Registered number.. 07962217 Charity number. 1146276 Assi$tsd Reading for Children UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Propared By: Bames4Business Limited Chartered Certified ACruntantS 12 Murdock Road Bicester Oxfordshirè OX264PP
Assistsd Reading for Chlldren FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 TRUSTEES Saira Ali {resigned 12 November 2024) lan Hudspeth Susan Hine {resigned 12 November 2024> Honor Somerset (resigned 11 March 2025} Margaret Stevens Jane Williamson Derek Thomhill {resigned 15 March 20251 Benjamin Morel-Allen Curtis Leung (appointed 9 July 20241 REGISTERED OFFICE Gobles Court 7 Market Square Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 6AA COMPANY NUMBER 07962217 CHARITY NUMBER 1146276 ACCOUNTANTS Bames4Business Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 12 Murdock Road Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 4PP page 1
As8isl8d Raadlng for Chlldren ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 CONTENTS Page Reptht of the Trustees Independenl Examine¢s Ststement statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts 101015 Detsiled Stslement of Finanaal Activities 14 page 2
Asslsted Reading for Children FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 TRUSTEES. REPORT The Irustees present their report and accounts for th& year ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE MANAGEMENT AND ACHIEVEMENTS FORM OF THE CHARITY Assisted Reading for Children IARCh) is a charitable company limited by guarantee. The trustees are also the directors for the purposes of company law and are appointed by the members at the AGM. PRINCIPAL AIM ARCh is an educational charity whose aim is to help primary school children achieve a confident level of If(erxy by imparting a love of reading through regular. personalised, menloring support from trained volunteers. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE About half of our income CCmes from subscriptr'ons paid by schools for the services of our unpaid volUntrs. The level of the subscription is kept as low as possible. This source of income is linked diredy to the number of our volunteers in sthools, and therefore relates in a relatively stable way to the overall level of activity of the charity. Followng a period during which, in recognition of sthool budgetary pressures, the subsGription was not increased in line wth the costs of supporting thé volunteers, the trustee6 agreed a plan lo bring it back into line. It was raised this year. and we expect to raise it again in the following years. The remaining intsjme comes from grants and donations. These are a more irregular source of income, but grants or donations from a number of sources are repeatèd from year to year. About 75V• of our exFenditure goes on staff costs, for the ntral office staff and for the fieloknrkers vtho directly service our volunteers. RESERVES POLICY As a charity ARCh is regulated by the Charities Commission vthich asks us to state our reserves tKJlicy. It is our aim to hold unrestricted resetves 50 that we can be confident of our financial position and meet all obligatt.ons for at least 6-12 months. Some specific funds from donations or grants are held in a Designed Fund, and used to support the objective requested by the donorls). The balan of our reserves are hdd as unrestricted general funds and can be spent on anything in furtheran of the objectives of the charity. PUBLIC BENEFIT In exercising their powers and duties the trustees have had regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Chaiity Commission. in parti¢ular in relation lo the enhancement of education. page 3
Asslsted Reading for Children FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 TRUSTEES, REPORT OPERATIONS REPORT 2024-2025 Ovefview We began thè year with around 200 active volunteer reading helpers in April 2024. Working with s¢hs)ols and volunteers We in¢xeased the financia1 contribution we ask schools to make towards the ARCh service to £480 per volunteer per year, to be reviewed annually. Demand for ARCh support continued to increase. The effeds of disrupted schooling and reduced soaal interactions on young children caused by the Cavid pandemic continue to be fell as the babies and pre-schoolers from 2020 start school. We wnducted our usual annual schools. survey to measure impact of ARCh support over the year, in association wth Resear Oxford. We launthed a new format Impact Report, to MpIernent our usual Annual Report. Volunteer recruiknent and training We continued to work towards our tsrget of a net gain of 90 new voluntws, ftjnded by Oxfordshire Community Foundation's Step Change grant. Despite consid8rable success in re¢Tuitmènt. progress has been slower Ihan expected, partly as a result of high turnover. A decision was made to extend the RecNitment Officerfs o)ntract for a further year, until January 2026. We e£fyntinued to hold inteNiews and training for the majority of new vdunteers via Zoom, but also provided in-person training Options. We 81so conducted face to face Recall and Refr8$her training in Safeguarding, and Phonics workshops. By April 2025 there were 270 volunteers on our datsbase, 242 of thèm adive. Other inibatives and Gllaboration Our SUsSful Company Volunteer scheme w7th Oxford University Press LX)ntinued into its 13th year, th a visit to their offices for hildren supported via Ihe scheme in July 2024. It has proved hard to engage other organisations in our employer-supported volunteellng scheme. Disappointingly, a number of companies who had pledged support via the Oxfordshire Indusive Economy Partnership did nct follow through. We have Suded in extending the diversty of our volunteer workforce, partiajlarly through new employee volunteers. and 6th fomi and student volunteers. Thanks to funding, we were able to buy an ex1ended range of books and games to reflect the diversity of the children we support. Recognition and awards page 4
Assisted Reading for Children FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 TRUSTEES, REPORT ARCh was Highly Commended in OCVA'S Volunteer Organisation of the Year and one of the three finalists in th8 Cherwell Busin6SS Awards Charity and Community tegOry. At the July 2024 meeting we welcomed guest speaker Caroline Derby from Oxford University Press who spoke about the Raise a Reader project which, in conjunction wth the National Literaw Trust, has installed libraries into schools in deprived areas. We were honoured thal Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire Robert Buckeldee presented awards marking the long seNice of a number of volunteers. In December 2024 everyone at our volurnteer meeting was entertained by three speakers - Korky Paul, Chip Colquhoun and Mario Coelho. Our three speakers and some of our reading helpers kindly agreed to talk to about the impjrtance of reading and their ARCh experien on film, shared via social media. At our Spring 2025 volunteer meeting on the theme of oraGy, our Recruitment Officer Emma Orton explained how oracy is now being developed in schools, and presented practical ideas for voluntèers to ty in their sessions. Presentations and media presence On several occasions ARCh was featured on BBC Radio Oxford and Greatest Hits Radio, and in the local press. Staffing Wé welcomed three new Field Workers. Caroline Carpenter (Bicester & Thame} in June. Cathy Penny (Oxford) in Dernber and Kathryn Sthmidt (West Oxfordshire} in February 2025. SMALL COMPANY PROVISIONS The report was prepared in accordan with the special provisions wthin Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. This report was approved by the B08rd of Trust&s on 23 September 2025 Margaret stevens Trustee page S
Asslstsd Reading for Chlldren INDEPENDEr EXAMINER'S STATEMEKr FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ASSISTED READING FOR CHILDREN I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 . RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER The trustees (who are also the directors of the rnpanY for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of t accounts. The truslees consider that an audit is mt required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Chariknes Act) and that an independent examination is needèd. l am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified MeMr of Association of Chartered Certified A¢countsnts . Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subjecl to an audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibilty to: - examine the accounts under section 145 of thè Charities Act. follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5llbl of the Charities AG( and - state whether particular matters have come to my attention. BASIS OF INDEPENDEMf EXAMINERS STATEMENT My examination was carried out in accordance wth general DireL#ions given by the Charity Commission. An examination inGludes a view of the accounting records k8Pt by the chanty and a comparison of the accounts presented wth tFK*se reCd$. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or di10$UreS in the aco)unts, and seeking explanations from you as trustee5 conmIng any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audi( and consequently Th) opinion is given as to whether the accK)unts present a 'lrue and fair vievl, and the report is limited lo those matters set out in the statement below. page 6
Assistsd Reading for Chlldren INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMEFir In nnectIOn with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. 11) 1¢h gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect Ihe requirements.. - to keep accounting records in a¢cordance with section 386 ofthe Companies Act 2006: and to prépare accounts which accord with the accountirHJ reGords. comply with the ac£ounting requirements of section 3% of the Companies Ad 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met., or (2) to vthich, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a propèr understanding of the accounts to be reached. Date: 23 September 2025 Kelvin Barnes FCCA Bames4Business Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 12 Murdoth Road Bitsster Oxfordshi OX26 4PP page 7
A$$isted Readlng for Children statement of Flnancial Activitie$ for tho yoar ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Unrestrieted Restrlcted funds funds Totsl Tot Income Income from generated funds Donations and legacies Income from Investments Income from charitable activities Totsl Income and endoymierts Expenses Costs of generaling funds Expenditure on Charitablè adivities Total Expenses Net gains on investments Net Income 102,739 4.577 91.603 198,919 102.739 76, 702 4.577 4,303 91.603 77, 175 198,919 758, 180 210,470 210,470 210,470 176, 766 21 OA70 776.766 111,551 111.551) (18,586) Galnsl(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets Net movement in funds: Net income for the year Totsl fvnds brought forward Net funds Carried forward (11.551) 162,0 150,539 (11,551) (18.586) 162.090 180.676 150,539 162.090 This ststement of finanual actimties includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditwe derive from ccKJtinuing activities page 8
Assisted Reading for Children BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2025 202S 2024 Notes FIXED ASSErs Tangible assets 2,319 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors (amounts falling due vthin one year) Cash at bank and in hand 6,504 143,588 150,072 1.852 4,590 160,677 165,267 6,531 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSEfs LESS CURRE UABIUTIES 148,220 150.539 158,736 162,090 CAPITAL AND RESERVES Unrestrfctod funds General fund Designated funds 70.383 80,156 150,539 119,064 43,026 162,090 For Ihe year ending 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption under sedion 477 of the Companies Act 20C6 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 ofthe Companies Act 2006. The directors a¢knOedge their responsibililies for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accL)unling records and the preparation of accounts. These aixounts have been prepared in ac[dan with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. Approved by the board of trustees on 23 September 2025 and slgned on their behalf by Margaret Stevens TNstee page 9
Assistsd Reading for Chlldren NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 1. ACCOUfrmNG POUCIES la. Basls Of Aceounting FRS The finarKial statéments have been prepared in aOrdan wth the Companies Act 2016 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practi applicable to chariiies preparing their accounts in accordan with the Financial Reporting Standard applicab in the UK FRS 102 (Chariiies SORP FRS 102 as amend8J for acwunting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). Assisted Reading for Children meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are inrtially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless othewse slated in the relevant aCUntIng policy note{s). 1b. Incomlng Resources AJI incoming reSoUrS a Induded on the Statement of Financial Actiwt¢es en the charity is lègalty entitled to the income, the amount can be quantified with rèasonable accuracy, and any perfomance conditions attached to the itemlsl of income have b met or fulty wthin the control of the tharitable Company. 1c. Re8ourees Expended Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been dassified under headings that aggregate all cost related to thè category. IM)ere costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have beén allocated to actsvitses on a basis consistent wth the use of resources. Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a paymenl to a third party, it is probably that setement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 1d. Allo¢alion And Apportlonment Of Costs AJI costs relate to the single activity of the charitable company and are recognised accordingly. le. Fund Aecountlng Unrestri¢ted funds can be used in accordance with thè charitable obj'ectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted fiJnds can only be used for particular restricted purp¢)ses within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when fijnds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Designated funds are fvnds set aside by the trustees out of Un$trIed general funds for specific ftjture purposes or projecls. page 10
Asslstsd Readlng for Children 1f. Depreclatlon Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful lives. Equipment straight line 33Yty lg. Pènsion Costs The company operates a defined contribulion pension scheme. The pension charge represents the amounts payable by the company to the fund in respect of the year. 2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Equlpment Tolal Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions Al 31 March 2025 Depre¢lallon At 1 April 2024 For the year At 31 March 2025 Nol Book Amounts 40,986 301 40.986 301 41.287 41,287 37,632 37.632 1.336 38.968 At 31 March 2025 2,319 2.319 3.354 At 31 March 2024 3. DEBTORS 2025 2024 Amounts falling due wilhin one year. Other debtors 6,504 6.504 4,590 4,590 page11
Assistsd Reading for Children 4. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Other creditors 6,531 6,531 1,852 S. UMITED BY GUARANTEE The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capiial. Each member gives a guarantee to contribute a sum not exceeding £1. to the company should it be wound up. At 31 March 2025 there were 5 members. 6. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS Brought Incomlng Outgolng Transfern Caffiod forward resources rèsources fonY4rd Generdl fijnd Designated Fund - ARCh Development Fund Designated Fund - Step Change Designated Fund - ARCh Area-speafic Support Fund 119.C64 21,910 11,618 9,498 162,090 133,167 2,240 34,000 29.512 198,919 (181,848} 15,334) 117,388) 5,900) {210,470) 70,383 18,816 28,230 33,110 150,539 Doslgnated Fund - ARCh Development Fund Funds allocated for working on expanding our work wih the most disadvantaged children in the county. Deslgnated Fund - Step Change Funds reiVed to introduce and support the new post of Recruitment Officer. De$ignated Fund - ARCh Area4petifie Support Fund Grants and donalions designated for recruiting and training volunt88rs for specific geographical arèas are held in the Area- Spèafic Support Fund until the volunteers have been SucsSJ11Y placed in schools. We aim to ensure that this is achieved within kn years of receipt. page 12
Asslstod Readlng for Children 7. COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES At 31 March 2025 the charitable company was committed to making payments of £117,142 under nonanlIable operating leases for the remainder of the applicable lease terms12024 - £129,712) in respect of office rent and office equipment hira. 8. AVERAGE NUP•lBER OF EMPLOYEEES The average number of employees during the acixjunting period was 12 {2024: 10). 9. TRANSACTIONS WITH DIRECTORS No directors were reimbursed expenses during the aCCnting period12024: 1 director for £361. page 13
Asslsted Reading for Children Incoming Re$our¢8s for the yoar ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Incomlng resources Incomlng resources from generated funds Voluntary Income Corporate Donab"ons Pnvate Donations Grants 3.150 14.439 85,150 778 14.889 61.035 102,739 76, T02 102,739 76,702 Investment Ineom• Interest recEived 4.577 4,303 4.571 4,303 4,577 4,303 Charltsble Actlvity School Subscriptions 91.603 77,175 91.603 77,175 91,603 198,919 77,175 158,180 page 14
Assisted Readlng for Chlldren Expenses for the year endod 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Expenses Costs of generdtlng funds Charitable Acllvlties Donations for school subscriptions Advertising and M8rketing Bad debts Heat and light Rent Salaries NIC employer (wages and salaries) Pension contributions Staff Expenses and Training Volunteer Expenses and Training Equipment lèasing and maintenance Computer costs Professional fees Insurance Event and Fundraising Expenses stationery & Offi supplies Telephone Bank charges Other interest Sundry expenses Depreciation of equipment 11,234 506 4,400 1,097 2,762 15,172 146,830 4,613 3,180 5,001 2.817 718 4,315 15,026 117,728 2,329 2.348 4,569 1, 957 1,294 3,759 3,695 1,478 3,598 1.575 4,042 3,621 963 121 120 2,388 1,336 210,470 2,203 5,181 176, 766 210.470 176, 766 page 15