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2023-03-31-accounts

THE TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31.03.23 FOR STEPPING STONES COMMUNITY ORGANISATION, 75 RAYMOND STREET, HANLEY, STOKE ON TRENT, ST1 4DP. PLEASE SEE THE CHARITIES DATA BASE UPDATE 2011 FOR THE NAMES OF TRUSTEES.

The cons�tu�on for the charity was adopted on 10/10/2011 and amended on 01/12/2011.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CHARITY

the Black and Minority Ethnic communi�es by:

The charity is managed by three holding trustees and two to four elected trustees elected every three years by AGM. The next elec�ons were held on April 2022. The commitee meets on the 28[th] of every month to discuss business of the charity. The nursery

demonstrated consistent growth and development, providing an environment where new children had the opportunity to make substan�al progress across all seven domains of the Early Years Founda�on Stage (EYFS). In order to facilitate effec�ve communica�on and engagement with families, the nursery implemented a robust progress-repor�ng system accessible via the Tapestry pla�orm. Furthermore, both staff and volunteers underwent specialized training programs tailored to enhance their proficiency in delivering the EYFS curriculum. The effec�veness of these training ini�a�ves was consistently monitored and supervised by the management team, ensuring con�nuous improvement.

The senior leadership team also ac�vely engaged in leadership development programs, resul�ng in a notable enhancement of their leadership skills. These investments in leadership capacity yielded posi�ve outcomes for the organiza�on, contribu�ng to a more effec�ve and impac�ul opera�on.

In addi�on to the educa�onal aspects, the nursery was commited to providing comprehensive support to families. This support included the provision of homework packs, short courses, and regular accessibility to the nursery's resources. To further enhance the

learning environment, the nursery's library underwent refurbishment and reorganiza�on, making it more accessible and conducive to learning for both children and families.

The commitment to fostering con�nued learning at home was maintained by consistently providing weekly home ac�vity packs. These packs were carefully curated and included not only previously iden�fied resources but also new and diverse educa�onal materials.

Addi�onally, the nursery remained a crucial hub of communica�on for countless families seeking support in various areas, including mental health, domes�c abuse, and feelings of isola�on and loneliness. The outdoor spaces proved invaluable in providing safe environments for individuals to engage in open and confiden�al discussions, facilita�ng the sharing of experiences and the seeking of necessary support.

seamless transi�on for children moving from the nursery to their respec�ve schools. This collabora�ve effort not only strengthened educa�onal pathways but also enriched the overall learning experience for these young learners. Furthermore, our unwavering dedica�on in partnership with the NHS teams in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire has yielded significant recogni�on. We are delighted to share that our contribu�ons were formally acknowledged in the NHS White Paper.

In addi�on to those accomplishments, our team played a pivotal role in raising awareness about breast and bowel cancer, effec�vely engaging with the community within a safe and suppor�ve environment.

Moreover, our commitment to suppor�ng vulnerable and disadvantaged families remained unwavering. We distributed food packs, 300 hygiene packs, and con�nued to organize 6 community meals and 6 cook-and-eat sessions. Building upon this success, we con�nued to provide 400 food packs and hygiene packs, ensuring a sustained lifeline for those in need.

Of par�cular concern within this context was the predicament faced by women and pubescent young girls who found themselves struggling to meet their basic personal hygiene needs. The economic impact of the pandemic exacerbated this issue, making the cost of essen�al items like sanitary pads and underwear prohibi�vely high for many. Stepping Stones observed a stark increase in the demand for assistance in this area since the onset of

the pandemic, and this need con�nued to grow. It was impera�ve that we con�nued to address this cri�cal issue to ensure that these vulnerable individuals could maintain their dignity and health.

In parallel, we noted a concerning trend of an increasing number of children presen�ng with speech and language delays. This trend persisted and required sustained aten�on and ac�on. In response, our dedicated team diligently worked to devise innova�ve approaches that empowered our staff to implement early interven�on strategies in close collabora�on with parents and other relevant professionals. Our commitment extended beyond academic development, as we worked closely with partners and parents to ensure that no child was le� behind in their educa�on. We also focused on addressing the specific needs of children displaying symptoms of au�sm, providing them with tailored support to foster inclusive and comprehensive educa�onal opportuni�es. Stepping Stones remained resolute in its mission to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, had access to the tools and support they needed to thrive and succeed.

providing them with tailored support to foster inclusive and comprehensive educa�onal opportuni�es. Stepping Stones remained resolute in its mission to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, had access to the tools and support they needed to thrive and succeed.

A�er conduc�ng extensive consulta�ons with the community, with a special focus on empowering disadvantaged women, several impac�ul projects and skill development ini�a�ves were iden�fied. These ini�a�ves were aimed at addressing community needs and fostering inclusivity. As a result, we introduced new services such as:

  1. Women's Empowerment Workshops: We organized workshops tailored to women's specific needs, covering topics like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. These workshops aimed to equip women with essen�al skills and knowledge to enhance their economic and social well-being.

  2. Community Skill-building Programs: To empower disadvantaged communi�es, we ini�ated skill-building programs that offered training in areas such as voca�onal skills, digital literacy, and job readiness. These programs provided community members,

including women, with valuable skills to improve their employability and overall quality of life.

  1. Sustainable Agriculture and Gardening Projects: We launched community gardens and sustainable agriculture ini�a�ves, where women played a central role. These projects not only promoted self-sufficiency in food produc�on but also provided opportuni�es for women to learn about sustainable farming prac�ces and generate income through selling surplus produce.

  2. Women's Networking and Support Groups: To create a suppor�ve environment, we established women's networking and support groups. These gatherings provided a pla�orm for women to share experiences, offer mentorship, and build social connec�ons, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

  3. Entrepreneurship Incubator: We introduced an entrepreneurship incubator program specifically designed for women entrepreneurs. This program offered training, mentorship, and access to resources to help women start and grow their own businesses, contribu�ng to economic empowerment.

  4. Community Social Events: In addi�on to skill development, we organized communitywide social events, including coffee mornings and social gatherings. These events aimed to strengthen community bonds, encourage social interac�on, and provide a pla�orm for individuals, par�cularly women, to engage and connect.

By implemen�ng these ini�a�ves, we sought to empower disadvantaged communi�es and elevate the skills and opportuni�es available to women, ul�mately fostering a more inclusive and thriving community for all.

success of our sports programs. We have consistently offered badminton sessions tailored for men and young people, leading to significant posi�ve impacts on their mental health.

  1. vital outlet for men to relieve stress, improve mood, and enhance their mental wellbeing. Engaging in physical ac�vity has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, promo�ng a more posi�ve outlook on life.

  2. Empowering Young People: Our dedica�on to young people's development is reflected in our badminton program. By ac�vely par�cipa�ng in these sessions, young individuals have gained confidence, improved their self-esteem, and developed valuable life skills. These posi�ve experiences have had a profound impact on their mental health and overall sense of well-being.

  3. Spor�ng Achievements: Our commitment to sports excellence has yielded remarkable results. Our badminton team not only secured victory in the Division 2 league but also ac�vely par�cipated in pres�gious na�onwide tournaments, showcasing our dedica�on to athle�c success.

  4. Coach Development: To further support the growth of our badminton community, we have successfully nurtured two Badminton England Level 1 coaches. Our future goals include facilita�ng the development of Level 2 coaches, ensuring that the exper�se and mentorship available to our members con�nue to expand.

By fostering a thriving badminton community, we have not only achieved spor�ng success but have also made a substan�al posi�ve impact on the mental health and well-being of men and young people within our organiza�on. Our commitment to their holis�c development remains unwavering, ensuring that they con�nue to benefit from the physical, emo�onal, and social advantages of our programs.

Our thriving mother and toddler group has emerged as a vibrant and essen�al hub for families with young children. It has not only atracted a consistent atendance of families but has also emphasized the significance of mothers socializing while engaging in meaningful ac�vi�es with their toddlers.

experiences have enabled toddlers to acquire essen�al skills while having fun and interac�ng with their peers.

By placing a strong emphasis on the importance of socializa�on and meaningful engagement for mothers and toddlers, our group con�nues to serve as a valuable resource for our community. It promotes the well-being of both mothers and children while strengthening the bonds within our community.

Collabora�ng closely with esteemed partners such as the NHS, Local Authority, and other dedicated professionals has translated into a significantly elevated standard of service for our local community. This frui�ul alliance has enabled us to make a more profound and meaningful impact on the well-being and welfare of our community members.

Our comprehensive educa�onal program, encompassing a range of academic services such as tutoring, an accredited JCQ exam centre, Arabic language instruc�on, and culturally enriching sessions, has yielded remarkable success. This success is exemplified by a substan�al rise in the number of young individuals ataining two addi�onal qualifica�ons, namely proficiency in the Arabic language at the IGCSE level and achieving success at the GCSE level. This educa�onal atainment underscores the pivotal role that educa�on plays in equipping our youth with valuable qualifica�ons, thereby enhancing their academic and professional prospects.

Every day, our team and organiza�on are evolving, driven by a vision of con�nuous growth and progress. To turn this vision into reality, we are eager to secure addi�onal funding. This funding will empower us to forge new pathways and create essen�al roles that will propel our organiza�on to new heights, ensuring that we not only thrive but also inspire posi�ve change and transforma�on in the days ahead.

Stepping Stones Community Organisation

75 Raymond Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent, ST1 4DP

T: 01782 499430 E: info@steppingstones.uk.com

Receipts and Payments Account April 2022-March 2023

Receipts

Stoke on Trent City Council £44,653.00 Reaching Communities (National Lottery) £19,142.00 (balance carried forward) Childcare Grant Payment Services £137,464.00 Fees and contributions £10,185.00 Exam Fees £3468.00 Unrestricted Funds Carried Over £21,414.00 Total Receipt £236,326.00

Expenditure

Rent (Inclusive of water rates, business rates and insurance. £36,900.00 Resources £28,600.00 Garden maintenance £1034.00 Utilities £10,360.00 Sundries £6,500.00 Sessional Staff £36,448.00 Assessment administration £2050.00 Phone & Broadband £850.00 Food & Hygiene Packs £15,000.00 Community Meals £12,000.00 Refurbishment £26,200.00 Total £175,942.00 Multi-Media Project Breakdown: Magazine Element Magazines £7800.00 Stationery £1200.00 Refreshments £872.00 Volunteer expenses £890.00 Project Workers £11,120.00 Total £21,882 .00

Total Expenditure £197,824.00
Balance carried over to April 2023 £38,502.00
Restricted Funds £12,400.00
Unrestricted Funds £26,102.00
Date Electronically Signed
03/10/2023 F Rahman
03/10/2023 S Jahangir
03/10/2023 A Sajed
03/10/2023 R Hossein
03/10/2023 O Salah

Report to the trustees/ Charity Name Stepping Stones Community members of Organisation

On accounts for the year
ended
 On accounts for the year
ended
 March 2023 Charity no
(if any)		 1145346
Independent examiner's report on the
accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Set out on pages 3 and 4

Respective The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The responsibilities of charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under trustees and examiner section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

. Signed: Date: 30 /11 /2023 Name: Joynal Abedin

March 2023

IER

1

Relevant professional Business owner with over 15years experience of financial accounting, qualification(s) or body management accounting, business finance, payroll and understanding (if any): markets and marketing.

Address: 31 Station Road, Sheffield, S35 2XE

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems.

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

March 2023

IER

2

stepping Stone5 Community Organisation 75 Raymond Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent. STI 4DP T" 01782 499430 E" info Ste tones_uk.com Recei tsandpa ments Account ri12022-March 2023 Reteipts stoke on Trent City Council ReachinE Communities (National Lottery) Ibalance carried forward) Childcare Grant Payment Services Fees and contributions Exam Fees £44,653.DJ t19.142.rxi t137.464.00 f 10.185.QhJ £3468.CNJ Unrestricted Funds Carried Over f 21.414. Total Receipt £236.326.00 Rent Ilndusive of water rate5. bu5ine5S rates and insurance. Resources £36.900.(J) £28.EQO.00 £1034.00 Garden maintenance Uknlities Sundries Sessronal stsff Assessment administration phone & Broadband Food & HyEiene Packs Community Mea Refurbi5hwnent Total £10,360.00 £6,500. £36.448.00 e2050 00 £850.CKI £15.¢￿.00 £12.(KKI.00 £26,2￿.00 £175,942.00 Multi-media Project Breakdown: Magazine Element Magazines stationery Refreshments Volunteer expenses Project Worker5 Total £7800.C￿l £12CQ. £872.(M) £890. £ii.llo.c £21,882 .(rf) IER March 2023

Total Expendilure £197,824.00 Balance carried overto April 2023 RestrKted Funds Unre5trKted FuTrJ5 £38,502.C¢J £12.4CQ.C(I £26,102.C(I Dale ElectTorKally Sigrtd 0311012023 F Rahman 0311012023 S lahangir 0311012023 A Saied 0311012023 R I￿sSe1Th 0311012023 O Salah IER March 2023

THE TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31.03.23 FOR STEPPING STONES COMMUNITY ORGANISATION, 75 RAYMOND STREET, HANLEY, STOKE ON TRENT, ST1 4DP. PLEASE SEE THE CHARITIES DATA BASE UPDATE 2011 FOR THE NAMES OF TRUSTEES.

The constitution for the charity was adopted on 10/10/2011 and amended on 01/12/2011.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CHARITY

For the benefit of the public in Stoke on Trent, in particular but not exclusively members of the Black and Minority Ethnic communities by:

The charity is managed by three holding trustees and two to four elected trustees elected every three years by AGM. The next elections were held on April 2022. The committee meets on the 28[th] of every month to discuss business of the charity. The nursery demonstrated consistent growth and

development, providing an environment where new children had the opportunity to make substantial progress across all seven domains of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In order to facilitate effective communication and engagement with families, the nursery implemented a robust progressreporting system accessible via the Tapestry platform. Furthermore, both staff and volunteers underwent specialized training programs tailored to enhance their proficiency in delivering the EYFS curriculum. The effectiveness of these training initiatives was consistently monitored and supervised by the management team, ensuring continuous improvement.

The senior leadership team also actively engaged in leadership development programs, resulting in a notable enhancement of their leadership skills. These investments in leadership capacity yielded positive outcomes for the organization, contributing to a more effective and impactful operation.

In addition to the educational aspects, the nursery was committed to providing comprehensive support to families. This support included the provision of homework packs, short courses, and regular accessibility to the nursery's resources. To further enhance the learning environment, the nursery's library underwent refurbishment and reorganization, making it more accessible and conducive to learning for both children and families.

March 2023

IER

5

The commitment to fostering continued learning at home was maintained by consistently providing

weekly home activity packs. These packs were carefully curated and included not only previously identified resources but also new and diverse educational materials.

Additionally, the nursery remained a crucial hub of communication for countless families seeking support in various areas, including mental health, domestic abuse, and feelings of isolation and loneliness. The outdoor spaces proved invaluable in providing safe environments for individuals to engage in open and confidential discussions, facilitating the sharing of experiences and the seeking of necessary support. Partnerships with feeder schools not only flourished but also paved the way for a more seamless transition for children moving from the nursery to their respective schools. This collaborative effort not only strengthened educational pathways but also enriched the overall learning experience for these young learners. Furthermore, our unwavering dedication in partnership with the NHS teams in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire has yielded significant recognition. We are delighted to share that our contributions were formally acknowledged in the NHS White Paper.

In addition to those accomplishments, our team played a pivotal role in raising awareness about breast and bowel cancer, effectively engaging with the community within a safe and supportive environment. Moreover, our commitment to supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged families remained unwavering. We distributed food packs, 300 hygiene packs, and continued to organize 6 community meals and 6 cook-and-eat sessions. Building upon this success, we continued to provide 400 food packs and hygiene packs, ensuring a sustained lifeline for those in need.

Of particular concern within this context was the predicament faced by women and pubescent young girls who found themselves struggling to meet their basic personal hygiene needs. The economic impact of the pandemic exacerbated this issue, making the cost of essential items like sanitary pads and underwear prohibitively high for many. Stepping Stones observed a stark increase in the demand for assistance in this area since the onset of the pandemic, and this need continued to grow. It was imperative that we continued to address this critical issue to ensure that these vulnerable individuals could maintain their dignity and health.

In parallel, we noted a concerning trend of an increasing number of children presenting with speech and language delays. This trend persisted and required sustained attention and action. In response, our dedicated team diligently worked to devise innovative approaches that empowered our staff to implement early intervention strategies in close collaboration with parents and other relevant professionals. Our commitment extended beyond academic development, as we worked closely with

March 2023

IER

6

partners and parents to ensure that no child was left behind in their education. We also focused on addressing the specific needs of children displaying symptoms of autism, providing them with tailored support to foster inclusive and comprehensive educational opportunities. Stepping Stones remained resolute in its mission to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, had access to the tools and support they needed to thrive and succeed.

We also focused on addressing the specific needs of children displaying symptoms of autism, providing them with tailored support to foster inclusive and comprehensive educational opportunities. Stepping Stones remained resolute in its mission to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, had access to the tools and support they needed to thrive and succeed.

After conducting extensive consultations with the community, with a special focus on empowering disadvantaged women, several impactful projects and skill development initiatives were identified. These initiatives were aimed at addressing community needs and fostering inclusivity. As a result, we introduced new services such as:

  1. covering topics like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. These workshops aimed to equip women with essen�al skills and knowledge to enhance their economic and social wellbeing.

  2. Community Skill-building Programs: To empower disadvantaged communi�es, we ini�ated skill-building programs that offered training in areas such as voca�onal skills, digital literacy, and job readiness. These programs provided community members, including women, with valuable skills to improve their employability and overall quality of life.

  3. Sustainable Agriculture and Gardening Projects: We launched community gardens and sustainable agriculture ini�a�ves, where women played a central role. These projects not only promoted selfsufficiency in food produc�on but also provided opportuni�es for women to learn about sustainable farming prac�ces and generate income through selling surplus produce.

  4. Women's Networking and Support Groups: To create a suppor�ve environment, we established women's networking and support groups. These gatherings provided a pla�orm for women to share experiences, offer mentorship, and build social connec�ons, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

  5. designed for women entrepreneurs. This program offered training, mentorship, and access to resources to help women start and grow their own businesses, contribu�ng to economic empowerment.

March 2023

IER

7

  1. Community Social Events: In addi�on to skill development, we organized community-wide social events, including coffee mornings and social gatherings. These events aimed to strengthen community bonds, encourage social interac�on, and provide a pla�orm for individuals, par�cularly women, to engage and connect.

By implementing these initiatives, we sought to empower disadvantaged communities and elevate the skills and opportunities available to women, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and thriving community for all.

Our commitment to the well-being of our community has been exemplified by the continued success of our sports programs. We have consistently offered badminton sessions tailored for men and young people, leading to significant positive impacts on their mental health.

  1. relieve stress, improve mood, and enhance their mental well-being. Engaging in physical ac�vity has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, promo�ng a more posi�ve outlook on life.

  2. badminton program. By ac�vely par�cipa�ng in these sessions, young individuals have gained confidence, improved their self-esteem, and developed valuable life skills. These posi�ve experiences have had a profound impact on their mental health and overall sense of well-being.

  3. Spor�ng Achievements: Our commitment to sports excellence has yielded remarkable results. Our badminton team not only secured victory in the Division 2 league but also ac�vely par�cipated in pres�gious na�onwide tournaments, showcasing our dedica�on to athle�c success.

  4. Coach Development: To further support the growth of our badminton community, we have successfully nurtured two Badminton England Level 1 coaches. Our future goals include facilita�ng the development of Level 2 coaches, ensuring that the exper�se and mentorship available to our members con�nue to expand.

By fostering a thriving badminton community, we have not only achieved sporting success but have also made a substantial positive impact on the mental health and well-being of men and young people within our organization. Our commitment to their holistic development remains unwavering, ensuring that they continue to benefit from the physical, emotional, and social advantages of our programs.

Our thriving mother and toddler group has emerged as a vibrant and essential hub for families with young children. It has not only attracted a consistent attendance of families but has also emphasized the significance of mothers socializing while engaging in meaningful activities with their toddlers.

March 2023

IER

8

By placing a strong emphasis on the importance of socialization and meaningful engagement for mothers and toddlers, our group continues to serve as a valuable resource for our community. It promotes the well-being of both mothers and children while strengthening the bonds within our community. Collaborating closely with esteemed partners such as the NHS, Local Authority, and other dedicated professionals has translated into a significantly elevated standard of service for our local community. This fruitful alliance has enabled us to make a more profound and meaningful impact on the well-being and welfare of our community members.

Our comprehensive educational program, encompassing a range of academic services such as tutoring, an accredited JCQ exam centre, Arabic language instruction, and culturally enriching sessions, has yielded remarkable success. This success is exemplified by a substantial rise in the number of young individuals attaining two additional qualifications, namely proficiency in the Arabic language at the IGCSE level and achieving success at the GCSE level. This educational attainment underscores the pivotal role that education plays in equipping our youth with valuable qualifications, thereby enhancing their academic and professional prospects.

Every day, our team and organization are evolving, driven by a vision of continuous growth and progress. To turn this vision into reality, we are eager to secure additional funding. This funding will empower us to forge new pathways and create essential roles that will propel our organization to new heights, ensuring that we not only thrive but also inspire positive change and transformation in the days ahead.

March 2023

IER

9