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2021-03-31-accounts

Annual Report, Business Plan and Financial Statement

Sefton CU Trust

Academic Year 2021-22

Sefton CU Trust is a Registered Charity (no. 1147624) and a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales (no. 07745834)

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Contents

Page

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Chairman’s Foreword

“Sefton Children’s University Charitable Trust is making a real difference to the lives of young people and their families in our area. The organisation promotes lifelong learning by validating and rewarding learning outside the classroom and there are thousands of pupils involved in the scheme across the Sefton borough.

Children love the opportunities that are offered both in and out of school. Schools value the structure that is provided to the curriculum outside the school day and parents support the messages of commitment that the system brings.

As a Board of Trustees, we are all very proud to be part of a growing organisation that makes a difference to the lives of young people each and every day. Children’s University raises their aspirations and allows young people to reach and realise their potential. We aim to keep delivering a successful, independent Children’s University for every young person and their families in the Sefton area.”

Adrian Antell

Head Teacher Farnborough Road Junior School, Southport Chair of Board, Sefton CU Trust

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2021 – 22 Business Plan Aims and Objectives

Sefton Children’s University is a charitable organisation giving 5 to 14 year olds exciting and innovative learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours. Children’s University’s innovative Passport to Learning encourages children from the age of 5 to try new learning experiences in and outside of school - at after school clubs, at home, in the local library, museum or further afield.

Culminating in an inspirational graduation ceremony, this adventure encourages children to see the joy of learning, giving a sense of wonder in the world around them and develops their confidence and aspirations for the brightest futures. Raising children's aspirations is important to us and we aim to develop the understanding that learning can be the satellite navigation to better places in life!

Part of a national network of Children’s University Centre’s, we are supported by Children’s University Trust; a charity that sits at the heart of the network supporting delivery.

Our Vision

We exist to celebrate learning, raise aspirations, boost achievement, and encourage life-long learning for Sefton students and their families.

Our Strategic Objectives

Our Short Term Objectives (1-2 years)

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Schools in Sefton

Our Medium and Long Term Objectives (2-5 years)

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Business S.W.O.T. Analysis

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

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Annual Report 2020-21

The Charity

Since April 2011, Sefton Children’s University has been independent of the Local Authority. The organisation is constituted as an Independent Charitable Trust (registered with the Charity Commission, Charity Number 1147624) and is a Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital. (Registered in England and Wales no. 07745834). Sefton CU Trust is governed by a Board of non-executive Trustees who meet termly. The principal governing document is the Company Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Since September 2011 we have been paying members of the national Children’s University network with CU Trust and have followed the national Children’s University framework for delivery in its entirety.

Structure, Governance and Management

Sefton Children’s University is governed by a Board of Non-Executive Trustees and Members, See Annex 1. As set out in the Articles of Association, the trustees are elected during Annual General Meeting, each of whom agrees to contribute £1 in the event of the charity winding up.

The management of Sefton Children’s University is contracted to Elevate - The Education Business Partnership (EBP, previously known as Sefton EBP). The team is staffed by Laura Grigsby – CU Manager, Laura Ashcroft – CU Coordinator and with administrative support from Laura Hale.

A Manager is appointed by the trustees to manage the day to day operations of the charity. To facilitate effective operations the Manager has delegated authority for operational matters. The charity does not directly employ any staff and therefore has no direct employment or redundancy liabilities.

Covid Implications and Recovery

The current pandemic has had a massive impact on how Children’s University has operated in the past 18 months, with school closures and a national lockdown from March 2020 bringing engagement to a standstill. For the first time in our organisation’s history, we had to adapt and evolve all aspects of the programme to make it fit for purpose in the current climate. We have included further details under the relevant sections below but have particularly had to adapt our Graduation Ceremonies, ways students can participate and how we promote Learning Destinations.

Changes include the promotion of virtual activities to support and underfill gaps in school provision, the “Graduation in a Box” Toolkit issued to schools, virtual delivery of assemblies and partnering with providers who can deliver on-line enrichment or promoting Learning Destinations who are still operating and covid-safe.

To support schools further, we reduced the SLA fee, giving schools a free term from April 2021 to July 2021. Invoices will be raised in September 2021 instead of the usual Easter time.

Graduation Ceremonies

We take huge pride in organising inspirational events that feature performances, local guest speakers and allow our children to feel celebrated alongside their peers and in front of their teachers, parents and local dignitaries. Attending these ceremonies is a big deal to our graduates and the sense of celebration that is created is a huge part of what keeps children motivated and engaged with learning.

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Last year, for the first time in our organisation’s history, the pandemic meant that graduation ceremonies were unable to go ahead with little time to plan for contingency and most schools remained closed (except for key worker families). Again, this year we had the same challenges and moved to delivering our first Virtual Graduations. As a result, 24 schools took part in virtual ceremonies via Zoom. These were individual events for each school that were virtually attended by the CU team and parents/carers. Students were often in the hall or classrooms (depending on school’s individual procedures) and isolating students were also able to attend from home. Holding individual ceremonies allowed for a more personalised approach to the event. The remaining participating schools did their own in-house ceremonies. Unfortunately, some schools needed to cancel a pre-arranged virtual ceremony due to “bubbles bursting” and whole classes being sent home to isolate.

The traditional threshold for attending the graduation in Year 6 is Gold Award (100 hours of learning). To acknowledge the limited opportunity that students had to take part in extra-curricular learning, this was lowered to Silver Award (65 hours of learning).

1098 young people from across Sefton received their graduation certificates either virtually, at home or through in-house graduations in June/July 2021. We celebrate over 141,793 hours of extra-curricular learning from our graduates alone with thousands more hours being accumulated by remaining year groups, a fantastic achievement in the circumstances.

Similar to last year, schools were provided with a “Graduation in a Box” Toolkit that included resources and activities, allowing students to make their own Mortar Boards for the ceremony. Guest Speakers pre-recorded congratulations videos and included recordings from Sir John Jones (Sefton CU Chancellor), National Museums Liverpool (Learning Destination), Professor Robert Walsh (UCLAN), Dr Glenn Godenho (University of Liverpool) Jamie Carragher (ex LFC footballer and commentator), Curtis Jobling (Author and Illustrator), Jayne McCubbin (BBC Breakfast News), Andy Grant (Royal Marine and Paralympian), Adam Hills (TV Personality and Comedian), and Merseyside Police.

Participation

From September 2021 we have 33 primary schools participating and 1 high school piloting the CU online 11+ programme. We are mindful that school participation has dipped in recent years and the current pandemic has had a real impact on school engagement. Our priority going forward for this academic year is to increase engagement across the borough. We are already aware of several schools that have signed up through an Education Endowment funded project and will find our which schools will be participating in November 2021, likely increasing participating schools to 36.

During the academic year September 2020 – August 2021, Sefton students took part in over 62,170 hours of learning by participating in school-based activities, virtual activities, Masterclasses and visiting Public Learning Destinations using their Passport to Learning. This figure is close a third (32.8%) of what we achieved in the academic year 2018-19 (the last full year of delivery without Covid) but is still a massive achievement considering little activity was able to take place due to pandemic restrictions for the majority of the year.

School-led Extra Curricular Activities

Schools offered a very limited extra-curricular offer this past academic year due to school closures, covid restrictions and bubbles in schools, with some schools not running any clubs at all for the academic year 2020-21. This has shown in the number of hours that have been recorded across the borough. Most clubs will be reestablished for the coming academic year.

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Normally there are over 600 school-based clubs that are available across Sefton and registered for Children’s University. From Kindle club to Yoga covering subject groups from literacy, languages, STEM to sports and Creative Arts. All have clear learning aims and objectives with tangible links to university study or career pathways. All our Curriculum Activities are validated against the Planning for Learning National Framework.

To support schools, the team created weekly “Virtual Clubs” during lockdown and home-led activities. Schools have also been offered a variety of opportunities to support the delivery of clubs and activities including sporting equipment, Recycle Rangers, CLORE materials, PDSA Pet Club resources, Making for Charity Sewing Club and Code Club.

Masterclasses

We began delivery of on-line Masterclasses in January 2021 to underfill the gap of provision and opportunity for students to gain credits. These have been very well received and have since transitioned into a monthly activity delivered to schools. The sessions are with a variety of Guest Speakers and Learning Destinations and are delivered via Zoom direct into the classroom. Multiple schools access the activity together. Students receive 1 credit (1 hour) for attending.

Sessions that we have ran include; Western Approaches WW2 Masterclass, Living with a Star (Professor Robert Walsh, UCLAN), The Egyptians (Dr Glenn Godenho, University of Liverpool), Little Lamb Tales (Jude Lennon), Meet the Tudors (Houghton Tower), Is Plastic Fantastic? (Gilmoss Recycling Centre) and Curtis Jobling.

A monthly offer will continue as part of our Children’s University service.

Passports to Learning and Public Learning Destinations

Passports to Learning were introduced within Sefton in January 2012. As from September 2021, there are over 12,219 passports issued in Sefton.

We have already successfully validated over 360 Learning Destination venues in reachable distance from Sefton with many more available nationally. Learning Destinations include Sefton Libraries, Active Sefton activities, Farmer Ted’s, Ykids, B&M Waste, Veolia, Liverpool Museums, Apple Store, Hobbycraft and Liverpool One. Our partnership with Albert Dock Liverpool has seen the creation of a family trail, designed in consultation with students, the trail is a great opportunity for family learning.

Requests by new Learning Destinations was limited in the past 12 months as most were closed for long periods. Access to Learning Destinations has also been restricted during periods of this year due to the current pandemic, but all Learning Destinations are operating covid-safe practices and adhere to government guidance. We are grateful at how quickly Learning Destinations have adapted and the continued commitment and service they provide.

We produce holiday “challenges” for Christmas, Easter and half terms to encourage learning during school holidays. We have also recently issued our first collection of “Virtual CU” Clubs that have been well received by schools.

All Learning Destinations are validated against the Planning for Learning National Framework .

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Income and Financial Review

During the 2020/21 financial year, Sefton CU generated an income of £34,716. The charity made a deficit of £716 .

Due to the reduced opportunities that schools and children had this year, the decision was made to give schools a free terms membership, running from April to July 2021. Normal invoicing will resume after this. This will in part be offset against reduced graduation costs. Additional income is expected in the coming year due to EEF funding.

Sefton CU is offered to all schools in the borough with a set pricing structure based on school size for annual membership. Our main source of income is from School Membership however Sefton CU also receives irregular income from other sources including funding, sponsorship and passport sales – See Financial Statements for more details.

Despite making a loss this year, the charity maintained a healthy balance sheet to cover planned activities in the coming year. We do not have any loans or other liabilities in relation to buildings either owned or leased. In our opinion the financial statement gives a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company’s affairs as at 31[st] March 2021.

Additional Funding and Project Delivery

Sefton Children’s University are part of an Education Endowment Foundation effectiveness study of Children’s University. EEF have appointed the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER) to run a study that will monitor a cohort of children in 150 new schools from September 2021 to June 2023 (postponed from last year due to Covid). We currently have 5 schools signed up in the Sefton area, of which half will be allocated to a treatment group (receiving CU for the next 2 years) and half will be allocated to a control group (not receiving CU for the next 2 years). We will be informed of participating schools in November 2021.

The funding is to deliver Children’s University to a cohort in Year 5 and 6 however we will be offering the initiative to the whole school in order to increase sustainability once the funding ends.

We will also be trialling a Children’s University transition project with Litherland High School to look at the impact that CU based transition activities can have on attainment once the students reach KS3. We will specifically be monitoring students who are high attaining, from low-income families to deliver virtual transition enrichment activities. We will be launching CU online 11+ with the whole of Year 7.

Further funding streams are being actively sort.

Children’s University Trust

CU Trust is a charitable organisation that operates as a social franchise model. Sefton CU has an annual membership as a CU Partner to Children’s University™ and follows the national framework and guidelines. Children’s University nationally is delivered through a network of just over 60 centres, hosted by universities, charities, local authorities and clusters of schools, each covering a specific geographical area.

Children's University was included in the top 100 social enterprises in the Natwest SE100 Index 2020 in May 2020 in recognition for all the hard work and social impact Children's University has. The NatWest SE100 is published by Pioneers Post, in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital.

Children’s University Trust and the network are also members of the Fair Education Alliance and the Skills Builder Partnership.

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Sefton CU will continue to communicate regularly with the Trust to keep abreast of national priorities and strategic direction, with a clear focus on evaluation and impact measurement going forward.

CU Trust launched a new Digital Platform in January 2019 that allows children to log their hours through an interactive system. This will give local CU centres and schools a dashboard of information that will allow us to analyse participation and engagement, skills built and will map the different categories of activities in more detail. At present, we only utilise this system for Learning Destinations, validations and ensuring the correct data appears on the national website. We are keen for the system to be trailed further before we change how we operate with schools in the region. All new schools that are signed up as part of the EEF trail will have to use CU online and will be a good trial for us.

A major part of the new digital system is the alignment with The Skills Builder Partnership, mapping skills as well as hours of participation. There latest findings can be found in the report “The State of The Nation” - https://childrensuniversity.co.uk/media/1379/state-of-the-nation-learning-beyond-theclassroom-in-2021.pdf

Quality, Evaluation and Impact Measurement

Sefton CU is continuously striving to deliver a quality service to schools and young people across our area. We are also keen to highlight the impact and support that we are having.

Sefton CU moved to a new and improved database for recording student hours of learning. As well as recording students' progress in hours, we are now able to analyse and report on this data in a much more meaningful way by reporting on the following -

We hope that this will allow schools to see and evidence the benefit of Children’s University (for Ofsted, governors etc) in a far more meaningful way than we ever have before. It will also allow us to spot any gaps in provision or potential for us to support schools further. We are hoping that the rich data will attract additional funding.

A number of academic research and evaluation reports have been published over recent years that showcase the impact that extra-curricular learning has:

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team from Durham University with funding from EEF and the Cabinet Office. Summary of their findings include –

  1. Children in CU schools made two additional months’ progress in reading and maths compared to children in other schools.

  2. Children were more likely to select professional occupations as their future aspiration, and to report higher levels of communication, empathy, selfconfidence, resilience, and happiness, after the intervention.

Children’s University was listed on EEF’s list of Promising Projects, EEF funded projects that have shown promising results after being trialled. As a result, we are now part of the effectiveness trial previously mentioned. This is very positive recognition of the potential impact Children’s University can have.

Partnerships

Sefton CU has a very productive relationship with our local Universities; Edge Hill University, which is represented on the Board of Trustees and The University of Liverpool. Edge Hill University has had a long-standing relationship with Sefton CU and is the venue for Graduations along with providing student ambassadors.

Sefton CU has joined the Sefton Local Cultural Education Partnership Steering Group, chaired by Curious Minds. We are hoping to develop our cultural activities as a result.

Sefton CU has recently developed partnerships with the Sefton Mental Health and Wellbeing Team to look at how we can support their borough wide agenda.

Creative Briefs, a design challenge company have delivered several activities as part of their Inspiring Futures funding. This includes virtual 5-week programmes in 4 schools and have plans to deliver a Creative Thinkers Week in Liverpool in October 2021.

Sefton CU Chancellor

We are very pleased that Sefton CU’s Chancellor is Sir John Jones. Knighted in 2003 for services to education, Sir John Jones has vast experience and knowledge within education and learning. A previous secondary Head Teacher from Sefton, he has strong links with the area and was thrilled to be invited to represent Sefton CU. He attends a number of graduations each year to present students with certificates and is a great advocate of Children’s University.

Laura Grigsby- Blackburn Sefton Children’s University Manager 26[th] October 2021

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Financial Statements & Review

Financial Statements & Review Sefton CU Trust Company No: 07745834

Receipts and Payments Account

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds 2021 2020
Receipts
School subscriptions 34,545 34,545 36,237
Start-Up Funding 0 0 0
Passport Sales To Schools 171 171 2,776
Sponsorship 0 0 250
Management Recharge 0 0 0
Other 0 0 1,100
34,716 0 0 0 34,716 40,363
Payments
Sefton EBP Management Fees 29,417 29,417 29,417
Graduation Ceremony 2,411 2,411 8,412
Sefton CU Passports 106 106 2,370
National CU Subscription 1,750 1,750 1,750
Legal Fees 48 48 53
Accountancy Fees 500 500 500
Sundries 1,200 1,200 706
Travel 0 0 0
35,432 0 0 0 35,432 43,208
Deficit of Receipts Over Payments -716 0 0 0 -716 -2,845

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Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As At 31 March 2021

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds 2021 2020
Current Assets
Nat West Current Account 30,162 30,162 36,065
Trade Debtors 5,150 5,150 10,172
Passport Stock 0 0 105
35,312 0 0 0 35,312 46,342
Creditors Falling Due Within 1
Yr -17,010 -17,010 -27,324
Nett Assets 18,302 0 0 0 18,302 19,018
Opening Capital b/f 19,018 19,018 21,863
Nett Revenue Retained -716 -716 -2,845
Total Funds 18,302 18,302 19,018

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Notes To The Accounts

1) Basis of Accounts

The accounts have been prepared under the accrual’s basis in accordance with the SORP and s386 OF 2006 Companies Act.

2) Incoming Resources

a) Subscriptions

Each subscribing school pays an annual membership due on 1st April each year. The financial years are in line with the fiscal year hence enabling accounting based upon a full year’s subscription.

b) Other Income

Sponsorship and the sale of passports to schools are the two other minor income sources. These are accounted for on a receipt’s basis due to their occasional nature. The effects of covid restrictions have meant reduced income and opportunities for young people thus reducing demand for sundries such as passports, stamps and sponsorship.

2) Resources Expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis as the liability is incurred and this is also nett of reclaimable vat.

Trade Debtors

At the year end, trade debtors were recorded:

Elevate EBP 150
Expenditure Pd In Advance to Elevate EBP 5,000
5,150
Creditors Due In Under 1 Year
Trade Creditors -17,463
Vat 453
-17,010
Retained Funds
Capital b/f 19,018
Net Deficit YE 31.03.21 -716
18,302

The trust has been independent of the local education authority since April 2011 As such, it has the status of a private company, limited by guarantee.

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Annex 1

Board Membership (October 2021)

Board of Trustees

Member Name Organisation Position
Mr Adrian Antell Head Teacher, Farnborough
Road Junior School		 Chair of Board
Mr Lewis Dinsdale Head Teacher, English
Martyr’s Catholic Primary
School		 Vice Chair of Board
Mrs Louise Morton Head Teacher, Holy Family
Catholic Primary School
Mr Richard Miller Head Teacher, St Luke’s
Halsall C E Primary School
Mrs Christina Greaves Head Teacher, Kew Woods
Primary School
Mr Dwayne Johnson Chief Executive, Sefton MBC
Mrs Helen O’Keeffe Edge Hill University

Board Members

Member Name Organisation Position
Mrs Laura Grigsby-
Blackburn		 Elevate Education Business
Partnership		 Sefton CU Manager
Mrs Jacqui Patterson Sefton MBC, Principal
School Improvement Officer,
School Improvement Team		 Representing Dwayne
Johnson
Mrs Claire Bucks Edge Hill University Representing Helen
O’Keeffe
Mrs Betty Boner Albert Dock Charitable
Foundation
Mrs Helen Guest H Guest Accounting Accountant

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Contact –

Adrian Antell, Chair of Board Farnborough Road Junior School Farnborough Road Southport PR8 3DF Tel: 01704 577625

Laura Grigsby-Blackburn, Children’s University Manager Elevate Education Business Partnership Sefton House Bridle Road Bootle Liverpool L30 4XR Tel: 0151 330 5760 - Laura.grigsby@elevate ebp.co.uk

Twitter - @SeftonCU

Facebook – Sefton Children’s University

www.childrensuniversity.co.uk

Sefton CU Trust is a Registered Charity (no. 1147624) and a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales (no. 07745834)

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Sefton Childrens University Trustees Annual Report and Accounts Year Ended 31 March 2021

Financial Statements & Review Sefton CU Trust Company No: 07745834 Financial Statements Y/E 31 March 2021

Receipts and Payments Account

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds 2021 2020
Receipts
School subscriptions 34,545 34,545 36,237
Start-Up Funding 0 0 0
Passport Sales To Schools 171 171 2,776
Sponsorship 0 0 250
Management Recharge 0 0 0
Other 0 0 1,100
34,716 0 0 0 34,716 40,363
Payments
Sefton EBP Management Fees 29,417 29,417 29,417
Graduation Ceremony 2,411 2,411 8,412
Sefton CU Passports 106 106 2,370
National CU Subscription 1,750 1,750 1,750
Legal Fees 48 48 53
Accountancy Fees 500 500 500
Sundries 1,200 1,200 706
Travel 0 0 0
35,432 0 0 0 35,432 43,208
Defitict of Receipts Over Payments -716 0 0 0 -716 -2,845

Statement of Assets and Liabilities As At 31 March 2021

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds 2021 2020
Current Assets
Nat West Current Account 30,162 30,162 36,065
Trade Debtors 5,150 5,150 10,172
Passport Stock 0 0 105
35,312 0 0 0 35,312 46,342
Creditors Falling Due Within 1 Yr -17,010 -17,010 -66
Nett Assets 18,302 0 0 0 18,302 46,276
Opening Capital b/f 19,018 19,018 21,846
Nett Revenue Retained -716 -716 16
Total Funds 18,302 18,302 21,862

Notes To The Accounts

1) Basis of Accounts

The accounts have been prepared under the accruals basis in accordance with the SORP and s386 OF 2006 Companies Act.

2) Incoming Resources

a) Subscriptions

Each subscribing school pays an annual membership due on 1st April each year. The financial years are in line with the fiscal year hence enabling accounting based upon a full years subscription.

b) Other Income

Sponsorship and the sale of passports to schools are the two other minor income sources. These are accounted for on a receipts basis due to their occassional nature. The effects of covid restrictions has meant reduced income and opportunities for young people thus reducing demand for sundries such as passports, stamps and sponsorship.

2) Resources Expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accurals basis as the liability is incurred and this is also nett of reclaimable vat.

Trade Debtors

At the year end, trade debtors were recorded:

Elevate EBP 150
Expenditure Pd In Advance to Elevate EBP 5,000
5,150
Creditors Due In Under 1 Year
Trade Creditors -17,463
Vat 453
-17,010
Retained Funds
Capital b/f 19,018
Net Deficit YE 31.03.21 -716
18,302

The trust has been independent of the local education authority since April 2011.

As such,it has the status of a private company, limited by guarantee.

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sefton Children’s University

I report on the accounts of Sefton Children’s University for the year ended 31[st] March 2021, which are set out on the previous pages.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Name: Carina Baylis Address: 46 Daneway, Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 2QW Date: 29[th] October 2021