2025-03-31-accounts

Business Plan and Financial Statement

Sefton CU Trust

Academic Year 2025-26

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

3		Sefton CU Trust Chairman’s Foreword
4		Vision, Values and Strategic Plan 2025 - 26
7		Business S.W.O.T. Analysis
9		Financial Statement and Review
10		Notes to the Accounts
Annex	1	Sefton CU Trust Board Membership

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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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2025 – 26 Business Plan

Executive Summary

At Sefton Children’s University, we inspire children to love learning beyond the classroom through exciting extra-curricular and enrichment activities in their schools and communities. With our Passport to Learning and celebratory graduation events, we encourage curiosity, build confidence, and help every child discover that learning can open doors to a brighter future.

Overview

Sefton Children’s University is a local charitable organisation dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of learning among children by providing access to high-quality, engaging, and aspirational learning experiences beyond the classroom. We work in partnership with primary schools, families, and community organisations to expand children’s horizons, raise aspirations, and build the confidence and curiosity needed for lifelong success.

Our Approach

Through our innovative Passport to Learning, children aged 4 and above are encouraged to explore new learning opportunities outside of normal school hours. Activities can take place in after-school clubs, local community groups, libraries, museums, and a range of cultural and sporting venues. Each activity contributes to a growing record of achievement that recognises children’s commitment to personal growth and discovery. The learning journey culminates in a graduation ceremony, celebrating each child’s dedication and achievement.

At Sefton Children’s University, we’re proud to be part of the national Children’s University network, supported by the Children’s University Trust, a registered charity that provides strategic direction, resources, and quality assurance across all local centres, operating at the heart of a movement dedicated to helping every child see that learning is the satellite navigation to a brighter future.

Our Vision

To create a culture of curiosity, confidence, and aspiration across Sefton - where every child believes in their potential and recognises that learning is the key to achieving their ambitions and shaping a positive future.

Our Strategic Objectives

1. Inspire Learning Beyond the Classroom - Promote engaging and innovative extra-curricular learning opportunities across schools and communities.

2. Foster Lifelong Learning - Encourage children and families to pursue independent learning and enrichment beyond formal education.

3. Raise Aspirations and Broaden Horizons - Empower children to recognise their potential and explore new possibilities for their future.

4. Recognise and Celebrate Achievement - Track, celebrate, and reward participation and progress in voluntary learning activities.

5. Promote Access to Higher Education - increased awareness of higher education pathways and opportunities, supporting social mobility and the Widening Participation agenda.

6. Enhance Educational Enrichment - Advance education and lifelong learning through innovative and inclusive enrichment activities, as directed by the Trustees.

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1. Support Local Schools - Partner with schools to expand high-quality extracurricular provision aligned with the Education Inspection Framework and Ofsted priorities, providing data and analysis of extra-curricular engagement.

2. Strengthen Partnerships and Impact - Build strong collaborations with educational, community, and cultural partners, and measure the impact of activities on learning, attendance, aspiration, and social outcomes.

Our Short Term Objectives (1-2 years)

Data, Quality and Compliance

• Enhance and promote the use of data systems and school dashboards to provide meaningful insight and analysis.

• Align programme delivery and evaluation with the Education Inspection Framework and Department for Education priorities, in line with the Enrichment for All agenda.

• Use data analysis to identify gaps in provision and inform targeted delivery across Sefton.

• Deliver a consistently high-quality service underpinned by continuous improvement and evidence-based practice.

• Fulfil all funding contracts and commitments to ensure sustainability and accountability.

Engagement and Participation

• Increase participation to 60% of Sefton primary schools.

• Promote and embed the use of Passports to Learning with schools, families, and Learning Destinations.

• Continue to deliver monthly Masterclasses and enrichment opportunities in partnership with Learning Destinations.

• Launch and develop the “CU in a Box” initiative, creating a bank of physical and virtual learning resources for schools.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Strengthen relationships with Learning Destinations, validating new activities and developing new opportunities.

• Expand strategic partnerships with Sefton Council, Multi-Academy Trusts, and Higher Education institutions, particularly Edge Hill University.

• Develop communication resources and campaigns to promote Learning Destination partnerships.

• Seek new sponsorship and funding opportunities, with a key focus on graduations and long-term sustainability.

Communications and Visibility

• Publish a termly school newsletter and Headteacher briefing to enhance communication and engagement.

• Increase visibility through targeted marketing and an enhanced social media presence, including sharing FAQs and success stories.

• Maintain and update the website within the Elevate EBP platform to reflect current activity and impact.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Conduct an in-depth evaluation with schools to review service quality and impact.

• Introduce an annual impact report summarising outcomes, participation, and progress against strategic objectives.

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

Sustainability and Growth

• Ensure long-term financial sustainability through a mix of school membership, funding, sponsorship, and traded income, enabling delivery of charitable objectives.

• Increase participation to over 70% of Sefton primary schools, expanding reach and impact across the borough.

• Develop multi-year funding relationships and secure new grant and bidding opportunities to support programme growth.

• Operate as an efficient, effective, and value-for-money service recognised for quality, reliability, and impact

Quality, Standards and Impact

• Embed structured impact measurement and reporting to demonstrate outcomes on aspiration, attainment, and enrichment across schools.

• Contribute to the raising of standards and achievement in Sefton schools through high-quality, innovative enrichment programmes aligned with school improvement priorities.

• Support schools to adopt a whole-school approach to personal development and the “development of the whole child,” integrating CU into core improvement plans.

Integration with Education Policy and Frameworks

• Become a recognised partner in supporting schools’ delivery of Ofsted priorities, including the Cultural Capital, Pupil Premium, PE and Sports Premium, and Character Education agendas.

• Maintain alignment with statutory, government, and national Children’s University Trust priorities to ensure continued relevance and compliance.

Leadership, Innovation and Partnerships

• Strengthen Sefton CU’s position as a local leader in enrichment and lifelong learning, recognised for innovative practice and strong partnership working.

• Build on collaboration with Higher Education, Local Authority, and community partners to expand pathways into higher education and social mobility initiatives.

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S.W.O.T. Analysis

Strengths

• Widely valued and wellestablished programme with strong engagement from schools, children, and families.

• Excellent reputation and trusted relationships across the borough.

• Committed and skilled Board of Trustees, supported by experienced Elevate EBP management and staff.

• Strong partnership network and growing number of Learning Destinations.

Weaknesses

• Limited staff capacity

• Impact measurement and local evaluation, need consistent use of data.

• Awareness and visibility could be strengthened across some areas, schools and families.

• Marketing and media presence require further development to match reach potential.

• Reliance on yearly membership model, rather than longer term income.

• Proven delivery model replicated in other boroughs.

• Recognised, professional, and responsive service.

• Tangible impact and positive feedback from schools (supported by national evaluations).

• Innovative Masterclass programme and growing participation.

• Charitable status enabling access to a range of funding opportunities.

• CRM system and school dashboards improving data quality and measurement.

• Strong branding and established marketing via Elevate EBP.

• • Supports schools’ statutory and Ofsted-related priorities.

Opportunities

• Growing national and local focus on enrichment and personal development (future policy changes with Enrichment for All)

• Evidence to support links between attendance and engagement in extra-curricular.

• • Alignment with careers, aspiration-raising, and wholechild development agendas.

• • Expansion through new schools, Multi-Academy Trusts, and crossborough collaborations.

• • Increasing access to sponsorship, charitable, and corporate funding opportunities.

Threats

• Lack of long-term, secured funding or core income stream.

• Reduced school budgets and financial pressures due to economic climate.

• Demographic changes and falling pupil numbers impacting participation.

• Curriculum pressures limiting time for enrichment activities.

• Leadership changes and sustainability of CU Trust.

• Increased competition from other enrichment or curriculum initiatives.

• Structural changes in education landscape (e.g., MAT expansion

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• Utilising data and statistic insights to demonstrate impact and inform targeted delivery.

• • Development of CU in a Box and online resources.

• • Strengthening partnerships with HEIs, Sefton Council, and cultural/learning organisations.

• • Enhancing marketing, communications, and digital storytelling to raise profile and engagement.

• with primaries, governance shifts).

• • Change in leadership within schools (new Head Teachers)

• • Risks from changes to CU Trust membership model or national strategic direction (individual membership model)

Financial Statements & Review

Sefton Children’s University 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.

During the 2024/25 financial year, Sefton Children’s University generated an income of £58,704.

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 of 31[st] March 2025.

Financial Statements & Review Sefton CU Trust Company No: 07745834

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Financial Statements Y/E 31 March 2025

Receipts and Payments Account

	Unrestricted	Designated		Restricted		Endowment	Total	Total
	Funds	Funds		Funds		Funds	2025	2024
Receipts
School subscriptions	47,518						47,518	40,336
Grants	0						0	10,555
Passport Sales To Schools	6,471						6,471	909
Sponsorship	0						0	0
Management Recharge	0						0	0
Other	4,715						4,715	0
	58,704		0		0	0	58,704	51,800
Payments
Sefton EBP Management Fees	31,839						31,839	30,005
Graduation Ceremony	5,895						5,895	0
Sefton CU Passports	4,441						4,441	2,934
National CU Subscription	1,870						1,870	1,670
Legal Fees	35						35	0
Accountancy Fees	350						350	550
Sundries	2,493						2,493	8,918
Travel	0						0	0
Grants Repayable	5,620						5,620
	52,543		0		0	0	52,543	44,077
Deficit of Receipts Over
Payments	6,161		0		0	0	6,161	7,723

Statement of Assets and Liabilities As At 31 March 2025

	Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	Endowment	Total	Total
	Funds	Funds	Funds	Funds	2025	2024
Current Assets
Nat West Current Account	32,201				32,201	32,512
Trade Debtors	9,544				9,544	939
Passport Stock	740				740	569
	42,485	0	0	0	42,485	34,020
Creditors Falling Due
Within 1 Yr	-15,072				-15,072	-12,769

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Nett Assets	27,413	0	0	0	27,413	21,251
Opening Capital b/f	21,251				21,251	13,528
Nett Revenue
Retained	6,161				6,161	7,723
Total Funds	27,412				27,412	21,251

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, this year a short year from. September. 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 occasional 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 accrual basis as the liability is incurred and this is also nett of reclaimable vat.

Trade Debtors

Trade Debtors
At the year end, trade debtors were recorded:
Elevate	5,981
Great Crosby	1,812
St John Bosco	1,421
St Marys	330
	9,544
Creditors Due In Under 1 Year
Trade Creditors	-15,131
Vat	59
	-15,072
Retained Funds
Capital b/f	21,251
Net Surplus YE 31.03.25	6161
	27,412

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 2025)

Board of Trustees

Member Name	Organisation	Position
Adrian Antell	Head Teacher, Farnborough Road Junior School	Chair of Board
Lewis Dinsdale	Head Teacher, English Martyr’s Catholic Primary School	Vice Chair of Board
Richard Miller	Head Teacher, St Luke’s Halsall C E Primary School
Christina Greaves	Head Teacher, Kew Woods Primary School
Claire Bucks	Senior Lecturer Primary Education, Edge Hill University
Jacqui Patterson	Sefton MBC, Principal School Improvement Officer, School Improvement Team

Board Members

Member Name	Organisation	Position
Laura Grigsby-Blackburn	Elevate Education Business Partnership	Sefton Children’s University Manager
Laura Ashcroft	Elevate Education Business Partnership	Sefton Children’s University Coordinator/Minute taker
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: [phone]

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

Facebook – Sefton Children’s University Instagram – Linked In -

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 2025

Financial Statements & Review Sefton CU Trust Company No: 07745834 Financial Statements Y/E 31 March 2025

Receipts and Payments Account

	Unrestricted	Designated		Restricted		Endowment	Total	Total
	Funds	Funds		Funds		Funds	2024	2023
Receipts
School subscriptions	47,518						47,518	40,336
Grants	0						0	10,555
Passport Sales To Schools	6,471						6,471	909
Sponsorship	0						0	0
Management Recharge	0						0	0
Other	4,715						4,715	0
	58,704		0		0	0	58,704	51,800
Payments
Sefton EBP Management Fees	31,839						31,839	30,005
Graduation Ceremony	5,895						5,895	0
Sefton CU Passports	4,441						4,441	2,934
National CU Subscription	1,870						1,870	1,670
Legal Fees	35						35	0
Accountancy Fees	350						350	550
Sundries	2,493						2,493	8,918
Travel	0						0	0
Grants Repayable	5,620						5,620
	52,543		0		0	0	52,543	44,077
Defitict of Receipts Over Payments	6,161		0		0	0	6,161	7,723

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As At 31 March 2025

	Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	Endowment	Total	Total
	Funds	Funds	Funds	Funds	2025	2024
Current Assets
Nat West Current Account	32,201				32,201	32,512
Trade Debtors	9,544				9,544	939
Passport Stock	740				740	569
	42,485	0	0	0	42,485	34,020
Creditors Falling Due Within 1 Yr	-15,072				-15,072	-12,769
Nett Assets	27,413	0	0	0	27,413	21,251
Opening Capital b/f	21,251				21,251	13,528
Nett Revenue Retained	6,161				6,161	7,723
Total Funds	27,412				27,412	21,251

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, this year a short year from. September. 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	5,981
Great Crosby	1,812
St John Bosco	1,421
St Marys	330
	9,544
Creditors Due In Under 1 Year
Trade Creditors	-15,131
Vat	59
	-15,072
Retained Funds
Capital b/f	21,251
Net Surplus YE 31.03.25	6161
	27,412

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 2025, 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:

• examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;

• to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

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:

• to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 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 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: 5[th] November 2025