Charlty reclstratlon number 1136997 Company rellstratlon number 07257957 {En8land and Wales) STICK'N, STEP ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
STICK'N, STEP LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees C Hewitt P Richards R Shorthou5e A James F Davles A Harris E Palmer J Kennedv Charlty numbef 1136997 Comyny number 07257957 Prfnclpal address 3 Croxteth Avenue Wallasey Merseyslde CH44 SUL Reglstered offke 3 Cfoxteth Avenue Wallasey Merseyslde CH44 SUL Independent examlner Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Llmited Glebe Buslness Park Lunts Heath Road Widnes Cheshire WA8 5SQ
STICK'N, STEP CONTENTS P•8e Tru5tees' report Independent examiner's report io Statemeni of financial actlvStles 11.12 Summary Income and expendliure account 13 Balance sheet 14 Statement of cash flows 15 Notes to the financial statements 16-26
STICK'N, STEP TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 The trustees present thelr annual report and financlal statements for the year ended 31 August 2024. The accounts have been Prepared In accordance wlth the accountin8 pollcles set out In note I to the accounts and complv with the charity's governlng document, the Companies Act 2LN)6 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts In accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021" las amended for accountin8 periods commencin8 from l January 2016) Objectlves and JctlvStl¢s Cr Purpose We enable. Inspire and support chlldren with cerebral palsy and thelr famllles. Whowe are Stick 'n' Step provide free conductive education sessions to children with cerebral palsy. Our support improves mobility, independence and boosts self-confidence, enabling every child to reach their personal potential. Conductive education is about active learnin8. Stick 'n' Step sessions incorporate play and music into structured routines to develop functional skills. Children and young people are motivated by working alongside their peers in a posttive environment and are empowered io achieve realistic goals that are specific and relevant io them. Strotegies for achieving aims and objertives At Stick 'n' Step we support the whole family. Re8ular atlendance at our centre means ihat parents and extended family have the opportunity to meet others In a slmilar sltuatlon and thev benefit from re8ulaf respite tlme whilsl thelr chlldren develop In the classroom,
STICK'N, STEP TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Elsa's Story Elsa was almost 3 years old when She was diagnosed with spastic diplegia which is a type of Cerebral Palsy (CPI causin£ muscle stiffness mainly in the legs. wilh the arms less affected or not affected at all. People with spastic diplegia might h3¥e difficulty walkinÉ because tight hip and leg muscles cause their legs io pull tO8eiher. turn inward, and cross at the knees. Elsa's Mum learned about Stick 'n' Step at a local support group and a few months after Elsa's 3, birthday, we welcomed her to join in with our weekly Conductive Education sesslons. Each week. Elsa's Dad, Neil, takes the afternoon off work to make sure she gets to her session. Elsa's parents say, 'St's a Iu88le wrth us both working but it's worth itl". Wlth the commitment of her family, Elsa's sheer determination and the love, care and expertise shared with Elsa from our Conductive Educatlon team, Elsa took her flrst steps at Stick 'n' Stepl Elsa's Mum, Jenna, says-"I'll NEVER lorgel those Ilrst wobbly stepsl It's hard to pul it Into words how il rnade rne feel - such a mixture of emoilons, I have tears just thinkin8 about Itl Pride, excltemenL happiness, rellel, all folled In lo one". Ll.1 Fr Elsa's Stick 'n' Step sesslons are beneficial for her soclalfy as she gets to spend time with her friends and is surrounded by children who have the same challenges as her. At school. she often feels Ilke she stands out as dlfferent. which can sometime bother hef. At Silck 'n' Step, she doesn't have to Vrry about thisl It so Important for her to be around other chlldren wlth CP she lust doesn't get to experience thls regularly anywhere else. Slnce attendlng Stick 'n' Step. Elsa has developed so much physically. Being able to walk up steps, run, jump, gettlng up and down curbs independently, riding an adapted trike, riding a bike with stabilisers, learning to swim wlthout armbands, dressin8 herself, using the toilet independently. just to name a few. Stick 'n' Step have not only supported Elsa, but have a150 provided a support network for parents, Jenna and Neil. 'It's been lovely io have a community of support, from both ihe staff and rhe families. I've often asked quesiions of the staff who are experts in the field, and some have even come in io speak to school with recommendations and EHCP support etc. I'm so grateful for that and I don't know where we'd have been wlthout itl"
STICK'N, STEP TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Achlevements and performance Significont octivities and ochievement5 against objective5 This year has been another challenging but succe55ful year for Stick 'n' Step. We have supported more familie5 than ever before. Throughout the year, a total of 125 families were 5UPPOrted by our committed team of stafl and volunteers. The breakdown In terms of the a8e of children attendin8 over the year was: Pre-school1041- 24 Primary15-111- 56 Secondary112-161- 19 Youn8 adults117-251- 10 Our se55ions Improve the Children's fine and gross motor ski115 and teach them basic life 5k1115 that most people would take for 8ranted, e.8, walkin8 (with or without a walkln8 aldl talkin8. self-feedin8, dres5ing/undres5ing, usin8 the toilet independently etc. Our se55ions, which are delivered in small 8roups, or on a l-l basis, include activity-based tasks, rhythmic routines, exercises. son85 and educational play, all desi8ned to improve each individual chlld's mobility. confidence and independence, and enable them to reach their full potential, CE Is based on the premise that people with motor disorders can learn to better control iheSr movements, and research Into neural plastlcity has shown that the humon braln is capable of learnin8 and adaptlng even after substantial injury. CE therefore combines elements of both education and rehabilitalion and employs wide array ol strategies based on current evidence and best prartice. Each child has their own Individual Development Plan IIDPI with new goals and objectlves set each year lin consultation wr(h the family and depending on the a8e/ability of the child, the child themselves) designed to enable the child to learn new. or develop exlstin8, skills that will help In everyday Ilfe. We have a chlld focused approach to everythSng we do to ensure the children feel supported, valued and Included at all ilmes. We look at whai the chlldren CAN do, noi what they can't, and work closely wSth them io 8Sve them more confidence and encourage them to make independent declsions. Our work also helps Increase a child's ablllty lo express their feelin85 and ihou8hts which can have a posltive impact on theSr emotional health and wellbeing. The classroom team of condurtors and classroom asSiStantS, SUPPOrted by volunteer5. work closely wlth the children improving their self-belief and self-esteem which has a positive and far-reaching impact on their Ilves. as well as the lives of their famllles. Our pro8ramme Is deslgned to reduce a child's dependency on others and 8lve them the best chance of leadlng a full, dlgnlfled and Independent Ilfe, Demand for our servlces remalns high. at the end of Au8usI 2024 we had 8 families awaitin8 a place ai 5tlck 'n' Step wlth further 12 awaiting an Initial Consultatlon. The sUPPOrt servlce we offer is specialist, regular and free to access and there Is a real need for it. We hope to be able to offer places to those on the waiting list next year so the chlldren can start maklng progress towards ihelr goals. In September 2023 we launched our pilot Early Intervention programme for cerebral pa15y and oiher neurolo8ical conditions. Funded for three years. the pilot enabled us to improve the facilities at both centres to accommodate the delivery of the pro8ramme. 11 allowed us to take on babies as youn8 as 6 months old in 8roups In a parent and child setting, although designed speciflcally for children under 3 to attend on a twlce weekly basis. Increased frequency of CE se5slon5 15 e¥pected to have a greater impact on chlldren if started at an early a8e. 25 children attended our summer camp this year. For the first time ever, we only ran the camp for our Runcorn children. The Wallasey centre remained open during the last 2 weeks of July and ran our normal weekly sessions. This was a first and analysis needs to take place to see if the families preferred this to the annual camp, allowing all children to continue their regular sessions untll the end of July and only having 4 weeks off in the summer. The long summer holidays are always dreaded as the routine ol coming to Stlck 'n' Step Is broken and takes a whlle to get re-established. The 25 children attendln8 the Runcorn summer camp Jolned us for a variety of activitles. Several of the teenagers were Invl¢ed to sleep over at the centre, having been out shopping during the day and then movie night and piiza during the evenin8, A fun time was had by all whilst practlsing their cooking skills and honing their independent living Skills. For one or two it Wa5 refreshing change to stay out as the opportunities to do so. don't come around very often given their need of specialist equipment such as hoists to get around their surroundings.
STICK'N, STEP TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 One group of 6 children went to the Chlldren's Adventure Farm, a 17th century famihouse set In 10 acres of land in the heart of Cheshire. They were able to enjoy the outdoor sen50ry trail. feed the duck5. goats. sheep. and alpacas. A 8roup of 12 went to SPACE In Chester an accessible play facilily hired exclusively for our children. A8aln, a good time was had by all. Not only dld these trips boost the confidence of our chlldren and youn8 people. It also provSded much needed resplte lor parenls and siblln8S. In July we held our second famlly fun day at the beautiful Cheshire Vlew which is in the heart of the picturesque Cheshire countryside. The Sun shone, over 200 people attended and all enjoyed amongst other thing5, the bounry castle. face paintin& sensory play and 50ft play. The day wa5 designed around accessibility for èll abilities With a quiet sen50ry area Set up inside lor those needin8 a little time away from the all the activitie$ 80in8 on outside. Staff completed 5pecllic trainin8 courses to malntain knowled8e and best practice across the or8anisatlon, thls included paedlatrlc flrsi aSd, safeguarding iraining, and fire marshal iraining. Four also completed El Smart trainlng. This Is an evldence- bèsed framework to give high risk bèbies the besi start in life. Knowledge galned from thls, asslsts wlth our new early years programme. One ol our cla$5room assistants completed the L6 qualification in Childhood Development. whilst another embarked on year tv of a Multidisciplinary Conductor course. We aim to continue with our internal development of our team to ensufe we have the skills and expertise to support our existing and new families in the years to come. Volunteers remained a key part of ihe or8anlsaiion, continuing to conlribuie io the smooth running of our sesslons. key fundraisin8 events as well as behind the scenes at each of our centres. The ioial amouni of volunteering rime over ihe year was 837 hours. The le8al panel is in its second year when we extended the Invitation to a lourih flrm to loln. It has proved very successfu I by all parties with sur8erie5 Set up in the centres to facilitate conversation5 If de51red. It is there to offer o5SlStance in all aspect5 of legal support Including Personal Injury, Clinical Negli8ence. Court of Protection, Wills, Trusts and Probote and Employment and Fomily Law. All four firms went through our due diligence proce55 and are happily providing guldance If requlred. For the second year runnin8 held our Strirtly Ball at Thornlon Hall, Wirral. It's become our fla8ship event with 9 people takin8 on the challenge to learn to dance all in the space of 10 weeks. Performing dances Such as the samba, j5ve. waltz and paso doble they all strutted their stuff and competed against each oiher In order to lift the coveled glitter ball. Alon8slde the Strlctly ball our annual 8olf day entered It$ 181h year. It moved to Pryors Hayes 8olf club In Cheshire 16 years a80 and we haven't looked back Since. 160 player5 took to the 8reen5 and played 18 hole5 of golf. Thi5 wa5 followed by an auction, prize 8lvin8 ceremony and a game of binBO, raising vital fund5 for the charity- Most players return year after year to Support U5. 05 the atrn05phere 15 warm and welcomin8 from ourselves and the club. We are pleased that our annual family survey once again demonstrated that familie5 remain happy with our service. and we continue to make a si8nificant impact in the lives of the children and youn8 people we support. Here are some of the results and quotes from the survev.
STICK'N, STEP TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 99% of famllles sald Stl¢k 'n' Step has a poslilve Impèrt on thelr chSld's self<onfidente "He 15 more comfvrtoble in his own self & disobled identity ond oble to not be os phosed now by oblei5t people ond so con carry himself better through the world to moke more connettion5 ond hove opportunities" "My son ha5 come on leops and bounds at Sns. From the familior songs. to "work out" exercise5, he love5 It at the le550ns ond repeotinq them ot home. The stoff ore all so lovely and brinq out the best in every child." "He hos golned so much confidence golng to new ploces, seelng new people ond not getting ovenvhelmed wlth dlfferent sounds, lights or touch-. 95% of famllies felt that Stick 'n' Step's support had a posltlve Smpact on their chlld's mental health "The sUPPOrt and community has helped the wholefamlfyleel-seen". sUPPOrted ond accepted." "M hos been struggllng mentolly lor o couple of years Gnd I do genuinely belleve that Sns hove been the one thlng M has olwoys been oble lo depend on. Ilke a light in tlje dorkness." "The sessions hove given E confidence in who she is. Ifeel the stoff olwoys encourage the children ond 0150 help to exploin and tockle rricky subjects such os puberty ond just beinq different. E comes out of her session hoppy ond confident ond full ol loughter which is so important to E ond us." "I think In the group closs he hos been oble ro heor dlfferent sounds. music ond get used to other people. It s helped him leorn to ger used to rhe noises of the world ond he no longer gets upset when we go Ollt. He used to hove o meftdown everywhere we went os ir wos too muchfvr hlm. He s o lot hoppler doy ro doy". 99% 01 famllles were asked If they felt th* 5tlck 'n' Step helped to cre•te •n envlronment where people feel they ¢4n thrive. "Team ore omoiing with oll the chlldren." "This Is definitely the environment where T thrives the most.- "l in etemolfy qrotefulfor the help Sn5 qives my son." "Theie is no where os positive os Sns. The most positive place on earth". "The stoff ore unbelievobly supportive. ond you can tell that they care. They moke the children feel comfortuble and happy.. 98% of famllles belleve Stlck 'n' Step has a posltlve elfect on the lamlty's mental health. "We don'tfrel 50 alone, feel more able to cope with the chollenge5 we willfuce in thefuture." "We would huve been105t o lonq time 090 without your 511PPOrt". "I would never howe survived through thls journey with my son. wlthout the help ond supportfrom oll ot Sns". "I'd be lost withour Sns ond the people I've met there.. "You provide 5UPPOrt. The 5toff hove time ond empathy, ond we hove 50 monyfriends".
STICK'N, STEP TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Flnanclal revlew The year to 31 August 2024 has been another challenging year flnanclally for Stlck 'n' Step. We have kept a very close eye on expenditure. and have achieved savings in employee cost5, having not replaced staff who left during the year. Thi5 ha5 not affected our ability to provide 5e55i0n5. Coming oul of COVlD.19 and being thrust into a Cost-of-Living crisis has continued to have si8nificant impact on our ability to raise funds and build new relationships, particularly within the corporate world. We have malntained income from Trusts & Grants during ihe year which is a real posliive, as we know demand for grants has Increased exorbSrantly and waitlng times for outcomes Is now runnlng at about 6 monlhs. Forward planning and tlmely appllcations are more vlral than ever, The charity received income of £813.8(KJ for the year12023 - E596,9981. A large part of this incfease is the result of receiving much needed endowment funds from the Edward Gosling Trusi totallin8 £180.C(JO. Expenditure durin8 rhe year was £652,747 12023 - £743,732). of this £510,493 12023 £569.4481 was spent on the dlrect activltles for provSdSn8 conducilve educatSon services to children and young people. This ha5 resulted in a surplus of £161,053 for the year to August 312024, and results in our unrestricted reserve5 increased to £69.839 12023 - £60,281). This has proved to be a challenging year for the charity to continue to provide vital specialist support io famllles across the North West of England. Strong financlal governance from trustees and management. comblned with contlnued growth in community and corporaie fundraising income will be critlcal for Slick 'n' Slep to improve this position in whai we expecl to be a continued competitive fundraislng environment in 2024-25. Paul Richards. Treasur•r Reserves Polkv Trusiees recognise rhat there are fisks assoclated wilh each Mream of Income and expenditure being different from that budgeted, whlch has the potentlal for significant impact on reserve levels. Havln8 a reserves policy equivalent to a range of months of operating costs enables trustees io moniior and mana8e ihls rlsk and èllows tlme to develop new sources ol Income or cul-back on related expendlturell needed. The trustee5 have resolved to keep reserve lund5 In the range of three to slx monih5 of operatSng costs based on the current year's expenditure. Based on this year's expenditure, three months of operating costs equates to £ 163,187 and the board continues to manage expenditure to meet this target. Monthly management accounts are produced and examined by the chalr and the treasurer, further scrutlny of the financial position Is monitored at board meetlngs. The board believes that reserves should be kept at this level to ensure the charity can run efficiently and meet the needs of its on-goln8 service. whilst ensurin8 that funding is driven to the front line ol our work as quickly and readily as P055ible. Investment polScy Stick 'n' Step does not currently hold any free reserves In investments, however funds whlch are surplus to that required for day-to-day expenditure are held in a different savin8s account.
STICK'N, STEP TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Rlsk Mana8ement The charity upholds a risk policy. as a formal acknowledgement that the trustee board is committed to maintaining a strong risk management framework. The aim of this poliLI is io ensure that the charity makes every effort to manage risk appropriately. The pollcy ouillnes the rlsk managemenl strategy. whlch comprises., A conslstent framework and protocol for determlnlng appetlte for and tolerance of rlsk An annual review of the risks the charity may face within the charity's risk register The establishment of systems and procedure5 to mitigate the risks identified The implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risk5 materiali5e Mana8ement of risk is an inte8ral part of our planning and project mana8ement proce55es, wlth rlsks identified and assessed a5 we develop our plans each year. The majof rlsks thai have been Identlfled and are mitl8ated are as follows.. Poor qtsollty servlce couses horm to o servlce user or member of stoff. Mitiiailon., Annual assessment of staff training needs with specific focus on safe8uarding and first aid. The charity has three members of staff trained as Designated Safeguarding Officers. Activity specific risk assessments are completed and reviewed annually. Staff are trained in safeguarding. paedSairic flrst aid and manual handling to ensure we have the capablllty and capacity to operate effeclively and safely. Insufflcientfunds roised Couslno interruprlon ro operotlonol servlce ond progress oystroteqic oims. Mltliallon.. Monthly monitorlng between CEO and the treasurer. includlng Cash flow forecastlng to ensure there is an up-t date forecast of the charity's financial posltion to the end of the financial year. We review our reserves policy and l0Tr8-term financial plans annually to ensure that they remain relevant and keep reflecting the charity's current status. 8rexit deterrinq international conductor5 (our 5peciali5t teachelfrOM workinq in the UK Mltliailon: OUT Chlef Executlve Is a commlttee member of the Conductlve Educatlon ICE) Consortium UK whlch brlng toeeiher CE centres across the UK, this has strengthened our nelwork. Tralnln8 is In place to enable our conductors to Irain and mentor students sludying thebr CE degree In the UK. We also have career paths mapped out lor internal staff to train to become conductors, we currently have one classroom a5515tant tralnln8 10 become a conductor via the National Institute of Conductive Education. Structure, 8ovemance and mana8ement The charity is a company limited by guarantee. Publlc beneflt In shaplng Our oblectlve5 for the year and plannin8 our activlties. the trustees have consldered the Charity Commisslon's guldance on public benefit. includln8 the 8uidance 'Public benefit= runnin8 a charity IPB21'. As rts main activity, the charity must have charitable purposes or 'aims' that are for the public benefit. The Charities Art 2011 provide5 Specific descriptions of charitable purposes that are for public benefit and the cAtegory that our work fa115 into 15 the 'relief of those in need because of youth. age, ill.health. disability, financial hardship or other di5advanta8e'. The oblerts as stated in our Articles of Assoclation118" May 2010} are: To advance the education and relieve suffering of primarily children with moior disorders and provide information. advice and 8uldance to their famllles and carers In particular by means of conductive education. Stick 'n' Step have families travelling fiom across the North West of England and North Wales to access our sUPPOrt.
STICK'N, STEP TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 C Hewitt P Rlchards R Shorthouse A James F Davies D Upton A Harris E Palmer J Kennedv (Resigned 3 March 2024) Trustee recruitment and appolntment An annual Teview of the trustees, attendance and prolessional knowledge is carried out ro ensure ihat a broad fange of skills and experience is avallable io guide and govern the charity. This process identlfies any skills gaps, which enables the chariry to address ihÈse via recruitment of new Irustees. Trustee posltions are adverlised ihrou8h the charity's website, lis network of supporters and via external channels IDuit ur Redch Volunteerlngl. All candldates are asked to submit their CV and stalemenl of support lo show why they want to take the posllion. All candidates meet with the Chief Executlve and the trustee selection panel, before a proposal 15 agreed by the board of trustees. All new tru5tee5 have a strurtured induction to the organisation. There is an induction pack which includes,. a copy of the Charity Commission's information booklet 'The Essential Trusree,. 3 copy of Stick 'n' Step's Articles of Association. the business plan and minutes of recent board meetings. New trustees have an induction meeting to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the commlttee and declslon maklng processes. the business plan and recent financlal performance of ihe charlty. New trustees also have ihe opportunlty to observe a board meetlng before takin8 up ihe role. All irustees are encouraged to attend approprlate external events where these will facllliate the undertaklng of thelr role and also to attend Stick 'n' Step events to meet wlth servlce users. None of ihe trustees ha5 any beneficial Inte5t in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and 8uarantee lo contribute £1 in the event of a windins up. Key Mana8efflent Personnel The tru51ees consider the key management personal to be ihe Chief Executlve, Head of Conductlve Education and Head of Fundraislng. The trustees have delegated sl8nificant authorlty and responsibility to the Chief Executive in the day-to-day runnin8 of the charitvj who has authority and responsibility for plannin& directing and controlling the artivitles of the charity on a day-to4ay basis. All trustees give of their time freely and no trustee received remuneration In the year. The pay of the staff is reviewed annually. In vlew of the nature of the charity, the trustees benchmark against pay levels in other charlties of a simllar size,
STICK'N, STEP TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 ' report was approved by the Board of Trustees. R sh21136ub-28 14:06 Trust•e Date:.............................................
STICK'N, STEP INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF STICK 'N' STEP I report to the trustees on my examlnation of the financial statements of Stlck 'N' Step (the tharityl for the year ended 31 August 2024. ResponslbSlltles and basls of pOrt As ihe trustees of the charity (and also Its directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparailon ol the flnancial statements in accordance with the iequirements of the Companie5 Act 26 (the 2006 Act). Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2C#)6 Aci and are eliglble for independent e¥aminatlon. I report in resped of my examlnation of ihe charity's flnancial statements carrled out under section 145 of the Charitles Aci 2011 Ithe 2011 Acll. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions 8lven by the Charity Commission under sectlon 145151{bl of the 2011 Act. Independent examlner'5 Statefflent Since the charity's gfQSS income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I conflrm that l am quallfied to undertake the examination because l am a member of ACCA. which Is one of ihe Ilsied bodles. I have completed my examinatlon. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention In connection wlth the examlnatlon &Ing me cause to believe that in any material respert: Accounting record5 were not kept in respect of the charity a5 required by 5eclion 386 of the 2006 Act.. or The flnancial statemenis do not accord wilh those records- or the financial staiements do not comply with the accountlng requlrements of sectlon 396 01 the 2(6 Act other than anv requlrement that the accounts give a true and falr view which is not a matter considered as pari of an Sndependent examination,. or the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charitie5 applicable to charitie5 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021, I have no concerns and have come across no other matters In connection wlth the examination to which attentlon should be drawn In thls pOrt In order to enable a proper understandln8 ol the financlèl statements to be reached. John Davles Mitchell Charlesworth IAudStl Llmited Glebe Business Park Lunts Heath Road Widnes Cheshlfe WA8 SSQ 5 March 2025 10-
STICK'N, STEP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Unrestricted Restrirted Endowment funds funds funds Totsl Unrestricted funds Restrirted fvnds Totsl 2024 2024 2024 2024 ZOZ3 Z023 2OZ3 Inme from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments 215.077 13.291 74,047 2.270 6.603 322,512 I80,) 401.680 335,803 74.047 2.270 214,649 26,504 51,498 400 214.649 330,451 51,498 400 303.947 Total income and endowrnents 304.685 329.115 180.( 813.8Q) 293.051 303.947 S96.998 Expenditure on: Raisin8 funds Charitable activities Providing Conductive educatlon 134,976 7,278 142.254 167.439 6,845 174,284 160,151 350.342 510.493 214.866 354.582 569,448 Totsl expendlture 295,127 357,620 652.747 382.305 361,427 743,732 Net Incomellexpendlture) 9,558 (28,5051 180,( 161,053 189,254) (57,4801 1146,7341 Transfers between fvnd5 I30.)) Net movement In funds io 9.$58 1.495 i.{KKI 161.053 189,254} 157,4801 1146,7341 Reconclllatlon of funds: Fund balances at I September 2023 60,281 65,786 126,067 149.535 123,266 272,801 Fund balances at 31 Auwst 2024 11
STICK'N, STEP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 The statement of financial actlvlties Includes all galns and losses recognised In the year. All Snc¢Yne and expenditure derive fr(Mn contlnuln8 activitles. 12-
STICK'N, STEP SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 All Income funds 2024 2023 Gross Income Transfer from endowment funds 633,800 30.C 596,998 Total Income In the reportlng period 663.800 596,998 Total expenditure from income funds 652.747 743,732 Net Incomel(expendliure) lor the year 11,053 1146,734) 13-
STICK'N, STEP BALANCE SHEET ASAT31 AUGUST2024 2024 2023 Notes Flxed assets Tanglble assets 14 23,911 41,151 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 15 1,782 279.567 3,207 116.882 281,349 118.1401 120,089 (35,1731 Credltor5: amounts falling due withln one yelr 16 Net current assets 263,209 84,916 Total ass•ts less current Ilabllltl•s 287,120 126,067 The funds of the tharlty Endowment funds Re5tricied Income funds Unrestricted funds 17 150.OCKI 67,281 69,839 65,786 60,281 19 287,120 126.067 The company Is entitled to the exemptlon from the audlt requlrement contained In sertlon 477 of the Companles Act 2006, for the year ended 31 August 2024. The dirertors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requlrements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounilng records and the preparatlon of flnancial statements. The members have not required the company to obtain an audlt of ils financlal statements lor the year In question In accordance with section 476, These financial statement5 have been prepared in accordance wlth the provislons appllcable to companies subjert to the Small companles regime. The financial statements were approved by the tTUStees on ..... P RiQOQfj-Mar_05 09:16 R Sh(2(5eb-28 14:06 Tru5t•e Trustee Company reglstratlon number 07257957 IEn8land and Wales) 14-
STICK'N, STEP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 2024 2023 Notes Cash Ilows from operatln8 actlvltles Cash generated from/labsorbed by) operations 160,415 199.0611 Investlng actlvltles Purchase of tangible fixed assets Investment income received 15,8221 400 2,270 Net cash 8enerated Iromllused Inl Investlni artlvltles 2,270 15,4221 Net cash used In financini artivitles Met Incre•selldecrt•sel In cash and cash equlvalents 162,685 1104.4831 Cash and cash equlvalents at beglnnln8 of year 116,882 221,365 Cash and cash equfvalents at end ol year 279,567 116,882 15-
STICK'N, STEP NOTESTO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Accountln8 pollcles Charlty Inlormatk•n Stick 'N' Step is a private company IlmSted by guarantee incorporated In En8land and Wales, The re8iStered office Is 3 Croxteth Avenue. Wallasey. MerseysSde, CH44 SUL. 1.1 Accountlng ComntIon The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wlth the charlty's18overning documentl. the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Flnancial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. I"FRS 102,1 and the Charltie5 SORP "Accountlng and Reporting by Charities-. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitles preparing thebr accounts in accordance wlth the Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republlc ol Ireland IFRS 1021" lelfective I january 20191, The charily Is a Publlc Benefit Entity a5 defined by FRS 102, The financial statements are prepared in 51erlln8. which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts In these flnancial statements are rounded to the nearest £, The flnancial statements have been prepared under the hlstorlcal cost conventlon. The principal accountin8 policles adopted are set out below. 1.2 Golng concern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt rhe going concern ba515 Qf accountin8 in preparing the financial 5tatement5. l.J Charltable funds Unrestrlcled funds are avallable ft>r use at the dlscretlon of the Irustees in furtherance of thelr charltable obleclives. Restrirted fund5 are subject to specific condltions by donor5 or 8rantor5 as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. Endowment funds are subject io specific conditlons by donors that the capital must be mainiained by the charity. 1.4 Income Income 15 recognised when the charity 15 le8èlly entitled to it after any pertormènce conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognlsed on recelpt. Other donations are recognlsed once the charity has been notlfled of the donation, unless pertormance condiilons requlre deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relailon to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds ol covenant is recognlsed at the time of the donatlon. Legacie5 are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impendin8 distribution. the amount is known, and receipt 15 expected. If the amount is not known. the le8aCY IS treated a5 3 contin8ent a55et. 16-
STICK'N, STEP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Accountin8 policie5 {Continued) 1.5 Expenditure Expenditure 15 recognised once there 15 a legal or constructive obli8ation to transfer economic benefit to a third party. it is probable that a transfer of economic benefils will be required in settlement, and the amount ol the obli8ation can be measured reliablv. Expenditure is classified by actSvliy, The cosis of each actSvlty are made up of the toial of direa costs and shared costs. including supporl Costs involved in undertaking each èrtivity. Direct costs attributable to a sin8le actSvlty are allocated dlrectly to that activity. Shared costs whlch contrlbute to mre than one aciivity and support costs which are not attributable to a single actlvity are apportioned between those actlvities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basls of time spent. and depreciatlon charges are allocated on the portion of the asset's use. 1.6 Tan8lble flmed assets Tan8ible lixed assets are initlalfy measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuatlon, net of depreclallon and any impairment losses. Depreciation Is recognised so as to wrlte off the cost or valuatlon of assets less thelr resldual values over thelr uselul Ilves on the followinB bases.. Leasehold Improvements Fixtures, fittin8s & equipment 12.5%120% Stralght line 20% Reducin8 balance The gain or10s5 arising on the disposal of an a55et 15 determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carryin8 value of the asset. and is feco8nised in the statemenl of financial activities. 1.7 Impalrnlent of f5xed assets Al each reporting end date, the charily reviews the carryln8 amounls of Its tanglble assets to determlne whether there Is any indlcalion ihat those assets have suffered an Impairment loss, If any such Indicailon exlsts, the recoverable amount ol the asset is esiimated In order to determlne the extent of the impairment loss lif ènyl, 1.8 Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash In hand. deposlts held at call with banks, Other short-term Ilquld Inveslments with original maturtties of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown wlthin borrowin8s in current liabilities. 1.9 Flnanclal Instruments The charity ha5 elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12 '0ther Financial Instruments Issues. of FRS 102 to all ol its financial instf uments. Financlal Instruments are recognlsed in the charity's balance sheet when the charily becomes party to the contractual provisions of the Instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset. with the net amounts presented in the financial statements. when there is legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the a55et and settle the liability simUltanU$ly. 17-
STICK'N, STEP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Accountin8 policie5 {Continued) Boslcflnonclal assets 8aslc flnancial assets, whl¢h Include debtors and cash and bank balances. are Inlrially measured at transaction prlce including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortlsed cosl uslng the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a Ilnanclng transaction. where the transaction is measured at the presenl value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classifled as receivable wlthin one year are not amorti5ed. Bu5icfinoncial liabilltie5 8asic flnancial li3blllties. Includln8 credltors and bank loans are initlally reco8nised at transadion prlce unless the rron8ement con5titute5 a financlng transaction. where the debt instrument 15 measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilitie5 classified as payable within one year are not amorti5ed. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, U5in8 the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obll8alions to pay lor goods or servlces ihal have been acqulred In Ihe ordinary course of operatlons from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as currenl liabilities il payment is due within one year or less. 11 not. thev are piesented as non-current liablllties. Trade credltors are reco8nised Inltially at transactlon prlce and subsequently measured at amortlsed cost using the effectlve Interest method, Derecoqnltlon olflnonclol Ilobllltles Financial liabilitles are dereco8nised when the charlty'5 contractual obll8ations explre Of are dlschar8ed or cancelled. 1.10 Employee beneflts The cost ol any unused holSday entltlement Is reco8nlsed In the perlod In whlch the employee's servlces are recelved, Termlnation benefits are recognised immedlotely as an expense when the charlty Is demonstrably comrnilted to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. 1.11 Retlrement benellts Payments io defined confriburlon retirement beneflt schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. 18-
STICK'N, STEP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Income from donations and le8ades Unreslrkled Restrlcled Endowment funds funds fvnds 2024 2014 2024 Total Unrestrkted funds 2023 Restrlded Endowment funds fvnds 1023 2023 Totsl 2024 2023 Donations and gifts 215,077 6.603 180.0 401,680 214.649 214,649 19-
STICK'N, STEP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Income from drtble arthritles Unrestrkted lunds 2024 Restrlrted lunds 2024 Totsl Unrestrlcted lunds 2023 Rostrlcted funds 2023 Total 2024 2023 Grants recelved 13,291 322,512 335,803 26,504 303,947 330,451 In¢ome from other tradln8 iftlvltles Unrestrlcted funds 2024 Unrestrlcted funds 2023 Fundralslng events 74,047 51,498 Income from Investmenls Unrestrlcted funds 2024 UnrestrScted funds 2023 Interest receivable 2.270 400 Expendlture on ralslni funds Unrestrkted funds 1024 Restrlrted funds Total Unrestrlcted funds Reslrlrted funds Tolal 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023 Fundralsln8 and publlclty Sta8in8 fundraisin8 events Advertisin8 Staff costs 35,233 35,233 7,278 99.743 38,268 1,971 127,2 124 38,392 8,649 127,243 7,278 6,678 43 99,743 134,976 7.278 142,254 167,439 6.845 174.284 -20-
STICK'N, STEP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Expndtture on charltabh arttIeS Provldlni Conductlve Educatlon 2024 Provldlng Conductlve Educallon 2023 Dlre¢t costs Staff cosls Depreciatlon and Impalrment Children'5 chri5tma5 party ènd Summer camp Equipment and class materials Insurance Licenses and subscripiions Miscellaneous expenses Rent, rates and malntenance Heal, Ilght and utllltle5 319.380 17,240 2.612 ,347 7,187 3.494 157 11,453 12.100 323,227 19,184 8,544 9,693 6,129 2,939 322 7,608 10,902 381,970 388,548 Share of support and gornaMe costs Isee note 9) Support Governance 109,522 19.001 161,331 19,569 510.493 569,448 Analys15 by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 160,151 350.342 214.866 354.582 510,493 569,448 Related party transactlons Remuneratlon of key man•gement peN>nnel The remuneration of key management personnel is as follo*ry. 2024 2023 Aggregate compensation 112,150 158,130 21
STICK'N, STEP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Support costs allocated to actlvltlos 1024 2023 Staff cosls Other office costs Governance costs 82,790 26,733 19,1))O 131,623 29,708 19,569 128,523 180.900 Analysed between: Charitable actlvities 128,523 180.900 10 Net movement In funds 2024 2023 The net movement In funds Is stated after chargln8llcredltlng}'. Fees payable for the independent e¥amination of the charity's financial 5tatement5 Depreciaiion of owned tangible fixed assets 2,370 17,240 2,220 19,183 li Trustees None of the Iru5tees lor any persons connected wlth them) received any remuneration durin8 the year. 12 Employees The average monthly number ol employees durln8 the year was; 2024 Number 2023 Number Total aff 22 26 Employment Costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Soclal securSiy costs Other pen5i0n costs 459,663 32,600 9,650 531,700 39,468 10,925 501.913 582,093 There were no ernployees whose annual remuneratlon was more than £60.0W. -22-
STICK'N, STEP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 13 Tamatlon The charity is exempt from taxation on its activitie5 because all it5 income is applied for charitable purposes. 14 TaTr8lble fixed assets Lea5elK>ld Flytuit5, fftt15 Impf04*m•nts & equlwn•nl Tot•1 Cost At I September 2023 314,109 131,085 445,194 At 31 August 2024 314,109 131.085 445,194 Depreclatlon ind lrnpalrment At I September 2023 Depreciation charged in the year 289,136 12,486 114,907 4,754 404,043 17,240 Ai 31 August 2024 301,622 119.661 421.283 Carrylng •mount At 31 August 2024 12.487 11,424 23,911 At 31 August 2023 24.973 16,178 41,151 Is Debtors 2024 2023 Amounts falllni due wlthln one year: Prepayments and accrued Income 1,782 3,207 16 Credltors: amounts falllni due wlthln one year 2024 2023 Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred Income 7,426 5,295 5,419 10,649 3,330 21,194 18,140 35,173 -23-
STICK'N, STEP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 17 Endowment funds Endowment fund5 represent a55ets which mèy either be held permanentty by the charity or may be expendable. The charity has the followin8 endowment funds.. At I Seplernber 2023 Incomlng reWYe$ Transfers At 31 August 2024 Expendable endowments The Edward Gostling Fund 180,OCXI (30,0001 Iso,ooD The Edward Gostlln8 Foundatlon has provided a 81ft toward5 fundln8 the cost of the provision of ser¢ices over a period of six years after which the remainin8 Capital or Income may be used for any purpose that furthers the charitsble objects of the charity. 18 Rertrlrted funds The income funds of the Charity include restrirted funds comprisin8 the followin8 unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes: At I September 2023 In¢omlni resources Re50urte5 expended Tr•n51ers At 31 August 2024 65,786 329,115 (357.6201 30,000 67,281 Pre¥Oous year: At I September 2022 Incomlni resources Resourees expended Transfers At 31 Au8USt 2023 123,266 303,947 1361,4271 65,786 19 Unrestrlrted funds The unresiricted funds of ihe ¢harlty comprlse the unexpended balances ol donatlons and grants which are not subject to speclfic conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include deslgnated funds which have been Set aside out of unrestrirted funds by the trustees for specific purpose5. At I September 2023 Incomln8 resources Resources expended At 31 Au8USt 2024 General funds 60,281 304,685 (295,1271 69,839 -24-
STICK'N, STEP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 19 Unrestricted funds {Continued) Prevlous year: At I September 2022 Incomlng resour¢es Resourtes expended At 31 August 2023 General fund5 149,535 293,051 (382,3051 60,281 20 Analysls of net assets between funds Unrestrkted funds ZOZ4 Restrlcted tund5 2024 Endowment lunds 2024 Total 2024 At 31 Auiust 2014.. Tangible assets Current assets/lllèbSlltlesl 8,919 60,920 14.992 52,289 23,911 263.209 150,000 69,839 67,281 150,000 287,120 Unrestrkted fvnds Restrlrted lunds 2023 Endowment lunds 1023 Total 1023 2023 At 31 Au8USt 2023: Tangible a55ets Current assetsllllabllltlesl 12,367 47,914 28,784 37,002 41,151 84,916 60,281 65.786 126.067 21 OperatSni lease comrnltments Lessee At the reporting end date the charlty had outstanding commitment5 for future minirnurn lease payment5 under non- cancellable operating leases, whlch fall due as follow5: 2024 2023 Within one year Between two and five years 2,537 3.677 2,537 6,563 6,214 9,100 -25-
STICK'N, STEP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 22 Cash 8enernted from operatlons 1024 2023 Surplus/ldelicitl for the year 161,053 1146,7341 Adjustments for= Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities Deprecialion and Impairmenl of tan8ible Ilxed assets 12,2701 17,240 14001 19.184 Movements In worklng capltal.. Decrease in debtors (Decreasellincrease in creditors 1,425 (17,0331 9.799 19,090 Cash ynerated from/labsorbed by) operatlons 160,415 199,0611 23 Analysls ol chan8es In net funds The charity had no materSal debt durlng the year, -26-