Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
Charity name: The Ups of Downs
Charity registration number: 1141359
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | 1. To relieve need and assist in the care of children with Down syndrome by the provision of support, advice and training to those responsible for their care, and to health and educational specialists with the object of improve and advancing the health and education of children with Down syndrome. 2. The promotion of social inclusion among children with Down Syndrome and their parents, who may be excluded from society, or parts of society, due to their disability, by: A Providing a play scheme and support and education services to enable the children to develop and gain new skills. B providing recreational facilities and opportunities for the children and parents C raising public awareness of the issues affecting parents of children with Down syndrome, the children and their siblings, both generally and in relation to their social exclusion; 3. To advance the education of children with Down syndrome and the public in the subject of Down syndrome. 4. To provide education, training, information and advice to parents/carers with the object of empowering them to advance their children in life and assist their development. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
During the year, The Ups of Downs delivered a range of activities designed to support the development, wellbeing and social inclusion of children and young people with Down syndrome, while also strengthening family |
| services identified in the accounts. |
networks. Weekly sports and social clubs were provided for school-age children, offering structured activities such as sports, yoga, dance, drama and football. These sessions promote physical development, confidence and social interaction, while giving parents the opportunity to meet informally and build supportive relationships. Monthly speech and language therapy sessions were delivered by an independent therapist experienced in working with children and young people with Down syndrome. These sessions support communication skills and provide families with practical strategies to use at home. A weekly Youth Club for secondary-age members operated during term time, offering a safe and inclusive space for socialising and developing independence. Additional holiday activities were arranged, including a swimming trip to a local waterpark and attendance at a musical festival. Family social events, including summer barbecues and Christmas gatherings, were held throughout the year. These events help children integrate with peers in a relaxed environment and enable parents to connect, share experiences and strengthen community ties. A family trip to an SEN Christmas pantomime was organised, giving children the opportunity to enjoy live theatre in an accessible and supportive setting. These activities collectively support the charity’s purpose of promoting inclusion, development and community participation for children and young people with Down syndrome and their families. |
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| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit, reviewing our purpose and benefits to our members and the public, in order to further the charity’s purpose for the public benefit. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Volunteers continue to be essential to the charity’s work, contributing across governance, operations and fundraising. Our trustees, all volunteers, provide strategic leadership and drive forward the actions and purpose of the charity. Parent and family volunteers support communication within age groups, welcome new families and take on tasks arising from committee meetings. Volunteers also help organise activities, support events and identify new fundraising opportunities. Many individuals undertake personal fundraising challenges and community events, providing vital income and raising awareness of our work. |
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| Other |
Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | During the reporting period, The Ups of Downs has continued to deliver a comprehensive programme of support that enhances the development, wellbeing and social inclusion of children and young people with Down syndrome. Our activities have made a demonstrable difference to beneficiaries and contributed positively to wider society. Growth and Consolidation of Saturday Clubs Our Saturday Clubs have continued to flourish and remain a central part of our offer. These sessions provide one of the few regular social opportunities available to children and young people with Down syndrome, enabling them to build friendships, develop confidence and participate fully in inclusive group activities. Parents consistently report that the clubs are an essential part of their weekly routine, offering both respite and the chance to connect with other families facing similar challenges. This peer support network significantly reduces isolation and improves family wellbeing Provision of Summer Holiday Clubs In response to family need, we continued the holiday clubs during the school summer break. These were highly valued by parents, particularly those in employment who often struggle to access appropriate specialist provision during school closures. The holiday clubs provided continuity of routine, meaningful engagement and a safe environment for children, while easing pressure on families at a time of increased childcare demand. Early Development Groups (Ages 2–4) We continued to run our weekly Early Development Groups, offering structured early-years intervention at a critical stage in children’s cognitive, social and communication development. For our youngest members, we also providedSing, Sign and Phonics, supporting early language acquisition through evidence-based, interactive learning. These programmes equip parents with practical strategies they can continue at home, amplifying developmental progress. Weekly Maths Clubs (KS2+) Our Maths Clubs for Key Stage 2 and above provided tailored educational support that strengthens numeracy skills and promotes positive engagement with |
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| learning. These sessions help reduce attainment gaps and support children to reach their full academic potential. Monthly Meet - Ups for Pre - School Children and Families We have continued to deliver monthly meet-ups for pre-school children and their families. These sessions offer a welcoming environment for new parents to socialise, share experiences and access early guidance. They play an important role in reducing anxiety at the point of diagnosis, fostering early community connection and encouraging long-term engagement with the charity’s services. |
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| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Enabled children to take part in inclusive social activities through regular clubs and meet-ups. Supported access to mainstream education with targeted early-years and learning programmes. Strengthened family confidence and reduced isolation through consistent peer support. Helped remove barriers to participation and promoted acceptance within the community. Built early skills that support future independence, training and employment. |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | A total of £17,374.50 in donations was raising by volunteers in this period. 4 volunteers at London Marathon raised £9,812 April 2025. 1 volunteer ran three half marathons raising, £2,163 October 2024. The Hornets Netball team tournament nominated the Ups of Downs and raised £2,050 June 2025 Busy bees Nursery also nominated the Ups of Downs - £458 October 2024 / March 2025 Toddle About Baby Show - £337.50 May 2025 |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Appointment of a part-time administrator to assist in the day to day running of the charity, communication to members and accounts. Grants awarded £7605 from JLR Motorvate and WPH Charitable Trust. |
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| Financial Review |
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | At the start of the financial year, the charity held£36,075.65in our bank account. By year-end, this had increased to£57,742.00, supported by successful fundraising and grant income. Total expenditure for the year was £39,988.68 This covers delivery of core services including Early Development Groups, Holiday Clubs, Maths Clubs, Speech and Language Therapy, Saturday Clubs and Youth Clubs, as well as for our central running costs. These costs reflect the charity’s commitment to providing regular, high-quality support to children, young people, and their families. Budgeted costs for the upcoming year include planned trips, family events, and essential resources such as storage for learning materials. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The Ups of Downs aims to maintain reserves at a level equivalent to approximately six months of operating costs. This level of reserves is considered appropriate to ensure the continuity of our essential services, which include weekly development groups, clubs, and family support activities relied upon by our beneficiaries. Maintaining adequate reserves is essential because the charity does not have guaranteed annual fundraising events or predictable high-value income streams. We currently have no confirmed places in the London Marathon or other major fundraising activities that have historically contributed significantly to our income. As a result, our financial position is more vulnerable to fluctuations in voluntary |
| donations and community fundraising. These reserves ensure the charity can: Continue delivering weekly clubs and development groups relied upon by families. Meet ongoing financial commitments. Manage income uncertainty and unexpected costs. Plan responsibly for trips, events, and essential resources in the year ahead. The trustees review the reserves annually to ensure they remain appropriate for the charity’s size, commitments, and risk profile. |
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| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | The Ups of Downs aims to hold reserves equivalent to around six months of operating costs to ensure continuity of our essential services. At year-end, the charity held £57,742 in reserves. With annual operating costs of £39,989 this represents less than 18 months of operational costs. Our charity does not have guaranteed major fundraising events for the coming year. We currently have no confirmed London Marathon places and no other large, predictable fundraising activities. Much of our income is voluntary and can fluctuate significantly year to year. Although this is above our minimum target, we have strong position to continue our charity services without the need for extensive fundraising efforts or grant applications next year. |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 |
The charities principal sources of funding are donations from members and their families, from our charges towards the cost of activities and grant applications. Expenditure is mostly directly on the children and young people who access our services through the provision of clubs and speech and language therapy. |
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| We have no investments. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
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| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The principal risk to the charity would be a decline in income. However, we regularly review our financial status and only commission services if financially able. |
| Other | A family member of a Trustee organised and arranged the holiday clubs. |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g. unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Association |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Selected by members |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction Para 1.51 and training of trustees The charity’s organisational structure and any wider Para 1.51 network with which the charity works Relationship with any related Para 1.51 parties Other
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | The Ups of Downs |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1141359 |
| Charity’s principal address | 73 Bury Road Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV31 3JD |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicola Enoch | ||||
| KellyPorcas | ||||
| Melanie Simkiss | ||||
| Ursula Adams | ||||
| Scott Leonard | ||||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s) Melanie Simkiss
Position (eg Secretary, Trustee Chair, etc)
Date
24 June 2026
The Ups of Downs Financial Activities
1 September, 2024-31 August, 2025
| Total | |
|---|---|
| Income Donations/Income EDG Grants and Trusts Holiday Club income Interest earned Maths Club Income Sales Saturday Club Speech and Language Youth Club Total for Income Cost of Sales Cost of sales EDG Costs Holiday Club Costs Maths Club Expenses SALT Costs Saturday Club Costs Youth Club Costs Total for Cost of Sales |
18,609.56 890.00 8,105.00 1,270.00 107.98 3,468.00 197.00 6,345.00 555.00 1,550.00 |
| £41,097.54 106.30 2,928.49 3,201.67 7,535.67 1,654.00 13,066.62 4,623.38 |
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| £33,116.13 | |
| Total Expenditures Bank charges Computer Costs Fundraising Expense New Baby Bags Office/General Administrative Expenses Other Professional Services Phone Costs Website Total for Expenditures Net Operating Income Net Income/(Expenditure) |
£7,981.41 60.00 276.30 360.00 269.94 2,174.56 137.00 34.80 3,559.95 |
| £6,872.55 | |
| £1,108.86 | |
| £1,108.86 |
Cash Basis Tuesday. 30 June 2026 09".49 AM GKITZ
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name THE UPS OF DOWNS members of On accounts for the year 31 AUGUST 2025 ended Set out on pages
Charity no 1141359 (if any) (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 August 2025 .
Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: Date: 16 June 2026 Name: Michelle Buckley Relevant professional ACA, ICAEW qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 97 LILLINGTON ROAD LEAMINGTON SPA CV32 6LJ
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
1
October 2018
IER
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
October 2018
IER