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← The Dorset Children's Foundation

2024-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1150538

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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10 Bridge Street
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 1EF
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THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

CONTENTS

Page
Company informaton 1
Trustees' report 2 - 15
Statement of trustees' responsibilites 16
Independent examiner's report 17
Statement of fnancial actvites 18
Balance sheet 19
Notes to the fnancial statements 20 - 32

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Mr. A Deutsch Ms. A Collins Mr. D McEvoy Ms. A Jackson Ms. F Hunt (Appointed 31 October 2024)

Charity number 1150538 Independent examiner TC Group 10 Bridge Street Christchurch Dorset BH23 1EF

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees present this report with the financial statement for the year ending 31st March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Trustees believe that the information included in this report demonstrates how the activities of The Dorset Children’s Foundation has created public benefit.

The Dorset Children’s Foundation Charity Reg: 1150538 in England and Wales Principal & Registered address: 695-697 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH7 6AF

Trustees

A Collins A Deutsch C Palmer Resigned 23/05/2023 J Pantling-Skeet Resigned 18/08/2024 A Jackson D McEvoy F Hunt Appointed 31/10/2024

There trustees delegate the day-to-day management to:

CEO and Co-Founder - Patricia Hallmey (Governor of Montecute Special School member of Dorset IAG committee, trustee for Enable My Trip and panel member of AFCB Disability and inclusion team). CFO and Co-Founder - Scott Akam

Accountants: TC Group 10 Bridge Street Christchurch BH23 1EF

Bank: Barclays PLC 100 High Street Poole BH15 1BL

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Our Trustees are all volunteers, deemed fit and proper persons for this role and they receive no financial remuneration.

Type of governing document:

The Dorset Children’s Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered with the Charity Commission on 21st January 2013 and is governed by a constitution which was amended on 19th June 2021.

Summary of the objectives of the charity:

THE RELIEF OF SICKNESS AND THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH AMONG CHILDREN WITH LONG TERM ILLNESSES AND/OR DISABILITIES BY PROVIDING OR ASSISTING IN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION NOT NORMALLY PROVIDED BY THE STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND SUCH OTHER SUPPORT AS THE TRUSTEES MAY DETERMINE.

The overall management and control of The Dorset Children’s Foundation is the responsibility of The Trustees who meet regularly to discuss operations and potential beneficiaries.

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in The Charity Commissions general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charities aims and objectives.

Financial report:

The financial statements are set out in page 18

Our activities and Public Benefit:

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commissions general guidance on public benefit, when reviewing the Foundations Aims and Objectives and in planning future activities and setting the grant making policies for the year.

The trustees believe that the information provided within the report demonstrates the various ways that the activities of the DCF have created public benefit.

Summary of the Foundation’s achievements during the period 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024.

In the last year our register has grown by over 60 more families, and we now support just under 700 children with disabilities living in Dorset.

Public Benefit summary:

At DCF we recognize that there are many costs associated with raising a disabled child. We understand that these are not always covered by statutory services, so we help families find other ways to provide the funds needed.

We support disabled children by funding disability equipment, medical expenses, therapies, and offer accessible for all, which encompasses our outreach services and our wide range of sports and activities. We offer counselling and fund a range of support groups and clubs and run weekly stay and play pre-school sessions. We offer disability education workshops and campaigns for disability rights.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Outreach Services:

Our outreach service continues to grow, and we are now getting referrals from local medical and council professionals. This outreach service provides support and encouragement to families who may need more 1 to 1 support and a personal approach, rather than attending our group activities. It’s most useful for those who are dealing with a new diagnosis and trying to navigate the ‘system’. Our team can work with parents and help them access all that they are entitled to, ensuring they have everything they need and know where to get additional support.

Disability Education:

We believe in talking positively about disability and continue to work with local mainstream schools and youth organizations’ (scout groups, guides etc), raising awareness of disabilities in general and helping children understand what life may be like for some of the children we support. We also continue to support ‘Awesome Archie’, another local organization that visits local schools to raise awareness of neurodiversity.

Equipment:

We fund disability equipment that is not provided by Statutory Services, such as off-road wheelchairs, lightweight wheelchairs, rain covers, sleep systems, epilepsy sleep monitors, trikes, hydrotherapy pools, physiotherapy aids, podiatry aids etc. under the guidance of local health care professionals, for use in and out of the home.

Examples of when we may need to provide suitable wheelchairs:

This year we have purchased 25 pieces of equipment ranging from wheelchairs to therapy benches.

Medical Expenses:

Provided for procedures not covered by the NHS or if the waiting list is so long as to be detrimental to the child's wellbeing.

Therapies:

We fund therapies for children who are referred to us from health care professionals including speech and language, occupational therapy, music therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy etc.

Due to the length of waiting lists since Covid 19 there is a much-extended wait for appointments before treatment even starts. Studies have conclusively demonstrated that the earlier therapies are implemented the better the long-term outcome for the child.

39 Children have had funded therapy services this year.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Counselling:

We have previously identified that parent/carers need mental health support, especially post pandemic. And our counselling services have expanded this year.

Families can self-refer through our newsletter, welcome pack, and website. The service offers confidential discussions, support and the appropriate level of coping strategies and long-term support where needed. Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs, are low-cost and can be held via phone, zoom and face to face.

We work with local Colleges to provide placement for trainee counsellors and have established links with a local specialist provision (Linwood School who kindly provide rooms for us), currently having a team of three.

We have recently supported families whose child has sadly passed away and now offer bereavement counselling as part of this service.

Our service has also been expanded to include sessions for children over the age of 8 years.

22 individuals received 6 sessions of counselling each this year.

Play and Sporting Opportunities:

Accessible for All:

We recognize that children with disabilities miss out on those valuable experiences that should be available to all children of all abilities and sadly there is still a lack of provision for them in the wider community. Although some other service providers are now operating again after covid, the provision for those with complex needs and physical disabilities who need access to changing facilities is still non-existent. We fill this gap by providing activities that everyone from the neurodiverse to the most medically complex child can attend and this year we bought a gazebo and portable changing bench that we can have available at our events where none are provided.

Wherever possible our events and activities are open to both disabled children and their siblings as we understand that other local providers only cater for the child with disabilities. We know how hard it can be for families to find activities to do together so by providing things like private skate park hire and days out in the park (with mobile changing unit) we are filling this gap. It’s so important that families can share fun activities and create lasting memories.

We provide regular events such as soft play sessions, pantomimes, drama, crafts days, themed parties, exclusive use of skate parks, water sports, dance etc. with all abilities catered for.

Children and families can make friends and the isolation felt by so many in our community is massively reduced.

This year 824 Children accessed our play opportunities.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Give Kids the World: GKTW.org

We are delighted to be only one of 9 UK charities to be accepted as a wish granter for GKTW which is a holiday village in Florida for life limiting children, passing their strict criteria. This year we were thrilled to be able to send 2 families who were all able to visit the world-famous attractions and theme parks in Florida, Walt Disney World, Epcot Centre, Sea World etc.

Support Groups in the community

Early Years Stay and Play Groups:

We currently fund two separate stay and play groups for pre-school children, Little Stars and Something Special, as well as a weekly early year’s forest school.

These groups are in their third year of operation, and we have been overwhelmed by the demand. Both groups have expanded to meet the growing need and have each increased their sessions from 1 to 2 a week with 20+ children regularly attending.

PMLD Saturday club:

There is no other provision in Dorset specifically for PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities) children and young adults to attend. Our Saturday club provides inclusive activities, tailored to meet the sensory and physical needs of those that attend and meets every fortnight at Montaqcute Specialist school that has all the appropriate changing facilities and is fully accessible.

The club has a regular attendance of approx. 25 children and their carers.

SENturions:

Online membership has increased to over 800 members (an increase of over 100 from last year). Membership is open to parents, carers, and professionals in the local SEND community. Members can seek advice and support both online and at their coffee mornings and play sessions with 20-30 regularly attending. SENturians is run entirely by volunteers who are themselves parents of neurodiverse children.

Doors open:

Online membership has increased by 100 with 758 current members. This group is aimed at families of SEN children diagnosed or not. They host weekly meetings and run holiday activities. The intention of this group is to build a community of parents supporting parents to provide a local support base to share experiences and strategies and to help identify external sources of help and support. The group highlights the importance of a positive relationship with schools and pre-school inclusion teams encouraging parent/carers to continue to strive for positive connection and help the children required. Their weekly coffee mornings regularly attract 20+ families. Doors Open is also run entirely by volunteers.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Parent support and activities:

Sewing group:

Many of our children need to wear adapted clothing, either to give access to feeding tubes or because stiff limbs make dressing difficult. These clothes aren’t available on the high street, and specialist providers charge a lot for very little. The parents who attend our weekly sewing club have been taught how to adapt clothing themselves and can offer the service of adapting garments for our families free of charge. They have also made sensory items, wheelchair cozies and other useful items.

This is a wonderful group, not only teaching new skills but providing advice and information in a supportive setting for the 10-15 parents who regularly attend.

DCF Paddlers:

In the warmer months, 10-15 parents meet up to go paddle boarding, chat and support each other and make new friends, while experiencing the benefits of nature, improving mental health and physical wellbeing. We have built a relationship with a local company who hire out boards to our families for these sessions at a reduced rate.

Yoga:

Our yoga group has gone from strength to strength this year literally, as our Yoga instructor (who is also one of our Mums) is now able to specialise in pelvic health exercises since completing a course we funded. This is important for parents and carers who are lifting and carrying children over a long period of time. The group meets weekly with 15+ people attending who all really benefit from taking time out to focus on themselves.

Coffee and craft mornings:

All our parents/carers are invited to join us at various venues for cake, coffee and crafts like wreath making and sensory toy making. These are very popular with up to 30 people attending monthly. These great mornings support mental health as parents can share experiences, whilst doing something positive.

Cold Water Swimming:

In November we introduced cold water swimming as part of our parent/carer wellbeing sessions. Working with a local sea swimming instructor in the safety of a local hotel pool we were able to have exclusive access to the pool on a weekly basis. This activity proved successful as parents had the physical benefit of the cold, as well as the sense of personal achievement that comes when you tackle something out of the ordinary like entering a cold pool.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Community Initiatives

Disability In the Workplace

We are members of The Disability Committed Employers initiative so by having people with a disability volunteering in our shops this demonstrates to the wider community the abilities of the people the charity supports, promoting our vision for inclusion for everyone.

Mental Health Initiative

The mental health of our parent/carers, staff and volunteers is very important to us and we are delighted to become members of The Mental Health Charter, which means we are a mental health committed employer. We host regular wellness sessions; social activities and all staff and volunteers have access to our counselling services.

Ask for Clive

We are members of the Ask for Clive initiative. Ask for Clive is charity that focuses on inclusivity for the LGBTQ community. It asks inclusive establishments to put a sticker with the charity name on their door to signal that the LGBTQ community is welcome there. The charity also provides a brief for staff and volunteers on how to deal with discrimination queer patrons may experience.

Safe Space Scheme

For the last few years, we have signed up to become a Safe Space for people with learning disabilities. Our staff and volunteers are given training on what to do when supporting someone who feels vulnerable. Their logo is prominently displayed in our shops so people know they can ask for help in a safe and secure environment.

The role of our trustees:

As deemed appropriate, new trustees will be appointed by the existing trustees. The induction process will follow the ICSA good practice guide and include meeting with existing trustees. They receive a copy of our accounts, a copy of our governing document and a copy of the Charity Commissions guidance ‘The essential trustee, what you need to know, what you need to do’ (CC3).

Ongoing good trustee training is also offered through Community Action Network. Our appointed board of trustees create a welcoming and supportive culture and apply ethical principal to all decisions made. They support inclusion, equality, and diversity.

Their approach supports good governance and delivery of the charity’s purpose. Our trustees play an integral and active role within the DCF as they all regularly run or attend our events and activities and thus have direct and frequent access to our families and can see first-hand the needs and wishes of the children we serve.

Policies are renewed on an annual basis and are standard items on our board of trustees meetings. We place emphasis on safeguarding, disability awareness training, data protection and robust financial controls.

Our appointed board of trustees are:

Alex Deutsch (senior Network Manager)

Alex is a long-standing supporter of the charity who also runs our award-winning FA affiliated DCF football club.

Amy Collins (Volunteering Development Head, Community Action Network) Amy volunteers at many of our Accessible for All events and is a regular helper at our Saturday club.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

James Pantling-Skeet (Chartered Legal Executive and Community Care Expert)

James has hosted free workshops, run marathons and is on hand to help with issues such as housing, education, benefits, and entitlement.

Dan McEvoy

Dan is a parent of a child with complex disabilities. He oversees our IT and technical infrastructure and ensures our compliance with relevant regulations. He also represents the DCF on the Disabled Children Partnership steering, communication, and campaign forums. Dan has also campaigned tirelessly on the effect of the cost of living on families with disabled children and has represented these families on GMTV, Panorama, Radio 4 and 5 and in The Guardian and other publications.

Avril Jackson

Avril is our most recently appointed trustee. She was for many years a teacher of children with additional needs and is a long-standing governor of Montacute School (Special needs provision school) for 30 years. Avril has fostered children with complex needs and set up our Saturday club.

Because of our trustees’ very welcome hands-on approach, all have an enhanced DBS check.

Communication:

Social Media:

Our Facebook pages are one of our main tools to provide up to date information to the 8500 who follow us. It is regularly updated with photographs of our events and activities and our fund-raising campaigns.

We also have 2 private Facebook pages for our parents, Accessible for All and The DCF family group, these pages are used for advertising our activities and services and signposting our families to relevant support.

Newsletter:

We appreciate that not all of our families are on social media and therefore send a monthly newsletter to all our families who have requested them via email.

Quarterly E-news:

We also send a quarterly E-news to a wider audience of local businesses and sponsors that have opted to receive it. We have found this to be an extremely cost-effective way of reaching a larger target audience.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Charity Partners:

We are pleased to be partnered with the following companies. Each Charity Partner is expected to hold fundraising events during the year, share our news on their social media and generally support us where they can offer volunteers, attend our events and receive a presentation to staff about the DCF to help raise awareness. We are enormously grateful to our amazing community of local companies who support us.

• Bournemouth Collegiate school
• Grosvenor carpets
• Seafeld Mortgages
• JLD Events
• First Positon School of Dance
• Think ATM and Airports Consultancy
• Glenigan
• BAE Systems
• Stairway Joinery
• Kiss in Light
• The Shirt Framing service
• Hoburne Holiday Parks
• The Marsham Court. Hotel
• The Marriot Hotel Bournemouth
• Reed Employment: Recruitment Agency
• Coastal Comedy: Comedy Club
• Urban Guild: Local restaurant chain
• Holt Recruitment: Recruitment company.
• Bourne Free

We have continued our close relationship with CMP Print who provided us with free leaflets, flyers headed paper, business cards and other promotional materials, saving us at least £2000 per year.

The role and contribution of our volunteers:

The Foundation is committed to ensuring fairness and recognises the need for diversity and inclusion within our recruitment and management of volunteers.

We currently have 62 volunteers ranging from age 14 (Completing Duke of Edinburgh award scheme) to age 87. All health and safety procedures are followed, and induction and ongoing training is given.

Many of our volunteers are also parent/carers of the children we support. We embrace volunteers of all abilities and currently have 2 volunteers who have multiple learning difficulties and are wheelchair users. Volunteers are recruited from the following sectors:

• Community Acton Network
• Local mental health teams
• Local schools
• Job Centre Plus
• Probaton Service
• Local language schools
• Others contact us through the shops and website.

All appropriate paperwork is completed when taking on any new volunteers who all have to complete CRB checks.

We have many long-standing volunteers, and we call ourselves The Dorset Children's Foundation Family

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Risk management:

Retail activities:

All procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety and safeguarding regulations and best practice concerning staff, volunteers, clients and customers.

Both staff and volunteer handbooks have been reviewed and updated. All policies are regularly and robustly reviewed by the trustees, founders, and external agencies such as Community Action Network.

Ongoing training is actively supported, and our safeguarding policy has been updated.

All managers and volunteers have successfully completed an online safeguarding course. We follow best practice in recruitment, support and training, including carrying out appropriate DBS/Enhanced DBS checks.

Volunteer handbooks have been updated and expanded.

Financial\Fundraising

We have a variety of fundraising streams.
1) Profts from our 3 charity shops
2) Online sales
3) Grants from trusts and other charites
4) Corporate donatons
5) Public donatons
6) Fundraising events
7) Fundraising platorms (i.e., PayPal, JustGiving and Facebook)
8) Charity partners
9) Legacies
10) Collectons

We have a robust financial control policy, financial control procedure policy, a reserves policy and a risk management policy that covers all aspects of our operations.

We do not use any paid fundraising specialist companies. We only publicise our fundraising campaigns in the public domain, we never contact previous donors without their express permission, and we evaluate and monitor this process regularly.

Any family, individual or company who fundraise on our behalf are assessed and sent an information leaflet ‘Fundraising Safely’ given a letter of authority with the permission of the Foundation with details and contacts and their relationship with the Foundation for clarification. We provide key information from the Institute of Fundraising. Our Foundation monitors fundraising activities through the records of the fundraising platforms monthly reports.

Details of each event or fundraising campaign are required from the Foundation before commencing and are required to adhere to ours and the Fundraising Standards code of practice.

Social media fundraisers are regularly monitored. Facebook funds come directly to the charities bank.

Collection pots are numbered, sealed, and signed in and out, with confirmation of where they will be placed or used. When returned are counted with two members of staff present.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Fundraising platforms.

All funds from fundraising platforms such as JustGiving are paid directly to our bank.

The trustees are responsible for ensuring proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Foundation at any time to enable the trustees to plan and to prepare financial statements for each financial year. A budgeting review is carried out monthly. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding assets and funds of the Foundation by taking robust steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities.

Sources of Income

We do not receive any Government or local council funding. Monies are generated through a variety of funding streams.

Grants

This financial year we were grateful to receive grants from the following:

GFEYRE Charitable Trust £600 Asda Foundation £400 Harry Faulker Trust £1000 Masonic Lodge £1500 Cherries Trust £1000 CFSG Pankram Grant £1279.28 JTYA £4000 (Boscombe Fiddle Orchestra) Friends of Coda £2500 (Boscombe Fiddle Orchestra)

Total £12,279

Sponsorship

We have received both corporate and private sponsorship for our Christmas parties, Avon Tyrell residential weekend, immersive theatre performances and a percentage for the cost of our Wet Wheels events.

Donations

We receive donations from both the public and corporate sector with the latter holding fundraising events on our behalf.

Goods In Kind

This year, we gave out goods in kind to the value of £47000. This included mobility and therapy equipment, arts and craft materials, household items and children’s clothing. These items were distributed through our stay and play groups, Saturday club, direct to registered families and through the local community via women’s refuge and children’s centres.

Wills and Legacies

We have produced a leaflet encouraging people to support us by leaving us something in their will. This has been done in conjunction with The Good Will Partnership and we are currently arranging meetings with local solicitors to highlight our work and to encourage bequests.

Main Fundraising Events

We are thankful to the wonderful support of our local community. These were the highlights of our year.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Dorset Plane Pull.

We had 2 teams of 20 people pulling a jumbo jet. We raised over £2000.

First Position School of Dance

For the 4th year they donated a total of £10,000, the entire proceeds of their annual showcase.

Our annual ball raised £4,300

Reserves policy:

Support to beneficiaries is only given when the funds have been raised and so the Foundation doesn't have any ongoing commitments in this regard.

The trustees have identified the need for three months costs to be held in reserve to fulfil its contractual obligations to landlords and staff redundancy if we had to close. Calculated to be £26,266 with length of service accounted for.

The trustees also determined that three months costs should be held in reserve to cover parent/carers in cancelling or funding activities booked, costs for stay and play groups and costs associated with all the support and parent groups. Calculated to be £26,787

At the end of the year the foundation had free reserves of £10,953 which is below the above the level of reserves required. Despite this the charity continues to operate as a going concern due to funding received post year end and continued income from it's charity shop.

Sustainability

Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. UN Sustainability Development Goals.

In February 2023 we partnered with BPC Councils Carbon Reduction Program to measure and reduce our carbon footprint and to work towards net zero.

We also support the Circular Economic System whereby resources are used, reused and recycled minimising CO2 emissions.

We do not have the expense and overheads of a head office preferring to work from the shops Charity shops saved 339,000 tons of textiles from landfill in 2023/24.

Our charity shops supports the public benefit of keeping used goods in circulation and expanding the life cycle of products. We resell donated items that would otherwise end up in land fill. We also provide low-cost alternatives to buying new which makes sustainable consumption more accessible to people with a limited income.

We reduce, reuse, recycle and reconnect wherever possible by;

Using an ethical, licensed waste company who recycle textiles and household items. Appropriate clothing from this is sent to the developing world.

Excess books and toys are donated to local schools and Children’s Centre’s. Regular appropriate donations are made to homeless charities. Our office furniture is pre used as are 70% of our shop fittings.

The Boscombe and Southbourne shops have had energy saving LED lighting fitted by our founder. 75% of our office supplies are taken from shop donations as are 90% of our branded clothing for events.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Future Action Points:

The Dorset Children Foundation are members of:

The Institute of Fundraising The National Council for Voluntary Organisations The Small Charities Coalition Community Action Network Charity Retail Organisation Disability Committed Employers Mental Health Charter Members

We are fully GDPR compliant, our IOC membership is annually reviewed. No. ZA382325

Personal files are updated with payroll information and all payroll is to be authorised and approved by Cofounder Scott Akam

The website is updated on a regular basis and contains charity information, appeals, event calendar, application process, grant making policy and how the community can help, contacts, news and previous activities and about us in general. www.thedcf.org

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015). There were no complaints against the charity this, or previous years.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

We have the following policies and procedures in place.

Child Eligibility and Support Criteria Safeguarding Children Policy Compliments and Complaints Procedure Confidentiality Policy Home Visit Policy Menopause Policy Equality and Diversity Policy First Aid Policy Reserves Policy DCF Data Protection Policy Grievance Procedure Privacy Policy Financial Controls Policy Social Media Policy Conflict of Interest Policy

Registered Charity number

1150538

Principal Address

695-697 Christchurch Road Bournemouth Dorset BH7 6AF

Independent examiner: Dean Pullen TC Group

Mr. A Deutsch Trustee Dated: 30 January 2025

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient 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 Charity (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.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Dorset Children's Foundation (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Dean Pullen TC Group

10 Bridge Street Christchurch Dorset BH23 1EF

Dated: 30 January 2025

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donatons and legacies
2
110,744
78,396
Other trading actvites
3
236,774
-
Investments
4
1,412
-
Total income
348,930
78,396
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
156,206
-
Charitable actvites
245,338
87,368
Other expenditure
10
-
-
Total expenditure
401,544
87,368
Net expenditure
(52,614)
(8,972)
Transfers between
funds
(3,812)
3,812
Net movement in
funds
7
(56,426)
(5,160)
Reconciliaton of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
67,379
63,726
Fund balances at 31 March
2024
10,953
58,566		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
189,140
112,296
54,461
236,774
241,926
-
1,412
1,159
-
427,326
355,381
54,461
156,206
139,515
-
332,706
182,602
108,381
-
(3,238)
-
488,912
318,879
108,381
(61,586)
36,502
(53,920)
-
(66,837)
66,837
(61,586)
(30,335)
12,917
131,105
97,714
50,809
69,519
67,379
63,726		 Total
2023
£
166,757
241,926
1,159
409,842
139,515
290,983
(3,238)
427,260
(17,418)
-
(17,418)
148,523
131,105

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilites
Creditors: amounts falling due afer more
than one year
16
Net assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
17
Unrestricted funds
18		 2024
£
52,483
11,945
64,428
(19,880)		 £
42,611
44,548
87,159
(17,640)
69,519
58,566
10,953
69,519		 2023
£
3,856
104,920
108,776
(15,992)		 £
61,759
92,784
154,543
(23,438)
131,105
63,726
67,379
131,105

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 30 January 2025

Mr. A Deutsch

Trustee

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Dorset Children's Foundation is a charitable organisation incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 695-697 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6AF.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Resources expended

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals bassis. All expenses, including support costs and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the statement of financial liabilities.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment 25% straight line Specialised children's equipment 25% straight line Computers 33.33% straight line Motor vehicles 25% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.8 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

1.9 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

1.10 Donated goods

Stock of donated goods is not provided for as at the year end. This is in line with previous years and impracticable to estimate upon receipt of the donated goods.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.11 Significant judgements and estimates

The charity's management do not apply any significant judgements, apart from those involving estimates, in applying the accounting policies.

The only estimates made in applying accounting policies are in assessing the useful life of fixed assets. These do not result in a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities.

2 Donations and grants

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Donatons and gifs
110,744
78,396
For the year ended 31 March 2023
112,296
54,461		 Total
2024
£
189,140		 Total
2023
£
166,757
166,757
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Shop income 236,774 241,926
4 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 1,412 1,159

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5 Raising funds, trading costs and support costs

6
7		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Fundraising and publicity
Depreciaton
2,518
Motor vehicle depreciaton
4,304
Other fundraising costs
5,707
Fundraising and publicity
12,529
Stafand support costs
Staf costs
143,677
Raising funds, trading and support costs
156,206
Charitable actvites
2024
£
Charitable actvites
183,768
Support costs
33,684
332,706		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Fundraising and publicity
Depreciaton
2,518
Motor vehicle depreciaton
4,304
Other fundraising costs
5,707
Fundraising and publicity
12,529
Stafand support costs
Staf costs
143,677
Raising funds, trading and support costs
156,206
Charitable actvites
2024
£
Charitable actvites
183,768
Support costs
33,684
332,706		 Total
2023
£
2,215
4,564
4,310
11,089
128,426
139,515
2023
£
223,005
17,932
290,983
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated afer charging/(creditng):
Depreciaton of owned tangible fxed assets
Loss/(proft) on disposal of tangible fxed assets		 2024
£
21,547
-		 2023
£
20,868
(3,238)

8 Trustees

None of the trustee's received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries		 2024
Number
16
2024
£
234,422		 2023
Number
17
2023
£
201,956

No employees received emoluments in excess of £42,000.

Total key management personnel remuneration totalled £83,000 (2023 - £92,000) during the year.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

10 Other

Unrestricted Total
funds
2024 2023
£
Net loss on disposal of tangible fxed assets - (3,238)

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

12
Tangible fxed assets
Plant and
equipment
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023
9,680
Additons
-
At 31 March 2024
9,680
Depreciaton and impairment
At 1 April 2023
9,027
Depreciaton charged in the year
358
At 31 March 2024
9,385
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
295
At 31 March 2023
654
13
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Amounts falling due afer more than one year:
Prepayments and accrued income
Total debtors		 Specialised
children's
equipment
£
57,081
1,983
59,064
17,909
14,725
32,634
26,430
39,172		 Computers Motor vehicles
£
£
10,371
31,345
417
-
10,788
31,345
5,654
14,129
2,160
4,304
7,814
18,433
2,974
12,912
4,717
17,216
2024
£
50,701
2024
£
1,782
52,483		 Total
£
108,477
2,400
110,877
46,719
21,547
68,266
42,611
61,759
2023
£
3,856
2023
£
-
3,856

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14
Loans and overdrafs
Bank loans
Payable within one year
Payable afer one year
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Bank loans
14
Other taxaton and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due afer more than one year
Notes
Bank loans
14		 2024
£
27,802
10,162
17,640
2024
£
10,162
5,640
1,231
2,847
19,880
2024
£
17,640		 2023
£
33,349
9,911
23,438
2023
£
9,911
3,090
936
2,055
15,992
2023
£
23,438

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

17 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Balance at
1 April 2023

£
Accessible for All
-
Specifc children donatons
28,514
Music Therapy
24,152
Christchurch Children
763
Saturday Club
500
Avon Tyrell
831
Arts & Crafs
2,000
Boscombe Fiddle Orchestra
-
Xmas Partes
-
Litle Stars
-
Bear Suit
4,467
Toy Trust
2,500
-
63,726		 Movement in funds
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
49,843
(49,843)
15,725
(22,684)
-
(1,803)
-
-
-
(500)
-
(4,642)
-
(787)
4,000
-
3,305
(1,560)
5,523
(4,814)
-
-
-
(735)
78,396
(87,368)		 Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2024
£
£
-
-
-
21,554
-
22,349
-
763
-
-
3,812
-
-
1,213
-
4,000
-
1,745
-
709
-
4,467
-
1,765
-
3,812
58,566		 Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2024
£
£
-
-
-
21,554
-
22,349
-
763
-
-
3,812
-
-
1,213
-
4,000
-
1,745
-
709
-
4,467
-
1,765
-
3,812
58,566
58,566

Accessible for All

Accessible for All, is the charity's initiative to make sports and fin activities fully accessible for families they support.

Activities' provided include, exclusive sessions at an indoor skate park, Music sessions, craft sessions, all ability discos, accessible boat ride, to name but a few.

Specifc Children Donatons

Each restricted fund related to amounts raised through appeals and fundraising to provide assistance equipment and care for the individual child on the fund. Names have not been used as requested by the parents of the children and for the purpose of financial reporting the specific child funds have been grouped however are maintained separately by the charity.

Music Therapy

Music Therapy is part of our program of activities for disabled children. It can be adapted to cater to children with a wide range of developmental challenges, including severe ones. Music therapist are training to work with diverse needs, and they can modify the therapy to suit a child's abilities and comfort level.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

17 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Saturday Club

The DCF run a unique and fantastic Saturday Club for the most profoundly disabled. This club is exclusively open to our PMLD (profound and multiple learning difficulty) wheelchair users. It is held at a specialist school that has all the appropriate changing facilities and is fully accessible. It is not the only the children that benefit as parents/carers have a lunch together and share advice and support.

The children and young people enjoy a wealth of activities included wheelchair dancing, craft making, cooking sessions, yoga, clay making, bubble workshops, immersive theatre and more.

Avon Tyrell

Avon Tyrell is an outdoor activity center and the DCF offer residential trips there as part of Accessible for All. 10 disabled children and their families attend the weekend with 7 staying overnight in the accessible lodge. Activities provided include, archery, high ropes and canoeing and everyone that attended have an amazing time.

Arts & Crafs

Funds for arts & crafts sessions for families.

Boscombe Fiddle Orchestra

Boscome Youth Fiddle Orchestra is based in Boscombe and provides free violin tuittion for local students aged 5 to 19. It is funded by Bournemouth Rotary, Thornton Trust an Soundstorm. Until the end of December, the orchestra operated under the umbrella of Coda Music Trust based in Walkford, but has now transferred to the Dorset Children's Foundation (DCF). The DCF, founded 11 years ago, supports children and young people with learning difficulties, and believe that bringing the two organisactions together will work well. The change of ownership has resulted in a change of name from 'Code Fiddle Orchestra' to Boscombe Youth Fiddle Orchestra (BYFO).

Xmas Partes

This funding was received in relation to hosting Christmas parties for the children and young people who attend DCF, families and siblings were also invited.

Litle Stars

This is a stay and play group for preschool children with additional needs. These sessions will help little ones explore, socialise and communicate, create and enjoy a lot of messy play. This group is ideal for those at the beginning of their journey and will really support parents whose children have just recently been diagnosed. Siblings are very welcome too.

Bear Suit

Bear suit is for our new mascot, we have been getting our money's worth out of the old one and will be purchasing a new one shortly.

Toy Trust

This is funding received alongside Little Stars to fund the toys used as part of our Little Stars play group.

Christchurch Children

This was funding specifically received in relation to children living in Christchurch.

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

17 Restricted funds

(Continued)

18 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April 2023 At 1 April 2023 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 67,379 348,930 (401,544) (3,812) 10,953
Previous year: At 1 April 2022 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 97,714 355,381 (318,879) (66,837) 67,379
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets 42,611 - 42,611
Current assets/(liabilites) (14,018) 58,566 44,548
Long term liabilites (17,640) - (17,640)
10,953 58,566 69,519

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

19 Analysis of net assets between funds (Contnued)
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2023 2023 2023
£ £ £
At 31 March 2023:
Tangible assets 61,759 - 61,759
Current assets/(liabilites) 29,058 63,726 92,784
Long term liabilites (23,438) - (23,438)
67,379 63,726 131,105

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Incoming resources
Donatons and legacies 110,744 78,396 189,140 166,757
Shop income 236,774 - 236,774 241,926
Investment 1,412 - 1,412 -
Total income 348,930 78,396 427,326 409,842
Resources expended
Raising funds
Fundraising costs 5,707 - 5,707 4,310
Staf wages 207,404 27,018 234,422 128,426
Plant and machinery depreciaton 358 - 358 850
Computer equipment depreciaton 2,160 - 2,160 1,365
Motor vehicles depreciaton 4,304 - 4,304 4,564
219,933 27,018 246,951 139,515
Charitable actvites
Rates and water 2,821 - 2,821 4,047
Light and heat 11,040 - 11,040 5,632
Telephone 3,165 - 3,165 2,796
Postage and statonery 621 - 621 733
Advertsing and marketng 344 - 344 557
Sundries 1,322 - 1,322 1,324
Subscriptons 148 - 148 977
Travel 1,869 - 1,869 1,495
Motor expenses 5,038 - 5,038 7,181
Entertainment 1,981 - 1,981 804
IT sofware and consumables 3,576 - 3,576 2,598
Rent 49,693 - 49,693 28,048
Direct expenses for children 56,637 60,350 116,987 121,574
138,255 60,350 198,605 177,766

THE DORSET CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

(Continued)

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Support costs
Insurance 7,376 - 7,376 (1,513)
Bank charges 3,413 - 3,413 6,469
Loan interest 738 - 738 982
Repairs and renewals 1,974 - 1,974 1,703
Accountancy and legal fees 1,690 - 1,690 4,500
Consultancy 13,439 - 13,439 13,458
28,630 - 28,630 25,599
Total resources expended 386,818 87,368 474,186 342,880
Gross transfers between funds 3,812 (3,812) - -
Surplus/(defcit) for the year (41,700) (5,160) (46,860) 66,962