é a• KIDS ONTRACK Rwt 2022
Table of Cotents
| Reference and Administrative Information | 1 |
|---|---|
| Introduction from the Chair | 2 |
| Objectives and Activities | 3 |
| Programme Highlights | 4 |
| Our Values | 6 |
| Our Volunteers | 7 |
| Our Impact | 8 |
| Plans for the Future | 15 |
| Fundraising | 16 |
| Structure, Governance and Management | 17 |
| Financial Review | 18 |
| Trustee Responsibilities | 19 |
| Independent Auditor’s Report | 20 |
| Financial Accounts | 21 |
Reference and Administrative Informatio
TRUSTEES
Mrs Kate Godson (Appointed May 10 2016) Mrs Sara Falk (Appointed May 10 2016) Mr James Coulton (Appointed 13 October 2016) Mr Nicholas Peppiatt (Appointed 13 October 2016) Mrs Serena Blackburn (Appointed 13 October 2016) Mrs Francesca Gardner (Appointed 15 November 2016)
Mr James Oldham (Appointed 9th May 2019, resigned 30 March 2022) Mrs Victoria Strong (Appointed 19 September 2022) Mrs Bettina Betton (Appointed 19 September 2022) Mr James Sellon (Appointed 5 December 2022) Mrs Bonnie Stokes (Appointed 5 December 2022)
OFFICERS
Mrs Sara Falk - Chief Executive Officer Mrs Kate Godson - Founder
Mr James Coulton - Chair of Trustees
Ms Juliet Grieve - Financial Controller
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Lucy MacGinnis, Oaktree Business Management, 38 Bridge Street, Andover, SP10 1BW
REGISTERED OFFICE
Lychette House, 13 Freeland Park, Wareham Road, Poole BH16 6FA
CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER
1167022
1
Introductio From The Chair
As we enter our seventh year of running Kids on Track the importance of its role in the local community has never been greater. The impact of COVID has left many children with higher levels of anxiety, physical and mental health issues and a more negative outlook on life, but the effect on vulnerable children even more destructive. Cyberbullying, online harassment and the constant pressure to maintain a curated online presence is contributing to feelings of inadequacy and a decline in self-esteem. Additionally, academic pressures and the competitive nature of the education system is increasing the stress levels of many teenagers; for Kids on Track children this toxic combination can lead to burnout and feelings of overwhelming pressure to achieve impossible targets, so the temptation is simply to give up.
By engaging with Kids on Track, young people can explore their interests, passions and talents, paving the way for a greater sense of awareness and improved self–confidence. They can cultivate essential life skills such as teamwork, communication and critical thinking. Furthermore, Kids on Track fosters a sense of belonging allowing young people to build social connections and develop a supportive network of peers and mentors.
We were very proud to be awarded the Queen’s award, the highest award given to voluntary groups in the UK and equivalent to an MBE. The Queen’s award recognises groups that have the highest standards in everything they do and are making a big difference to their local communities.
We remain indebted to all those who selflessly give their time and financial support to the charity.
Additionally, a special thank you to Farleigh School for making their facilities available.
Very best wishes
James Coulton
2
Objectives And Activities
Kids on Track continues to make significant strides in broadening the activity options available to Andover children. With a steadfast commitment to providing an empowering environment for children aged 9-16, fostering essential qualities such as confidence, resilience and perseverance.
Programme Expansio
Kids on Track originally offered non-residential holiday clubs to children from disadvantaged areas of Andover, but the programme has evolved. We now offer a diverse array of opportunities, including after-school clubs, inspiring trips, and invaluable mentoring support. As the charity has expanded, so has our dedication to enriching the lives of the children we help. Our core objective remains focused on improving their mental well-being and ensuring equal opportunities so that every local child can pursue and achieve their aspirations.
Log-Term Support
We embark on a transformative journey with children when they are in primary school, extending our support until they have completed a successful transition to Sixth Form College. This comprehensive and enduring approach allows us to make a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of these young individuals. Referrals are received from social workers, support workers, and schools, identifying children who lack the financial means or parental support to access extracurricular activities independently.
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Programme Highlights
Junior Programme
Upon joining Kids on Track, children are invited to participate in four camps annually until they reach the age of twelve. Over the course of three years, they immerse themselves in a diverse array of over 100 activities. From boxing to drumming, from the culinary delights of cooking to the creativity of tee shirt making, and from the art of pumpkin carving to the world of circus skills - our camps provide a rich tapestry of experiences. These activities are carefully curated to enhance their self-belief, resilience, and cultural capital, unlocking their potential and broadening their horizons. For those that discover new interests we encourage them to explore these further helping them find local clubs and paying subscription fees and transport costs.
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Senior Programme
After the age of 12 we recognise that the programme needs to be more bespoke focussed on individuals’ interests and specific needs for support. So we offer a range of after school clubs that the young people can select from based on their personal skills and aspirations. We also offer a range of cultural trips designed to increase understanding of their cultural heritage, and visits to local businesses to give them a greater awareness of the opportunities available to them.
Mentoring Programme
The mentoring programme offers crucial one-on-one support to the most vulnerable children at Kids on Track precisely when they need it the most. Our dedicated mentors guide them through pivotal moments in life, such as making decisions about GCSE choices and college studies, overcoming self-doubt, or navigating friendship challenges. With unwavering encouragement and direction, we empower these young people to conquer obstacles and reach their full potential. The mentors are encouraged to develop strong, trusting relationships with their mentee, identifying areas where specific support might be beneficial, such as tutoring, counselling or simply enabling the purchase of a bike to develop independence.
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Our Values
We put te young people
Everything we do starts with their needs. We believe every child has the right to feel safe at home, at school and in their community and it is our role to help them find the support they need to achieve this.
“I feel noticed, I feel someone cares about me.”
We believe in uncoditioal positive regard
We always see the best in our children and young people. We identify their strengths and build on these. “I have someone that believes in me and I have a sense of belonging.”
We create safe spaces for young people and children
We believe that all children should have the opportunity to try new activities and make friends in a safe, encouraging and judgement free environment. “I have taken part in a wide range of experiences and this has helped me to understand what I like and what I don’t like and helped me to be less afraid of trying new things.”
We challenge inequality, exclusio and discriminatio
We believe that all children should have an equal opportunity to achieve success. We identify barriers and develop strategies to overcome these barriers. “I feel included and that I have the same right as others to succeed.”
We are relatioship based
We are building authentic connections and relationships. “I have someone who genuinely cares about me and my future.”
We take a multi-agency approach
We work closely with schools, children’s services, parents, guardians and other adults involved in the children and young people’s lives to ensure that we deliver maximum impact. We are transparent and share information wherever possible. “I feel the support I am given is consistent.”
We respect te voices, expertise and experiences of children
We show a genuine interest in their lives and give them choices about what support they need. We listen to their thoughts and create opportunities for them to take part in activities in which they are interested. “I feel heard and acknowledged. My opinions are important.”
We are costantly seeking improement
We are always following the latest research and reviewing our practice to ensure that we deliver the highest quality service that maximises the impact we can have with the resources available. “I understand that Kids on Track is a professional organisation that is always looking to improve.”
We believe te best results can be achieved when everyoe is having a good time
Kids on Track aims to bring an element of fun to everything they do. “I love going to Kids on Track because I have a great time.”
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Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Kids on Track. Their boundless energy and enthusiasm infuse every programme, creating an environment brimming with positivity and inspiration. Through their selfless dedication, they ensure that each child's experience is personalized, fostering a sense of belonging, support, and encouragement.
Our volunteers are not just supporters; they are strong role models who exemplify our core values. With their positive attitude, they inspire children to approach challenges with determination and resilience. Their willingness to embrace new experiences encourages children to step out of their comfort zones and discover their potential. Together, we create an atmosphere where success becomes an attainable goal.
From our youngest to our most seasoned volunteers, age knows no bounds at Kids on Track. The intergenerational nature of our volunteer squad adds rich variety and depth to our programmes. With a wide range of perspectives and experiences, our volunteers bring diverse skills, wisdom, and a passion for making a difference. They forge connections across generations, fostering an inclusive and supportive community that celebrates the power of collective effort.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every volunteer who has dedicated their time, skills, and passion to Kids on Track. Their unwavering commitment has elevated the impact of our programmes and has been instrumental in the growth and success we have achieved. Without our remarkable volunteers, Kids on Track would not be the vibrant and transformative organization it is today.
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Our Impact
Junior Programme
Over 75 vulnerable children from Andover were part of our holiday clubs programme attending 4 camps per year and trying over 30 different activities. The best evidence of the impact we are having is that the children keep coming back. On average children attend five Kids on Track camps. It is this ongoing interaction that help us have long term benefits.
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I like going to Kids o Track
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Very much Mostly Sometimes Not much Not at all
2021 2022
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The volunteers are kind and helpful
100%
75%
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25%
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Very much Mostly Sometimes Not much Not at all
2021 2022
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I like trying new tings at Kids o Track
70%
53%
35%
18%
0%
Very much Mostly Sometimes Not much Not at all
2021 2022
Kids o Track has helped me become more cofident
70%
53%
35%
18%
0%
Very much Mostly Sometimes Not much Not at all
2021 2022
Kids o Track has helped me not to give up
70%
53%
35%
18%
0%
Very much Mostly Sometimes Not much Not at all
2021 2022
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Kids o Track has helped me to work as a team
70%
53%
35%
18%
0%
Very much Mostly Sometimes Not much Not at all
2021 2022
Kids o Track has helped me to make friends
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Very much Mostly Sometimes Not much Not at all
2021 2022
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Our Impact
Senior Programme
After the children graduate from the camps they are offered after school clubs. A number of these are run by Kids on Track volunteers and provide continuity from the camps. They offer encouragement and support in a safe environment, whilst enabling the young people to be more selective about the activities with which they engage. Over the last year these have included:
Swimming - 14 children have learned to swim through Kids on Track Craft and Cupcakes - an opportunity to relax, unwind and learn simple craft skills with friends Cookery - healthy eating recipes that are easy to create at home
For those children that have a particular passion we will also pay for externally-run after school clubs and arrange the logistics of getting to and from the clubs for those that need it. This year these have included:
| Total 2021 / 22 |
|
|---|---|
| Boxing | 1 |
| Dance | 5 |
| Football | 7 |
| Guitar | 1 |
| Rugby | 2 |
| Tennis | 3 |
| Theatre (Stage Coach) | 5 |
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Life Skills Workshops have proved extremely beneficial; we invited Dr Maryhan Baker, renowned child psychologist to deliver a workshop on Confidence Building. One of the main benefits observed was the trust that the children demonstrated, articulating their fears and anxieties to her, because they had got to know her. They clearly felt they were in a safe space with other children who shared their negative experiences, and were able to take away many strategies for coping with the challenges that previously might have overwhelmed them.
During the summer holidays (a particularly bleak time for many of our children when their friends are enjoying foreign holidays, local trips and outings) we took the children to a variety of plays held at The Lights including Much Ado About Nothing in the original Shakespeare, War of the Worlds and Matilda. The experience of live theatre provoked interesting conversations afterwards and has encouraged some of our children to engage in productions at the local theatre themselves.
Impact is difficult to measure but it is rewarding to hear the children start conversations with: “Do you remember when we saw …” or “It wasn’t as good as …” and even “Can we go and see …”
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Our Impact
Mentoring Programme
In 2021 we introduced our mentoring programme with these aims:
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To encourage the children to engage with school, pass their GCSEs and transition confidently to Sixth Form College;
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To provide additional support to those children and young people that have specific issues with their mental health, such as difficulty making friends, challenging circumstances at home or low self-esteem;
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To provide guidance to young people in making decisions about their future education and career choices.
In 2022 over 30 children were part of our mentoring programme receiving over 350 hours of face to face mentoring.
An extremely generous grant from the Worshipful Company of Mercers has helped us to develop a structured framework for our mentoring which includes workshops to develop social and emotional skills, revision support and life skills as well as cultural activities and trips.
Over the past year we have been to see historically based films such as Operation Mincemeat, watched Shakespeare, attended a history festival, spent the day with the army and watched Southampton scrape a draw against Manchester City. We also recognise that being a mentor can be a difficult job and we have put in place a support programme that ensures mentors have all the resources they need to be effective.
Impact is difficult to assess in the short term:
- Twenty five mentees are still meeting regularly with their mentors. All of these have attended after school clubs, been taken on trips and visits and had the opportunity to build their self-esteem by workshops with a psychologist. All except two are regularly attending school and engaging with their lessons.
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Our impact can be described best by a leter from oe of our parents:
“He loves coming to Kids on Track, and he is always so positive and happy when he returns. Thank you so much for all you do for all the children, it is the best thing that has happened for all of Andover’s children and families. You show them a different world, your kindness and empathy for families that struggle, and for giving the children chances to experience things that they would never have. Today, the world is a scary place to live in, especially in Andover, but Kids on Track are giving the children hope, support, and a chance to have a better start in life so from the bottom of my heart - thank you.”
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Plans for te Future
Visio for te Future
Our commitment to creating a brighter future for all children in Andover is grounded in our belief that extracurricular opportunities are not merely recreational but vital for personal growth and development. Through our partnerships and initiatives we work to eliminate financial obstacles, providing equal access to all children in Andover. By doing so we aim to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where every child has a chance to flourish.
In recent years Kids on Track has grown rapidly not only in the number of children that we support but also in the quality and quantity of support that is provided to each individual. Our Junior Programme continues to thrive with an increasing number of children attending camps regularly for over two years and waiting lists of children keen to join us. The majority of young people in our Senior Programme meet with Kids on Track at least once every fortnight and more intensive support is available for those with specific challenges to overcome.
Over the next year we aim:
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To ensure the charity is sustainable by developing a staffing structure and compensation that will attract high calibre people whilst retaining affordability and maximising the benefits of the charity for the young people of Andover.
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To develop a long-term approach to fundraising to meet the growing funding needs of the charity.
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To grow the charity’s capacity to offer after-school clubs by developing after-school club leaders and volunteer teams.
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To create a Driving Squad to enable the children to get to clubs and activities outside Andover.
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To increase the number of mentors and thereby increase the number of children able to benefit from mentoring.
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To embed the mentoring framework within our systems and processes so that it can be rolled over from year to year.
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Fundraising
Kids on Track relies on generous fundraising support from individuals, grant-making bodies, corporate sponsors and other organisations to enable us to deliver impact via our charitable activities. In 2022 we raised £98,237. We have a wide range of donors and are not reliant on any one significant source for our income.
We are particularly grateful to those organisations and individuals that have provided regular income over a number of years:
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Over the last three years the generosity of Allegra’s Ambition has enabled us to take a group of teenagers for a three day residential trip to Magdalen Farm in Somerset.
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The Dumbreck Foundation is also a long term supporter paying towards our after school clubs.
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The Laing Family Trust has provided ongoing support and this has enabled us to pay for an administrator to organise the Senior Programme.
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A hugely generous individual donor has paid for an annual trip for the last two years. This year we took over 40 children to see A Christmas Carol performed live in a West End theatre. For many it was their first trip to London and a highlight was the detour through central London to see the Christmas lights.
The charity does not engage in large scale public fundraising and does not use professional fundraisers.
The charity observes and complies with the relevant fundraising regulations and codes. During the year there was no non-compliance with these regulations and codes and the Trust received no complaints relating to its fundraising. Our fundraising ethos and practice is one that specifically avoids any activity or behaviour that might be an unreasonable intrusion on a person’s privacy. We value our funders and supporters highly and ensure our fundraising team and those who raise funds for us are trained and fully aware of our approach.
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Structure, Goernance and Management
Kids on Track is a charitable incorporated organisation and was registered as a charity on 10 May 2016. The company was established under memorandum of association, which established the objectives, and powers of the charitable organisation.
Trustees are recruited based on the skills they will bring to the organisation and are elected to the post by the current trustees.
The day to day running of the charity is delegated to the operational committee. This includes three part time paid roles, the finance officer, an administrator and a mentoring co-ordinator and four unpaid trustees. In order to ensure that the charity is sustainable and has the capacity to grow it is felt that in the future this committee should be made up of:
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A Chief Executive Officer
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A Fund raiser
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A Family / Community Liaison officer
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An Administrator
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A Finance Officer
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A Mentoring Co-ordinator
All of these would be offered on a part time basis and remunerated.
A recruitment process is under way for those roles not currently in place.
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Financial Review
Statement of Financial Activity
Net income for the year was £98,237 (2021: £76,964). Total Expenditure was £84,394 (2021: £47,933). This almost doubling of expenditure was due to the significant growth of the charity particularly the mentoring programme. At the year-end the Charity held funds of £151,232 (2021: 137,390).
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have examined the charity’s requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the organisation. Trustees are committed to generating sufficient reserves to support current organisational activities to meet the following requirements:
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Safeguarding the charity’s ability to deliver camps and other services, in the event of delays, in receipt of grants or other income.
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Providing a financial cushion against risk and future uncertainties.
To this end, the Trustees have established a reserves policy, that is reviewed annually, to ensure that the appropriate levels of reserves are maintained and Kids on Track is able to continue to fund its activities without unnecessary disruption, as a result of peaks and troughs in income. This reserve will enable Kids on Track to continue to run for one year without any additional income.
Risk Management
The Trustees have a risk management strategy that comprises:
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Regular review of the principal risks that the charity faces.
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The establishments of policies, procedures and systems to mitigate these risks.
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Risk assessments for each activity / event clearly communicated to all involved.
Kids on Track places the safeguarding of its beneficiaries as a top priority; as such there is no appetite for accepting risk in this regard. Staff are provided with regular safeguarding training and we have a robust policy based on best practice processes and procedures. The Trustees consider that the need to attract and retain high quality staff and volunteers is essential and the failure to do this would be a key risk for the charity. The Trustees regularly review their approach to resourcing and aim to make working with Kids on Track a fun and rewarding experience. Failure to raise sufficient funds is also considered a key risk. Our fundraising strategy is reviewed at each meeting and the charity has a five year financial plan to ensure financial security.
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Trustee Resposibilities
Our Trustees are responsible for preparing the report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In so far as the Trustees are aware:
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There is no relevant information of which the charity’s independent examiner is unaware;
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The Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom, governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Signed
James Coulton (Chair of Trustees)
19
Independent Auditor’s Report
Charity Number: 1167022
KIDS ON TRACK INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF KIDS ON TRACK FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st December 2022 which are set out on pages 2-4.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustee and Examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act);
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Comission under section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act
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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 Commissioners. 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 out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
L MacGinnis MAAT 27/02/2023
Oaktree Accountants Ltd, 38 Bridge St, Andover, Hampshire SP10 1BW
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Financial Accounts
KIDS ON TRACK
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022
Activities relating to the work of the Charity:
| Activities relating to the work of the Charity: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax recouped Interest received Receipts Oter Voluntary Resources Total Receipts Excess of receipts oer payments Notes Donations and legacies Fundraising Grants Payments Administration costs Fundraising expenses Marketing Children’s camps Christmas Activity clubs Football Coronavirus deliveries Mentoring Insurance Legal and professional Salaries Training TOTAL PAYMENTS |
4320 212 4533 98237 13843 2022 1329 880 2184 16711 784 13938 17850 0 21468 1562 2636 4716 336 84394 52377 19567 21760 93704 |
2021 33875 2114 40975 |
| 76964 1750 2067 3995 10634 36 11896 4217 8334 742 387 3199 675 76964 |
||
| 47933 | ||
| 29030 |
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Financial Accounts
KIDS ON TRACK
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022
| Statement of assets and liabilities at 31st Bank Current Account Bank Deposit Account Moetary Assets Total Assets Funds at 1/1/2022 Excess of Receipts over Payments Represented by Funds Funds at 31/12/2022 |
December 2022 51020 100212 2022 151232 137389 13843 2022 151232 |
87390.33 50000 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 137390 | ||
| 108359 29030 2021 |
||
| 137389 |
1. Accounting Policies
The accounts have been prepared under the Receipts and Payments method of Accounting. Amounts are included as received by the charity or as cheques drawn or cash paid. The receipts and payments account and the statement of assets and liabilities have been prepared following the guidance for accounting for smaller charities issued by the Charity Commission.
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