Charity Reglstration No. 1151118 Company Reglstration No. 08376180 (England and Wales) BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 MARCH 2025
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees Mrs A Dodd Mrs K L Parlridg8 Mrs S Seddon Mrs M E Wheatcroft Chalr Mrs K L Partridge Secretary Mrs A Dodd Charlty Number 1151118 Company Numbèr 08376180 Reglstered Office Hamill House 112-116 Chorley New Road Bolton BL14DH Indep8ndent Examiner Mr Andrew Simm FCA Smith & Goulding Limited Hamill House 112-116 Chorley New Road Bolton BL14DH Bankers Barclays Bank plc 1 Market Street Bolton BL1 1XA
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP IA COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS Page Trustees, report I ndependenl auditor's repor1 Statemènt of financial actiwties Balance sheel 10 Notes lo the accounts 11-23
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP {A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 The TNstees, who are also directors of the charity for Ihe purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report and accounts for the year ended 30 March 2025. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the Charity's memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act 2006, tha Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities prepartng their accounts in aGcordance with Ihe Financial Reporling Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Iréland (effective 1 January 2019).. Structure* govèrnance and managemenl Al a meeting of TrLJStees and members held on 7 December 2012 it was agreed lo eslablish a Charitable Company to lake over the assets and liabilities of Bolton Children's Opportunity Group for Handicapped Children an unincorporated ch8rity with regislpred number 512813. As a result, Bolton Children's Opportunity Group (COG), a Charitable Company limited by guarantee, was incorporated on 25 January 2013. The rL)mpanywas registered as a Charity on 6 March 2013 with registered number 1151118 and Company Registered Number 08376180. The unincorporated organisation transferred all of its assets and liabilities to the Company with effect from 1 April 2013. The first Trustees of the Charitable Company were the same as those of the unincorporated organisation. The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law. and who served during the year wer8.. Mrs A Dodd Mrs N Home {resigned 16104124) Mrs K L Partridge Mrs S Seddon Mrs M E Wheatcroft Underthe requiremenls of the Memorandum and Articles of Associalion the Tnjstees ar8 elected to S8Ne for a period of years, now agreed as thr8e. They retire by rotation and may be re-elecl8d at the next Annual General Meeting. None of the Trustees have any beneficial inler8sI in Ihe company. All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribu18 an amount not exceeding £10 in the event of winding up. The skill requirements for the Trusl Body are regularly reviewed and any vacancy arising is filled by consensus amongsl the r6maining Trustees to meet Ihe necessary criteria. Trustees are sought whose skills build on the skill base of the existing board of Irusl88S that include sector specilic skills such as Health & Social Welfare, Finance, Legal, and Human Resourcés, The induction process for any newly appointed Trustee comprises an initial meeling with Ihe Chair followed by meetings with the other Trustees. New Trustees receive all the relevant information in respect of the organisational structures and p18ns, Trustee job description, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Guidance on Trustee Responsibilities and other relevant Charity Commission Guidance. This is further supported with verbal information from Chair of Trustees andlor the other Trustees. Meetings take place al least twice a yearto review the Charity's financial matters and general operating management. Bolton Children's Opportunity Group employs professional people with experience and expertise relevant lo the business of the Charity and the young people it supports. The Trustees set and monitor the scale of delegated responsibility invested in the senior management team. Likewise, it monitors and reviews Ihe overall strategy and business plan. The principal office of the Charity is Lowndes Sl Nursey, Lowndes St. Bolton. BL14QB. Risk Factors The Trustees have assessed the major risks lo which the Charity is exposod in view of the new funding lormula and are satisfied that syslems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The Trust8es are fully aware of the diff icullies of mainlaining the quality of service il delivers particularly in the cuent economic climate and are awar6 that there may be financial challenges in the future.
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 Related Parties Bolton Melropolilan Borough Council {Ihe Local Authorily) provides funding in support of the provision of Early Years Foundation Stage and Bolton Information and Adwsory Service {previously Parent Partnership)- The National Lotteries Community Fund is currently providing funding for Ihe Nursery minibus service. Mrs Dodd has been an employee in the role of office administratorl business man2g6r since 1985. She was asked to become a Trustee in October 2017 as the Ofsted officer would only deal with a Trustee. Following this the Trustees did not feel they had enough knowledge regarding Ofsled and asked Mrs Dodd lo become 2 Trusl@e in order to comply with the Ofsted requiremenls. She has retired as an employae on 31 March 2025 bul remains a Trustee. Mrs Partridge became a Trustee January 2018 she was then asked to become an employee in Sepl8mber 2018 due to her knowledge as 8 retired special educational needs teacher and is well versed in all aspects of the position as an Information and Advisory SeNice officer. She has retired as an employee on 22 July 2024 but remains a Trustee. Mrs Dodd lent the Charity £13,000 during the year lo help with Gashflow. No interesl is being charged. £3000 has been repaid after the year end with th8 balance still in the Charity's bank account. COG is a full Member of Bollon Togelher. Bolton Together is a Consortium forvolunlary Organisations. The aims of the Consortium are lo share infomialion, reprèsent issues, share speci81ist training and offer repres8ntalion on various Bolton Council led consultative groups. COG has been a Me.mb8r of Bolton Parent Carer Consortium since 2014 when seven voluntary organisalions together creal8d Bolton Parent Carer Consortium. The aim is to become a stronger voice for parenl carers of children with special educational needs {SENDI in Bollon. Consortium members represent parents and Garers groups for health, social care and leisure. It aims for equality of opportunity and choic8 for disabled and young people aged 0 - 25 years. COG is a member of Bolton Communily and Voluntary Service. Bolton CVS is a charitable Gompany which exists to support voluntary and community organisalions and posilively promote volunlary action in Bolton. COG is a m8mber of Greater Manchester Council for Voluntary Organisalions. GMCVO is lh8 voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector support and d8velopmenl organisation covering the Greater hAanchester city region. COG is a member of Bolton Early Start Panel (Resourced Nursery Panel). COG is a member of the. Early Years Settings Managers Networking Group. COG is a member of SEND Reforms Strategy Group. COG is a member of the Inclusion Task and Finish Group. COG is a member of the Co-Production Task and Finish Group. COG is a member of Nurture Group Network. COG is a member of North Wesl Information Advice and Support Service Nalwork. COG is a member of the Slartwell SEND Development Group. Oblectlves and activitles The Charity's objects are specifically restricted lo Ihe following: To advance the education of children and young adults with additional needs wilhin the Melropolitan Borough of Bollon. To promote the development of individual capabilities competences skills and understanding. To provide a safe environment for group play and activities lo encourage children lo interacl and learn Ihrough structured play. To promote the involvement of parents and guardians to engaga moro wilh their child's 8ducalion induding olher charitable activities Ihrough which they can help their child. The policies adopted in fvrth8rance of these objects are that Ihe group may:_ a) run a playgroup enabling children with additional needs to mix with normal children. b) foster mutual help and co-operation between parents, guardians, relatives and friends of children with addilional needs and those trusted with the care of children with additional needs. c) raise adequate funds for the achievement of the foregoing object and inv4te and receive contributions from any persons by way of subscriptions, donations and olherwise, provided that the group shall not undertake any permanènt trading activities in raising funds for ils charitable object.
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE> TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 d) hire pr8misas, provide equipment. engage staff, admit children and require such payments to be made as 8r6 referred to below. e) expénd money received from any source. f) maintain membership of the Pre-school Playgroups Associalion and assisl in the promotion of that Association. g) do all other things as appear to the Trustees and Senior Management Team to be necessary in pursuance of the objects. and there has been no change in these during the year. Public beneflt statement The Charity meets its public benefit obligations by njnning a playgroup for children wilh additional needs, running outreach programmes for children with additional needs and providing help and support lo children with additiona needs and their parents or guardians. We believe thal the Charity is in an excellent position to provide cost benefils when compared to other service providers in the maintained and priva18 Sectors. The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission In decidlng what activities the Charity should undertake. Use of volunteers DBS checked volunteers help with the children, preparation of the play sessions and Iransporting the children lo and from home in the Charity's minibuses. They also help with fundraising and answering the telephone. Reserves policy It is the policy of the Ch8rity that unrestricted funds which have not b88n designated for a specific use should be, if possible, maintained al a level equivalent to belween thre8 and six month's expenditura. The Trustees consider that reserves al this lev81 will 8nsure that, in the event of a significanl drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Charity's current activilies while consideration is giv8n lo ways in which additional funds may be raised. Strategic Report Achlevements and performance The Trusl88s held several virtual Trustee meetings to discuss specific issues and a couplé of in person meetings during the year. The Trustees have focused on work throughout the year to address critical issues of funding insecurity. The Trustees, goal is lo ensure that Ihe Charily is able to access the Local Authorily funding streams. The aim is to guarantee the fulure viability of ea¢h service provided by the Charily. The funding formula for the E8rly Years Education Grant does not cover transport costs which is an important part of the Charity's service and the Trustees are aware that fund raising is essential lo maintain this vilal service. A bid to Ihe National Lollery for thrae years funding towards the cost of providing Iransport, which had been delayed because of the Covid 19 pandemic, was finally approved and èxtended to cover 5 years, operating costs and payments commer)ced in January 2021. 2024125 has been financially challenging, initially with the rise of more than 9 % in the Minimum Living Wage, which led to an increase ofall child care staff by the same amount, this was followed by an issue with Barclay's bank's'know your customer. procedures, when they lost the paperwork thal had been returned to them and had been acknowledged, bul which resulted in our current account being frozen and payments for monthly wages being delayed. We also had major cash flow issues which led to a meeting with heads of service in December 2024, to see if there was anything they could do. One of the Trustees loaned the Charity £13,000 to help at this difficult period of time, £3000 of which has been repaid afler the year end, the r8maining £10,000 is still hèld in the group's account. Previously the Trustees have expressed ongoing concems th81 the financial projections for the Local Authority fLtnding indicate Ihal the suslain8bilily could be precarious for Ihe future of Ihe Charity. In order lo address these concerns the Truslèes and senior management team have worked towards developing strategies to ensure financial viability these include:. The fee for the play sessions has remained at £15 per session, since September 2020, this may need to be reviewed in the near future. Although, as more children become eligible for free early years education, increasing the fees would not necessarily bring in more revenue, unless we began to start lo charge for snacks etc. This is dèfinilaly on the card for January 2026. The Local Authority has conlinued lo fund Ihe teacher's salary in Nurture Group, but Ihis may not be a permanent situation and Ihe Trustees will continue to monitor the situalion. Fees for childrèn atlonding Nurture Group have not b8en increased since 2018. these are due to be increased in January 2026. The Charity is involved with the Bolton Hospice Lottery Partnership Scheme, the BWFC Lolleries Parlnership Scheme, and is also registered with EasyFundraising.
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 The Local Authority axpressed a commitmenl to support the Charity financially and continue lo provide accommodation al the current low renl. Funding for the Nurture Group teacher is currently being provided via Behaviour Support. Unfortunalely, the diary for Ihe period March to July 2024 has been mislaid, so we can only provide the following information for the period Seplember to March 2025. In line with its training strategy, COG members of staff have completed the following training courses.. 2 members of staff - Aided Languagè Stimulation 1 member of slaff - Joint Attention 1 members of staff - Supporting children with Communication & Interaction Needs - Sensory Harmony 2 members of staff - Signalong 1 membar of staff - Autism Pathway 1 member of staff - Supporting Earfy Communication & Language Developm8nt 7 members of staff - TeamTeach1 1 member of staff - Planning and Assessment 1 member of staff - Supporting Children's Wellbeing 2 members of staff - SALT Training 1 member of staff - Emotional Regulation in Children 7 members of staff - Paedialric First Aid staff members attended the following meetings 2 SENCO Network meetings 1 Child Protection meeting 3 Child AGlion m8elings 1 Case Conference 5 Child in Need meetings 5 BASE network meetings 2 BASE panel meetings 4 Slartwell SEND meetings 2 Core Group meetings 2 Strategy meelings Staff members have also arranged and held 84 Early Helpl Early Help Reviaw meetings 2 PEP Meelir)gs 11 New Child Visits We have had several sludenls on work experioncelcollege placements 1 work experience student 1 Health & Social Care sludenl for 1 wook Placement 2 yr student The following profèssionals attended COG to work with individual children or for observational vi51ts- 3 visits from Jo Brown (SEN BASE co-ordinalorl 2 visits from Alex Baxter 4 visits from Startwell 3 visits from Soci31 Worker 4 visils from Ladywood Outreach 4 visits from the Learning Disabilities Team 4 visits from Educational Psychologisls (to either obsetve children andlor speak with parents) 13 visits from Speech & Language Therapy (SALT) 2 visits from Occupational Therapists assessing Ghildren. adjusting chairs & standing frames 1 visit from a Student Health Visitor 2 Health & Safely check for Work experience studenls 3 visits from Fi Kinsellas's lulor 1 visit from Shared Care 1 visit by Emma Spurling
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 1 visit from Short Break Assessor In addition to the above A Speech Therapy Assistant allends Monday lo Thursday each week to work one to one wilh childr8n from the Yellow Room. C.O.G is registered with Ofsled and following our mosl recent inspection 3 April 2019 we received the classification of Good. Ofsted said "The management and staff show a real passion lo help children achieve the very best they can. Their proactive and dedicated approach helps to improve outcomes for all children. This includes the most vulr)erable of children and those who have special educational needs {SEN} andlor disabilities. The Charity was awarded the Bolton Mark Inclusion Award on 19 May 2015 this award is in recognition of complying with all operating standards sel by the Local Authority deeming the organisalion safe. friendly and effective. The accreditation Is a mark of high quality for organisations yrkIng within communi118S. Monitorlng achievement The care and education of our children and young adults has been mainlained according to our objeclivgs. Each child or young person has bean helped and supported lo achieve thgir full potenlial through individual and group activities. Individual guidance and tuilion have baen given to each child as necessary for that child or young person to fulfil their potential. During the period 31 March 2024 to 30 March 2025 COG nursery and the High Needs Base {Blue Room) h8ve cared for 57 children, 46 of which have additional needs which is 80.7 /•. Many of whom have been diagnosed as being on the Auslistic Speclrurn. 24 children left us during this period, some wenl onto specialist provision, others w8nt into mainstream and several children returned lo us for a further year. Nurture Grou During the year, we have provided places for 24 children from 19 differenl schools. Of the chIldn who have attended Nurture Group 14 children joined us from Reception (580A). Of these children 12 returned in Year one to complete their placements with us 10 ¢hildron joined us from Year one (42°) and 9 of Ih8se children returned in Year two to complete their placemen15 Wlth us Of the 24 children who attended 19179%) were boys and 5 (21%) were girls. Of the above children, one child was receiving targeted early help and 2 w8re on child protection plans. 3 children had previously been on child proleclion plans. Of these childn, one was under special guardianshlp with a family member. None of the children were Looked Aflei Children. Many of the children have had EHCP'S applied for during their lime with us and Mrs Tale (Nurture Group Teacher) has written reports in support of Ihes& applications. 1 child has moved to Specialisl provision at the Forward Centro due lo being permanenlly excluded from their mainstr8am school. We have worked with professionals from a variely of other agencies eg., Bolton Educational Psychology seNice, Bolton B8haviour Support servi, Speech & language therapy. Social Workers, targeted early help family support workers elc to support our children in a variety of ways. Mrs Tale {teacher) has been into schools to observe bolh children who have been referred and children who are currenlly attending Nurture Group to provide advice and support to schools. She has also allended meetings for the children such as PEP, Child protection conf8ronces and reviews. core group meetings. early help reviews and annLtal reviews, elc. These have been both in person and remotely on Teamslzoom. We have provided resources and support lo both parents and school staff working with the children who attend NurlL¢re Group. We analyse the children's Boxall profiles and use these to sel largels for the children. We provide half yearly terrnly reports lo both schools and parents. We have had observationslvisits from some staff from Ihe children's schools. These usually last from an hour to half a day.
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 Nurture Grou Trainin All staff have completed Level 3 Paediatric {RQF) training. Kaeping children Safe Basic.. Signs & Symptoms, Prevent Awareness, Female Genilal Mutilation (FGM), half day Thrive Manchester Foundational training about Adverse Childhood ExperienGes and Trauma, l-Thrive. Helen Tate and Leanne Hardman have completed Prevent Referrals Training in their role as dosignaled and deputy designated safeguarding leads. Helen Tate completed Children's Mental Health Training L8anne Hardman & Lisa Dunn have undertaken the Theory & Practice of Nurture Group training. The Information and Advisor Service SEND Tha Information and Advisory S8Nice ISENDI hav8 provided services lo 3200 familieslcarerslchildrenlyoung adults ranging from lelephone calls, personal visits, school meetings, arbitralion and appeals. So much was the demand the Local Aulhority agreed lo award addilional funding for an extra part time member of staff. The Trustees are confident that the Charity's objects have been fulfilled throughout this financial year. Financlal review During the year ended 30 March 2025 income exceeded expenditure resulting in a deficit on unrestricted funds of £42,688, The nel incoming resources on the reslricled fund were £4,356. Fundraising income of £5,470 was achieved during the year. AI 30 March 2025 the balance ol unrestricted funds carried forward was £33,768. A grant received specifically towards th8 nursery tr8nsF)Ort cosls amounted to £18,005. This is included within income on restriG18d funds. The balance carried foward on reslricled funds at 30 March 2025 was £11,207. This is comprised of the written down values of furniture, donaled by a grant from Bolton Council. two donations for hoists, the balance of the grant from the National Lollery for the nursery transport costs and the balance for the Nurture Group teacher wages, all amounting lo £11,207. The Charity received funding from the Local Aulhorily for the Nurture Group Teachef which is induded in the income from restricted fu nd charitable activities. The Charity rents the premises for £1,000 per year, which is below market value. from Bolton Council who also cover the cosls of light and heat and buildings insurance. The Trustees are unable lo ascertain the exact value bul would estimate the donated facilit18s al about £25,000. Plans for the future The Trustees will continue lo explore new avenues of funding in order to diversify C.O.G.'s funding sources. Monies that had been deposited in a higher yield fixed lemi savings account, which has now matured, have been moved into thé higher yield easy access account in order to maximise income from savings. The Trustees are still looking at ways of minimising bank charges, by possibly changing banks. Funding that had been secured from Bollon MBC because of the high number of children attending the nursey for whom we receive the Inclusion Fund. and which had relieved some of the worries surrounding the SLFStainabilily of thé service, has been modified by the Local Authority meaning il is more difficull for the group to access the same level of funding it had previously enjoyed. Which has led to a retum of some of the financial insecurities. Also, the increase in the numbers of funded placements has also reduced the amount of possible income from unfunded places.
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 the financial statéments in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102.. The Financial Reportirbg Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Truslees to prepare financial slalemenls for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charilable company and of the incA)me and expenditure, ol the charitable company for that period. In pr8paring these financial slatements. the Trusl8es are required to= select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistenlly; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP- make judgments and accounting 6slimates Ihat a reasonabl8 and prudent., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departuras disGIos8d and explained in the financial stalemenls, and prepare the financial slalements on the going con¢em basis unless it is inappropriate lo pr8sume that the charitable company will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy al any lime the financial position of the charitabl8 company and enable them lo ensure Ihal the financial statements Gomply with th8 Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding Ihe assets of th8 charitable company and henc8 for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and deleclion of fraud and other irregularllies. In so far as the Trustees arè aware.. there is no relevant audit information of vthich Ihe charitable companys examiner is unaware., and the Trustees have taken all steps thal they ought lo have taken to mak6 themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that Ihe examiner is aware of that informalion. The Trustees are responsible for the mainlenance and inlegrily of the corporate and financial informalion included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparalion and disseminallon of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdiclions. I declare. In my Capacity of Charity Trusl8e that: Ihe Trustees have approved Ilie Iruslees, report (incorporaling the dir8clors' report and slralegic report) above.. and have authorised me to sign il on th8ir behalf. Dal8d . Annette Dodd Trustee
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEEI INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 30 March 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 23. Responsibllitlès and basis of report As the Charity's Trusleas of the company {and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of Ihe accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('th8 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of Ihe company are not required lo be audited undar Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligibl6 for independent examination. I report in resp8cI of my examination of your Charily's accounls as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {Ihe '2011 Act'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission und8r section 145(5){b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's report Since Ihe company's gross income exce8ded £250.000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination becaus8 l am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my 8xamination. l Gonfirm Ihal no matters have corne lo my attention in connection wth the examination giving me cause to believe.. 11) accounting records were not kepl in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act., or 12) the aGcounls do not accord with those accounling records., or 131 the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounls give a 'trLre and fail, view which is nol a matter considered as part of an independent examinalion- or 14) th8 accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended practice for accounting and reporting by charities {applicable lo charities preparing Ihoir accounts in accordance with Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 10211. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in conneclion with the examination to which allenlion should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed...... Date.......... Andrew Simm FCA Smith & Goulding Limiled Hamill House 112-116 Chorley New Road Bolton BL14DH
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP {A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COMBINED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES & INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2025 Tot81 2024 Notes Income from: Charitable activities 271,837 166,372 438,209 405,435 Donations 28,327 28,327 27,412 Other trading activities 5,420 5,420 669 Investments 370 27 397 788 Total Income 305,954 166,399 472,353 434,304 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 345,787 162,043 507,830 473,959 Raising funds 2,855 2,855 114 Total expendlture 348,642 162,043 510,685 474,073 Net income l {expendlture) for the year {42,688) 4,356 (38,332) (39,7691 Fund balan¢es al 31 March 2024 76.456 6,851 83,307 123,076 Fund balances at 30 March 2025 33,768 11,207 44,975 83,307 The statement of financial activities also compli6s wilh the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. The breakdown of the 2024 figures belween Ihe unreslriGted and r8Strict8d funds are in note 19 on pages 19 to 23.
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET AS A T30 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed Assets Tangible assets 15 13,211 13,640 Current Assets Debtors 13 43,789 29,575 Cash al Bank and in Hand 12 16,143 58,486 59,932 88,061 Current Liablllties Creditors 14 (28,1681 {18.3941 Net Current Assets 31,764 69.667 Total Net Assets 44,975 83.307 The Funds of the Charity Restricted Funds 16 11,207 6,851 Unrestricted Funds 18 33,768 76,456 Total Charlty Funds 44,975 83,307 For the year in question. the charilable company was enlilled to exemption from an audit under section 477 of Ihe Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the charitable company lo obtain an audit of its accounts for Ihe year in qu8slion in accordanc8 wilh section 476 of the Act. The trLFSteesldirectors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect lo accounting records and the preparalion of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The accounts were approved by the Trustees on Annette Dodd Trustee Company Registration No. 08376180 10
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 1 Accounting policies 1.1 Basis of preparation The accounts hav8 been prepared in accordance with applicablè accounling slandards, the accounting policies set out in the notes lo the accounts and comply with the Charily's rnemorandum and articles of associalion, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities pparIng their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applic3bl8 in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)" Th8 Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The accounts have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only lo the exlenl r8quired to provide a Irue and fair view. This departure has involved following Ihe Stalement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 ralher than the version of the Slalement of Recommonded Practice which is referred to In the Regulations bul which has since been withdrawn. The accounls are prepared in sterling, which is Ihe functional currency of the company. Monelary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The accounts have been prepared under Ihe historical cost convention. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilili8s for which the Charity is responsible in law. 1.2 Legal status of the Charity The Charily is a company limilp.d by guarantee and has Do share capital. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limiled to £10 per member of the Charity. 1.3 Golng concern The Trustees have expressed serious concerns that Ihe level of funding from the current contracts may not be sufficient to enable the Charity lo deliver the contracted services. The Trustees consider that, 8t the d8te of approval of Ih8se accounts, the Charity has sufficient reserves to ensure that all liabililies could be discharged in the event of a winding up. The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Trustees consider Ihal the Charity's reserves would not show a material difference if the balance sheet was restated to realisable value. 1.4 Funds The Restricted Funds are subject lo specific conditions by donors as lo how they may be used. The purpos8s and usos of the restricled funds are set out in the notes to the accounts. Unrestricted funds are funds which are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objects of the Charity, and is the sum of the Charity's surplus income over the pasl 12 years and includes the transfer of net assets from Bollon Children's Opportunity Group for Handicapped Children. a now ceased Gharily, registration number 512813. 1.5 Incoming resources These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when.. 1. Ihe Charity becomes legally enlilled to the benefit of use of the resources., an inflow of economic benefil is probable- and 3. Ihe monel8ry value can be measured wilh sufficient reliability. Inveslment income is included on the basis of interest re1vable in the y8ar. Where income has related expenditure {as wilh fundraising or conlracl income), the income and related expenditure are reported gross in the Slalement of Financial Activities. Donations, grants and gifts are recognised when receivable. In the event that a donation is subject lo fulfilling performance conditions before the Charity is enlitled lo the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. Income from Gill Aid lax reclaims is recognised for any donations with relevant Gift Aid certificates reccgnised in income for Ihe year. Any amounts of Gift Aid nol received by the year-end are accounled for in income and accJued income in debtors.
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 Income from government contracts and othergrants, whelher'capital, grants or'revenue, grants, are reGognised when th8 Charity has enlillemenl to the fLJnds. any performance conditions altached lo the grants hav8 been mel, it is probable that the income will ba received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. 1.6 Donated goods and servlces Donated servicés or facililies are recognised when the Charity has control over the item, any conditions associaled with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from thè use of the ilem is probable and Ihat economic benefil can be measured reliably. Donated professional serviGes and facilities are included in income at Ihe eslimaled value of the gift to the Charily when received. based on the amount that Ihe Charity would have been prepared to pay for thesè services or facilities had it been required lo purchase Ih6m, with a corresponding entry in Ihe appropriate expenditLJre heading for Ihe sam& amount. Donated fixed assets are similarly taken lo income at the value to the Charity with the other entry being capitalised in fixed assets. 1.7 Resources expended Liabilities are recognised as soon as an outflow of economic banefit is probable. Support costs comprise those costs which are incurred dir8Ctly in support of expènditur8 on the objects of the Charily and include governance costs, finance and oflice costs. Govemance costs comprise of all cosls involving the public accountability of the charity and ils compliance wilh regulation and good praclicé. These include costs of the preparalion and examination of slatulory accounts, the costs of Truslees meetings, rent, subscriptions and costs of any legal advice to trustees on govemance or con8titulional malters. Support costs are allocalod to each of the activities on one of the following basis.. either slaff lime or number of nursery sessions depending on the nalure of Ihe support costs, to best allocate the costs to each atlribulable heading. 1.8 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at call wilh banks. 1.9 L8asing and hire purchase commltménts Rentals payable under operating leases ar8 charged against income on a slraighl-line basis over the perlod of the lease. 1.10 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Tangible fixed assets are staled al cosl less depreciation. D8precialion is provided al ralos calculated to write off the cosl less estimated r8sidual value of each asset over ils expecled useful life, as follows.. Fixtures, fillings & equipment Motor vehicles 15'k reducing balance 25./0 reducing balanc8 2 Income from charitable activities Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Feos, funding and grants 271,837 166,372 438,209 405.435 3 Other trading actlvities Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Fund raising 5,420 5,420 669
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 4 Investment income Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 Tofal 2024 Interest recéivable 370 27 397 788 5 Donations UnrestrScted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Donations 3,327 3,327 2,412 Donal@d s8NiGes, facilities and goods 25,000 25,000 25,000 28,327 28,327 27,412 The Charity rents the premises for £1000 per year. which is below market value, from Bollon Council who also cover the costs of light and heal and buildings insurance. The Trustees are unable to ascertain the exact valuè but would eslimal8 the donated facilities al £25,000. This is induded as income. 6 Commitments under operating leases AI 30 March 2024 the Charily had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows.. Unreslrfcted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 Tot81 2024 Rent due within one year 1,000 1,000 1,000 7 Total expendlture Unrestrlcted funds Restrlcled funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Fundralsing 2,855 2,855 114 Expenditure on ch8rilable activities 52,262 30,575 82,837 79,221 Wages and salartes 291.792 130,690 422,482 392,091 D8preciation 1,733 778 2,511 2.647 348,642 162,043 510,685 474,073 13
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED 8Y GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 8 Expenditure on charitable activlties Support costs Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Activities 1,358 1,358 2,137 Catoring 196 2,783 196 3,175 2,209 I nsurance 5,726 5,726 5,427 R6pairs 3,425 3,425 4.496 Cleaning 6,095 6,095 6,418 Telephone 5,084 293 923 6,300 5,988 stationery and poslage 2.761 377 37 3,175 2,742 Motor expens8S 2,772 5,251 8,023 9,432 Travelling 106 1,607 1,713 2.061 Staff training 3,988 759 4,747 959 Sundry expenses 1,590 595 2,185 3.302 Rent 26,000 26,000 26,000 Legal and professional Independent Examiner's fees 1,534 3.201 4,735 2,082 3,252 3,252 3,222 Subscriptions 889 1,198 634 2,721 2,585 Bank charges & interest 207 207 161 Allocation of Support costs {56,7591 36,186 20,573 52,262 30,575 82,837 79,221 The Charity rents the premises for £1,000 per year. which is below market value. from Bolton Council who also cover the costs of light and heat and buildings insurance. The Trustees are unable to ascertain the exact value bul would estimate the donaled facililies at £25,000. This is included as expenditure. 9 Use of volunteers DBS checked volLtnteers help with the children, preparalion of the play sessions and transporting the children to and from home in the Charily's minibuses. They also help with fundraising and answering the telephone. The Trustees are unable to reliably measure their contribulion lo Ihe Charily. 14
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP {A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 10 Employees l Key Personnel The average monthly number of employees during the year was.. 2025 Number 2024 Number Staff 26 24 Total 2025 Total 2024 Wages and s81ari8s 394,881 367,576 Social security costs 20,892 18,258 Defin8d Contribution Pension costs 6,709 6,259 422.482 392,091 In the year to 30 March 2025 the Nurture Group Teacher was funded by the Charity with the h81p of a grant from the Local Authority. In the year to 30 March 2025 Iwo Trustees (2024 - two) were paid for their employment with the Charity. This amounted to £17,662 for wages and salaries. £793 for social security cosls and £0 for defined contribution pension costs. There were no employees whose annu81 remuneration was £60.000 or more. 11 Related partles Bolton Council provides funding in support of the provision of Early Years Foundation Slage, Bolton InformBlion and Advisory Service (previously Parent Partnership) and the Nurture Group Teacher. Mrs Dodd has been an employee in the role of office adminislratorl business manager since 1985. She was asked to become a Trustee in October 2017 as the Ofsted officer would only deal with a Trustee. Following this th& Trusleas did nal feel they had enough knowledge regarding Ofsled and asked Mrs Dodd to become a Trustee in order lo comply with the Ofsted requirements. She retired as an employee on 31 March 2025 bul still remains a Trustee. Mrs Partridge became a Trustee in January 2018 she was Ihen asked to become an employee in Seplemb8r 2018 due lo her knowledge as a retired speGial educational needs teacher and is well versed in 811 aspects of the position as an Information and Advisory Service officer. She retired as an employee on 22 July 2024 bul sli15 remains a Trustee. Name of Trustee Amounts paid 2025 Social Pension Total 2025 Security costs Conlrtbution 663 Total 2024 Remuneralion Mrs A Dodd 13,901 14.564 13,151 Mrs K Partridge 3,761 130 3,891 12.828 17,662 793 18,455 25,979 15
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEEI NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 During the year Mrs Dodd, a TrLEStee, lent the Charily £13,000. No inleresl is being charged and no security over assels is charged. £3000 has been repaid after the year end with the remaining balance being repaid when the Charity has the funds lo do so. Balance at 31 March 2024 Loan during Repaymenl Balance the year Name of Related Party 30 March 2025 Mrs A Dodd 13,000 13,000 12 Cash at bank and in hand Unrestricted funds Restrlcted funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Barclays Bank plc Current account 29,876 (16,737) 13,139 38,826 Aldermore Bank plc 1,123 1,123 17,806 Barclays Bank plc Minibus account 1,851 1,851 1,824 Pelly cash 30 30 30 31,029 {14,8861 16.143 58,486 13 Dobtors Unreslrfcted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Trade debtors 12,825 30,714 43,539 7,100 Prepayments 250 25Q 200 Accru8d income 22,275 13,075 30,714 43,789 29,575 14 Creditors Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Trade creditors 90 76 166 265 Taxes and social securily costs 6.067 6,067 2,949 Pension costs 1,111 1,111 2,390 Other creditors 13,000 13,000 2,267 Accruals 3,240 3,240 6,048 Deferred income 4.584 4,584 4.474 23,508 4.660 28,168 18,393 16
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 15 Tangible fixed assets Fixtures, fittlngs & equipment Unrestricted Funds Fixlures, fittings & equipment Restricted Funds Motor Vehicles Total 2025 Unrestrictod Funds Cost At 31 March 2024 53,364 270 13,594 67,228 Additions 2.082 2,082 Disposals At 30 March 2025 55.446 270 13,594 69,310 Depreciation At 31 March 2024 41.281 224 12,083 53,588 Charge for the year 2,126 378 2,511 Charge on disposals At 30 March 2025 43,407 231 12.461 56,099 Net book value At 30 March 2025 12,039 39 1,133 13,211 Al 31 March 2024 12.083 46 1,511 13,640 16 Restrictod Funds Tho income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes- Funds Balance at 31 March 2024 Movement in funds Balance at 30 March 2025 Income Expenditure Depreciation Furniture 46 (71 39 Donations 2,728 2,728 Charitable Activilies 2,143 148,367 {147.389) (7711 2,350 Minibus running costs 1,934 18,032 (13.876) 6,090 Total Funds 6,851 166,399 {161.265) {7781 11,207 Bolton Council awarded a grant for th8 provision ol fumiture. This is in the restricted fund and is being depreciated over its useful life.
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 17 Total Movement in funds Balance at 30 March 2025 Funds Balance at 31 March 2024 Movement in funds Income Expenditure Restricted Fund 6,851 166,399 {162,0431 11,207 Unreslricled Fund 76,456 305,954 (348.642) 33,768 Total Funds 83,307 472.353 {510,6851 44,975 18 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total Fund balances at 30 March 2024 are represented by: Tangible fixed assets 13,172 39 13,211 Current assets 44,104 15,828 59,932 Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year (23,508> (4,660) {28,168} 33.768 11,207 44,975
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 19 Comparatives for 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Income from: Charitable aclivilies 254,564 150,871 405.435 Donalions 27.412 27,412 other trading aclivilies 669 669 Investments 766 22 788 Total Income 283.411 150,893 434,304 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 325,184 148.775 473,959 Raising funds 114 114 Total expenditure 325,298 148.775 474,073 Net Income l (expendltur8) for the year (41,887) 2,118 (39,769) Fund balances at 31 March 2023 118.343 4.733 123,076 Fund balances at 30 March 2024 76.456 6.851 83,307 Income from charitable activities Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Fees, funding and grants 254.564 150,871 405,435 Donations Unrestricted funds Rostricted funds Total 2024 Donations 2,412 2,412 Donated services, facilities and goods 25,000 25,000 27.412 27,412 The Charity rents the premises for £1,000 per yoar. which is below market value, from Bolton Council who also cover the costs of light and heat and buildings insurance. The Trustees are unablo lo ascertain the exact value but would estimate the donated facilities al £25,000. This is induded as income. Investm8nt income Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Interest receivable 766 22 788 19
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE> NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 19 Comparatives for 2024 continued Total expanditure Unrestricted funds Restrlcted funds Total 2024 Fundraising 114 114 Expenditure on charitable activities 46.871 32,350 79.221 Wages and sg18ries 276,448 115.643 392,091 Depreciation 1.865 782 2,647 325,298 148,775 474,073 Expertditure on charitable activities Support costs Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Activities 2.137 2,137 Catering 110 1.989 110 2,209 Insuranoe 5,427 5,427 R8P8irs 4,496 4,4g6 Cleaning 6.418 6,418 Telephone 3.956 433 1.599 5,988 Slalionery and postage 274 1,782 686 2,742 Motor expenses 3,181 6,251 9,432 Travelling 165 1,896 2,061 Slaff Iraining 554 405 959 Sundry expenses 3.219 83 3,302 Rent 26.000 26,000 L6gal and professional 2.082 2,082 Independent Examinerfs fees 3,222 3,222 Subscriptions 1.328 486 771 2,585 Bank charges 161 161 Allocation of Support costs (56.693) 36.144 20,549 46,871 32,350 79.221 -20-
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 19 Comparatives for 2024 contlnued Employees l Key Personnel Total 2024 Wages and salaries 367.576 SoGial security costs 18,256 Defined Contribution P8nsion costs 6.259 392,091 Tangible fixèd assets Fixtures, fittings & equipment Unrestricted Funds Fixtures. fittings & equipment Restricted Funds MotOT Vehicles Total 2024 Unr8Stricted Funds Cost Al 31 March 2023 53,364 270 13,594 67.228 Additions Disposals At 30 March 2024 53,364 270 13,594 67.228 Dopreclatlon Al 31 March 2023 39.146 216 11,579 50,941 Ch8rg8 for the year 2.135 504 2,647 Charg8 on disposals At 30 March 2024 41,281 224 12,083 53,588 Net book value At 30 March 2024 12.083 46 1,511 13,640 Al 31 March 2023 14,218 54 2,015 16,287 Debtors Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Trade debtors 2.100 5,000 7.100 Prepayments 200 200 Accrued income 6.225 16,050 22.275 8.525 21,050 29,575 21
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 19 Comparatives for 2024 continued Cash at bank and in hand Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Barclays Bank plc 50,256 (11,430) 38,826 Aldarmore Bank plc 17,806 17,806 Barclays Bank plc Minibus account 1.824 1,824 Petty C8sh 30 30 68.092 (9,6061 58,486 Creditors Unreslricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Trade cr8dilors 100 165 265 Taxes and social security costs 2.949 2,949 Pension cosls 2,390 2,390 Other credltors 2,267 2,267 AcGruals 6,048 6,048 Deferred Income 4,474 4,474 13,754 4,639 18,393 R8Stri¢ted Funds The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising Ihe following unexpend8d balances of donallons and grants held on trust for specific purposes: Funds Balance at 31 March 2023 Movement in funds Balance at 30 March 2024 Incom8 Expendilure Depreciation Fumiture 54 (8) 46 Donations 2,728 2,728 Charitable Activities 1.260 133,701 {132,044) {774) 2,143 Minibus running cosls 691 17,192 {15.949) 1,g34 Total Funds 4,733 150.893 (147,993) {782) 6,851 Bolton Council aw2rded a grant for the provision of fumiture. This is also in Ihe reslricled fund and is being d8precialed over ils useful life. -22-
BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 MARCH 2025 19 Comparatives for 2024 continued Total Movement in funds Funds Balance at 31 March 2023 Movement in funds Balancé at 30 March 2024 Income Expenditure Reslricled Fund 4.733 150.893 (148,775) 6,851 Unreslricled Fund 118.343 283.411 {325,298) 76.456 Tolal Funds 123,076 434.304 (474,073) 83,307 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total Fund balances at 30 March 2024 are represented by.. Tangible fixed assets 13,594 46 13,640 Curr8nl assets 76.616 11,444 88,060 Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year (13,7541 (4,639) (18,393) 76,456 6,851 83.307 23