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2021-07-31-accounts

Registered Charity Number 1166742

Birmingham Arabic School

Annual Report & Financial Statements

31[st] July 2021

Birmingham Arabic School Annual Report & Financial Statements

Contents

Page
Trustee's Report 3
Independent Accountants' report 14
Statement of Financial Activities 15
Balance sheet 16
Notes to the accounts 17

2

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st ] July 2021

Introduction

The trustees present their annual report and accounts for the year ended 31[st] July 2021.

The Board of Trustees are satisfied with the performance of Birmingham Arabic School during the year and the position on 31[st] July 2021. The Board consider that Birmingham Arabic School is in a stable position to continue its activities during the coming year, and that the charity's assets are adequate to fulfil its obligations. The trustees have considered the going concern assumption and are not aware of any significant doubts about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Board of Trustees acknowledges that over the past few years the charity sector has encountered unprecedented challenges, in these times and applauds all members of Birmingham Arabic School for continuously showing unfaltering endeavours to help make it a better society.

The combination of several factors resulted in the Financial Statement & Annual Report being completed late. Most significant of these the loss of the schools rented premises which resulted in a significant turnover of pupils and volunteers upon whom the charity relies for smooth operation. With the easing of covid restrictions in the UK, the Schools management and trustees felt, it was only right to reinstate face to face learning before finalising the Annual report. Additionally with the easing of covid restrictions, many professionals whose services we rely upon were undated with prior commitments and were only able to provide a reduced service.

The Board of Trustees would like to extend sincere thanks to its valued pupils, parents and volunteers for their ongoing dedication and hope to grow as a charitable entity adding value and enhancing the lives of individuals and communities.

3

Objectives, Aims and Activities of the Charity

Aims and Objectives

We work to:

Advance the education of the public in the learning and study of the language of Arabic, Arabic culture, languages related to Arabic and languages in general through both extra-curricular classes, state education system, post-secondary education and private education establishments.

Strategy

Birmingham Arabic School believes that the success of our community inherently lies in the achievement of our children.

We feel strongly that real academic progress is founded on a secure platform of all-round healthy development and aided by positive role models who embody the values we aspire our children to have.

This all-round development includes both the intellectual and physical aspect of emotional and spiritual development. We believe promoting these aspects of humanity will catalyse community cohesion, helping to create and sustain communities where all members are valued and work together for the common good.

Our aim is to promote a caring, secure and nurturing environment instilling a strong sense of awareness of the universality of the Islamic faith

We will empower children with the desire to learn about and celebrate diversity through each other's experiences, achievements and contributions to the local community and through a focus on the common good for all.

Our contribution to society and social cohesion is well recognised due to our successful work with the, local schools and the local community groups.

Therefore, part of the school strategy is to continue delivering its teachings despite all the challenges faced during the COVID pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

4

What we do:

The school aims to provide moral and academic excellence in a caring and secure environment. We believe that through the partnership of good governance, dedicated staff and caring parents we can provide a balanced opportunity for the realisation of our children's full potential.

Our school values prevail through everything we do: in the moral, the academic and the professional.

These values foster a responsible and caring attitude in our pupils, towards the fellow members of our community and society at large. This includes good manners and behaviour towards parents, as well as a deep respect and sense of duty towards the world we inhabit and the resources

Birmingham Arabic School provides a sound Arabic and Islamic education. Our curriculum aims to equip children with a solid foundation to prepare them for success in whatever they wish to do, time management is key to success.

Our fees are set at an affordable and reasonable level to ensure the financial viability of the school and at a level that is consistent with our aim of providing an excellent education to our pupils. Also, we take into consideration the situation of parents with limited financial resources or those with more than two children in the school, were certain discounts will apply depending on the individual case.

Distance learning was introduced for those who live too far from the school or even outside Birmingham city, and for those who cannot offered a place due to full classes. This scheme proved to extremely helpful for those who participated. Since it provided them with a mean to receive reasonable level of education.

Our school welcomes pupils from all backgrounds. To admit a prospective pupil, we need to be satisfied that our school will be able to educate and develop a prospective pupil to the best of their potential. Assessments are undertaken to determine which level the pupil could be placed in as the school is based on academic level rather than age. A pupil goes through to the next stage by passing the three term exams. The levels are Reception A through to A- level.

An individual’s economic status, gender, ethnicity, or race do not form part of our assessment processes. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Parents are given regular information about their child’s academic progress through parent evenings.

Strive to continue delivering high quality teaching even during challenging times like the pandemic. To achieve this goal, the school very quickly has developed its online teaching system including the teaching materials and the delivery mechanism. All resources were provided including computers, laptops, educational links, and teacher training sessions.

5

Activities during the year

Achievements:

The main achievements during this year are:

6

Challenges:

Uncertainty was the main challenge that the school faced during this academic year:

Our Impact and value to the community

7

Building for the Future – 2021 into 2022

Conduct a feasibility study to assess the capability of the school to expand and open more classes, as we have a waiting list of students wishing to learn Arabic.

8

Public benefit that is provided by the charity

In setting out our objectives and planning our activities the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The main focus of our activities is intended to provide the facilities for the community of Birmingham.

Name, registered office and constitution of the charity

The full name oThe full name o f th e charity is Al Kawthar Ace charity is Birmingh a demy m Arabic School.

Charity Number 1166742 Registration Date 26[th] April 2016 Principle and Registered Address 54-68 Bissell Street Birmingham B5 7HP Email: birmingham-arabic-school@live.co.uk Board of Trustees Dr Saad Mustafa Mahmoud Dr Adel Abdul Sabir Mohamed Sabir Dr Mohamed El Hamamy Accountants Virtus Financial Services Chartered Certified Accountants Bankers Lloyds Bank, Birmingham

Structure, Governance and Management

The current working trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. These members give their time freely and receive no remuneration or other financial benefits. The members have a quarterly meeting and are responsible for all decisions taken in relation to running the Birmingham Arabic School and activities provided by the charity.

The day to day running of Birmingham Arabic School is undertaken by the trustees and the head teacher who oversees educational, pastoral and administrative functions with four administrative representatives to:

9

Risk Management

The Trustees and are satisfied that all systems are in place or arrangements are in hand to manage the risks that have been identified, having ensured segregation of duties. In particular Insurance cover is in place and the finances of the School are kept under review.

Appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, supported by regularly reviewed policies are made for all those who work with children or other vulnerable groups within the school.

Health and Safety is a key priority and measures have been put in place for regular monitoring and assessments to keep our members and guests safe. Therefore, during this academic year the school opted for full online teaching to minimize the risk of COVID infections. Also, during this online teaching, safeguarding students during class times was taken very seriously through:

10

COVID Statement

The increased infection risk of COVID-19 during March 2021 had its impact on Birmingham Arabic School as follow:

11

Nature of the Governing Document and constitution of the charity

The Charity is a charitable incorporated organisation and governed by the governing document. There are no restrictions in the governing document on the operation of the charity or on its investment powers, other than those imposed by charity law.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The process involves determining the optimum skills, knowledge and experience mix for the: current operational climate and needs, identifying potential members, promoting and explaining the activities of the Board to potential members. Quality, characteristics and qualifications are decided upon when selecting members of the Board of Trustees.

Relationships between the charity and related parties

The induction of new Trustees would include an explanation of the function of the Board of Trustees and appointing a mentor for the new member to the Board of Trustees. An overview of the organisation and its activities is provided. On-going appropriate training is recommended.

The contribution of volunteers

Over the past years with face to face teaching the Birmingham Arabic School had many volunteers who were involved in the school activities and willingly gave their time freely. But with the lockdown restrictions and the online teaching, the role of the volunteers became extremely limited, therefore the school did not have any volunteers this year. Also, the Trustees are professionals in their respective fields and they, together with the office bearers, continue to manage the association on a completely voluntary basis with guidance from the Charity Commission.

12

Financial Review

Overview

The charity continues to benefit from a steady income stream from its charitable activities (education), the charity raised £62k (2020: £106k). All of the income comes primarily from the charitable activities (education).

Over this past period, the charity spent £80k (2020: £123k). This is largely due to an increase in our charitable activities.

The Statement of Financial Activities show incoming resources for the year of a net outflow of (£18K), (2020: £16k), the majority of the expenditure is spent on delivering the charitable activities as stated in the Charity’s aims and objectives.

Support costs

Support costs are vital for effective charity management to ensure our beneficiaries benefit from effective charitable activities. The charity invests appropriately in its infrastructure to prevent loss, fraud of entrusted funds. We aim to maintain a sensible ratio of charitable activity to support costs to guard the charity against over-ambition.

Reserves Policy

Definition

The term "Reserves" is used to describe that part of a charity's income funds that is freely available for its operating purposes not subject to commitments, planned expenditure and spending limits. Reserves do not include endowment funds, restricted funds and designated funds.

The trustees have resolved to establish reserves to provide for future activities, and to provide funding for the expected expenditure for six months ahead. The policy on reserves is that the existing assets are retained to produce income which is wholly utilised to support existing activities. There is no intention in the long term to either increase or reduce the capital significantly. This policy is justified in that it is necessary to preserve income at the present levels in order to maintain the activities of the charity.

The principal funding sources is income generated through charitable activities primarily. The board of trustees are satisfied that the charity's assets are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations in respect of each fund.

Availability and adequacy of assets of each of the funds

The trustees are satisfied that the charity's assets in each fund are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations in respect of each fund.

13

Free Reserves

The Charity as at 31[st] July 2021 had free reserves of £54k (2020: £72k). The charity’s focus is on cashflow for financial sustainability. The charity’s activities are managed in accordance with cash-flow available.

The trustees are monitoring forecasts of income and expenditure planned, assessing future needs, opportunities and contingencies.

Transactions and Financial position

The financial statements are set out on pages 14 to 24

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Section IA of FRS102 and the Companies Act 2006. As stated in the introduction to this report, the trustees consider the financial performance by the charity during the year to have been satisfactory.

Trustees' Responsibilities

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities Act 2011 and the best practice and prepare the accounts according to the Statement of Recommended Practice and Section IA of FRS102.

In particular, charity law requires the Directors/Trustees, if they prepare accounts on an accruals basis, to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of the surplus or deficit of the charity. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are ‐ required to :

To prepare the accounts in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).

The law requires that the trustees must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for the year.

14

The Directors/Trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with regulations made under the charity legislation. 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 Directors/Trustees are also responsible for the contents of the Trustees' report, and the accountant preparing the accounts has no responsibilities in relation to the Trustees' report.

Audit Exemption

For the financial year in question the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to the accounting records and for the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies’ subject to small companies’ regime.

This report was approved by the board of trustees on 10[th] May 2023

Dr Saad Mustafa Mahmoud

Trustee

15

Report of the Independent Examiner to the trustees on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 July 2021

We report on the financial statements of the charity on pages 14 to 24

Respective responsibilities of directors and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity's gross income did not exceed £1,000,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act

to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charities Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records, It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set in the next statement.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect of the requirements:

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and

to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

The Examiner's relevant professional qualification is: Chartered Certified Accountant

Virtus FS

Chartered Certified Accountants Birmingham

The date upon which this report was completed is: 10[th] May 2023

16

Birmingham Arabic School
Charity Number: 1166742
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 July 2021
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Notes 2021
2021

2021
2020
£
£

£
£
Income
Donations 3 - -
-
-
Charitable Activities 61,527 -
61,527
106,611
Total Income 61,527 - 61,527 106,611
Expenditure
_C_haritable activities 4 79,645 -
79,645
123,086
Total Expenditure 79,645 - 79,645 123,086
Net Income and Net
Movement in funds for the year (18,118) - (18,118) (16,475)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 72,260 -
72,260
88,735
Total Funds carried forward 9 54,142 - 54,142 72,260
All activities derive from continuing operations
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 17 to 24 form an integral part of these accounts.
17

Charity Balance Sheet Birmingham Arabic School Charity Number: 1166742

Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2021

Notes
The assets and liabilities of the charity :
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
7
Total fixed assets
Current assets
Debtors
8
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Liabilities:-
Creditors falling due within one year
9
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets including pension asset / liability
The funds of the charity :
Unrestricted income funds
Restricted income funds
Total charity funds
10
1,565
55,021
2021
£
649
649

53,493
54,142
54,142
54,142
-
54,142
1,392
72,395
2020
£
974
974

71,286
56,587 73,786
(3,093) (2,500)
72,260
72,260
72,260
-
72,260

Dr S M Mahmoud Trustee

Approved by the board of trustees on 10[th] May 2023

The notes on pages 17 to 24 form an integral part of these accounts.

18

Notes to the accounts

1. Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

a) Basis of preparation of the accounts

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Section IA of FRS102 and Companies Act 2006. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). The charity has taken advantage of the exemption from the requirement to produce a cash flow statement.

Birmingham Arabic Schools meets the definition of a public entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The trustees consider there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

There were no key judgements made by the trustees which have a significant effect on the accounts.

The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next accounting period.

c) Income

Income is recognised where the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

d) Expenditure and irrevocable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

The methods and principles for the allocation and apportionment of all costs between the different activity categories of resources set out above are:-

19

Notes to the accounts (continued)

There are a number of costs, where it is impracticable to allocate these costs precisely between administration and charitable expenditure and the trustees have allocated such costs on the basis of reasonable estimates as follows: On the basis of salary costs and estimated time spent on different activities.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

e) Tangible fixed assets

Individuals fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised at costs and depreciated over their estimated useful economic live on s straight line basis.

Computer and Office equipment 25%

f) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

g) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments in short term deposit accounts.

h) Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and Provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade Discounts due.

i) Taxation

The charity meets the criteria and tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore meets the definition of a charitable company for UK taxation purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within the categories covered by Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. No corporation tax liability arises in the accounts.

j) Funds Accounting

Funds held by the charity are:

20

Notes to the accounts (continued)

1. Surplus for the financial year

2021 2020
This is stated after crediting: £ £
Revenue from ordinary activities 61,527 106,611
2. Expenses paid to trustees
2021 2020
£ £
The aggregate amount of expenses paid to trustees was Nil Nil
3.
Income
2021 2020
Educational Services Total Total
£ £ £
Income from
Donations - - -
Charitable Activities 61,527 61,527 106,611
Total Income 61,527 61,527 106,611

21

Notes to the accounts (continued)

Expenditure
Charitable activities
79,645
Total Expenditure
79.645
Net Income by activity
(18,118)
4.
Analysis of charitable expenditure by activity
Nature of charitable expenditure
Activities undertaken directly
Support costs of charitable activities (see Note 5)
Total charitable expenditure analysed by activity
79,645 79,645
123,086
79,645
123,086
(18,118)
(16,475)
Educational
Services
Total 2021
Total 2020
£
£
£
78,024
78,024 86,314
1,621
1,621 36,772
79.645
(18,118)
79,645 79,645
123,086

5. Analysis of Total Support Costs by Activity

Nature of support costs
Educational Support Costs
Governance Costs
Total support costs analysed by activity
General Support
Total 2021
Total 2020
£
£
£
4,362
4,362
34,935
1,621
1,621
1,838
5,983
5,983
36,772

22

Notes to the accounts (continued)

6. Staff Costs and Emoluments

The Charity had no employees in 2021 and 2020.

Volunteers have donated an unquantifiable amount of time to Birmingham Arabic School of which is impossible to reflect.

There were no fees or other remuneration to the trustees.

There were no employees with emoluments in excess of £60,000 per annum.

7. Tangible Fixed Assets

Fixtures, fittings and Total office equipment

Cost

As at 1st August 2020
Additions
As at 31st July 2021
Accumulated Depreciation
As at 1st August 2020
Charge for the period
As at 31st July 2021
Net Book Value
As at 31st July 2021
1,298
1,298
-
-
1,298
1,298
(325)
(325)
(325)
(325)
(650)
(650)
649
649
As at 31st July 2020 974
974

8. Debtors:

8.
Debtors:
Trade Debtors – Student Fees
9.
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
2021
2020
£
£
1,565
1,392
2021
2020
£
£
2,500
2,500
593
-
3,093
2,500

23

10. Analysis of assets and liabilities representing funds

At 31 July 2021
Tangible Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
At 31 July 2020
Tangible Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
Unrestricted
funds
£
649
56,587
(3,093)
54,142
Unrestricted
funds
£
974
73,786
(2,500)
72,260
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
Total
Funds
£
649
56,587
(3,093)
54,142
Total
Funds
£
974
73,786
(2,500)
72,260

The individual funds included above are :-

_C_haritable activities Funds at
Movements
Transfers
Funds at
2020
in
Between
2021
Funds
Funds
as below
£
£
£
£
72,260
(18,118)
-
54,142
72,260
(18,118)
-
54,142

Analysis of movements in funds as shown in the table above

Incoming Outgoing Gains & Movement
Resources Resources Losses In funds
£ £ £ £
61,527 79,645 - (18,118)
61,527 79,645 - (18,118)

11. Endowment Funds

The charity had no endowment funds in the year ended 2021 (2020: £Nil).

24