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Symphonic Tots and Kids Musical Journey Projects
Report of the trustees for the year ending 31 Dec 2024
The Trustees of The Symphonic Tots and Kids Musical Journey Projects Charity present their annual report and accounts for the year ended ending 31 December 2024 and confirm they comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the trust deed and the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
OUR AIMS
The aim of Symphonic Tots and Kids Musical Journey Projects is to enable vulnerable and disadvantaged families and children, and the organisations and groups supporting them, as well as the wider community where appropriate, to access music workshops, performances and events. The charity operates the Musical Journey Projects (MUJO), delivering high-quality music education and participatory experiences to those who would otherwise have limited access to such provision.
The charity advances education through music by offering instrumental tuition, children’s ensemble and orchestra groups, musicianship classes, concerts for children, and children’s choirs. These activities are made available through schools, community organisations, and groups working with vulnerable and disadvantaged families.
OUR OBJECTIVES
Our key objectives for the year included:
To maintain the charity’s registered status and governance obligations in preparation for the resumption of activities in future years.
To review and update the charity’s plans for delivering music education and outreach projects to vulnerable families and children.
To explore potential funding opportunities and partnerships with organisations supporting disadvantaged communities in order to relaunch programme delivery.
To ensure the charity’s safeguarding and risk management policies remain current and fit for purpose ahead of resuming work with children and vulnerable adults.
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REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
During the year ended 31 December 2024, the charity did not undertake any formal programme activity or events. No music workshops, performances, outreach sessions or classes were delivered during this period. The trustees confirm that no income was received and no expenditure was incurred.
The trustees led by Marianne Tyler Brown have continued to oversee the governance and administration of the charity during this dormant period, ensuring that its charitable objectives, policies and registration remain in good standing. The trustees remain committed to resuming the charity’s mission of providing music education to vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families as soon as circumstances permit.
FUTURE PLANS
The trustees intend to resume charitable activities in the coming year. Plans include reestablishing relationships with partner organisations, schools and community groups, and actively seeking grant funding and donations to support the delivery of Musical Journey Projects to vulnerable and disadvantaged families and children.
The charity will look to apply to Arts Council England and other relevant funders for project grants to support community outreach work, including music workshops, ensemble groups and performance events for children and families. The trustees will continue to develop the charity’s safeguarding framework and policies in advance of resuming work with children and vulnerable adults.
OUR FINANCES
No income or expenditure has been generated in this period
OUR ETHOS, STRATEGY AND POLICIES
Symphonic Tots and Kids Musical Journey Projects is guided by the belief that all children, regardless of background or circumstance, deserve access to the transformative power of music. The charity is committed to inclusion, accessibility and creative excellence in all its activities.
The charity’s strategy is to work in partnership with schools, social care organisations, housing providers and community groups to bring tailored music experiences to those who most need them. Projects are designed collaboratively with service user groups and organisational partners to ensure they are appropriate, affordable and impactful.
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The charity has in place policies covering safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, equality and diversity, health and safety, and data protection (GDPR). These policies are reviewed regularly by the trustees to ensure they remain current and compliant with relevant legislation and sector guidance.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Symphonic Tots and Kids Musical Journey Projects is a registered charity in England and Wales. The charity is governed by its trust deed and is administered by a board of trustees who are responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the charity’s affairs.
The trustees meet regularly to review the charity’s activities, finances and compliance obligations. New trustees are recruited based on the skills and experience needed to support the charity’s mission, and are provided with an induction and relevant training upon appointment.
The charity has no paid employees. All administrative and governance functions are carried out by the trustees on a voluntary basis. The charity complies with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
Symphonic Tots and Kids Musical Journey Projects
(including Income & Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 December 2024)
Incoming resources from generated funds:
Voluntary income:
Donations and grants: Nil
Activities for generating funds: Nil
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Incoming resources from charitable activities: Nil
Grants & contracts
Total incoming resources: Nil
Costs of generating funds
Costs of generating voluntary income: Nil Charitable activities: Nil Governance costs: Nil Total resources expended: Nil Net income for the year: Nil Other recognised gains: Nil Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward: Nil Total funds carried forward: Nil
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
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These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 1985 relating to small entities.
Approved by the Board on 30 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Marianne Tyler Brown Trustee
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Risk Management
The trustees are responsible for identifying and managing the risks facing the charity. The principal risks reviewed during this period included the risk of the charity becoming dormant and losing charitable status, and the risk of failing to meet filing obligations with the Charity Commission.
The trustees have mitigated these risks by maintaining regular trustee meetings, ensuring all Charity Commission returns are submitted on time, and keeping the charity’s governing document and policies under review. Upon resumption of activities, additional operational risks relating to safeguarding, health and safety, and financial management will be assessed and appropriate controls put in place.
Recruitment and Training
No recruitment or training activity took place during the year ended 31 December 2024, as the charity did not deliver any programme activity in this period. The charity has no paid staff.
When activities resume, the trustees will ensure that all volunteers and any freelance practitioners engaged to deliver music projects will be appropriately recruited, vetted (including DBS checks where required) and provided with relevant induction and training in safeguarding, health and safety, and the charity’s policies and procedures.
CHARITY TRUSTEES
The following served as trustees of the charity during the year ended Dec 31 2024:
Marianne Tyler Brown (Trustee and Founder)
Clare Jacobsson Trustee
Jenny Melling Trustee
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CONTACT DETAILS
Symphonic Tots and Kids Musical Journey Projects
Marianne Tyler Brown (Marianne Brown) tel : 07958155523
PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
The charity does not currently retain any professional advisers. The trustees manage the charity’s affairs on a voluntary basis. Should the charity resume its activities and its income exceed the relevant thresholds, the trustees will appoint an independent examiner or auditor as required under the Charities Act 2011.