Charity registration number 1166536 (England and Wales)
THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | J Layberry |
|---|---|
| M Layberry O.B.E | |
| S Leach | |
| S Major | |
| M Read | |
| Charity number | 1166536 |
| Principal address | Wood Farm |
| Burlings Lane | |
| Knockholt | |
| Sevenoaks | |
| Kent | |
| TN14 7PF | |
| Independent examiner | S Jennings FCA |
| Azets Audit Services | |
| Globe House | |
| Eclipse Park | |
| Sittingbourne Road | |
| Maidstone | |
| Kent | |
| United Kingdom | |
| ME14 3EN |
THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 5 |
| Independent examiner's report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 13 |
THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1.1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "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).
Objectives and activities
1.1 Charitable Aims and Objectives
The aims of The Layberry Foundation remain the same – to help meet the needs of vulnerable young people who, in the main, have left or are about to leave Local Authority care, and who are lacking in the practical and life skills they need to gain employment and survive in society. Although The Layberry Foundation (based on a 52 acre farm and forestry site in North West Kent) has only been able to provide limited opportunities for young people to work in this environment, it has been able to continue to expand its activities into the community, by working alongside Social Prescribers in the community in the Sevenoaks area continuing to supporting young people navigating the transition into adulthood and maintain productive links with Sevenoaks District Council Voluntary Sector.
Key activities for the charity include the recruitment, training, and supervision of Volunteer Mentors, who are matched with young people in need of guidance and support. The Foundation continues to monitor mentoring activities closely and works with partner organisations to address additional support needs.
The Foundation maintains a strong partnership with a local Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, who provides therapy sessions for referred young people at a substantially reduced rate.
1.2 Activities at the Farm
Activities at the farm remain constrained by planning considerations. However, the site has hosted several successful workshops and community events, including a summer festival held in July in partnership with the fostering agency, ALL4U Fostering Ltd with whom we are closely linked. The event significantly raised the Charity’s profile locally.
Although the Sevenoaks District Council project has now concluded, strong relationships have been built with local schools. The Foundation’s Mentors continue to provide one-to-one support to young people struggling with the transition to adult life.
The Charity remains focused on improving local services for young people. This work continues to benefit from the involvement of the Project Co ordinator, whose social work background has been invaluable to both the Council’s initiatives and the Foundation’s mission. Volunteers continue to support a small number of referred young people, providing ongoing help until they feel confident to manage independently.
1.3 Local Partnership Development
The Foundation’s active participation in the Sevenoaks District Council Voluntary Forum has facilitated strong connections with local organisations, helping to expand the Charity’s reach and enhance the support offered to young people.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
1.4 Staffing
The Project Co ordinator, now in his fourth year, continues to play a key role in community engagement, mentor recruitment, and youth programme delivery, though he has chosen to reduce his hours over the past twelve months as he nears retirement.
The part time Administrative Assistant has been promoted to Charity and Fundraising Manager, taking on additional responsibility for day-to-day operations, community engagement, and grant applications. The Manager has also joined the local Carnival Committee, where The Layberry Foundation has been selected as the lead charity benefiting from their upcoming summer event.
1.5 Funding for staff posts
Funding for both the Co ordinator and the Charity and Fundraising Manager has again been provided by ALL4U Fostering Ltd, the fostering agency closely associated with the Foundation. While other small grants have been received, the Charity remains reliant on the fostering agency’s financial support for the continuation of these key salaried posts.
Funding for the Nature and Landscape Access Assistant (previously supported by the AONB) has now ended due to the cessation of that contract.
1.6 Support for Young People Leaving Care
The Foundation continues to encourage young people preparing to leave care to connect with volunteer Mentors where feasible, depending on availability and matching. Workshops exploring leaving care issues have also been delivered to foster carers. Online and in person counselling sessions remain available and have been well received.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
2. The Fostering Agency
2.1 Relationship with the Charity
The fostering agency remains closely allied with The Layberry Foundation. The agency operates as a Limited Company held in trust, under which 50% of surplus funds are reinvested into the agency (benefiting children, foster carers, and staff) and 50% donated to The Layberry Foundation.
These funds have been designated as Unrestricted, allowing for greater flexibility in meeting the Charity’s ongoing needs.
2.2 Shared Objectives
Both organisations share the overarching aim of providing sustained support and guidance for young people— beginning from their time in care, through their transition into independence, and beyond.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
3. Funding Streams and Donations
3.1 Core Funding
Funding from the fostering agency has again secured the posts of Co ordinator and Charity and Fundraising Manager for the current year. The agency, which continues to have an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating, continues to grow and is expected to remain the Foundation’s principal funding source.
With growing evidence of the Charity’s impact and reputation, it is anticipated that future grant applications may yield further support, although the current funding landscape remains competitive.
3.2 External Grants
Sevenoaks District Council has maintained a small funding stream to assist with promotion and project activities and the Charity and Fundraising Manager are preparing further applications for grants.
3.3 Shared Mission
Both The Layberry Foundation and ALL4U Fostering are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
4. Relationship between the Foundation and the Fostering Agency
4.1 Synergistic Growth
The fostering agency continues to attract new and experienced foster carers, drawn by its child-centred, therapeutic ethos and commitment to non profit practice. Several carers have also become Mentors with the Foundation, extending the shared values of both organisations.
Despite wider economic challenges, the agency remains financially secure and debt free, positioning both entities well for continued collaboration.
4.2 Outlook
These positive indicators suggest a stable financial basis for The Layberry Foundation to continue developing its inclusive, innovative services for young people.
5. Publicity and Outreach
5.1 Website Development
The Charity’s website has been reviewed and updated, with additional content—including a dedicated ‘Leaving Care’ page—currently in development. The site provides a growing platform for raising awareness of the Charity’s activities and future goals.
5.2 Social Media Presence
The Foundation’s social media activity has improved markedly, with frequent updates and community engagement driving a significant increase in local visibility. This success is due in large part to the commitment of the staff team.
5.3 Community Engagement
The Charity’s reputation continues to grow, supported by the Co-ordinator’s regular participation in community events and youth activities throughout the area.
Achievements and performance
The results for the year are set out on page 5.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
Financial review
The financial year for The Layberry Foundation is 1st November to 31st October. Income from 1st November 2024 to 31st October 2025 was £48,002 (2024: £94,764)
It is the policy of the Charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Structure, governance and management
The Layberry Foundation was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on the 14th April 2016, Charity number 1166536.
The only members of the CIO are the Charity Trustees.
The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: J Layberry
M Layberry O.B.E S Leach S Major
M Read
Trustees are appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the Charity Trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment, the Trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for effective administration of the organisation.
There should be not less than 4 nor more than 7 appointed trustees.
On, or prior to first appointment, the following is made available to each new trustee:
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a copy of the current version of the constitution; and
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a copy of the Charity's latest Trustees' Annual Report and statement of accounts.
Trustees meet at least quarterly, one of which meetings is the Annual General Meeting.
In the event of the dissolution of The Layberry Foundation any net remaining assets of the Charity shall be applied or transferred in any of the following ways:
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directly for the charitable objects; or
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by transfer to any Charity or Charities for purposes similar to the objects; or
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to any Charity or Charities for use for particular purposes that fall within the objects.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
S Major Trustee
15 July 2026
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Layberry Foundation (the Charity) for the year ended 31 October 2025.
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.
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
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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: 1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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.
S Jennings FCA Azets Audit Services
Globe House Eclipse Park Sittingbourne Road Maidstone Kent ME14 3EN United Kingdom
Dated: 16 July 2026
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
| Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted funds funds funds 2025 2024 2024 Notes £ £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 48,002 82,302 12,462 Total income 48,002 82,302 12,462 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 97,670 98,549 12,462 Total expenditure 97,670 98,549 12,462 Net expenditure and movement in funds (49,668) (16,247) - Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 November 2024 94,001 110,248 - Fund balances at 31 October 2025 44,333 94,001 - |
Total 2024 £ 94,764 94,764 111,011 111,011 (16,247) 110,248 94,001 |
|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2025
| 2025 Notes £ Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 44,333 Net current assets The funds of the Charity Unrestricted funds 9 The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 15 July 2026 M Layberry O.B.E S Major S. Major S. Major |
£ 44,333 44,333 44,333 |
2024 £ 94,001 |
£ 94,001 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94,001 | |||
| 94,001 | |||
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
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 £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
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.
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 Income
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.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 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.
1.7 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.8 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted funds funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ Donations and gifts 48,002 82,302 - AONB Grant - - 12,462 48,002 82,302 12,462 |
Total 2024 £ 82,302 12,462 |
|---|---|
| 94,764 |
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
4 Charitable activities
| Staff costs Asset Purchases Computer Services Utilities Printing & Stationary Travel Insurance Sundry Entertainment Bank Fees Advertising & Marketing Repairs & Maintenance Training Payroll Fees Accountancy Fees Independent Examination Subscriptions Mentoring Fee Paid on behalf of ALL4U Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
Total 2025 £ 75,740 892 - 1,318 616 280 1,070 1,040 343 111 - 1,535 254 1,464 1,419 2,781 716 7,089 1,002 97,670 97,670 97,670 - |
Total 2024 £ 87,101 3,000 538 1,059 527 1,362 1,070 2,639 211 30 382 3,383 190 2,743 1,740 2,760 66 1,739 471 |
|---|---|---|
| 111,011 | ||
| 111,011 | ||
| 98,549 12,462 |
5 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration, benefits or reimbursed expenses from the Charity during the year.
6 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Number | Number |
| 3 | 3 |
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
| 6 Employees Employment costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs |
(Continued) 2025 2024 £ £ 68,148 77,192 4,213 6,265 3,379 3,644 75,740 87,101 |
(Continued) 2025 2024 £ £ 68,148 77,192 4,213 6,265 3,379 3,644 75,740 87,101 |
|---|---|---|
| 87,101 |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
7 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
8 Retirement benefit schemes
| Retirement benefit schemes | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Defined contribution schemes | £ | £ |
| Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes | 3,379 | 3,644 |
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund.
9 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 | Incoming | Resources | At 31 October | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | resources | expended | 2025 | |
| 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 94,001 | 48,002 | (97,670) | 44,333 |
| Previous year: | At 1 | Incoming | Resources | At 31 October |
| November | resources | expended | 2024 | |
| 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 110,248 | 82,302 | (98,549) | 94,001 |
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
10 Assets retained for the charity's own use
At 31 October 2025 the charity had use of the following assets:
Computer equipment - cost £1,623, current value £867 Portable disabled toilet - cost £13,623, current value £9,536 Cabin - cost £3,000, current value £2,400
11 Other monetary assets
At 31 October 2025 the charity was owed the following amounts:
Pension contributions overpaid - £471 Receivable from ALL4U - £1,473 HMRC (PAYE and NIC) - £1,521
12 Liabilities
At 31 October 2025 the charity had the following current liabilities:
Accountancy fees - £4,530 Payroll fees - £168 Net wages payable£83
13 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| funds | |
| 2025 | |
| £ | |
| At 31 October 2025: | |
| Current assets/(liabilities) | 44,333 |
| 44,333 | |
| Unrestricted | |
| funds | |
| 2024 | |
| £ | |
| At 31 October 2024: | |
| Current assets/(liabilities) | 94,001 |
| 94,001 |
14 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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