Company Registration Number 06182577 Charity Registration Number 1120598 Swings & Smiles Annual Report Year ended 31 March 2024 Page 1
SWINGS & SMILES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTENTS PAGE Annual Impact Report 3-14 Trustees Annual Report 16-18 Independent Examiner's Report 19-20 Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account) 21 Balance Sheet 22-23 Notes to the Financial Statements 24-31 Page 2
Swings & Smiles- Annual Impact Report 2023124 Support, friendship and play for children with special needs and their families What We Do Swings & Smiles was set up in 2007 by Sian Cook. who after visiting a specialist play centre 40 miles away with her daughter, identified that a similar provision was required in West Berkshire. Swings & Smiles successfully fundraised until 2014 when we started to deliver services at The Phoenix Resource Centre, Newbury. Renting rooms from West Berkshire Council in a day centre for adults with disabilities was the perfect way to establish the needs of the children and families and finally in March 2017 we were able to move to A Place to Play in Thatcham. Swings & Smiles now has a centre that offers a variety of accessible play opportunities, including a purpose built outdoor playground and specialist sensory area, with a ceiling tracked hoist, this building is currently leased from West Berkshire Council. Swings & Smiles offers a place to play and support for children with special needs and their whole family. No fomal diagnosis or professional referral is necessary to access Swings & Smiles, and neither do you need to live in the local area. Services are available to any children and young people with special needs aged O to 19 and their families. Play is critical to a child's development and at Swings & Smiles we believe that all children, regardless of disability, have a right to access play in an environment that is suitable for their needs. Our centre in Thatcham, West Berkshire has a range of resources which include a sensory room, large activity room and a brilliant garden with accessible play equipment. We have a personal care room with a hoist to support any needs and plenty of parking to make life easier for families. From our centre we offer a timetable of famlly play sessions, respite sessions, and a range of family support. We are open on weekdays, evenings, weekends and during school holidays. Our Mission - Swings & Smiles is committed to improving the quality of life for disabled children and their families Our Vision - We want a world where everybody has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Page 3
Aims and Objectives The objects of the charity are to support the needs of children and young people with special needs, their families and carers, specifically in the interests of recreational activity and to provide opportunities for increased quality family time. In particular, Swings & Smiles aims to.. 1. Provide fun and freedom in a stimulating, challenging and safe environment to develop self-confidence, independence and sensory and motor skills., 2. Provide parents, carers and siblings with support, guidance and infomation. 3. Promote the many benefits of developing and learning through play and the need for its availability to all regardless of their disabilities. b. 11 I I*IVA At the Centre Our services have continued to go from strength to strength and demand for our services are at an all-time high. We have helped 1 ,310 families registered to use our service with this number growing weekly and we actively work with around 1 ,000 families. We have continued to offer a higher number of respite and after school clubs. The numbers of children with complex needs remains high as parents know that we can meet the needs of the children and we have become their support of choice for their children. Having a positive, 'can-do' attitude has meant we have met new families and been able to deliver new groups and sessions to a wider cohort of children than we have ever done before. Following our annual February feedback survey, last completed in February 2024, we received the following feedback.. Page 4
940/0 of families said that they had increased opportunities for social interaction as a result of accessing Swings & Smiles 860/0 felt their child had the opportunity to take part in something they wouldn't have been able to without our serrfice 91 % of families reported that they felt less isolated as a result of accessing the support Swings & Smiles provides 0-5years We run Minis family sessions which are well attended on a Wednesday moming and we work collaboratively with Dingley's Promise Charity to offer greater support for families. We provide Minis Outreach sessions in family hubs around the area. Ollie's therapeutic nursery works with 3 - 5 year olds with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs. This OFSTED registered therapeutic nursery, is unique in the provision that it offers. The nursery is independently managed and owned but supported by Swings & Smiles through the full use of our facilities to offer a real alternative SEND provision to families at this formative age. Family Play Family Play remains at the core of the work that we offer, as we know that we are able to reach the whole family, including grandparents. Families enjoy the choice of activities and the large garden to enjoy a sense of freedom away from judgement and scrutiny which many can feel. These are the sessions where families make connections and the community is fomied, Parents report that the support and empathy that grows from being together goes beyond the centre, with many meeting for coffee or even taking part in joint family activities and creating infomial support networks, and friends for life. °Swings & Smiles family play is an important part of family life for us. Volunteers Max and Emily are a great support when we visit. Each week our daughter will ask'will Emily be there?Y She has formed a great relationship with Emily and her being there makes hertime at Swings & Smiles even more enjoyable.. Respite The respite programme, which includes after school club and weekend and holiday sessions, is a respected service with social workers using it as the provision of choice for many families. It is oversubscribed and the challenge across this next year will be to continue to meet the needs of our growing community. Through respite we meet the needs of the most complex medical and intellectual disabilities, including challenging behaviours. We support 38 children with very complex needs. Page 5
'When James is with Swings & Smiles, we are able to focus on quality time with his sister. We can relax knowing he is able to play safely in an environment designed to stimulate his play needs and with people we can trust to help him and support his development. It gives us some respite. It allows our daughter to have rare quality time with us." Youth Clubs We offer a strong programme across the evenings to support children from year 3 to year 13 in both mainstream and specialist SEND settings. There is a strong focus on socialisation and supporting friendships through fun and engaging activities. We have a well lit garden that enables play throughout the year. Everyone matters to us (E.M.U.) - Building Resilience We were awarded the contract by West Berkshire to support families of children aged 3 - 11 years, with additional needs at the early stages of pre or post diagnosis. The feelings of fear, wory, guilt, grief and isolation that accompany many parents and carers of children with disabilities can become ovep¥vhelming and on occasion lead to a crisis. The Building Resilience project is about supporting these families at the earliest opportunity, providing them with the skills and resources to help manage those challenges they face, which helps prevent them from reaching crisis point and needing further intervention from Children and Family sepdices. Swings & Smiles were awarded the contract due to their strong reputation of supporting the whole family through the strength of the programme that they offer, and the quality of the training that the staff receive. West Berkshire Council believe that contact with Swings & Smiles would provide an extended benefit beyond the programme delivered through EMU to families. The Building Resilience Project started on 1 St November 2023 and we are ahead of target in the numbers of families that we are seeing. Outreach Not everyone can get to our centre in Thatcham and so being able to take sessions into the community is an excellent way to fill this gap. Our van allows us to take the joy of Swings & Smiles out and about to schools, groups and individuals by bringing specialist sensory equipment and engaging sessions to them. Outreach was also able to move forward again this year. Between April 2023 and March 2024 we visited 40 Outreach venues, 33 in Berkshire, 6 in Oxfordshire and 1 in Hampshire. Page 6
'We have attended several of Swings & Smiles, Outreach sessions with our 13- year-old daughter Lexie, both with and without her three brothers. One of these sessions was at Reading Football Club. Having three football crazy brothers, Lexie watches a lot of football at home and really seems to enjoy it. She will focus on it for an extended period of time. She doesn't really have an interest in television generally. We all very much enjoyed our day out at Reading Football Club. It is rare that we can find an activity that is suitable for all of our children and that is also inclusive to Lexie's needs. The boys were all very excited to be taking Lexie to her first ever football game. We enjoyed the sensory mom as a family before the game started and Lexie used it during the game also. It's a very welcome addition and certainly makes days out accessible for Lexie., Supporting families struggling with mainstream school. We are supporting more families where children are struggling to adapt to mainstream school provision. We run sessions that include STEM activities alongside cooking and socialising as part of our Home Ed programme which is led by a qualified maths teacher. Alongside this we provide sessions for families and schools to attend supporting young people for whom full-time school is too challenging. The Engage session provides a place for children accompanied by parents, carers or school staff to explore activities in a calm and supportive environment with our skilled and knowledgeable staff. Page 7
Nathaniel Case Stud Nathaniel started coming to Swings & Smiles in early 2024. He is 11 years old with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. His mum Macala started bringing him to our Engage sessions after he was having difficulty in school, finding it hard to fit in and self-regulate his emotions whilst he was there. Our Engage sessions specialise in supporting children who are unable to attend school or are on a reduced timetable. It was when Nathaniel started attending Swings & Smiles that Micala noticed an immediate change in him as the environment brought him a sense of calm. 'Swings & Smiles allows Nathaniel to self-regulate, a place where he can be himself, somewhere where all the children are just like him. ' Micala Nathaniel loves the sensory room at our play centre. It is a safe and calm environment for him to play with his mum, with staff present who understand his needs. He also loves the garden and enjoys getting involved with nurturing the plants here. One of his favourite activities is our sensory stories, as they give him a chance to get involved, interact and bond with others. 'As a family not being able to attend Swings & Smiles would have a huge negative impact on our lives. Micala Micala couldn't believe the difference Swings & Smiles made in Nathaniel's life. It has enabled him to be calm not only during his time at our centre, but also at home and at school too. Micala had previously felt isolated and didn't feel she had anywhere to take Nathaniel. Now she has found Swings & Smiles, she knows she has a supportive community where Nathaniel can be the best version of himself and reach his potential. 'The work they do for each and every child is beyond words., Micala Page 8
SIBSupport The Sibsupport programme continues to provide the adventure and fun that siblings need. We have continued to deliver our SPARK Online programme, a yearly online programme designed for siblings to interact with other siblings. Each monthly session aims to guide, inspire and encourage siblings with a healthy balance of fun (through games) and intentional life-related content. Each of the 10 modules throughout the year has been based on the '10 Keys to Happier Living, (www.actionforha iness.or and each session includes an optional take-away challenge! We have had up to 10 siblings at each session, and these have prompted a lot of useful discussion. The last of these sessions was in August and then we will repeat the cycle from October 2024. SIBSupport sessions for all our different age groups have continued to be full of fun, laughter and friendship. We have put on mystery food challenges, explored new and creative art foms, held Christmas jumper parties during the festive season, held our own version of Lego Masters and indulged in many seasonal sweet treats. These have always been well attended and over the past year we have supported 33 siblings (across the age groups) at these sessions. We have taken the siblings on trips and organised special events, which we know can be difficult for families to do alongside their disabled child. We run SIBSupport workshops in a wide range of local schools, and we have updated the programme this year to ensure that we increase the opportunity for conversation and peer to peer support. As well as in-person workshops, we started online SIBSupport workshops for those who live further afield, which have been well attended. We were approached to deliver an online programme to the national charity MACS (Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Coloboma Society) to support their siblings, which was well attended. "Swings & Smiles gives both my boys a place to be themselves without any judgement" Collaborative Working Our work with other professionals and organisations continues to expand. We have strong working relationships with the Local Authority, receiving regular referrals from various teams to work with families who may not otherwise receive support from statutory services. We hold the Everyone Matters to Us contract through the Early Response Hub, with West Berkshire Council {WBC). We comment and contribute towards the WBC SEND strategy and chair the area SEND providers forum. We have a number of groups that now deliver regular sessions from the centre including speech therapy and occupational therapy, this service has extended into Ollie's therapeutic nursery which is a unique Ofsted registered therapy based nursery. Our outreach and sibling work is recognised and referred into by other organisations. We have shared programmes for our families with Berkshire Youth and PALS. We continue to work closely with Dingley's Promise for the under 5s. We provide a sensory space at Sebastian's Action Trust's bigger events. Berkshire Maestros provide music at our Wednesday respite sessions. We support the same families as Mencap so are looking at sharing resources. We work closely with the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire to promote the charity sector more widely. In a wider context Swings & Smiles are also members of the Disabled Children's Partnership and the Page 9
Council for Disabled Children to help raise awareness and input into wider issues that affect families that use our services. We hire our space at very low cost to local specialist schools during daytime sessions to encourage a richness to the young people's school experience. Our People We continue to see the impact that the pandemic had on the SEND community alongside the challenges that the Cost-of-Living crisis have added. We have seen an increase in children that are home schooled or struggling to thrive in schools. Families of children with special needs experience many challenges, and at Swings & Smiles we're there to help families navigate these. Looking out for parents at Family Play is an important part of our strategy and this starts with the humble cup of tea that all parents are offered and the opportunity to talk. At our coffee momings when children are not present, we lend a listening ear and encourage peer to peer support, other times we may offer longer term or more involved support. Whatever it is, we're there to help families through the difficult times and make sure they're thriving. 'When we get to the end of this journey for J-P and his family, I hope you and your team are able to recognise how significant you have all been to help support and hold the family together. Unmeasurable. We are not there yet but I still want to say thank you so much for everything you continue to do, Andrew - Senior Behavioural Specialist - Learning Disability CAMHS Oxfordshire Volunteers Volunteers are hugely valued at Swings & Smiles, a mixture of corporate groups, young people and individuals. We have 54 regular volunteers who primarily support children and young people in sessions. Volunteer hours between April 2023 and the end of March 2024 amounted to 2126.35 hours excluding the time our board of Trustees dedicate to the charity. 93 corporate volunteers across different companies supported us and schools brought students in for a day of volunteering. Our volunteers play an integral part to the Swings & Smiles team and in 2023124 we had 54 regular volunteers and seven trustees on our board. In 2023124 we were supported by 25 businesses and three schools in this time totalling 713.75 hours. We ensure all regular volunteers go through an induction and training programme which includes safeguarding, knowledge of some of the medical conditions that they may witness when caring for children, and specialist communication training prior to starting to work with the charity. They are made to feel welcome, and part of the team and we ensure all our volunteers feel appreciated Page 10
through both infonnal and formal reward and recognition. We celebrate our volunteers as part of Volunteer Week as well as being included in our events. Mary is a fantastic volunteer and role model to our younger volunteers and staff. Mary has a unique way with the children we support. Whether it's engaging them with an activity, teaching them a new life skill or calming them down in their time of need, Mary takes a calm approach and always gives the children the best support possible. She also cares deeply about the children and gets to know them all as individuals, finding out what they enjoy, what their triggers may be and how she can help them develop their independence. She goes out of her way to build relationships with the whole family and will always talk to parents before and after sessions. The Staff Swings & Smiles has a dedicated and motivated team who place the needs of the children and families at the front of all that they do. Rhonda Nicklin has been CEO since December 2022 and is responsible for the centre budget and reports to the Chair of Trustees, Derek Hardman. It is the job of the CEO to ensure that appropriate training, polices and risk assessments are in place for all activities, including GDPR compliance and reports to each regular meeting of the Swings & Smiles Trustees. Swings & Smiles has a senior leadership team supporting the strategic growth of the charity. Ellora Shippen is the Operations Lead, Becky Smith is Service Development Lead, and Katie Richman is Senior Play Leader. We have recruited Jacqui Ives to develop all human resource policies and procedures, to take the charity forward in Page 11
this area. The play team is made up of experienced and qualified staff working a mixed shift pattern to accommodate the growing needs of the charity and an increasing number of trained sessional staff and volunteers. SIBSupport and Outreach are led by dedicated staff. Future Plans This coming year we will be working on ensuring that we can still offer services to everyone that needs us. As we now have more than 1 ,310 families registered with us it will be essential that we can still offer the high-quality experience that they expect from Swings & Smiles. We are already putting in place ways to manage demand on family play sessions and some of our respite groups and will continue to work with families and other professionals on this. Continuing to increase capacity to families, with the funding challenges that face the charity sector is a problem across the sector. We know that collaboration with other organisations to share facilities and work creatively together will give families greater choice both working with Swings & Smiles and by accessing other services and we are keen to ensure that our children get the best opportunities possible. The need for increased support for siblings continues and this service continues to grow. Collaborative working with a national organisation has also seen the information and support we can provide siblings and parents increase hugely this year. Our Outreach service continues to gain momentum. Demand across West Berkshire and surrounding counties is growing and we are mindful of creating longer term venue opportunities from which to run our Outreach sessions. We continue to work closely with Reading Football Club allowing us to invite families to attend Reading Football Club home matches but with a break out space and sensory area for families, this provision has improved overtime and we are now able to access space that gives the families a fantastic view of the game while still accessing the sensory area. Funding and Support The Big Lottery Fund continues to provide a large proportion of funding to cover revenue costs. Other foundations and trusts who have supported Swings & Smiles include: Greenham Trust, Gerald Palmer Eling Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Berkshire Community Foundation, Englefield Charitable Trust, Illffe Family Trust, Stevenson Family Trust, The Childwick Trust, Kristina Martin Trust, Padwa Foundation, Miss W.E. Lawrence, Pary Family Trust, St James Place, Wates Foundation Barbara Ward Foundation and P F Charitable Trust. Corporate and community support was secured from Village Financial Ser4ices, Coop. MKM Building Services, Kosnic Lighting, AP&C, Newbury Building Society, Smile & Shine Dental Practice, Logicalis, and Donnington New Homes as well as token schemes in Tesco and Waitrose. Services in kind from local companies, including Scofell also provide much benefit to the charity. Page 12
We are actively involved in the local community, taking part in fetes and events where we can, to not only help raise funds but also awareness of our charity. School support is always very welcome and this year we were lucky to be chosen as the beneficiary of activities being run by Cheam Pre-Prep School, St Bartholomew's School and The Downs School. This support provides funds, awareness raising opportunities and young volunteers. We have been able to run some highly successful fundraising events including a Charity Ball at Newbury Racecourse, our annual golf day this year was held at Newbury and Crookham Golf Club and our annual Carol Concert at St Mary's Church, Thatcham. Swings & Smiles is signed up to the Fundraising Regulator and has made the commitment to adhere to the high standards set out in the fundraising promise. Page 13
Structure, Governance and Management The Trustees of Swings & Smiles assume the responsibilities that the charitable status demands. Swings & Smiles is a Company Limited by Guarantee (No 06182577), whose goveming document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association incorporated on 5th July 2007. The Directors who served the company during the period were as follows: Chair (re-elected 15111123) (re-appointed 27109123) Treasurer (resigned 11110124) Derek Hardman Tor Sandars Mike Megan Luisa Godfrey Jeff Ives Quona Constable Amanda Walburn-Green Vic Mistry (resigned 18104124) Trustees meet six times a year with regular committee meetings happening in between these times. Committees cover finance, strategy, people, property, marketing, events and fundraising. Public benefit statement Trustees have reviewed and considered the Charity Commissions, guidance on public benefit. The issues affecting children with special needs and their families are found throughout the general population. Access to the services provided by Swings & Smiles are available to anyone who requires them. Swings & Smiles also dedicates time and resources to raising awareness of issues surrounding disability amongst the general public. Page 14
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual 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 its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; ObseNe 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, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. and Prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain 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 charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Page 15
SWINGS & SMILES TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Trustees. who are also directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presenting their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity Name Swings & Smiles Charity Registration Number 1120598 Company Registration Number 06182577 Registered Office A Place 2 Play Lower Way Thatcham RG19 3RR THE TRUSTEES The trustees who served the charity during the period were as follows: Derek Hardman Chair Tor Sanders Mike Megan Treasurer Vic Mistry Luisa Godfrey Resigned 1111012024 Jeff Ives Quona Constable Amanda Walburn-Green Resigned 1810412024 Company Secretary Jacqui Ives (appointed 1310512024) Sandra Ferguson (resigned 0110612024) Accountants E J Business Consultants Limited Chartered Accountants 2 Toomers Wharf Newbury Berkshire RG14 1DY Page 16
SWINGS & SMILES TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (¢ontlnued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Swings & Smiles is a registered charity (N, 1120598) and Company Limited by Guarantee (N. 06182577), whose governing document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association incorporated 26 March 2007 as amended by special resolution dated 5 July 2007. The objects of the Charity are to support the needs of children and young people with special needs, their families and carers, by the provision of specialist facilities for play where the facilities and staffing meet the needs of a wide range of disabilities. In particular, the Charity aims to: 1. Provide fun and freedom in a stimulating, challenging and safe environment, to develop self-confidence, independence and sensory and motor skills; 2. Provide parents, carers and siblings with support, guidance and information., 3. Promote the many benefits of developing and learning through play and the need for its availability to all regardless of their disabilities. This Annual Report details our 17th year of operation which has seen our facility, "A Place 2 Play" continue to expand its range of services and attract more families from its base at Thatcham. Berkshire. All Trustees are encouraged to read Charity Commission guidance on their role and responsibilities and receive regular updates from the Commission. Two Trustees each year are invited, by rota, to confirm that they wish to continue to serve as Trustees, and these are confirmed by a Trustees vote at the AGM. Trustees continue to seek new Trustees to strengthen the Board's experience and diversity. All significant expenditure decisions continue to be authorised by the Board of Trustees, whilst income and outgoings are overseen by the Treasurer, who provides regular financial reports to the Trustees. Our Patrons continue to provide active support and encouragement to the Charity. FINANCIAL REVIEW During 2023124 the Trustees and CEO continued their policy of focusing our management team upon fund raising activities whilst investing significantly in the wider team to support our expanding services. This increased investment led to a deficit of £48,721 in the year, leading to a reduction in Unrestricted Funds to £204,068. The Trustees have been able to maintain the Restricted Funds at £475,000 within the main charity to finance future buildings development andlor purchase (see plans for the future below). All cash assets are held in a diverse range of FSCS indemnified accounts. Page 17
SWINGS & SMILES TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ( continu8d) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS Trustees continue to reevaluate expansion, and the Charity's longer term business plan, through to 2026 in the light of the experience gained from "A Place to Play" this year. Although all options continue to be explored, the Board are in continuous discussions with West Berkshire Council to purchase the freehold site of "A Pla to Play" and have prudently maintained the "restricted funds" to fully reflect this possibility. ACCOUNTANTS A resolution to re-appoint E J Business Consultants Limited as accountants for the ensuing year was proposed and accepted at the Annual General Meeting on 13th November. 2024. Registered office: 2 Toomers Wharf Canal Walk Newbury Berkshire RG14 1DY Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 13th November 2024. by: ardman air f Trustees Swings & Smiles Mr Mike Megan Treasurer Trustee Swings & Smiles Page 18
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of SWINGS & SMILES I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31. March 2024, which are set out on pages 21 to 31. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) 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 Act., Follow the procedures laid down under the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b} of the 2011 Act., and State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's 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 a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It 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 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 examiner'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 Companies 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 Page 19
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of SWINGS & SMILES 2. To which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. usiness Consultants Limited 2 Toomers Wharf Canal Walk Newbury RG14 1DY Dated Page 20
SWINGS & SMILES STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Note INCOME Income from generating funds: Investment income Income from charitable activities 9.107 9,107 6,229 473,625 473,625 431.156 381 TOTAL INCOME 482,732 482.732 437.385 EXPENDITURE Costs of generating funds.. Costs of generating voluntary income Governance costs Charity running costs Depreciation (30.077) (10,328) {466.810) (24,238) (30,077) (10.328) (466,810) (24.238) (24,668) {6.737) (403,198) (21.723) TOTAL EXPENDITURE (531.453) (531,453> (456,326) NET INCOMEI{DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR (48.721) (48,721) (18,941) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought fopward Inter transfer of funds 252,789 475,000 727.789 746,730 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 204,068 475,000 679,068 727,789 The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared. All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities. Page 21
SWINGS & SMILES BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Note FIXED ASSETS 120,327 120,410 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 31,272 9.130 Cash at bank 535,890 641,442 567,162 703.260 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 8,421 43,193 NET CURRENT ASSETS 558,741 607,379 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 679,068 727,789 FUNDS Restricted income funds 10 475,000 475,000 Unrestricted income funds 11 204,068 252,789 679.068 727,789 For the financial year ended 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not qUired the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The trustees 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 prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. Page 22
SWINGS & SMILES BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2024 These financial statements were approved and signed by the members of the committee on 13th November. 2024. Mike Megan Treasurer Page 23
SWINGS & SMILES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practi applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015) (Charities SORP (FRS102)). the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Companies Act 2006. Fund accounting policy Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees, discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are those donated for the use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. Income Donations are recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis. Income from charitable activities includes income recognised as earned (as the related goods or services are provided} under contract. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. 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 directly allocated to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance costs Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters. Page 24
SWINGS & SMILES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Fixed assets All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Depreciation Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows: Asset class Depreciation method and rate Property improvements Play Centre equipment Outreach equipment Office equipment Motor vehicles 100/0 Straight line 20 % reducing balance 200/0 reducing balan straight line over 3 years 25 % reducing balance INVESTMENT INCOME Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Building society interest receivable 9,107 6.229 9,107 6.229 Page 25
SWINGS & SMILES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds 2024 2023 Centre Income 114,406 114,406 84,901 Donations 17,989 17,989 28,506 Grants Note 13 263,950 263,950 258,923 Legacy 241 241 400 Fundraising. see below: 77,039 77,039 58,426 473.625 473,625 431,156 Fundraising is broken down as below: 2024 2023 Fundraising - Events Fundraising - Community Fundraising - Regular Giving Fundraising - Other Fundraising - Challenge Events Fundraising - Digital Fundraising - Facebook Online 43,013 13,961 7,324 6,514 3.478 2,580 169 32,484 15,211 1,603 3,421 4,765 942 Total Fundraising 77,039 58,426 Page 26
SWINGS & SMILES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 COSTS OF GENERATING VOLUNTARY INCOME Unrestricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds 2024 2023 Fundraising Costs GOVERNANCE COSTS Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023 Legal & Admin 7,564 7,564 5.567 Marketing 2,764 2,764 1,170 10,328 10,328 6,737 CHARITY RUNNING COST No salaries have been paid to employees over £60,000. No salaries have been paid to Trustees during the year. An analysis of the staff costs are.. 2024 2023 Staff Costs . Salaries 322,606 13,169 6,829 342,604 252,207 10,950 5.522 268.679 Pension Total Staff Costs Premises Costs Miscellaneous Costs Charity Running Costs 101,909 22,297 466,810 89.385 45,134 403,198 Page 27
SWINGS & SMILES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 7. FIXED ASSETS Property Improve ments Play Centre Equipment Outreach Office equipment equipment Motor vehicles Total Cost or valuation At 1 April 2023 Addilions 78,313 194 153,913 6,731 5,422 9,758 2,240 9,125 14,990 256,531 24,155 At 31 March 2024 78,507 160,644 5,422 11,998 24,115 280,686 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 (11,700) (104,112) (11,306) (4,010) (8,392) {7,907) (136,121) (4,052) (24,238) Charge for the year (7,851) (282) (747 At 31 March 2024 {19,551) (115,418} (4,292) (9,139) {11,959) (160,359) Net Book Value At 31 March 2024 58,956 45,226 1,130 2,859 12,156 120,327 At 31 March 2023 66,613 49,801 1,412 1,366 1,218 120,410 DEBTORS 2024 2023 Debtors 31.272 9,130 Page 28
SWINGS & SMILES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors 2,480 1,524 Income in advance 39,000 Other taxes and social security 5,941 2.669 8,421 43.190 10. RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS Balance at 1 April 2023 Income Expenditure Balance at 31 March 2024 Building Fund 475,000 475,000 11. UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS Balance at 1 April 2023 Income Expenditure Balance at 31 March 2024 General Fund 252,789 482,732 (531.453) 204,068 12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS The total reserves as at 31 st March 2024 are £679,068. Page 29
SWINGS & SMILES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 13. ANALYSIS OF GRANT INCOME 2024 2023 National Lottery - Community Fund 86.250 Raised on The Good Exchange 23124 from trusts including.. 23,195 Greenham Trust Miss Lawrence Trust Hungerford Town Council The Gerald Palmer Eling Trust Bally Thomas Charitable Trust Postcode Society Garfield Weston Foundation Berkshire Community Foundation PADWA Charitable Foundation Edward Gostling Foundation The Kristina Martin Grant The Childwick Trust St James Place Foundation Barbara Ward Foundation - 3 year respite The Clothworkers Foundation Colefax Charitable Trust PF Charitable Trust Masonic Charitable Foundation The Sackler Trust Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust Englefield Charity Shanly Foundation Jules Thorn Foundation The Hedley Foundation The Syder Foundation Boshier Hinton Foundation Bernard Sunley Foundation Berkshire Masonic Charity Woodroffe Benton Foundation Parry Family Charitable Trust Cobrizo Lounges UK Ltd The AMMCO Charitable Trust Illiffe Family Trust The David Shepherd Cricket Trust Walter Guinness Charitable Trust Percy Bilton Charity The Neighbourly Foundation ESC Lottery Fund Stevenson Family Charitable Trust 94.795 27.110 22,000 20,000 10,000 22.378 25,000 10,000 15,000 10.000 15.000 10,000 10,000 10.000 10,000 6,000 5.600 2,500 6,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 3,000 3,000 4,000 3,000 2,200 2,000 2,000 2,000 5,000 2,900 1.200 1,750 1,130 1,000 1,000 1,000 1.000 1.000 750 700 1,000 3,605 935 500 Page 30
SWINGS & SMILES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 13. ANALYSIS OF GRANT INCOME (continued) 2024 2023 Marsh Christian Trust Wates Family Enterprise Trust Groundwork UK 500 500 375 Total 263,950 258,923 Page 31