TURNING POINT ACADEMY REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1167412
TURNING POINT ACADEMY
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2024
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
| CONTENTS | PAGE |
|---|---|
| Legal and Administrative Details | 2 |
| Trustees Annual Report | 3 |
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
REGISTERED CHARITY NO 1167412
TRUSTEES AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS
Board of Trustees Mrs Amina Osman Ms Joanna Rowntree Ms Victoria Joyce Ms Sarah Khawaja Registered Address Vestry Hall 336-338 London Road Mitcham CR4 3UD Bankers HSBC Bank PLC
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
The Trustees present their annual report for the period 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024. Accounts are submitted on a separate document.
The Report explains the activities of the Charity that have made a significant contribution to the charity's purpose and provide public benefit.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The Trustees have referred to the guidance in the Charity Commission's general guidance on Public Benefit and complied with section 17(5) Charities Act 2011 when reviewing their aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set in the Governing Document.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Document
Turning Point Academy (TPA) is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission on 2 June 2016 under number 1167412. It is governed by a constitution last updated on 2 June 2016.
Organisational Structure
The CIOs trustees are responsible for the general control of the CIO. The trustees give their time freely and receive no remuneration or other financial benefits. The trustees meet regularly and are responsible for all decisions taken in relation to running the CIO. Trustees take care to keep appraised of changes in legislation that may affect the CIO.
The day-to-day running of the CIO is delegated to staff. The organisation is small, and some individuals serve dual roles as both trustees and staff. The CIO has obtained permission from the Charity Commission regarding the payment of those individuals who are both trustees and paid staff. There are clear policies in place to deal with any potential conflict of interest.
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
The existing trustees are responsible for the recruitment of new trustees. In selecting new trustees, we seek to identify people who regularly attend events and activities of the CIO and who are willing to volunteer to become more deeply involved in the running of the CIO. The suitability of the potential trustee is discussed at a trustees’ meeting, where their personal competence, knowledge and skills are taken into account. If all agree, the new trustee is proposed at a subsequent meeting.
Induction and training of trustees
Following appointment, new trustees are introduced to their new role and given copies of the constitution and a guide to the policies and procedures of our CIO. A number of publications from the Charity Commission are also provided. In order to keep up with changes, opportunities are also made available for trustees (both new and existing) to attend training provided by third party organisations. Those who attend such training then pass on what they have learnt to those who did not attend. This ensures that new Trustees are aware of their responsibilities and legal obligations.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
Risk management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the CIO is exposed. The trustees are satisfied that systems are in place to manage the risks that have been identified. Required level of insurance cover is in place.
In line with HM Government Report 2013 on Tackling Extremism in the UK, and with reference to the government document on proscribed organisations November 2014, TPA has an antiextremism policy, which is included in the staff handbook and the student code of conduct.
The CIO continues to review its procedures and policies to ensure that they are consistent with those in best practice.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Summary of the objectives of the CIO set out in its governing document
TPA’s overall aim is to advance and raise the awareness of the Islamic faith for the public benefit.
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objectives
In planning activities for the year, TPA has kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
The focus of our activities has been our two weekly sessions (at two different venues across London), with a program of additional internal events. Online provision continued alongside in-person sessions, and has become a staple part of provision. We continue to develop bespoke online resources to improve the quality of our distance learning provision.
Weekly study sessions (including quality crèche provision to support mothers with young children); courses such as parenting/motivation/language; special events such as open days. An important part of our weekly sessions is to provide space in the schedule for socialising and befriending. In addition we provide meals/refreshment as appropriate.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
Strategies
TPA attracts members from all backgrounds, regardless of faith, age, ethnicity or number of years since researching Islam. TPA is non-judgemental, non-sectarian and non-political.
We place great importance on providing a high-standard service, through careful venue selection and recruitment of qualified and/or experienced teachers. Resources are carefully selected and/or created to fit our specific student base. Resources are made available in a variety of languages, and volunteer translators may be available if required.
An array of physical barriers may be experienced by new Muslim women, as many have preschool children. This poses difficulties in attending classes due to lack of childcare facilities and access to venues which are step-free for push chairs. Similar access problems are faced by wheelchair users and the elderly who may find it difficult to navigate stairs.
The choice of our teaching venues takes into account these situations and caters for all students’ needs. In addition, we hire a professionally-run crèche so that mothers with young children are able to access our services.
TPA beneficiaries are often students on low budgets, single parents or women relying totally on funds from their husbands who may not be high earners themselves, therefore, finance can be a huge obstacle to seeking suitable Islamic education, travelling to venues can also be costly. TPA does not charge for any of our services, although a collection box is passed around for voluntary donations. Where students are unable to afford travel costs, these may be reimbursed, upon presentation of receipts, after assessment of the individual case.
Teachers are carefully recruited after interview and CV and reference checks. All educators are trained and have knowledge of the wider social context in order to provide ongoing gentle guidance.
TPA has a pool of in-house and visiting lecturers. Workshops, discussions and structured courses are professionally planned and delivered to suit our students’ needs.
Management staff are a mixture of volunteers and paid staff who possess a range of essential professional skills and expertise. They undergo regular training in order to provide a high standard of project management. TPA has clear protocols and procedures to enable staff to meet the project’s high expectations.
Volunteer Contribution
The greater part of the activities of the CIO are carried out by volunteers, with the activities of paid staff being primarily those of co-ordination and organisation.
All of the teachers at our weekly sessions volunteer their time with no remuneration. Most of the lecturers also volunteer their time with no remuneration, although travel expenses are claimed by some. Occasionally a professional speaker is invited to speak and is paid. Such speakers are carefully chosen for the particular contribution they can make to the CIO. It should be noted that on several occasions, professional speakers have been moved to waive their fee after actually attending and seeing the work that we do.
Other activities undertaken by volunteers include legal advice/support to the project; on-theground management of study sessions; cooking and/or buying food for catering at study sessions; and setting up and clearing away at teaching venues.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CIO DURING THE PERIOD
How our activities deliver public benefit
The CIO carries out a range of activities in pursuance of its charitable aims. The trustees consider that these activities, summarised below, provide benefit both to the student members of Turning Point Academy and the wider community.
We aim to support individuals in a transition process of converting to Islam by promoting peace and understanding through interaction and education. In addition, we welcome and involve students’ families and friends, regardless of their faith.
We aim to prevent racism, isolation, extremism, radicalism and exploitation; and promote integration and harmony of different faiths and cultures.
Weekly Study Sessions
TPA provides weekly sessions, during school term-time, at two venues across London. Each session comprises one-to-one/small group teaching; a talk to the group by an invited speaker; and social time, with a meal or light refreshments provided.
There is no charge to students to attend sessions, although a collection is made for voluntary contributions.
We have a broad pattern of student attendance, with some returning term after term, and some attending for just one or two terms. New students continue to enrol on a regular basis.
Student numbers gradually rose over the year, as activities gradually return to normal postpandemic.
Our pool of 23 teachers provided approximately 500 woman-hours of direct teaching time to approximately 70 students across our venues during the period.
Over 100 hours of lectures/workshops were provided, and these were also live-streamed online for students to watch who could not attend in person.
Additionally, students attended a variety of online weekly evening class sessions.
Over 700 meals were provided free of charge to attendees over the period.
Fast Break Events in Ramadan
During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, we hold several events for students to gather together to break their fast at sunset. For new Muslims, such events are a vital opportunity to feel part of the community during this special time. 2 events were held, at which over 200 students and their guests were fed without charge.
New Students
New students continue to enrol on a regular basis. ID checks have been introduced for new students.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
STAFFING
Staff have continued to work in a hybrid pattern of home/office working, keeping in touch via Whatsapp groups and MS Office Online. This works well for our staff, the majority of whom are mothers of young chlildren.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
In the year to 31[st] August 2024 income was £ 36,437 (2023 :£17796). The reserves at 31[st] August 2024 were £ 35751 (2023: £20,769).
RESERVES POLICY
We aim to hold a minimum of £5,000 of unrestricted funds in the bank as a reserve, to meet any unforeseen expenditure that may occur.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE’S RESPONSIBILTIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Charity Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under charity Law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the CIO and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the CIO for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and 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 accounting standards 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 appropriate to presume that the CIO will continue on that basis.
The Trustees will be responsible for maintaining proper accounting records and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the CIO and enable it to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the CIO and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by-
Trustee: Ms Joanna Rowntree Date: 30 June 2025
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TURNING POINT ACADEMY REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1167412
TURNING POINT ACADEMY
ACCOUNTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
31[ST] AUGUST 2024
ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
The trustees submit simplified accounts for the year to end August 2024.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilites for complying with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 with respect to accounting records and preparation of accounts.
Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by
Trustee: Ms Joanna Rowntree Date: 30[th] June 2025
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ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
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ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (continued)
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‘OWERALL OPENING BALANCE 1 Sep 2039
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1167412 Independent Examiner Report
Due to bereavement, this has not been completed on time. It will be uploaded as soon as possible.