OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← Children Today Charitable Trust

2024-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1137436

Company registration number 7309125 (England and Wales)

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr M White Mr P Evans Mr N Rose Charity number 1137436 Company number 7309125 Registered office 17b Telford Court Chester Gate Business Park Dunkirk Chester Cheshire CH1 6LT Independent examiner Xeinadin North West Limited 2 Hilliards Court Chester Business Park Chester Cheshire CH4 9QP

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 7
Independent examiner's report 8
Statement of financial activities 9
Balance sheet 10
Notes to the financial statements 11 - 20

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006 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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The objects of the charity which operates as Children Today are:

"the relief of children and young people living in the community who are sick or disabled, or who have learning difficulties, by the provision of equipment or services calculated to increase their independence and to improve their conditions of life". In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees may exercise a number of powers. There have been no changes to the Objects since the Trustees' last report.

Vision and Mission

Children Today's Vision is:

"a society in which children and young people with disability or illness are enabled to achieve their potential."

Our Mission is:

"to improve the quality of life of children and young people with disability or illness throughout the United Kingdom".

Both the vision and mission statements are subject to regular review.

Children Today will achieve its Mission by:

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Strategies for achieving aims and objectives

At Children Today we believe that all disabled children and young adults should have access to the support and equipment they need to live the life they choose, today. The trustees attach significant importance to their aim of offering support as quickly as possible. With this in mind, families are offered advice and help from the initial enquiry stage through a range of pathway toolkits dependent on their individual needs and requirements. All applications for adapted equipment are then reviewed regularly by our Grants Panel. The application process is very straightforward and any bureaucracy is kept to a minimum.

Our application process is specifically for individuals who must be the parent or legal guardian of the beneficiary. The trustees are also very conscious of the needs of young adults with sickness or disability who may experience difficulties associated with equipment supply. Therefore, young adults, those aged between 18 to 25 years, are encouraged to apply directly to Children Today on their own behalf. The trustees are unable to accept applications from organisations.

Applicants are encouraged to re-apply for funding for additional equipment as the needs of their child changes as they grow. We are happy to accept one application in any twelve-month period until the beneficiary reaches the age of twenty five.

Our ethos is based on a fundamental belief that children and young people with disabilities should be enabled to achieve their potential. We believe they should have the right tools and support to have the freedom to do so and do not judge what that potential might be. While clearly expressed above in our Objects, the trustees recognise it is the actions we take on a daily basis that will demonstrate whether or not Children Today is continually "adding value" by delivering our services in a manner that is friendly, inclusive, supportive and caring.

Criteria used for assessing success

The trustees encourage everyone involved with Children Today (including employees, volunteers, donors and fundraisers) to recognise that, as a small charity, we may not be able to support children and young people in huge numbers. However, we can make a significant and long-term impact to the families we help by striving to achieve the highest levels of service. One way in which we do this is by building long-term relationships with our beneficiary families. Part of this process is through our family follow up support calls which enable us to get direct, honest feedback on the equipment they received and the impact our support has had.

Children Today has an ethos and policy of inclusion. Our policies and procedures are designed and implemented so as not to discriminate against any child or young person who is sick or disabled.

At Children Today we strive to continually improve our policy of inclusion whilst still being aware of the constraints of our legal remit. In practice, this means our services are equally and fairly available to all - regardless of their condition or disability, learning difficulty, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious or spiritual beliefs. The trustees acknowledge and subscribe to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the UN Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with disabilities (1993).

A key function of our advocacy role is to promote ability not disability.

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Public benefit

After taking regard of the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, Children Today Charitable Trust is able to demonstrate public benefit because;

The charity also takes care in its activities to:

Activities

Strategic Aims

The trustees determined the strategic aims of Children Today to be:

~ Raising awareness of the issues affecting children and young people with disabilities and illness

During the year Children Today has continued to invest in the family support we offer. These services support families from first enquiry including guidance in identifying need and arranging assessments, completing applications, identifying suppliers as well as offering any additional fundraising support the families may need, including applying for funding on the families behalf. Whilst we continue to support directly providing urgentlyneeded adaptive equipment, the service constitutes a significant part of our overall expenditure. We are seeking to continue to grow our investment in our pathway services as the number of vulnerable families in need of such support continues to increase in light of the increased cost of living.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

Despite the tough economic climate during the course of the financial year, the charity continued to raise funds and support disabled children and young people and families in need.

This year also saw Children Today continue to grow its offering and support for families by making significant investment into its family support services provision and wider awareness raising through our theme of a ‘Movement for Inclusion’ (explained below) with the aim of Children Today celebrating inclusion and diversity, spreading awareness of disability and helping positively change the way people view disability by supporting and creating inclusive activities and events. The disabled and neurodivergent community can often be underrepresented in children’s stories and within the dance industry and we want disabled and neurodivergent young people to feel included, heard, and inspired. Likewise, it is just as important that non-disabled children are encouraged to understand and celebrate how our minds and bodies can be different.

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

This included the development of an inclusive reading campaign, which saw over 5,500 people register for a series of Meet the Author events. These ‘Accessible Authors’ events were offered to schools and families for free and featured authors (including Paralympian Danielle Brown MBE) who had written books featuring a disabled character or theme. As part of our Movement for Inclusion, we also brought together inclusive dance companies and dancers of all abilities at our landmark ‘Empower in Motion’ inclusive ballet event held at the prestigious Sadler’s Wells. This event, hosted by our patron Grace Spence-Green, highlighted the importance of inclusivity by bringing together disabled and non-disabled dancers in front of an audience of 1,400 people. This included social change advocates, business leaders and families we’ve supported. With a media reach of 69 million Children Today is proud to be helping create more opportunities for positive change.

Grants

During the year Children Today directly provided funding for 80 pieces of adapted equipment. The average grant made was just over £1,000 with the largest single grant £11,019.

Feedback

A variety of families and the children we have supported have offered us their feedback on their equipment and a selection of these are below:

Three-year-old Noah Mason who has Klinefelter Syndrome and autism had no danger awareness so needed an adapted buggy to keep him safe and comfortable as his condition means he also has accelerated growth. Noah’s mum Tracey, says: “Having this buggy has given us a whole new lease of life. Noah had long outgrown his standard buggy as he is very tall for a three-year-old, due to his condition. His feet would drag along the floor and it didn’t offer him any foot and leg support. Noah is so much more comfortable now that we have this new buggy. He has talipes, so he needs to wear leg braces and boots to help correct it, which can cause him a little discomfort and pain, but now that he has proper leg support in the buggy he can actually rest his legs. I feel so much happier knowing he is safe and secure in this buggy. The padding in the buggy also helps, as Noah is very sensitive to noise, which makes him prone to banging his head.”

Not only has the adapted buggy provided Noah with comfort and safety and his mum peace of mind, it has also enabled the family to get out and about together much more. Tracey continues:

“It has been amazing having the new buggy. We’ve been able to go to the coast and we even have a caravan holiday booked which we wouldn’t have been able to do without it.

“It had got to the point that I avoided going out and was putting off meeting up with friends, because it didn’t seem fair on Noah dragging him out in his tiny pushchair, knowing he would be uncomfortable. I cannot tell you how nice it is to be able to meet up with a friend for coffee and know that Noah is content, safe and comfortable. It’s little things like this that make a huge difference to our quality of life.”

Another child supported was a ten-year-old girl Hannah who has Cerebral Palsy. She is unable to ride a regular bike due to her condition but with the support of Children Today now has her own adapted trike. Her mum Joanne told us: “Hannah is a typical 10-year-old; she loves anything to do with unicorns and glitter and she’s obsessed with hair and make-up. Seeing her on the trike makes me so happy that she gets to feel like she’s a typical young girl. Her older brother, Freddie (who is very protective of Hannah) loves cycling and she’s so happy that she can now join him.

“We live near a cycling track, so she gets plenty of opportunity to use the trike there. We’re also really looking forward to taking the trike to the coast for a ride along the beach, which is something Hannah’s never been able to do until now. We’re so grateful to Children Today for making this dream come true!”

Our family support survey has also given us feedback on the help Children Today offers to families and the difference it makes with an amazing 99% saying they would recommend Children Today to other families as a source of support. The survey also revealed quantitatively that impact was felt by families across the board with one in two saying that it had improved their child’s mental health or reduced their anxiety. 86% of those who received support for mobility equipment such as adapted trikes and wheelchairs also said it allowed them to make memories together as a family. A huge 95% of families also said the support we gave positively impacted the lives of the child’s parents and guardians too. Some quotes from families within our survey included:

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

“Thank you so, so, much for all the support you give to James, his family and other families in similar situations! Your support in helping James to make memories with his family is absolutely amazing and so special to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support.”

“We have been overwhelmed by the amazing team at Children Today, who have gone above and beyond to help our family. Children Today have listened, provided useful information and support and kept us informed at every stage of the assessment process. We are so grateful for all their help and providing funding for the equipment our son Harry needed. Thankyou!”

“I really appreciate how quick you were on getting back to us after we applied for support and also the positive and supportive manner you treated us was just brilliant and very professional. A big thank you for your team and people involved in helping those in need and vulnerable from your organization.”

“Amazing charity, so quick to respond and kept me updated when the application was going to panel. We are so grateful as it has changed our family time and really has made a huge impact.”

Support

Whilst the majority of our money comes from a large number of individual donors, a number of organisations have supported us during the year including:

Plans for future periods

The charity plan to continue meeting their objectives and mission statement.

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Financial review

Principal funding sources

Fundraising at Children Today is focused around four key programmes:

  1. Community Fundraising - staff working across the North West work with local people to raise funds and identify families that may benefit from our work. Activities include sponsored walks, bucket collections and more.

  2. Direct mail - we have an ongoing programme of fundraising via Direct Mail, with an audience of several thousand people.

  3. Individual giving - Children Today has a number of donors that donate regularly through direct debit, standing orders or via GAYE or by playing our lottery.

  4. Corporate Donations and Sponsorship - Children Today works with businesses and trade organisations who support the charity by raising money or direct donations.

Investment policy

The trustees have the power to invest in such assets as they see fit.

Financial Summary

This report covers the period April 2023 to March 2024 our fourteenth full year since incorporation.

The Statement of Financial Activities for the year shows income of £382,959 and expenditure of £452,758. This has resulted in an overall deficit of £69,799.

Restricted income, that is donations for a specific purpose, were £16,825. Other unrestricted income was £366,134, comprising donations and legacies of £361,727, fundraising £3,849 and investment income of £558.

The balance sheet shows a deficit on unrestricted funds available at 31 March 2024 of £32,906 and restricted funds a surplus of £6,631 resulting in an overall fund balance in deficit by £26,275.

Reserves policy

Reserves are required by Children Today Charitable Trust to enable the charity to continue its operations in the event of significant short-term fluctuations in income and expenditure; to meet its contractual obligations and to cover any unforeseen events that may be beyond its control.

It is the trustees' policy to maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the charity, at a level in line with the Charity Commission’s recommendations of three to six months expenditure on management, governance and support which is currently being met.

Major risks

Principal risks and uncertainties

The trustees have considered the potential impact and likelihood of occurrence of risks throughout the organisation's activities. They have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, particularly those relating to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to satisfy current Charity Commission guidelines to mitigate our exposure to the major risks.

Fundraising regulation

The Charity participates in the Fundraising Regulator's voluntary regulation scheme. The trustees consider the Charity has complied with The Code of Fundraising Practice as outlined on the Fundraising Regulator's website at www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/code.

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

Children Today Charitable Trust was founded in its original legal form by trust deed on 14th April 1994.

The Charity was incorporated on 8th July 2010 and is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes a company, limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006, registered number 7309125 and registered Charity number 1137436.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr M White

Mr P Evans

Mr N Rose Ms R Franklin (Resigned 8 July 2023)

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The management of the company is the responsibility of the trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association.

Trustees are selected when required according to the skills they bring to the charity.

Organisational structure

Children Today Charitable Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees/Directors responsible for strategic direction, who delegate operational and management responsibility to the Chief Executive Officer. A small team supports the Chief Executive Officer in these duties and responsibilities. The Trustees meet with the Chief Executive Officer and staff at least four times each year and receive regular reports on all development.

The Chair of Trustees meets on a regular basis with the Chief Executive Officer to supplement this, to review activity and to monitor progress, underpinning the communication and information requirements of the Trustees to make decisions on strategy.

Children Today, at the time of reporting, employs 5 people, this includes part-time members of staff.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr P Evans

Trustee

18 December 2024

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Children Today Charitable Trust (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Stephanie Baker BA(Hons) ACA Xeinadin North West Limited

2 Hilliards Court Chester Business Park Chester Cheshire CH4 9QP

Dated: 18 December 2024

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
361,727
16,825
Other trading activities
4
3,849
-
Investments
5
558
-
Total income
366,134
16,825
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
12,523
-
Charitable activities
7
418,569
21,666
Total expenditure
431,092
21,666
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
(64,958)
(4,841)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
32,052
11,472
Fund balances at 31 March
2024
(32,906)
6,631		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
378,552
322,602
30,042
3,849
11,925
-
558
99
-
382,959
334,626
30,042
12,523
19,328
-
440,235
316,279
28,661
452,758
335,607
28,661
(69,799)
(981)
1,381
43,524
33,033
10,091
(26,275)
32,052
11,472		 Total
2023
£
352,644
11,925
99
364,668
19,328
344,940
364,268
400
43,124
43,524

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
1,767
Investments
15
500
2,267
Current assets
Debtors
16
2,722
3,250
Cash at bank and in hand
21,772
81,554
24,494
84,804
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
17
(53,036)
(44,137)
Net current (liabilities)/assets
(28,542)
Total assets less current liabilities
(26,275)
Net assets excluding pension liability
(26,275)
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
19
6,631
Unrestricted funds
(32,906)
(26,275)		 £
2,357
500
2,857
40,667
43,524
43,524
11,472
32,052
43,524

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 18 December 2024

Mr P Evans Trustee

Company registration number 7309125 (England and Wales)

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Children Today Charitable Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 17b Telford Court, Chester Gate Business Park, Dunkirk, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 6LT.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, despite the negative unrestricted reserves 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 the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors 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 to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants offered where conditions have been met at the year end but are unpaid are included as a commitment in accrued expenditure.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Support and governance costs are split between raising funds and charitable activities.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings

25% reducing balance pa

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity 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 a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

There are no significant accounting estimates or judgements in the accounts.

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
301,727
16,825
Legacies receivable
60,000
-
361,727
16,825		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
318,552
246,602
30,042
60,000
76,000
-
378,552
322,602
30,042		 Total
2023
£
276,644
76,000
352,644

4 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fundraising events 3,849 11,925
5 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Deposit account interest 558 99
6 Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Appeals 12,523 19,328

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

Servicing Servicing
provision of provision of
equipment equipment
and family and family
support support
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Family liaison and support staff 171,885 168,211
Depreciation and impairment 590 736
Inclusive events 62,578 -
235,053 168,947
Grant funding of activities (see note 8) 83,703 92,855
Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
Support 118,250 79,842
Governance 3,229 3,296
440,235 344,940
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 418,569 316,279
Restricted funds 21,666 28,661
440,235 344,940
8 Grants payable
Servicing Servicing
provision of provision of
equipment equipment
and family and family
support support
2024 2023
£ £
Grants to individuals 83,703 92,855

Children Today provided £83,703 towards the purchase of vital adapted equipment for the year to 80 beneficiaries.

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9 Support costs allocated to activities

Operating lease charges
Premises costs
Office administration costs
Consultancy fees
Travel and subsistence
Advertising and PR
Bank charges
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Servicing provision of equipment and family support
10
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
Operating lease charges		 2024
£
10,199
4,128
29,923
55,250
18,056
378
316
3,229
121,479
121,479
2024
£
590
10,199		 2023
£
10,296
3,727
33,670
19,250
12,160
402
337
3,296
83,138
83,138
2023
£
736
10,296

11 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

12 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2024
Number
6
2024
£
158,884
9,426
3,575
171,885		 2023
Number
7
2023
£
155,546
9,111
3,554
168,211

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

12 Employees

(Continued)

Key management personnel for the charity comprise the trustees and the Charity Director. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £nil (2023 - £nil).

Wages and salaries are broken down as £136,184 for family liaison staff and £22,700 support staff.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14 Tangible fixed assets

14 Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures and
fittings
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023 55,019
At 31 March 2024 55,019
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023 52,662
Depreciation charged in the year 590
At 31 March 2024 53,252
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024 1,767
At 31 March 2023 2,357
15 Fixed asset investments
Other
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2023 & 31 March 2024 500
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024 500
At 31 March 2023 500
2024 2023
Other investments comprise: Notes £ £
Investments in subsidiaries 24 500 500

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

16
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
17
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
18
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 2024
£
320
2,402
2,722
2024
£
6,012
44,533
591
1,900
53,036
2024
£
3,575		 2023
£
944
2,306
3,250
2023
£
4,034
37,586
757
1,760
44,137
2023
£
3,554

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

19 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At
Restricted income for equipment
Previous year:
At
Restricted income for equipment		 1 April
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31 March
2024
£
£
£
£
11,472
16,825
(21,666)
6,631
1 April
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31 March
2023
£
£
£
£
10,091
30,042
(28,661)
11,472

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

20 Unrestricted funds
At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 32,052 366,134 (431,092) (32,906)
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2022 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 33,033 334,626 (335,607) 32,052
21 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets 1,767 - 1,767
Investments 500 - 500
Current assets/(liabilities) (35,173) 6,631 (28,542)
(32,906) 6,631 (26,275)
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2023 2023 2023
£ £ £
At 31 March 2023:
Tangible assets 2,357 - 2,357
Investments 500 - 500
Current assets/(liabilities) 29,195 11,472 40,667
32,052 11,472 43,524

CHILDREN TODAY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2024
£
1,430
-
1,430		 2023
£
8,580
1,430
10,010

23 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

24 Subsidiaries

Details of the charity's subsidiaries at 31 March 2024 are as follows:

Name of undertaking Registered Nature of business Class of % Held
office shares held Direct Indirect
Children Today Limited Dormant Ordinary 100.00

The registered office of the subsidiary is 17b Dunkirk Trading Estate, Chester Gates, Dunkirk, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 6LT.