2025-07-31-accounts - Faith in Schools

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FAITH IN SCHOOLS

Trustee Report 2024-2025

Registered Address for the charity:

58 Reginald Road, Forest Gate London. E7 9HS

Faith in Schools is a registered charity No. 1147664

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025

CONTENTS
	Page
Legal and adm inistrative inform ation	2
Trustees Report	3 - 7
Independent exam iners report	8
Receipts and payments account	9
Statem ent of assets and liabilities	10
Notes to the financial statem ents	11 - 13

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025

Le ga l a n d a d m in is t r a t ive in fo r m a t io n

C h	C h	a	a	r i t	r i t	r i t	r i t		r e g i s t	r e g i s t	r e g i s t	r e g i s t	r e g i s t	r a	r a	i o n n	i o n n	i o n n	1147664
L e g a					l		f r a			m	e		w o r k						Trust Deed
C h		a		i r			o f		T r u				s t	e	e s				Mark Waterfield
T r u			s t			e e s													Mark Waterfield
																			Susanne Daswani
																			Jill Mcwilliam
																			Natasha Seebaluck - appointed 30th Septem ber 2025
R e g i s t								e r e d				o f f i c e							Faith in Schools
																			58 Reginald Road
																			London
																			E7 9HS
I n	d e p e n								d e n				t	E x a		m	i n	e r	Sylvia Lam bden FCCA
																			Calculus Accountants and Tax Advisers Ltd
																			5 Priory Road
																			Loughton
																			Essex
																			IG10 1AF
B a		n		k e r s															The Co-operative Bank

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025

Tr u s t e e s An n u a l Re p o r t

The Trustees are pleased to present their annual report and accounts. Ch a r it a b le Ob je ct ive s

The m ain objectives are to advance the Christian faith am ongst children and young people in their schools and in partnership with the Church in areas of social disadvantage. Or ga n is a t io n

The charity was established by a Trust Deed dated 25[th] May 2012 am ended on 21[st] September 2021 and 11[th] May 2022.

Pu b lic Be n e fit St a t e m e n t

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011, to have due regard to the Charity Com m ission’s general guidance on public benefit and continue to provide public benefit through m any and varied activities as described below. None of the activities are restricted in any way in term s of gender, race, faith, background, or disability.

Trustees

Mark Waterfield (Chair) Jill McWilliam (Safeguarding) Susanne Daswani (Church Liaison) Natasha Seebaluck

The trustees met three times during the financial year. At these meetings they ensured the finances of the charity were in order, as well as made plans with the director to ensure the charities aims were continued to be met. The trustees are in agreement that this is the case, and the accounts have been independently examined successfully.

The day-to-day managem ent of the charity is in the hands of Alice Probert.

The following statistics and activities report on the impact of our work for the duration of the academic year from September 2024 – July 2025.

Achievements and Activities

This report tells of our work in schools and with churches in Newham. Our aim is to advance the Christian faith amongst children and young people in their schools, in partnership with their local churches.

Our vision is for every child and young person in schools to have the opportunity to meet, in their RE lessons, local Christians and discover what it means to be a Christian in the 21[st] Century.

We also continued with our long-term plans for sustainability by recruiting churches to be trained, mentored and then to take on our RE lessons for themselves and regularly visit their local schools.

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025

Our school team staffing hours remained the same as last year due to the core team remaining the same, but we still have continued to experience a demand for our services which outstrips our capacity to fulfil. We have also seen an increase of new volunteers coming through. The team again continued with their fundraising with various community events and engagement with our supporters. We did say goodbye to our m anager Rich at Christmas as well as to our school worker Yvonne in the sum m er who both felt called to do other work after being with the charity for 5 years.

Saying goodbye to Yvonne (July 2025)

We taught 832 lessons in 62 different schools in Newham teaching 24,960 pupils as well as seeing 1400 pupils in Calm Club. A total of 26,360 pupils have been reached which is an increase of 12% on the previous year. We saw 2752 pupils for our Christmas Journey and 2640 pupils for our Easter Experience as well as 378 pupils at Life Expo. 243 volunteers from local churches have given over 3292 hours of their time supporting what we do in schools. Our average lesson score was 5.6 out of a potential score of 6 from lesson evaluations by teachers. This demonstrates a sustained high-quality provision consistent with the last ten years.

Christmas Journey, Easter Experience and Life Expo

Our Christmas Journey saw an amazing 3003 Year 1 pupils (5- and 6-year-olds) plus parents and schools staff attend from 42 different schools . The event was held at 7 host churches over 8 days and involved 123 volunteers from 31 different churches who gave a total of 1102 volunteering hours . These figures show an increase of 9% in pupils seen and 51% for volunteers and hours given from Christmas Journey 2023.

Sharing lunch between sessions Shepherd keeping warm Mary telling her story while making bread (CJ Forest Gate 2024) (CJ Manor Park 2024) (CJ Canning Town 2024)

Easter Experience saw 2360 Year 4 pupils (8- and 9-year-olds) with parents and school staff from 34 different schools going to 7 different host churches over 8 days. This number is slightly down on last year due to Ramadan where several schools informed us that they were not allowed on school trips, however we did attend some of those schools to do Easter lessons in class. We also had 3 new schools attending, including 1 school who has never had any sessions from us before. Overall, 129 volunteers from 31 active churches gave a total of 1274 volunteering hours supporting this work by sharing how they celebrate Easter with Newham children.

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025

Creating Joy through writing Showing Jesus’s love on the cross Sowing the seeds! Prep for gardens (Calligraphy 2025) (Banners, 2024) (Volunteers prep, 2024)

Life Expo was held at one location and reached 450 Year 6 pupils (10- & 11-year-olds) from 6 different schools . This year the host church coordinated the volunteers while Faith in Schools coordinated the schools.

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Life Expo Team at Manor Park Christian Centre
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Calm Club

Through a Newham Mental Health and Wellbeing grant a Calm Club (wellbeing lunch club) was launched in at a secondary school in partnership with a youth worker from a local church. 360 young people have taken advantage of this space and the school is requesting another club to be opened on their second site. This project is pastoral based with the young people enjoying playing games, crocheting and other crafts. They have a space where they can ask faith-based questions.

End of term treat!

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5
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Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025

Church Partnership

The number of associate church workers who lead visits in at least 1 school has now increased to 14 independently which is up on 9 from last year. They have led 128 lessons at 12 different schools .

We are pleased by this increase in numbers as it fits with our aims to equip churches to be able to interact with their local schools successfully with support from us a charity. This has helped continue our work in the areas of the borough where we do not have a dedicated schools worker and so allowing children to meet local Christians as part of their RE lessons.

Safeguarding

The trustees have reviewed the charities practices and procedures around safeguarding of children who we come into contact within schools. They have agreed that our practices are fit for purpose and are happy for the charity to continue to work under the safeguarding policies of the schools we work with. All volunteers have gone through our safeguarding training. There have been no instances of concern and no complaints received about the charity’s practices and procedures. All volunteers who work with us are DBS’ed through Scripture Union.

Our finances and figures

Our finances for this period go from August 2024 to July 2025. In this time our income was £75,490 (2024: £93,975) and our expenditure was £103,971 (2024: 108,493). The charity has worked hard to remain sustainable by again looking at staffing and capacity while raising monies through local fundraisers, support from local givers. We still continue to face significant challenges to funding faith-based work due to the cost-of-living priorities. With our built-up reserves, we continue to be in a financial responsible position.

Of the £43,384 balance left in our account, £5,506 is in restricted funds and £15,000 is designated to cover staff redundancies if required in the future totalling £20,506 with the remaining £22,878 in the unrestricted General funds being allocated towards wages from September 2025. We aim to retain reserves to allow us to meet our obligations for the following three months.

Risk Management

The trustees have examined the major operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to highlight and lessen these risks. Policies are being prepared and updated to mitigate risk such as safeguarding, child protection, photography and filming, disciplinary. Grievance and equality.

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025

Trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the [Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report has been agreed by the Trustees of Faith in Schools.

Approved by the Trustees on 2026

and signed on their behalf by:

…………………………… Mark Waterfield Trustee and chairm an

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025

In d e p e n d e n t Exa m in e r 's Re p o r t t o t h e Tr u s t e e s o f Fa it h in Sch o o l Ne w h a m

I report to the charity trustees on m y exam ination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2025 which are set out on pages 9 to 13.

Re s p o n s ib ilit ie s a n d b a s is o f r e p o r t

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirem ents of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of m y exam ination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my exam ination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Comm ission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

In d e p e n d e n t e xa m in e r 's s t a t e m e n t

I have com pleted m y exam ination. I confirm that no m aterial m atters have com e to my attention in connection with the exam ination giving m e cause to believe that in any m aterial respect:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Sylvia Lam bden FCCA

Calculus Accountants and Tax Advisers Lim ited

Accountants 5 Priory Road Loughton Essex IG10 1AF

Date: May 2026

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025 Re ce ip t s a n d Pa ym e n t s Acco u n t

	R t i t d G l T t l T t l
Notes and gift aid receipts 2 3 m e incom e 4 p t s ( e x c l u d i n g i p t s ) m i n g r e s o u r c e s Activities 5 tive Expenses 6 e n t s ( e x c l u d i n g i p t s ) e n t s c e s e x p e n d e d m e n t i n f u n d s balances brought 1st August 2024 balances carried 31st July 2025 9	e s r c e F u n d s e n e r a F u n d s o a 2 0 2 5 o a 2 0 2 4 £ £ £ £ 60 31,794 31854 50,223 33,500 - 33,500 42,444 - 289 9,162 685 9,162 974 235 1,073 33849 41641 75490 93975
	, , , , 33,849 41,641 75,490 93,975 44,878 53,551 98,429 102,615 - 5,542 5,542 5,866
	44,878 59,093 103,971 108,493
	44,878 59,093 103,971 108,493 (11,029) (17,452) (28,481) (14,518) 16,535 55,330 71,865 86,383 - - -
	£5,506 37,878 £43,384 £71,865

The notes on page 11 to 13 form part of these financial statem ents.

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025 St a t e m e n t o f As s e t s a n d Lia b ilit ie s

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Re s t r ict e d £ Un r e s t r ict e d 2025 £ 2024
Cooperative Bank Current Account 4,804 5,462 10,266 15,599
Cooperative Bank Current (WTP) 702 - 702 10,587
Cooperative Bank Deposit Account - 32,416 32,416 45,659
Paypal Account - - - 20
To t a l ca s h fu n d s £5,506 37,878 £43,384 £71,865
Fixt u r e s a n d fit t in gs a t in s u r a n ce
va lu e -
£3,600 £3,600
Lia b ilit ie s
Grant overpaid 1,188 1,188
Accruals 890 £890
Fu n d s
General funds - 37,878 37,878 55,330
Restricted 8 5,506 - 5,506 51,535
To t a l fu n d s £5,506 £37,878 £43,384 £71,865
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The financial statem ents on pages 9 to 13 were approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by:

Mark Waterfield	May 2026
Chairm an and Trustee

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025 No t e s t o t h e a cco u n t s

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of the accounts

The accounts are prepared on a ‘Receipts & Paym ents’ basis under section 133 of the Charities Act 2011, the statem ent of assets and liabilities included assets listed at insured values. The results of the Charity operations are described in the Trustees’ Report and are continuing. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any tim e the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statem ents com ply with the Charities Act 2011, the [Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed.

1.2 Fund accounting policy

Unrestricted incom e funds are general funds that are available for use at the Trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds are those which were raised for particular purposes and can only be used for those particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. The cost of raising and adm inistering such funds are charged against the specific fund.

Incom ing resources

Donations and general gifts are recognised as incom ing resources on receipt.

Gift aid income received are tax reclaim s on the donations of tax paying mem bers of the Church and are included in donations on receipt.

Investm ent and sundry income is recognised when received.

1.3 Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the statem ent of financial activities on a receipts and paym ents basis. Certain costs have been apportioned between direct charitable expenditure, m anagem ent and adm inistration on a basis consistent with the use of those resources.

2. Do n a t io n s a n d ge n e r a l gift s

Donations Gifts Gift Aid Reclaim ed Total	Restricted £ General £ Total £ Total £ 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 4 60 25,873 25,933 45,302 - 2,880 2,880 1,3700 - 3,041 3,041 3,551
	£60 £31,794 £31,854 £50,223

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025

No t e s t o t h e a cco u n t s

3. Gr a n t s

London Borough of Newham Benefact Trust Mr Williats Aston Mansfield London over the Border Good news evangelical m ission Tate and Lyle Total	Restricted £ General £ Total £ Total £ 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 4 20,000 - 20,000 12,029 10,000 - 10,000 10,000 3,500 - 3,500 3,500 - - - 2,000 - - - 7,414 - - - 5,000 - - - 2,500
	£33,500 £33,500 £42,444

4. Su n d r y in co m e

Events Miscellaneous Total	Restricted £ General £ Total £ Total £ 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 4 - 8,778 8,778 - - 384 384 235
	- £9,162 £9,162 £235

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5. An a lys is o f Exp e n d it u r e 2025 2024
Restricted £ General £ £ £
Ch a r it a b le a ct ivit ie s
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5 . A n a l y s i s o f E x p e n d i t u r e C h a r i t a b l e a c t i v i t i e s	2 0 2 5 2 0 2 4 Restricted £ General £ £ £
Salaries and pension Conference Travel Resources Com puter costs Website Christmas journey Easter experience WTP expenses Clubs and events Sundry items Paypal fees Printing, post and stationery	33,147 - 49 199 76 - 444 734 10,146 - 68 - 15 51,632 140 408 7 78 457 - - - 386 365 78 - 84,779 140 457 206 154 457 444 734 10,146 386 433 78 15 84,362 90 260 990 173 296 1,183 13,828 - 629 276 60 468
	£44,878 £53,551 £98,429 £102,615

Faith in School Newham

Charity registration num ber: 1147664

Year ended 31[st] July 2025

No t e s t o t h e a cco u n t s

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2025 2024
£ £
5. Ad m in is t r a t ive co s t s
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N o t e s t o t h e a c c o u n t s 5 . A d m i n i s t r a t i v e c o s t s	2 0 2 5 £ 2 0 2 4 £
Finance fees Insurance Rent Telephone and broadband Safeguarding Donation Governance: Independent exam ination Total	- - - 888 - 888 - 921 - - - - 3,345 486 - 600 3,293 486 - 3,345 212 38 600 - 875 875 750
	£- £5,542 £5,542 £5,866

6. Em p lo ym e n t co s t s

The charity had 6 em ployees during the year. The charity operates a defined contribution pension schem e.

7. Tr u s t e e a n d r e la t e d p a r t ie s

Am ounts paid by Trustees on behalf of the charity are reimbursed if required but no other expenses are claim ed or paid. No related party item s have been identified.

8. Re s e r ve s

l F u n d s t e d F u n d s ches Trust ld Trust (Easter e)Synergy lats Trust Newham m ental Health ct Trust he point project stricted		At 1st Aug 24 £ Receipts £ Expenses £ Transfers £ At 31 July 2025 £ 55,330 2,012 1,159 1,588 - 1,189 - 10,587 £16,535 41,641 60 - - 3,500 - 10,000 20,289 £33,560 59,093 470 734 - 3,500 - 10,000 30,174 £46,177 - - - - - - - 37,878 1,602 425 1,588 - 1,189 - 702 £5,506	At 1st Aug 24 £ Receipts £ Expenses £ Transfers £ At 31 July 2025 £ 55,330 2,012 1,159 1,588 - 1,189 - 10,587 £16,535 41,641 60 - - 3,500 - 10,000 20,289 £33,560 59,093 470 734 - 3,500 - 10,000 30,174 £46,177 - - - - - - - 37,878 1,602 425 1,588 - 1,189 - 702 £5,506
		£71,865	£75,490 £103,971 - £43,384

£15,000 of general funds have been designated to cover charity wind up costs if required.