Sknjlarks Skylarks Charity (Skylarks) A company limited by guarantee Trustees, report and rinancial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Charilv nun)ber: l 148114 Company number- 08047JSO
Skylarks Charity (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) Contents PAge Legal and adrninislraiivc inforn?aiion TrustCLE' T¢POrt Siaiem¢rti of Trustees. re5px>r15ibiliti& Indcpendcnr cxaminer's reJx)rt 13 SiaiLment of finart¢i31 aclivilics 14 Balanc¢ shc 15- 16 Noics io Ihc flnancial slatcmenis 17-2
Skylarks Charitv (A company limited by guarantee) Legal and administrative information Charit.}' nutnber Company registratlon number Registered office 081H7350 Cros5H'ay Ccntrc 306 Richmond Road T.lekttthaM Middlescx TWI 2PD The Skylarks Team Trustees The dircciors of thc charilablc company Iihc charity) are irnsiees for the of chaTiry law and, throughoul this report, are coll{1ve1y refeTrd to a5 ihc Trusiees or Board of Trllsices. The following served as Tru$i¢¢$ & Botytd of Dirrftor5 for th¢ Charity during ih¢ year. Chair Treasurer Jennifer Pdt Rajan Thevasagayatn Trustoes J¢nnifeT P¢iers Rajan Thevasagayam ChTiStopher Kcy {Rc5igncd July 20241 Elissa Melzg¢n IResigncd July 20241 ircillc Nemh knbcrt Pender T¢lmo Valido IRc5igncd January 20241 Deirdre Caswcll IAppuiThl¢d tkeLmbtr 2023. rcsigncd May 20241 Dominie Puli IAppoinied July 20241 Anne-Louisc Ward {Appoinicd July 20241 Danc Hardic IApwbilltLryJ July 20241 Skylarks is 3 user-led organisziion." ofollr eleven irustee& nirte ale patenis with children wilh dddilionol n¢cd8 #lld Volunteers Al Skylarks C'hariiy. w'c wani io cxpress our heanfcli 8raiitude to ihe ani&zJn8 voluniecT5 whv have bL*n the lifeblo of oiir organisaiivn over th¢ past yrjr. Thcii d¢diration and boundless cnihusiasni in d¢51¥rtin¥ and dclivcring our serviLcs havc had an ijiijneasurablc iinpaLI Ort uui families. Iviihoul th¢ii hclp, our WQTk would bc grcaily diniinished. Volunteers enhance our work by bnngjng Yaluttbl¢ 5ki11s. ¢x]enCe and eDcw. tt% well as thcir gift of tiii?c. Thi5 yedT, 39 incrcdiblc voliinicLrs ionlribuicd a r¢ii)arkablc iotal of 1.767 hours le97¥&1¢ni 10 236 full w'orkin¥ day%) uf IhLlI' Iiinc and cncTgy to SUPWbrt and dcliveT our s¢rvices. This incrcdiblc suppon is ai Ihe liurt of what irtakes Skylarks so splcial, and wc Ldnnol ihank our voluntccrs cnoii81i for ihcir coniribuiions. I'our passion and cojiiimilincDI liave irnnslortiitd Ilic livcs ot. tho% w'¢ s¢rvc, and wc arc mily blessed ro havc such a dcdicaicd and rIng Icam.
Skylarks Charity (A eompany limited by guarantee) Report of the Trustees (incorporating the Dire¢tor$' reporl for the vear ended 31 l.larch 2024 The Trusices prcseni Iheir rcpori and ihc financial sthicmcrtts for the year Lnded 31 March 2024. ThL Trusiccs. who aic also directors of Skylarks Chariiy for ihe p4)0¢S ofcotnpttTry 1311. and whts served during lh¢ y¢#r and up io ihc daic of this report, arc sci out on pagc 3. Structure, governance and management During 2023-24, Skylarks Charity remained a Chariiv (IN uMr 114811418oi.cmcd by a Consiiiuiion and managcd by our Board ot'Trusiees, mcciing on avcrn8c sei'en times a )'eaT. The Trustees hai'e tomplied wilh Iheirduiy in scciion 17151 of Ihe Chariiics Aci 2011 io have regard to public bcntfjt gujdante pub115hed by Ihe Chariiy Commjssion. Otir Vitsioift A world wher¢ familics livkng wilh addiiional nccds ihrivc. Oiirmissioij OUT rnission 1510 cnable cverychild aT youn8 PCT50n with a(Wiiional nceds io li¢theIr bcsi life w'hilc sUPP021ing cv¢ry¢)n¢ wh05c Iivcs thcy touch. To deliver our mission, our Boaid of Trustc¢s hav¢ scr oui lh¢ follo.ing SIT31cgic aims in line with our 2020-2024 bllsiness plan, tor Ihe coming ycar.. Develop our ottcring 2nd provide ourprogtamm¢s with ou[part5. Aiiraei nLiY children 2nd familles 10 ihe UTganisaiiun. Sccurc Ihc space to cxpand OUT scrvjccs. Continue 10 bring OVT off¢ring onlinc. D¢i'tlop vur talent and the otganJ5ation for5UStainablc groh. Diversify our incomL' io tnsutL' Ihe charity j5 T15k-3ssur¢d ihc fuwie. SecurIg neiv premises continues io be a tore aim of th¢ ¢haiily_ Th¢ SI¢¢ II'LII cDablt U4 Iv T¢a¢h morL childrcii and fatnilics who nccd acce55 to play and support ,1¢hiTh Richinond Borollgh and surrollnding areas. This objcciii'c is likcly a long-tcrm goal foT thc charity- Our objectives and activilies To provide support and relief for Lhildren wjih addiiional D¢¢ds duc to physi1 or IcaTniDg iinpuinM¢nl, einoiionigl or behaviuural difficuliits orany ptTmttntntoitClTIPQTary illn¢s5 in th¢ London Borough of Richiiiond aTrd 5UTTOUrtding areas. including the provision of infonjmiion. praLtiial advJc¢ and supi)ort to ih¢iT faiiiili¢s. Lar¢Th and sibling5. Skylarks Charity olTcrs opwbnuniiies for ehildren and young pcople aged 0-25 wilh additional needs io play and Icarn in a fricndly cnvirontneni. Ii aiins 10 incrcasc their Lonfidcnce selC-L*iceitJ, 11111)r(IVL ihLII LY)IiiinuniLaiion, sc1150ry aiid pliysical skills and hclp Iheni dcvclop Ihcir Jx>ieniial. By offering cl011] sui)port and InfonJiaiiotJ 10 fai)iilics. wc IVOTk lo rLduLe Ihcir isolaiton, ijiiprove their fJnLnLial siluaiion and ¥iv¢ Ih¢m th¢ knuwlLdB¢ Ih¢y ni'Ld lo JiiakL Ili¥ bcst deLisions for the flliure development of Ih¢ii ¢hildrcn.
Skylarks Charity {A company limited b), guarantee) Report of the Trustees (iJ)corporating the Direclors, report) for the year ended 31 Illarch 2024 Chair of Trustees Report Dear Supponcrs 8nd Siakcholil¢w5. l am plcascd lo pres¢nt Ihc Chair of Trustees Rep)rt for Skvlarks for Ihc year 202_1-2024. OI'CT ihc past ycar, Skvlc?rks has coniinu¢d ils essential work supporting Ihe s1claI Lducaiional Ne¢ds ISFNI commuiiiiy, adapting and tvoll'ing lo mcci incrcasing d¢mand. l am proud 10 OUT progress. which has btcn mad¢ p055iblc Ihrough Ihc dtdicaiion of our siatT, volunlc¢r4 ar panner otganisations. Thi5 year. Skylarkswelcorned 654 ne. familic& briNging ihe ioial mcmbership 104.670 fai711¢s. rcprescniiiig 5,810 childr¢ and young peopl¢ aged 25 registered io acc our scrviccs. This markE a 170/0 incrca5c in ncw tainily regisiraiiuns omparcd 10 last ytrar. deTnonsiraiing the growing need for our M'ork. Wc Teinain ¢oinniillcd lo cngaging our lainilie% on a wcckly basis through various iniiiaiivcs, Intludtng providing infomiaiion. sign>s1]ng to r¢l¢vant 5UPPOrt, offerin8 praeiical Tesourccs, and supporting parcnls and carers. Our fu5 on improving seTVif¢ delivery has been a key PTiOTiry thi5 ycaT. Following challenges In th¢ previous PCTiod, such as Staffing limitaiiorts and thc nced 10 review programtniDg. wc arc plcasc4110 report a In¢i¢asc in aciivily bookings. revet%ing la51 year's dctlitht_ Th¢sc improvcmenis hai'e be¢n undcTpinncd by iargeicil cftorts 10 Sirtngih¢n our icam, improve staff Tclcnlion. and refirt¢ VUT programmc dclivcry to bciicr mcei ihc nceds ofihe families iwe seTr¢. A major highlight of ihe year has been lh¢ cslablishmcni of & new base In Houn51ow. fulfilling a long-sianding goal i(> ¢xl¢nd our rcaeh bLyvnd Richmond. This n¢w facilily will alloii. us 10 beiitT support ihc 5ignifJcani niimbcr ol bcnLftciariLS ivho IravLI frorn Houn51ow and slltTounding arcas. Providin8 serYrc¢s cl(Iser to th¢ir homcs will improvc a¢eessibilily and cnablc Skylarks lo dcwn lis conncrlion wilh Ihjs community. Another 5ignificani dcvelopmeni ha5 bccn ihc progress ofour-sprud Your Wings- Caftyr Coaehing" Initiative. Following the inilial i)Ilol in 2022-2023, we T¢cogniscd ihe ncc41 to refine ihc programme to inaxiniise its impaei. U%ing fccdbark Irom particiiwnts. th¢ course %4'as COMph¢rE$lV¢Iy rcdcsigned and suc¥L55fully delivered io lis fjrsi cohorf in SLI)IciiibcT 2023. Thjs revampcd prograjnme now prov)d¢s young r*ople wilh iailorcd guidancc. i)ractical rools. and op]M)iiunilIes Iv build conlLdenLe and id¢nlity fuiure pathway& ¢stablishing iisclf as a eornetsioneofour b103dcrsuppon siraie8y for young i)eoplc Iransiiioning into adulihood. Thcsc succcsscs M'ould nol have been possibl¢ without ihc cxirdordinary efforts Of OUT 51aff and voluniecrs. as wcll as Ihe invaluablc coniribulion5 ofour partntT Drgdnisaiion5. Supll from HaY]naet Mcdia CITOUP has bcen pivotal in advancing our ('arccr Coachitig prograinnic. while partn¢tships with Sch1]S and other SEN-fvvu%d charities have grcaily Lnlianced our ability io dllivtr impaciful serviLes. Their Lollaboraiion. alon8sidc our LOllllI)Illcd i¢aJn, has sircngihcncd Skylarks, capacity 10 tneei th¢ n¢cds of our growing rn¢mb¢T5hip. Looking ahead to 2024-2025. Skylark5 is eager 10 build on thi$ ycar's successcs by 'orkingL1OSelY with ¢UTrcnt stJkeholdcrs and ivclcojning new partncrships. Together, w¢ will coniinuc io ereaie prtunItY¢4 foT childrrn and young peoplc with addiiional ncLd$ 10 thrii'c. whilc offLnng vital SUPTM>ll lo Ihcir latiiili¢s. Witli sinLere gratitudc arld opiiinisji) lor ihe futurc. JertoifcT Pcicrs Chair of Tnisiecs, Skylarks
Skylarks Charity (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the Trustees {incorporating the Directors, report) for the year ended 31 llarch 2024 Services and performance Skylarks welcomed 654 faniilie5 this year. wth a Wlal m¢mb¢tship of 4670 fg4milie$, T¢pi¢s¢niing 5810 children youllg people agcd 0-25 Tcgisiercd io USC OUT 5CTVjf¢5_ Thjs shows Ihai Skylarks. SCTViC¢S coniinuc 10 bc in dcinand, witli the chariiy secing a 17 /0 IDerta$t in th¢ numberofrtew familics rcgLSlcred wilh Ihe charity coniparcd lo ihc prcvious year. W¢ ¢ngagc our families with M'eekly Ihrou8h our ouircach aaiviiic5. including Inf0mlIon. online and physical rcsourccs. help for parent¢, and 5igthw5Ein8 se]vices. Chilllrvii We have directly supported 1158 individual children through adivili¢s. thLYapies and oth¢revenis. This fi8urc Tcprcscnts Ulllquc visjis. whcrc a child's attcndanrc 15 counted only once Ihroughoui ihc financial year, cicn ihough Ilicy inay havc attcnded muliiple se5siolls. This is a IO°/. Increase on the numbcr of childrcn support¢d cotnpared 10 Ihc previous y¢&r. Fa}11Y Siippart Wc havc dirccily 5uprtCd 948 familie5 Wlih a rJng¢ tsf support. including a41%a¢Y athiL¢¢. inforniaiion ialks, wotk5hops and counsclling. This figurc T¢PTe5cnt5 uDiqu¢ I'isils, whcre a meinbcr ofihc faiiiily. helh¢r ihai bc a child or pJr¢ni's altcndancc, 15 countcd only once thToughuul the financial year. This rcprLXlllS a in¢rease in Ilic nuinb¢T of fJmilics 5UPPOrt¢d ¢tsmpaTed io FY2022-2023 BookEiJg. Th¢ 948 fJmili¢s we have cngaecd over Ihc lam ycar madc over 9050 bookings aeross all our s¢rvi¢¢s. Compared wilh the prL'WLOUS ytaT. this represcnis a 14Q/• intrea5e on Ihc ycaT prior. What Ive offered at Skvlarks in 2023-2024 At Skylarks, our mission is lo provide an arrdy of activilics and thcrJpic5 and io crcatc tangible, posiiivc ouicomcs for childTcn wilh addiiional nc¢d& ih¢ir 51bling%, parents, and earers ivho engagc with our sen'iccs. Thc ycar 2023-2024 wa% a i¢stamcnt to cvmmiitncni. marke4L by signifieani growih and cxpansion. syrh as our addiiion of Dcw EtTvices and quality provisions, Icading to a host of bcncfits for oui ¢ommuniiy members. Pla Aciiviiics.. Our play aclivili¢s seTve as a viial tomponent in fosicrin8 a rnngc of life ski115 and scll-confidcncc in rhildrtn. This ycar. Skylarks exiLndcd its reach through a diversc array of aciivitl¢& T¢suliing In a hosi of posilivc vullomcs tor paNicii)anis.' Inclusive Afterschool Clubs: Skylarks providcd inclusive clubs likc Karate. Draina, Yoga. Art5 and Crafis, and Gcjicral Play. 'I'hcsc club5 not only allow¢d rhildrcn lo ¢xplort iheir iniercsis bui also hclpcd Ixx)si Ihcir sclf-c5tccin and self- ortfid¢n¥e. Through these club& children devclopcd new ski115 and forged lu51ing friendships. Prt$¢hool A¢tiviiles: Ailivtlies suih as General Play. Sensory Play. and MJkatvrt Sing & Sign 5cssions ¢aitrLd 10 prehool-agcd Lhijdre'S needs. Thcsc scs5ions helped stiinulatc th¢ir¢ognili%'e and sensvry d¢vLlopi)ILni whilc proi'iding parcnls with voluablc stral¢gi¢s foT Suprting th¢kT children. Holida Pro Offsite Adventure5: OtTsiic aciiviiics likc thc "All Aboard Club" and bik¢ ridin8 Icsson5 Ihrvu¥h Ilic 'Pcdal ProjcLt" providcd uniquc cxpcricnrcs for childrcn. B¢yond lh¢ fun and exciieinerti. Ilicsc aclivilJe5 enLouragcd physical aclivily. iini)roved L)rdInal10n. and ittsiillcd a scnse ofaLLo1plIshnnl. Th¢ cliarity PTO%'ides a range of i)iu¥raii)Iiiirtg Ilirouglitsul th¢ lioliday5, inLluding spvrts 12ini)& ¢oitJpuier Loding Laii)ps. Irips 10 Kciv Gardcn& and iiiany Inorc. Fur faii)IliL% VI. ¢hildren with addiiional nccds. school lioliilaysean bc a diifiiult iimc. duc to Changes in rouliiic. brcakduwn Jn supwn ai Lar¢ services and i501alion from ¢T5. It ran a150 in¥iea Ilie thlrcady finaniial burd¢n p1aLL on faii)ilics. Allcndii) Skylarks te¥ulaT pli£ rtrtL'd holiday aLliviiJcs. M'e aiin io rcduce Ihc i%)laiioii and proi-lde faJiiilLCS 1[17 a sui)l)OTlivL iiLiwork, while provjding fun for ihe famÉly.
Skylarks Ch#rlty (A company limited b). guarantee) Report of the Trustees {incorpora¢ing the Directors, rtporl) for the year ended 31 iNlarch 2024 DramAtie Storytellillg #nd Artlsllc Expression: The "Mi agiral Quests" and"Knols ATts" acijviiies allowcd ¢hildrcn io cngage in dTamaiJc siorylelling and tyrti$ii¢ expression. Thl s510$ nurtured crcativity, s¢lf-cxpre5sion, and ¢ommunication skills. HAircutting Service: OUT d¢dicaied haircuiiing 5ervicc rx>t only h¢lped childrth maintain personal hygicn¢ bui also PTovid¢d a s¢ns0ry-fricndly cxpcricnc¢ forihose wilh scnsiiiNiiics, ensuring a POSilLI'C and SlTCSS-fTC¢ grooming cxpcri¢nt¢. Thera LCS. Our ih¢rapy s¢rviees rcmained a viial co¢1 of Skylarks. olTcTings. Ivith a pzriicular focus ort ¢nhancing wcll-bcing and emotional hcalih.. Counselling.. Ourpanncrship %4'iih Off Th¢ R¢¢oid coniinucd io be a cotncrslone of cmoiional 5UPPQTt ai Skylarks. Thc$e counsclling scssion5 rcmained an csseniial resource forchildi¢n and paJrni& offering a securc space 10 navigatc ¢inoiional hurdlcs. foster rcsilien¢¢, and cnhance Ih¢iT inenlal well-bting. Music Therapy: Our¢ollabordiion wilh ihc Oiakar Kraus Music Trusi coniinucd to r¢sortaie wilh children, allowing Ilic to ¢XP¢Ti¢n¢¢ iht ihcrapcutic wondeT5 of music. This iherdpy coniinucd to sen'c as a conduit for ¢motional cxprcs$ion, improi'ed communicaiion. and the ¢uliivation ofcrcaiiviiy among oui Skylarks community. O$teopaihi': Thcsc Ihcrapics. d¢dirated io pn)moiing physical 't11-b¢In8. rmaiThcd a stcadfa8t pari of our holi%iLC approach 10 child d¢velopmcni. 051eopaihy 5¢S5ions pttsisitd in addTe&sing issues relaicd 10 poslurc, muselc ionc, and scns0ry S¢tisiliviiies. cnsuring that ¢hildTen reecived compTetLensivc cat¢ for Iheir physical hcalih. RDA Equine Therap).: Our partneTship with Park Lane Siablc5 continued io bring lh¢ joys of horsc-assistcd Ih¢rapy 10 Skylarks. KDA theTttPy rLmained a ch¢rish¢d avenue for cnhancing physical and n0110nal well-bcing, &ll0illg childrL'n to conrtcci iviih Ihcse g¢ntl¢ animals whilc improl'ing Ihcir c(bordinaliort and confidcnce. Developmellll Yog¥- OUT developmcnthl yoga sessions. irb collalN)tation wilh cxperi¢n¢ed physioihcrdPi5t5, coniinucd to bc a ¢QTll¢Tsione of our holisiic approa¢h to well-bcin8. Children cngagtyl in inovcmcnis that not only cnhancd Ihcir phy%ical abilLiies bui a150 PTomoied menial clarity and emoiional balance. numuring IhciT QV¢Tall dcvelopincnl. Pl#). Therapy: In pameT5hip wilh Pieolouguc. our play IhcrJpy 5¢SSlOrts remained a dynamic and crcalivc avtnuc for childrcn lo cxplore their einoiions and CAPT¢ themsclvcs. Play IhcTapy sessions providcd a safe and supportiv¢ environment for childrcn 10 work th¥ough thallcnges, build social skills. and develop a dcepcr und¢T%iaThdin8 of thcir oth't) emotions. Unfonunaicly. Piriologue close41 as a chariiy in 2024. •nd we coniinuc 10 look foT a tILW partjicr to CJtTy on this ijnponanl 5erviLe. Infonnalion and Advice Sejviccs.. Skylark5 is very much atM)Ui SUPPOrting the whole family. OUT infoTmaiion and advice scrvic¢s arc dc5igncd io ejnpowcr par¢nlslrarets al orrer I1 csscThlial guidance and support. Thi5 y¢ar. 'C offcrcd.. Workshop$ nd Training: Our workshops equip parents with valuable parentin8 icchniqu¢5. fosiering sirongcr lainily bonds and cnhanciDg their abiliiy to 5uppon their childrtn. Support Groups= Wcckly and Inonihly i)C¢T-Io-P¢CT 5UPW)rt groups and coff¢¢ ii)omings. including thc Girls Conllcct for PaTLni% of auiisiic gir15. Honit Schooling Group. Mcdilative Support Group. a[ 14ounsloM' Fatiiily Sup]x)rt Group, providcd parents with invaluable opponuniiics 10 con1. shar¢ experienccs. and build supportive nciworks. Advieelsupport Clinl¢s- Skylarks offcrcd bencfils advirt clithiLS and family 5UPTX)rt serviccs, hclping i)artnis navigat¢ coiiiplcx sy5t¢nis and acccss llccc55aTy rcwur¢es io sup)rt ilicir cliildrcn. These clinics provided cturial advicc on loi)i¥s SULh as bcncfiis. fajiiily malt¢Ts, and social suppon. SF.PiD Advice Service: Our SEN'D ISpcLial Iducaiional Ntcds Disabiliiicsl Advicc ScTVILe ofrcrs parcnts Cduiaiional
Skylarks Charity (A companv limited by guarantee) Report of the Trustees {incorpDratlng the DiTec¢ors' report for the year ended 31 .1reh 2024 advi¢¢, crnJx)wcring ihem io advocate ctTccliv¢ly for Ih¢ir Child's educaiion. This scrvirc supported ol'¢r 41M) taiiiili¢4 this ycaT. ¢nsuTlrtg ihai children r¢ceÈve ihe appropriate support and rare in ihcir ¢dut&tional 5cltings. and Lifc Skills.. SkylaTk5 roniinues 10 dcvclop our 5eTvices io includ¢ employabiliiy 3nd ILfc ski115 dti'elopincnl. mosi specifically our carly ar¢LY dci'clopmcnl progTammc, Spread Your Wings. Career Coaching. The eharity hir¢d a ncw. poEition 10 lakc on Ihc running and devclopmcnt of lis Lmployabiliiy arhd Lif¢ Skills Sct%'ic¢s. SpTt#d Yollr WinES; C#r¢er CoaehÉng: Aft¢1 IllLiial i¢sting ith 2022-2021. SkylaA(s felt thai ihc Cou¢ necded furth¢r devclopmcnl. The chariiy compl¢iely redesigned ils Carccr Coaching programme i¥iih thc f¢¢dback fTOrn the iniiial pilot and d¢livcred 10 our fJTsI Cohort ofyoung pcoplc and ihcir families Scpicmbcr 202.3. OUT Teview of the programmc after the fjrsi six tnonths showcd lh¢ folloM'ing= Progruiliive SIiccg55 oiid Inipdci.. Th¢ Sprcad Your Wings ISYWI Career Coaching Pilot effeciivcly addrcsscd thc ¢mployment gap for young pcoplc wilh additional nccds ISENDI Ihrough Ils firsi onlinc piloi. Sueccssful engagcTn¢ni 'ith 90Qh TeleDlion for IM>th young ppIC parcnis. P051tive feedback indical¢s Ihai thc programme fotred carly carccr convcrsaiions. in¢rcascd awaT¢ness or career possibilities. and inspired confidcncc in o%"¢icoming batti¢ts. Pyograinmff Desigii and DeliiYry.- The holisiic SYW programmc. compri5it%g scvcn online workshops foryoung pcopl¢ and parcnls. provcd bcnefirial and well-reccivcd. Fecdba¢k SU¢51S a pr¢fci¢o¢e for onlin¢ delii'ery due to acwibiliiy and ¢onvenience. PuriiCiP&FiI Profile.. Six i)rogramincs w¢rL delivercd. COmPTi5¢11 of families from various Lotmlon Local AuihorLILC5. Wlth a divcT5¢ group of young pcople agcd 12-14. includjng Ihosc attcnding special h0o[$. Positive fccdba¢k from participantswiih ncur0divsC¢ondl7l05(C.g.. ASD. ADHD. Dyslcxial h12hlits Ih¢ pro8raJnnic's iE)cIu5ivily and abilily 10 5UPPOrt yOLill8 people with disabilities. succes.s CJ'iÉél"Éu andlnjpucl.. The pro8rJinrn¢ su¢eessfully achicved its goals. ¢i'idtnLed by posiiivc respon5¢5 in fosicriThg early convcr5aiions. addre55ing Lortcr baJTier5. and buildirtg Sup)niVe neiworkk Eiiiployabilily skills. awar¢n¢55 of diverse car¢t. and thc iiwrt&ncc of irtclusiv¢ cniployers u'etL' cffcclivcly oi)IiiiuniLaicd. PJrcrtis young peoplc ivete paniculaily engagcd ii'ith our sp¢ak¢r. After Ihc ioursc. par¢nis feli 92Yo mor¢ ror)fideni alKbUt iheirehildren's career joumey. Qi¢oles li's lovcly to b¢ anion8si paren15 ¢XP¢Tieneing similar issucs. arwj w¢ reeogni5C togeilicr ihat w¢ necd 10 Iliink ouiside Ilic box a bit Jiiorc for our Spe¢ll¥c ehildrcn's fulLire. Pureiii li's so nicc to havc buili a 5cns¢ ofLoiiimunily bdwecn Ihe adults as w'cll a5 tlie cliildren. Th¢ work otl thi% projcct is [Cat. and l ali) so i)Ica5cd wc w¢rt able to get a spoi on Ilic ¥OUTse. Skn.lurts Pfjiynl Life Skills Course5: P47nncring willi Rolc Models. Skylark5 offercd lif¢ Ekills couws. including ¢onfidcncc-biiilding. ¢ollc?boralion. and leadcrshii) Iraining. ThesL COUT5CS ¢1)'cr young people 10 d¢i'elop csscnlial lit¥ ski115. ¢nliaiiuiiig
Skylarks Charity (A company limited b). guarantee) Report of the Trustees (iJ)corporating the Directors, report) for the year ended 31 Iwlarch 2024 their $¢ifsteC atHI ¢mployabiliiy prospccts. Unfonunaiely it) 2024 Rolc Modc15 clo$¢d Iheir doors as a coinpany and Skylarks are Currenily reviewing Lls oprions 10 coniinuc our life skills pro8rammillg. Coding Camps- Skylarks introduced coding Camps io fturtu children's di8ltal Iii¢Ta¢y and PToblem-solving abilities lasi year. Th¢5¢ Camps equip young parli¢Jpanis with i'aluabl¢ skills for ihe fulurc job markci. Childrcn an(1 young pcoplc Icarn 10 c1¢ and build compulcT games. as well a5 oihei Al-focud prvgittmmes. Again, It) 2024. Skylarks had lo swjtch providcrs duc lo the original company bciDg sold and no longer able 10 coniinuc. After a Ihorough Icndcr pro¢¢ss, Skylarks havc p#rmered wilh Jcl l.¢aming 10 deliver Ils Cou5 and ststted in 2024. Highlights of the Year As we Tcfl¢ci upon the pasi year, Skyl&E*s has coniinued as a beaeon of unw'8vering supN)rt for families navigating th¢ profound challcngcs pos¢d by disabsliiies, alongsi(le the escalaiing c05t-of-lhvin8 crisis. Our commitmcnt lo cmpowerin8 Ihcse familic5 T¢Tnairts ai Ihc hcan of our mJ5510n. Incr¢zsed demand for s ort. In Tcsponsc lo Ihc faT-reachingcost-of-living crisis, Skylarks ivimessed anoth¢T yurof incTcasingrtew Incmberregisiratioiis, up by 17 /., dcmonsiraiing ihc prcssirtg nccd for OUT 5¢Tvi¢es and the nced of syppon froin our communily. This coiilinuiiig trend 1$ notably innuenccd by th¢ pressurc put on fawnilits by cxiendcd wailing lisis for NHS serviccs. laLk offunds ini'¢51¢d by loral auihoriiics to SUPPOTt young pcoplc with addilJonAI necds. and th¢ mouniing financial pressur¢s on faniilics. M'hich have dtcpcned Ihc cconomic hardships faced by ¢ommuniiy. A rcccnt te by The Childhood Trust in collaboralion with Skyla$ back in May 2023, dcli'cd inro tlic impact of ihc c05t- of-living erisis on children aJH5 young pcopl¢ with speeial cducaiional n¢¢ds and disabilillL%. Thi5 crisis diSPTOPOrtionaltly afftcts Ihcsc children, as Lonfjrnied by 71°/0 of social workcrs and 830/D of chaJi1ic. Famili¢s Taising childrcn wilh SEND grapple with monthly expcnses aV¢Taging £93 highcr pcr chjlil. Ihan Ihosc withoui SEND childrLm. Thcs¢ fttmLlics typically havc Iiiile savings. wiiIL an avcTage balancc of ihath £1,51X). undcTSCQTJng ihcir profound fjnallcial vulncrability. Morcovcr, th¢ strairt ort suppon sy51¢m5 has iniensified. Ninely-five pcrccnt of s(Kial work¢ts rcport thai their ability to a55i5t ¢hildrtn wjih SENI) has been ncgatively impacted due 10 diminishing rtsourccs and soaring d¢mand. l-hc s¢v¢nly or problcms laccd by Ih¢5e children is on ihe TiS¢. IYLth 75V/o of social WQTkLrs noiillg an ¢scalaiion in the crisis du¢ 10 Ihc cost- of-IIviTh8. Many childr¢n with SEND fccl alienaicd and disconncctcd ftom maitistr%2m sociciy. wilh 60Q/o CXPT¢%8ittg a sensc of incquality M'hen acccssing i)lay. artiyilies or suppon. AesS 10 SuPrt seTvi¢es has brne more #rdllous for 46/0 of so¢ial workcrs. as M'ailing Iisis Icn8ihetL and diagnosiic criicria iighL¢D. Ein oiverin FuluT¢S M'iih Ei and Lifc Skills A 5ignÈfiLant highli8hi ol- Ihc y¢aT was the rcdcv¢lOpJnI of Skylarks. Einployabiliry and Lif¢ Skills Ser¥icc5. This gruundbrtakitjg addiiion included thc d¢vclopTnent of our Spread Your Wings PTograJninc. dc51gn¢d 10 einpowcr yiiung people Wjih carcer Loachirt¥ and carly caTc¢r d¢ve1ownLt OpnUnitits. Life skills courscs piovidcd ctULIo1 iools toi. personal grofflh. Skyl3rk$ ¢oniinucd 10 dcltvcr and cxpand Ihc rc51 of its progrdmming lo ¢aier 10 th¢ div¢rn' nccds of our cominun)ly'. A¢tlvities: Conlinucd to provide inclusive aft¢Lh)1 and holiday atliviiies for young pcoplc ii'llh additional nceds SULh as Karate. Drama, and Slay and Play. In partieular. OUT holiday pro8raTnlliJng Lontinue5 to be cxtrcm¢ly populaT pioviditjg. trip5. holLday Laii)ps, and onlin¢ skjlls Loiirscs lo Information and Adi'ice." As cxpccl¢d. Skylarks coniinues lo rcLtivc a high l¢vtl of rcqucsis for 5UPPUrt Ilirou811 lis Inforiiiation and ddi'iLL-giving SCTvires. Tlie clnIY,S SFNI TD AdvLLC krvicc LS a Lorc gai¢wtty scrvicc fur iiiaiiy of our taiiiilics. M'illi iimny ncw to ihe organisaiion. OVCT the last year. Skyl3tk5 suprM)rtcd ovcr 400 faiiiili¢s. sccuring Ili¢ lup)rt. and funding thcy need Iv ¢nsurL' childretl w'iih addiiional llccds rec¢Lve Ilie support fvr eduiaiion. Employabilitv Life Ski115.' As previously incntion¢d. Skylarks l(Kkk S]lficant stTidos In CXP4inding our Eiii[Iloy£ibiliiy .?iid Lifc Skills Scrbicis. -I'hi£ ¢xpansion Laiercd lo Iht ei))cr8ing nccds of our older childreii and yvuiig Eidults. ¢quipping
Skylarks Charity (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the'frustees (in¢orpora¢ing the Directors, report) for the year ended 31 fv1areh 2024 thtrn with Ihe iools and knowlcdge nectry for succes$ful Iransiiions into adulihood. The sucecssful redcv¢lopiiicnl of OUT Spread YOUT Wings Carecr Coaching SeTViCC and ihc posiliic feedback rcceiied frorn OUT familics proi'ide Iht ba.814 foT fumrc expansion of the programme. Hotsnsloiv F3Enilies in Nccd.. A Cirowin Prcs¢nc¢ Our data unders¢0 ihc increasing demaTd for Skylas. setvices ?¥nong fainilies in Hounslow.. Ivherc need is high, and pecialist scrviccs are Iimilcd_ Families from Hounsloii. wn51iiuied ihc laTgesi gTOYP of iicw. rc8lSiranis foT the sccond ycar njnning. Thc l)orough's uniqu¢ rhallcnges. including language barriers athd athljtional nccds among p&rcnis, highlight ihc critical importanr¢ of our prescnce in this ¢ornmunily. Last year saw ihc closur¢ of Houn51ow Toy Library. a thatiiy suppming ehJliti¢n wtih addiiional necds in th¢ borough. Thi5 c105uic mcant families were moT¢ inclined io aecess scn'ices ai Skylarks ihTough our C.enirc bascd in Richtnond Upon Thames. How¢v¢r. fainilics were only ablc 10 aiiend through acrcssing poorly conntci¢d public Iranspon beiween the boroughs or by havith¥ accc5S to a ear. Thjs meani that ¥nany morc famili¢5 Ivho had Tcqucsicd supi)ort Elrugglcd to allCJId. In response io thi5 gap. last ycar Skylarks $tart¢d scruring the ienan¢y of tltc Ilounslow Toy Library building. This siraiegic movc ivould position Skylarks at the h¢att of Hounslow. alloi%'ing us to Icdch thosc in need direrily. Ncgoiiaiions with the laDdloTd did lake lon8er than expcclcd, howevei by th¢ cnd of March 2024. Skylarks 5ccurcd Ihc prop¢rty, Thc new fiilly aceessible spac¢ will hosi aciii'iiits. WQTkshops, SENI TD advi¢¢ 5CTViCC5. and support for lucal partn¢r organisaiionx. Skylarks aims 10 opcrait throughoyi ih¢ wccK extending scTh'iccs inio Ihc M'¢¢kcrLds a5 panncrships cvolv¥ over ihe comin8 yea[5. The n¢w Hounslow l(Kalion will noi only serY¢ the Hounslow community bui will also I8¢h areas of Richinond. Skylarks antÈcipaics fajniltes froTn the adjaceni regions ac¢¢55ing seTh'iees frutn IK>th OUT Richjnond and Hounslow 511cs, fosicring uniiy and support across communilie5_ Wc cxpeffl Ihe chariiy lo raisc ihc funds needed fuT thc siic Tedcveloi)Jneni In 2024 and by 2025. Reco niiion.. Or anisational Achievcmcnis In 2023-2024, Skylarks received a host of i%'cll-deservtd nominaiions thai und¢tS¢VT¢d our dedication 10 Lmpuw¢i"ing tamilics and children wilh addLiional n¢eds. Thcse honouts aT¢ a tlament io the ImpaLt Skylarks has Inade in ollr ¢ommunily, acknowledging the tlT¢I¢55 cffons ofour team and Sup)llerS. -Non-Prolll Org¥nisalion AardS." SkylaTk5 wcrc aw'arthd Bcst Organisailon for ChildT¢n iviih Disabiliiics 2023 In Ihc London LaiLgory. D¢spiic iough cotnpeiilion. thc rharity w&$ deli¥ht¢d io b¢ Ihe winner of th15 aWaTd. highlighiing ihc POSltivc suppori Skyl&Tk5 PTovidcs io lis coinmurtity. Y*tlonal Diversity Awardi.. Skylarks achicved rccogniiion in rhe Naiional Divcrsity Awards for 2023. Thi. acknowlcdgcni¢nl 15 a icsianicni 10 our lii¢le55 ¢ffons in pn)molin¥ diveity and inclusivity In our comii)uniiy. Positive Role lllodel AIv2rd.. Skylarks. Mi anaging Dircrlor. Aaron G7.. w35 5hortli51cd for the 'Posilivc Rolc Modcl Award" in Ihc Naiional Divetsjly Awards 2023. reeogniscd for his inspiraiional l¢adcrship and dcdicaiion lo inaking a diflerertL¢. Tli¢se accolades inspite u5 lo rontinuc our mission io supw)rt and emp)wet fainilics in nccd. Mle are deeply hoJ)vurcd to L¢iv¢ Ihcsc aLknowled¥eJii¢nts Temain committed io crcaling a brigliier tiilllTC fu¥ our coiniiiunily. io
Skylarks Charity (A company limited by guarantee) Report of the 'l'rustees {Incorporating the Directors, report) for the year ended 31 Il.lareh 2024 Siraic ic Aiins.. Chartin hier Fuiur¢ Skylarks. 5ttal¢gir ain15 for ihc ycar 2024Q5 revoli'¢ around building futttrc inft34lTUCturc ro handlc the illfTc8scd dcinand on our chaniy and d¢v¢lop ourabilily io help rlUre families. Oi'tT iht past fkl'e yell, Ihc charity has sLen oi'Lrwhcliiiing need for 5uppon trom our communily. and whil¢ thc charity h&s signbficanily grO.n 10 meci Ihc dcjnands placed upon Ihc organisaiion, ii has undeniably placcd a sirain on th¢ rh3r115 ability lo mainiain lis fUTrriit sysiciiis and ways of workiiig. Over the coming y¢aT, Skylarks aims io dci'clop our HR support foi %taff and volunietts, d¢i'¢lop illCTea%ing lincs of rommunicaiion both iniemally artd ¢ilcThally. dci'clop our w'ebsite and CRM sysicms. sccurc pcmiancni spaec, enhanec online acccs5ibility, nunure ialcni, and dii'ttsify our fundraising iniiiativcs. Thcsc ainis will pai'c ihc way for Sky1rks io evol¥¢, ¢nsuiinB we mcct thc necds ofour strvite llsets, aTKI fulurc. mainlaining ourplacc as a ccntral hub of support for our commurtity. As the need in OUT communiiyconiinucs iogrow. the iwste¢5 would like io CXTend OUT heanfcli gratiiud¢ lo all OUT SUPPOrtcrs. old and new, for bcing a crucial part of this IrdnsfomJaii%'e jotsmey. T¢Jgeih¢r, aT¢ ¢T¢aling u bi"ighi¢r fuluTC for our community. Tr'inaneial review The nct financial rcsuli forihcycar ended Mar¢h 2024 w7sa SUTplusof £74.99112023- surplus of £28.3631. Iiiconie rcporlcd in thc yeaT was £607.493 linclllding probvov supponl. compaTeil ii'iih (498,573 in 22123; Ihis incrcasc was duc io ali incrcas¢ in i'uluniary incomc. froin indii'idual donors, fundrdisiDg adiviti¢s and COTpordt¢ donoT5. Cash incornc Tcccivcd was £514.793, w'iih £92.71M) worth of ptoiK>no support and sols. Thank you to all OUT fund¢TS over the lasi ye&r. with whom we Wold rtol h2v¢ b¢ett able ro d¢liv¢T a 5U¢¢t8sful year of supr>on. Thank yoii 10; Htsmpiun Fund. Richmond Parish Lands Chariiy, Haytnarkd MLMlia Group, Ajaz.org, London Con)TnuNily Fund. The Childhood Tnjst, The G051ing Foundaiion and all oiher v'ondcrful suppoilcrs who donaicd iliis ycar. This year we had som¢ exceptional supp)Ners at)d ivould lik¢ to re¢ogThi% Ihc followjng". Hainpiort FuLd- £40,0(101£20,OIX) d¢fcJTedi- funding supp>rtcd uur Cure Cosis ortd SEND Advi¢¢, Richtnund Foundation (Prcviously Richmond Parish Landsl - E38.5¢)0 {EO dcf¢Jrcdl - Funding supported by OUT Op¢raii(Ins Manag¢T, and Sprcad Your Wings Pruwdmm¢. The Trustees gUlarlY rcvicw thc Icvel of availablc unresiricicd res¢rYes (net unr¢stri¢i¢d ¢urr¢nt ass¢isl and ¢01151d¢T wheihcr ii is sufticieni 10 crtsurt wnlinuity in ihe pursuancc of corcchartiable objLYiives, In ihc eveni of downiurns In incojijc and uncxi)ected costs arising. Thc Tnjsiees ¢UTt¢ntly con5idcr thai Li is appropriaic 10 niaintain a levcl of availablc Irscrvcs of IhrLL 10 six mvnths, unrcstricicd income. The Charity cortlinue% its s¢ar¢h for wman¢nt pr¢rDI¥L% hILh bc avahlabll in the Icrm. Wilh Ihal in mitul. the Trusiecs have deeided io k¢q) Ils desiyai¢d r[V¢S fur c4uipping Ihc PTcmiscs or any other needs relaied lo %curing. or developing a siie. Plans for future period, 2024125 Skylark5 has conie 10 the cnd of its currerti busJn¢55 plan arKi .111 focus in 2024QS on dcvcloping a ncw 51raiegy. Illliile Ilic Ihariiy works on it5 n¢w plarl lor ihc upconiing Yea iht ¢haT]ly ha5 idcnilficd I11 il tnuEI IDv¢Et in its Infraslruclurc if Ihc Lharity is to coniinuc 8rowÉng ai pi¢¢. Our 5tratcgic focu5 for ihc upconiing year revolves around scverdl key pillars.. l. Programm¢ Advanccnient.. Einpoiverin¥ Yvun¥ Adults.. Skylarks is dedicaicd 10 evolving and ¢nrrLhkng our PTO¥Tainin¢ vff¢riiig5. Wc'rc panilularly exLjILd about the dcvclopmeni of a spciialised iniiiaiivc ainjed ai llx.naQrS and young adults. Tliis Loiiipr¢h¢n5iv¢ prograiiiJ]ie. known as "Sp Your Mykngs.. will i)rovidc crucial guidaiK¢ and %uppon as Ihcsc Individuals cmbark on Ilicir career joutn¢ys. Over thL Loming ycar. Skylarks .11] aim io launcli a second i)iloi pro¥raii)ittc for older age groups. irialling ditTet d¢lii'¢ry mod¢ls and ilioroughly tcsting Ilic niatciial to ci)surc Fnlillniing SINI D Advice= Our SFIND Advicc Scrvicc will remain a focal poini. Wc'rc cotiijnitrcd 10 rLtinin&k and cxpanding Ihis Lorncrsione servi¢e to brtlcrscrvc familics scckingguidancc and advocaLy in Ilic rcalni ot-educaiion. 2. Coniinunily En¥agcJii¢nl'. Exp1ndittg Our RL'aih.. Skylarks 15 poiscd io exi)and our eotnii)tsnily presenLt si¥nifiLanily. Our ubjL'LIIvL 1% Iu cn5urc Ih4i1 our iiiissiort and thc inyaluable 5erviceswe providc are rtcogiiized and einbraued by taiiiilics. hcali1iL9rc
Skylarks Charity {A company limited by guarantee) Report of the Trustees (ineorporating the Directors, report) for the year ended 31 fvlarch 2024 PTof¢55i0nals, cducaiors. and oiher key 51ak¢holdcrk This rnie81¢ ouircach will ertable us 10 exlcnd our support nciwork io even tnor¢ families in need. -3. F3rililie5 As5urance'. Afiet SCCUTing a shorr-rerm Icavc for a prortY in Flouns1o, Skylarks aims io sccurc iis f(x>ihold iii Ihc borough by increasing th¢ lengih of ils ienurc and raising futtd5 10 dcvclop Ihc building inio a ccnirc of cxcellciicc for young pcoplc with additional necds and Ihcir families. While tsurdcrision Io SCCUTC a long ierni propcrty in Houn510 will expand ihc chariiy's reach, M¢ will Continue focus on supporting the famili¢5 in Richn)ond. 4. Digital Acr¢s%ibilily'. Digiial Infraslruclurc.. Skylarks is tommiti¢d 10 making our scn'iccs acccssiblc 10 all families, irrcspcciii'e of gcographi¢al consirainls OT pcrsonal cirewS1ln¢c5. Skylarks will k invcsiing in a numbcr of inicmal projceis 10 hclp improi'e th¢ joumcy familics have in aecessing our s¢r%'iccs. Implcrneniaiion of a new CRM. acccssible websiie. and ielephortt Sy51¢m will cnsurc familics can acecss Ihe suppon quickly. and ca5ily. 5. Cotnrnunication.. Internal and exrcrnal comms.. SkylttTks undcrslands thai in order 10 delii'er s¢rvi¢¢s 10 families who arc isolat¢d, Ihai charity musl build upon its currcni communitalion and markeiing siraicgics in ordcr 10 reacli thosc ivho nccd lh¢ Inosl support. Improv¢d v15ibilily will also support Skylaiks wilh Tcaching out lo Thcw dolloTS as Part of strcngihcning our fundraising. Ini¢tnally. a5 Ihe Icam grows. and coniinucs lo work remotely, new ljncs of communication Thu5t bc creaied io ¢nsuJr ser¥'i¢es caD bc dclii'crcd impacifully, swiftly aiid in a tiincly nianiicr. A ncw HR system ivill bc d¢v¢lopcd io cnsurc sthff are ¢0p]laDI 'th iraining nced5 and feel coiincclcd lo Ihc wider organiation. 6. Sirengihert Furt(traising'. Divcrsc and Sustainable Incom¢ Sireams.. To enhan¢¢ incolnc to hclp us mcci our communiiy's evolving iiccds. Skylarks will coneettirait on building suppx>ncr rclaiionships artil dIveifyIng fundraising Ociiviljts. Our i)Tiniary fundraisiJ)g goals includc reiaining a]Ml a¢quiTing 5UPtK>ners while OPlLmisirtg rcsourec allocaiion for Ihc bcsi long- tem) returns. Statement of Trustees, responsibilities Compciny and Chaiity laws wuirc the TrnsiLL'S lo pr¢pJr¢ financial siaiemenis for each finarteial year, which givc a Iruc and rair vi¢w' of the 51ale of affairs of the chariiablc company as ai ihc balance sheet daic and of ils irtcoming rLrttl and applieaiion of resour¢c5. including income atld exptrtditurE fot th¢ financial year. In preparLII8 thosc tinancial sialemcnts Ihc TEV51ces should follow bcsl prxlicc and.. selcct 5uiiablc accounting w)Iicies and then apply Ihcm consisicnily- tnakc judg¢mcnis and cstimaits ihat aic rcasonablc and prndtni., SLllC wh¢ih¢r the policies adopied arL' in accurdancc M'>ih ihc Charitics Siatcmeni ofRccommcndcd Praciicc ISORPI 2015 artd wjth applicabl¢ aceouniin8 sthndatils. 5ubj¢rt ro aTby material depdTtUT¢S disrlowd and eXplainL in the firtancittl slatcincnts; and pr¢por¢ Ihc fLJ)aneial siaicjncnison th¢ going concern basis ttnlcss li is inappropriate io assuine Ihat ihc Lhariiy will LOntinu¢ in OPCTarion. Thc Trustccs, who are the Dirttiots of th¢ company lor the pu4S¢S of cojnpany law. rc5ponsibl¢ for k¢¢pin¥ i)ropcr accouniing records, which disclos¢ with asOnabL¢ accurdcy ai athy Iimc thc financial position of Ihc ¢haT]labl¢ roinpaiiy and which enable li to ensurc thai ihc fJnath¢ixI sratcnnts comply wilh ihc Cojiipanies Aci 2006. The TrustLS arL' al% rcsponsiblc fur [e[ding the asscis ofihc chaniable ¢omi)any ar hencc for iaking reasonablc sicps for ihc PTCVLniion and d¢l¢Llion ol-fraud or other ÈTr¢¥ula¥iii¢5. TNsle¢s who servcd ih¢ yeaT and up to the daic of this TLPUrt ar¢ %1 out on pa¥¢ 3. Thc Lompany's Direclors ecrtity Ihai.. so fai as they arc awar£. IhcT¢ is no relevani ¥rouniing infornliOn of whicli ihe coii)pany's accountan18 arc unais'are.. and Ih¢y tLave taken all 51¢p5 Ihat they ouglii io havc iaken in ord¢T to make Ilicin%clvcs aivarc of any rclcvanl accouniing infonthation and to ¢siabli5h Iliai Ilic Loliipany s acLounlani is amarc of t11 Infuni)aliun. On behalf of ih¢ board Jellnifer Peters Chair of Trustees 12
Skylarks Charity (A company limited by guarAntee) Independent examiner's report to the Trustees the unaudited financial slateinents of Skylarks Charity. l Tcpon on the financial siatem¢nts for Skylarks Charity for the ycar ded 31>T MoTch 2024 sci oui oth pagcs 14 10 21. Ibilities of Tn] cclivc rcs iecs and examiij The ¢haTily's TnleeS (w'ho are also the Dii¢rlors for the purpose of comEMny lawl arc responEiblc for the preparation ot-lhe aceounis. Thc chariiy's Tru%t¢cs consider that an audLI ts noi r¢quircd for IhiE TIOd (under Setlion 144{21 ofihc ChaTltics Aci 2011 Iihe 201 l Aclll, aNI thai an indcpcndeni ¢xaminaiion is r¢quiicd. Having saiisfied my3clf ihai ihc chaTIty 15 noi subject to alIt uler company law and is cligiblc for independcnl cxaminaiion. tt is rny rcsponsibiliiy-. lo examine the a¢counts under Scdion 145 of the 2011 Aci lo follow the proceduie5 laid down ith ihe Gentrdl Direction5 given by the Charity Commission lundcr Section 14515llb} of the 2011 A¢ii-, and to siaic whcth¢r particular rnatte have eom¢ to trty aiicniion. Basis of Ihc inde endeni ¢xamincr's re My examination was rarricd olli it% accordance wilh th¢ (p¢ncral Dkrrfiions given by the Chariiy Comm15sion. An cxamtnaiiun includcs a rcvicw of thc accounijng rt¢ords kepi by iht chariiy a cumpaTison of ihc aru15 preslnicd with Ihosc rccords. It also ittclud¢5 considcraiion of ally unusual Lt¢ms ordiselosur¢5 in Ihc aecounts, and secking explanations fTr)Jn you 45 TIw51CCS oncLming any such Jnatiers. Thc pmC¢UrcS ThI¢ak¢n do not proi'idc all the evidcnce Ihai would be T¢quircd in an au(lil, and ¢ons¢qucnlly no opinion is given as lo whciher the accounts presenl a 'lTUC and foir view. and the report 15 limitcd io thos¢ maiicT5 Sct out in th¢ statcmcnis below. Indc ndcnl examiner's atcmcnl In cvnncciion with my examinaiivn, no mailer has eotnc ro my aiieThiioD". 11 I whieh giv¢5 mc r¢asoThablc causc to belitvc ihai. in any mai¢rial respect. thc r¢quircmenis.' io kLep accounting rccords in accordance with Seciiot) 386 and 387 of the Cuinpanics Aci 21)06," and lo prcparL aceounr5 whieh ac¢urd with the aceounling rwords. comply wilh the accounting rcquiremenis of Scciion$ 394 L?nd 395 of lh¢ Compani¢s Act 2(M)6 at with Ihe meihods and principles uf the Siaicmcni of R¢coiiim¢nded PratTl¢C'. Accoiiniing and RLpvrting by Chariiies havc not bwn m¢t' or 12110 which, in my opinion. airention should be drawn in ordcrto cnable a propcr undcrstathding of Ihc accollnis 10 bc rcachcd. Charles Tail CharlLS Tail Aciouniing Litnitcd l .(o-faLL Dai¢.' 13
Skylarks Charity (A company limited by guarantee) Statement of fjnancial aetivlties (incorporating the income and expenditure aecount) For the year ended 31 March 2024 Unrestrirted Note Unrestrirted Designated Restricted General lund5 funds funds 2024 Total 2023 Total Incoming resources Incoming resources from generating funds.. Voluntsry income Volunteer / pro bom income Acbvities for generating funds Investment income 300,685 153,749 454,434 333,860 92,700 54,990 5,369 92,700 54,990 5,369 93,610 69,757 1,345 Total incomlng resources 453,744 153,749 607,493 498,572 Resources expended Costs of generatEr fvnds: Generating voluntsry income Charitable activities 122,186 200,150 26,713 173,431 148,899 383,603 128,735 341,474 10,022 Total resources expended 322,336 10,022 200,144 532,502 470,209 Net Incoming resources for the year 131,408 (10,022) 146,395> 74,991 28,363 Transfers between funds (35.Crf)O) 35,000 Total funds brought forwaré Total funds carried forward 100.609 48,860 74,016 223,485 195,122 197,017 73,838 27,621 298,476 223,485 TIIL stalcineni of fintsncial activities includes all gains and losses in Ihc ycar and ihcrefore a scparaie si&ietneni olioial Tecognised gains and1055¢5 has nol prL'parcd. All ofihe above ainounis Nlaie 10 toljlinuing aciii'itits. 14
Skylarks Charity (A company limited by guarantee) Balance sheet as at 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets io Current Assets Cash at bank arKI in hand 308,112 308,112 Creditors: amounts falling due wlthln one year 368.951 (70,475) li {84,627) Net current assets 298.476 223,485 Net assels 298,476 223,485 Funds Restricted income funds Designated Fund Unrestritted General Fund 12113114 27,621 73,838 197,017 298,476 74,016 48,860 100,609 223,485 Total funds Thc BalanLC Sheei coniinlles ot) the followin¥ page. 15
Skylarks Charlty (A company limited by guarantee) Balance sheet (continued} Tru5tees' statements required by the Companie5 Aet 1985 for ihe year ended 31 Imareh 2024 The chariiable company istntitlcd to ¢xtmpiion from audi¢ under Scciion 477 ofth¢ Companics Act 2(K)6 for the ycar cndcd 31 March 2024. The m¢mbcrs havc not quIred th¢ ¢hariiablc company lo obtain an audii of its fjnancial siaicmcnts for Ihc ycar cndcd .11 Mar¢h 2024 in accordance with Scclion 476 of Ihe Companies Aci 2¢X>6. Thc frustc¢s acknowledge their Tcsporhsibilit1¢5 for. lal ensuring ihat Ihc charitable company kccps ac¢ouniing rceords ihai comply with Scctlolls 386 and 387 of ihc Companic5 Acr 2006 and Ibl preparing finartcial siaiemcnis whirh give a injc ar fairi'icw ofthe SLqlC of affairs of Ihc charitablc Company as ai the endofeach financial ycar and ofJissurplusoTdcfJcil foreach ILnancial ycarin accordancc i%'iih thc r¢quircmenis of Scciions 394 and 395 %4'hi¢h oihcNise comply w'ith ihc rcquircnicnt5 of the Companics ALt 2006 rclaiing to financial 51atcm¢rtis, so far &$ applic&blc lo the ehariiable COTnpany. Th¢se finantial siaiemcnis havc IKcn prepared in accordaTK¢ With the spccial provisions of Part 15 of the Companics Aci 2006 rclalitig to s¥nall chaTitable companics and with Ihe Financhal Rcporting Siartdard for sn11¢[ Eniiiies Icffcctivc April 20081. The financial siaicmen¢5 wcr¢ appToYed by th¢ knard on th¢ 3rd of Oclober 2024 and signcd on iis bchalf by Jennifer Peters Chair of Trustees 16
Skylarks Charitv (A company litnited by guarantee} Notes to financial statements for the )'ear ended 31 larch 2024 Accounting policies The prin¢Jpal atcountjng w)li¢1¢5 a summari5¢d b¢low. Th¢ arcouniin8 policies havc bccn applicd consislcnily Ihroughoui Ihe y¢tsr atKI th¢ pr¢¢¢ding year. 1.1. Basis of accounting Thc financial sraicmcnis hal'c bccn prcparcd on a going conccm basis undcr Ihe hislOTl¢ cost convention. Thc rinancial siaicmcnis hai'e been prepared in atcordartce wilh the Siaicmcni of Rccommcndcd Practi¢¢." Accounting and Rcportin8byChariiics preparing Ihciraceounts in accordathce '11h Ihe Fiiiancial Reporiing SiartdaTd appliLabl¢ Ln the UK and Republic tsf Iieland IFRS1021 issued 16 July 2014 and ihc Financial Rcporting Standard applicable In iht Utkjied Kirtgdom artd Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021, Ihc Chariiies ACT 2011. Ihc (-ornpani¢s A¢1 2006 and UK Generally Ac¢epied Praeiice as li applJ¢s fiom l January 2015. 1.2. Cashflow Th¢ chari¢y has takcn advarklage of Ihc exemplion in FRS102 and Ihc Siai¢m¢nt of liecommendcd Practice from the T¢quiicmcni 10 produce a ca5hllow SialenI bccausc it is a small charity_ Incoming resources All incoiniJg rcsourcls arc includcd in ihcstatcmeni of financial aciiviiies whcn Ihc charity i* eniiiled io ihe incoine and Ihc amounrcan bc quaniLfÉcd with reasonablcaecurncy. The following spccific policiesarc upplied io particular catcgoric5 of incom¢'. Voluniary incomc is rcecivcd by way of granis. donations and gifts and is inclu(l¢d in full In the siaieinLni or rinancial activities when re¢tivable. Grani$ Whe ¢rtliil¢m¢ni Is noi condilional on ihc dclivcry of a sp¢cific perfomiance by Ihc tharily. art recogrtised 'b¢ th¢ rhority b¢¢vmes uncondiiionally cniiilcd to Ihc grant. Donatd s¢rvi¢¢s and faciliti are included al ihc valuc TO lh¢ charity ivbere this can be quantified. Thc valuc of 5¢rvicc5 PTovidd by Volunt¢¢ has not becn includcd. Gifis donated for rcsalc arc includcd as incomin8 rOurC wiihin aciiviiics for gcn¢raiJng funds whcn ihcy are sold. In¢oin¢ froTt) ini'¢51iT)cnls is includcd in the ycar in which it i% trc¢ivobl¢. Re50urccs expended E.xi)LndilurL' Is TL'Lu¥ni%cd on an a¢trual basis asa liabilily is ithfUTtd. Expendiiurc includes any VAT which ¢annvl fully vered, and 15 [trted as part orth¢ ex[11[¢ to M'hich il rclaies. Costs of g¢n¢tating fund5 comprise th¢ w5ts as50ciai¢d with alt13cling voluntdry illLomc and il)c costs octrading for fndraising PUTPOS¢S lrt¢luding the thaTity'5 5hoi). Charitable exp¢ndilurc COmpriS thos¢ costs iTrcurrcd by lh¢ chariiy in the (klil'ery of iis aciiviiics and 5crviccs for its bcJ]cficiaries. li includcs boih coms thai can bc allocaied dirccily to Such activilies and Ihosc cosis of n indircci nature nttery 10 support Ilicm. Supi)on L0518 aT¢ th0 costs incurr¢d dinyily in supw>N of cxpcndilurc on objceis ofilic cliarlly and inLludc projcLI Inanagcincni. 17
Skvlarks Charlty (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to financi#l 5t#tements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Voluntary income Vnrestrirt Restrirted funds 2024 Total 2023 Total fund5 Grants Donations Gift Akl Redaimed 41.075 229,845 29,765 151,774 192,849 1,975 231,820 29,765 199,538 131,497 2,825 300,685 153,749 454,434 333,860 Actlvltles for generatlng funds Unrertrirt 2024 Total 2023 Totsl funds Fundraising General/Events Incorne from activitEs 43,233 11,757 43,233 11,757 63,995 5,762 54,990 54,990 69,757 Investment incorne Unrestrict 2024 2023 funds Total Total Bank interest receivable 5,369 5,369 1,345 5,369 5,369 1,345 Costs of generating voluntary income UntrICte Restricted funds 2024 Total 2023 Total funds Marketing and fUndraIn9 122,186 122,186 26,713 148,899 26,713 148,899 128,735 128,735 These figures indude pro LK)m costs of 29,600. 18
Skylarks Charity (A compAny limited by guarantee) Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Costs of charitable activities Unrestrirted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 Total 2023 Total Educational program 210,172 210.172 IT3,431 383,603 173,431 383,603 341,474 341,474 These figures includ¢ pro bom costs of £63.100. Analvsis of support costs 2024 Total 2023 Total staff training Accountancy 1,178 15,043 1,303 14,703 16,221 16,006 Employees Employment Costs 2024 2023 Wages ar salaries 266,736 221,807 No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2023.. None). Number of employees The average monthly numbers of empk)yees (rrM)st of whom are part-b"me) during the year was as follows.. 2024 2023 li li 19
Skylarks Charity (A conipany limited by guarantee) Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Taxatlon The charity's attivilics fall wiihin the ex¢mpiioDs afforded by Ihc provisions of lh¢ lrteomc and Corporaiion Taxcs Aci 1988. A¢¢ordingly, there is no iaKaiion tharg¢ in thcsc arcounls. 10. Tangible Fixed Assets Equipment Cost Brought forward at l April 2023 2.164 At 31 March 2024 2,164 Depreciation Brought forward at l April 2023 2,164 At 31 Maich 2024 2,164 Net bwk values At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 I l. Creditors: amount5 falling due ithin one year 2024 202.1 Trade creditors Deferred income Accrued exndItUre and other creditors 7,4L3 61,320 1,742 4,464 78,334 1,829 70,475 84,627 20
Skylarks Charity (A compan}, limited by guarantee) Iyotes to financial statements foy the year ended 31 Mareh 2024 12. Analysis of net assets between fvnds UnrestrKted Restritted lund$ funds Totsl funds FU balances at 31 March 2024 as represented by: Current assets Current liabiliiies 280,010 88,941 19,155} {61,320) 368,951 {70,4751 270,855 27,621 298,476 13. Unrestrirted funds At 31 Marth l Apffil Inc4xning Outgoing 2024 £ Itransfers £ Itransfers General unrestricted funds I(,609 453,744 1357,3361 197,017 Desgnated fund 35,(KJO 110,0221 73,838 Total unrestricted funds 149,469 488,744 1367,3581 270,855 Purposes of unrestrirted funds (pencral unrcsiricicd funds may bc uscd 10 In1 any of ihL Charities tsbjtciives. as deiennincd by Ihc TnJSiL. Th¢ D¢5ignatcd fund ha5 bccn Set up 10 Sup> ihe Chariiy wilh lis objcciivc of sccuring Jiew. prcniiscs. including the pw¢ur¢mcnt of rt¢w ¢quipmcnl to cquip Ihc faciliiy. 14. Restricted funds At l April Incoming Outgoing 2023 resources resource At 31 March 2024 Restricted funds 74,016 153,749 12W,1441 27,621 Purposes of restricted funds Individu31 donoTS hav¢ stipulaiLryJ Ihat Iheir funds inust bc uscd for specifle puOses. 20
Skylarks Charitv (A conipany limited by guarantee) Notes to financial Statements for the year ended 31 Illarch 2024 15. Company limited by gu*ranlee Skylarks Charity is a company limited by guaraniec ar accordhngly does noi h8v¢ a shaTe capiral. fiery Ineinber of the tornpany undcriakes 10 conlnbulc such amouni as may bc rcquired noi cxcetdin¥ £1 10 Ihc asscls of Ihc charitabl¢ ¢ompany in Ihc c%'cni of its b¢iDg 'OUr up whilc hc or she is a membci. or wiihij) oi)c y¢ai uftcr hc or she ceas¢s lo be a member. 21