. Compliance with the Agreement is fomially reviewed on 8 tri-yearly basis. Risk Management The trustees agree policies to ensure effective govemance and management of the scheme and to ensure the provision of quality SUPPOrt to local families. These include policies relating to areas such as financial management, reserve funds. Heath & Safety and Equality and Diversity and Safeguarding. The trustees are aware of potential risk and steps are taken to mitigate these risks. Achievements and Performance The trustees and staff have continued to review our govemance and working practices so that they remain in line with any updated legislation, advice from the Charity Commission and demands from the Home-start UK in order that we maintain our affiliation. Focus ha5 also been on fundraising in order to replace the grants from our largest supporters, with the appointment of the Fundraiser this has proved invaluable in the difficult economic climate. We have also taken the opportunity to consider the use of technology. Reviewing the way that we worked during COVID allowed us to understand when families were helped to resolve some or all of their difficulties with virtual support without weekly visits. This is sometimes more convenient for the families and avoids the staff and volunteers being over stretched, while increasing the number of families the charity can help. However, our core work continues to be home visiting, which is most helpful for families with complex needs. and all work is based on the initial assessment by one of the professional stsff. We also had to be mindful of the health and safety of staff and volunteers since COVID is still in the community. Page 6 AIMS Accountants for Business HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Trustees. Report The professional staff have continued to update their knowledge by attending the Conflict Resolution training provided by the Children's Trust and a course on Perinatsl Mental Health. This will be cascaded down to the volunteers, so that they can identfy problems in this area, and any work on conflict resolution will be carried out by professional staff. Mental health support has continued to b8 offered through Mind and Service Six. That has been a training course for new volunteers and all volunteers have been offered training throughout the year, including a Safeguarding update. During the winter, a warm space was offered to 39 families and 89 children we were involved with. We have continued to run our own food bank and food vouchers have been available for families who were struggling. In conjunction with Morrisons, an online cookery course has been offered to all families. The weekly WISH group has continued. At the summer sceme, all families were offered a swimming session and free visit to The Hub, with transport provided. Reserves Policy Statement and Deslgnated Fund The trustees consider that, given the nature of the charty's work, free reserves should be a minimum of 3 months revenue expenditure, but with the intention of maintaining a level of approximately 6 months. The rationale for this is to cover the overheads of the scheme, owing to the uncertainty in the timing and of grant5 from various funding agencies. On 31st March free reserves stood at the equivalent of just over four months revenue expenditure, based on projected 2024-25 exp8nditure. Page 7 .AIMS Accountants for Business HOME4TART WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Trustees, Report Flnanclal Review The overall fundraising strategy means that the scheme has sufficient funding for the immediate future and to meet the reser+RS policy. This has been achieved through securing a mixture of funds from Charitable Trusts and Foundations. support from local organisations and individuals and through both one-off and regular donation5. During the year several grant applications have been unsuccessful due to changes with funders, criteria and the dovmtum in the economic situation. It was. therefore, dec￿ed that we would focus on securing smaller amounts of funding from more sources, and this has been successful. This a￿0 means that we have more flexibilty in allocating the funds because they a￿ not tied to a donorfs temis. However. the trustees were well aware that the long term funding from our one major donor will cease in the year 2023-24. It was also evident that there were not enough staff resourGes to continue to complete all the applications requirfrd. It was. therefore. decided to increase Ihe staff hours by appointing a part time fundraiserladministrator. Analysls of Funds During COVID, there was an increased access to local authority gr8nts. However, this source of revenue has been very much reduced and the charity has had to rely almost exclusively on other sources of funding. This included ￿ large grants which have been of three temis and one of which comes to an end in year 2023-24 and a number of smaller grants from funders. donations from indmduals and local organisations. The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on behalf by: and signed on its Juliet Smith - Chairperson Trustee Julian Trustee Page 8 'AIMS Accountants for Business HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT statsment of Trustees. Responslbilitias The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees, report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of ts incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expendrture. for that period. In preparing these financial statements. the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistentty: observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subjeGt to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keepin9 adequate accounting records that are sufficienl to show and expL3in the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements Comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitsble company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the trustees of the charity on .￿./.01]&(￿. and signed on its behalf by: Juliet Smith - Chairperson Trustee Julian F>ayn Trustee Page 9 AIMS Accountants for Business HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Independent Examiner's Report to the trusteas of HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 11 to19 Respective responslbllities of trustees and examlner The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparalion of the accounts. The trustees Gonsider that an audit is not required for this year under section 14412) of the Charities 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= examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Ad" to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charty Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Act,. and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includ8s 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 provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent axamlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has Come to my attention: (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companie8 Act 2006,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with 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, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be ￿aChed. David Tumer, AIMS Accountancy 32 Caxton House Northampton Science Park Kings Park Road, Moulton Park Northampton NN3 6LG Page 10 "AIMS Accountant5 for Business HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses) Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Totsl Income 20,356 102,615 122,871 20,356 102,515 122,871 Expendituro on: Charitable activities (29,823 172,667) 102,290 Total Expenditure 29,623 72,667) 102,290) Net (expenditure)lincome Transfers belween funds (9,267) 1,283 29,848 (1,283) 20,581 Net movement in funds (7,984) 28,565 20.581 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Totsl funds carried forward 18,512 56,545 75.057 10,528 Unrestricted funds 85,110 Restrictgd funds 95,638 Total 2023 Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Investment income 56,578 261 55,678 112,256 261 Total Income 56,839 55,678 112,517 Expenditure on: Charitable activities (56,339 52,208 108,547 Total Expenditure <56,339) 52,208 108,547 Net income Transfers between funds 500 802 3,470 802 3,970 Net movement in funds 1.302 2,668 3,970 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 17,210 53,877 71,087 18,512 56,545 75,057 All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above ￿ periods. The funds breakdown for 2024 15 shown in note 9. Page11 "AIMS Accountants for Business HOME4TART WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT (Registration number: 05694775) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Note Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 99,131 3,493 95,638 78.530 (3,473 75,057 Credltors: Amounts falllng due wlthin one year Net assets Funds of the charlty: Restrlcted funds 85,110 56.545 Unrestr5cted income funds Unrestricted funds 10,528 95,638 18,512 Totsl funds 75,057 For the financial year ending 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Trustees. responsibillties: The mambers have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question 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 accounts have been prePa￿d in accordance with the provisions applicable to ¢ompani88 subject to the small companies regime. The fina I statements on pages 11 to 19 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue .4.. and signed on their behalf by: Juliet Smith - Chairperson Trustee Julian Payne Trustee Page 12 .AIMS Accountants for Business HOME￿TART WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Note Cash flows from operatlng activities Net cash income 20,581 3,970 Adjustments to cash flow¥ from non 1,283 (10,528) (85,110} Restricted funds 72,667 Totsl funds 75,057 102,290 95,638) Balance at 1 April 2022 Balance at 31 March 2023 Incomlng Resources resources expended Transfers Unrestrlcted funds General (17,199) (11) (40.220) 16,619) 38,940 {802} (19.281) 769 Designated Total unrestrlcted funds 17,399 (17,210) (53,877) (56,839) (55,678) 56,339 {802} 802 {18,512) (56,545) Restricted funds 52,208 Totsl funds (71,087 112,517) 108,547 75,05 Page 18 AIMS Accountants for Business HOME-START WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 10 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestrlcted funds General Total funds Current assets Current liabilities 99,131 {3,493 95,638 99,131 3,493) 95,638 Total net assets 11 Analysis of net funds At 31 March 2024 At 1 April 2023 Cash flow Cash at bank and in hand 78,530 20,601 99,131 Net debt 78,530 20,601 99,131 Page 19