Report of the Trustees for the Year Ending 31 August 2024
The Trustees of The Polish Saturday School in Brighton and Hove Charity present the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024, confirming compliance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities Receipts and Payments Accounts (CC16a).
OUR AIMS
The Charity operates under a Constitution of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation dated 1 October 2016, incorporated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 21 November 2016.
The objectives of the Charity are the advancement of education for the public benefit in the Polish language, culture, tradition and heritage, enabling students to integrate better into the local cultural environment and British society.
We aim to provide a first-class education for children aged 3 to 18, fostering a structured educational environment that develops our pupils’ capabilities, competencies and skills. We promote the academic, moral and physical development of the pupils through our curriculum, pastoral care, sporting and other activities.
We provide an educational environment where we support our students to develop and fulfil their potential, building their self-confidence and inculcating a desire to contribute to the community. In so doing, we prepare our pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
Our key objectives for the year are:
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Broadening our academic curriculum for all students and preparing pupils for GCSE in Polish.
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Continuing to develop the pastoral care provided to pupils.
REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
The number of pupils at our School decreased in the year to 168. Due to the ongoing financial pressures and increase of building hire costs we were forced to increase school fees for the first time since 2019. The fees are expressed per term (3 terms per academic year) as follows:
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£110 for one child (siblings)
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£190 for two children (siblings)
POLISH SATURDAY SCHOOL IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE. 19 Bush Farm Drive, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 2GY
Registered Charity No. 1170273 info@polska-szkola-brighton.org www.polska-szkola-brighton.org
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£210 for three children (siblings)
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225 for four children (siblings)
The Charity received a £5,567 grant from the Polish Chancellery of the Prime Minister, restricted for partial wages and rent expenses. Additionally, two fundraising events, the Christmas Fair and family picnic, provided an additional income of £2,246.
OUR FINANCES
Financial Overview
The financial statement reports a net loss of £10,720, primarily driven by high staff costs, which accounts for 63% of total expenditure, as well as expenses incurred in updating key HR policies and procedures. The Trustees have also noted a decline in unpaid volunteers over the past few years and are actively monitoring this change, considering its impact when setting the budget.
Despite these challenges, the Trustees remain committed to their strategy of directing all net incoming resources toward educational initiatives, operational expenses, and building reserves. These reserves are carefully considered when setting and adjusting the annual budget, ensuring the school’s financial stability during uncertain periods or years with lower pupil intake. Parents can be assured that every pound of the Charity’s income is dedicated to supporting education and securing the Charity’s long-term sustainability.
As an educational charity, we benefit from tax exemptions on our educational activities. However, we are unable to reclaim VAT input tax on our costs due to our VAT-exempt status. Additionally, we fulfill our tax obligations as an employer through national insurance contributions.
Developments and Maintenance
Recent developments have focused on investing in the technical aspects of school management. Our financial plan aims to break even over the financial year, with any profits reinvested into educational initiatives and securing the school's future. The closing value of our tangible assets and equipment was £2,006 after depreciation. The Trustees are confident that our current cash flows are sufficient to cover any anticipated cost increases. No pension liabilities have been reported within the accounts, in accordance with accounting standard CC16a.
Future Investments
Despite the Charity did not turn profit in this academic year, the reserves have enabled further investments in staff training, and other educational enhancements. These investments aim to ensure a high quality of teaching and care for the pupils.
OUR ETHOS, STRATEGY AND POLICIES
Ethos
Registered Charity No. 1170273 info@polska-szkola-brighton.org www.polska-szkola-brighton.org
POLISH SATURDAY SCHOOL IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE. 19 Bush Farm Drive, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 2GY
Our School serves the local community and society as a charitable trust benefiting the public through its stated aims. We welcome pupils from all backgrounds, ensuring that an individual's economic status, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, or disability does not form part of our assessment processes. We are committed to a working environment free from any form of discrimination and will make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of staff or pupils who are or become disabled.
Our School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Parents are welcome to speak to teachers about their children's social and academic progress after lessons or via email, as the school operates only on Saturdays for three hours, making parent evenings difficult to hold. We maintain regular contact with parents throughout the year via e-mail, social media and website posts.
Structure, governance, and management
The Trustees are responsible for the overall management and control of the Charity, meeting at least twelve times per year. They implement policies, prepare accounts, and review matters arising. Trustees give their time freely, and no remuneration or expenses were paid in the year.
The pay and remuneration of the Head Teacher and staff are set by the Trustees and reviewed annually, based on:
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Role and responsibilities
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Qualifications and experience
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Competitor salaries in the region
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Pay trends
Organisational Management
The Trustees determine the general policy of the Charity, with day-to-day running delegated to the Head, supported by senior staff, volunteers, and trustees. The Head Teacher oversees educational, pastoral, and administrative functions in consultation with senior staff, within policies approved by the Trustees. The Head is invited to Trustees' meetings and oversees staff recruitment.
Risk Management
The Trustees oversee the risks faced by the Charity, with detailed considerations delegated to Senior Management. Risks are managed under headings such as financial sustainability, school safety, student welfare, employment, school trips and events, and community access. Reputation management is critical, ensuring safeguarding policies, staff recruitment, and health and safety issues are actively addressed.
RECRUITMENT OF TRUSTEES
Registered Charity No. 1170273 info@polska-szkola-brighton.org www.polska-szkola-brighton.org
POLISH SATURDAY SCHOOL IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE. 19 Bush Farm Drive, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 2GY
New Trustees are recruited with a passion for the Charity's work and an understanding of education as a holistic experience. Trustees are advertised for at the annual parents’ meeting in September, with a focus on skills and experience in legal, financial, education, management, equal opportunities, and gender diversity.
Registered Charity No. 1170273 info@polska-szkola-brighton.org www.polska-szkola-brighton.org
POLISH SATURDAY SCHOOL IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE. 19 Bush Farm Drive, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 2GY
OTHER POLICIES ON ASSISTANCE
Financial planning policy:
Timely financial planning is often the key for many parents who are hoping to send their children to our school and a school fees plan are available to help those who wish to fund educational costs through regular contributions.
Family discounts policy:
To underline the value, we place on continuity for families, we offer discounts where parents have more than one child at the School.
CHARITY TRUSTEES
J Fenn (Chair) A Kanadys MPacholec I Ples M Padgett
HEADMASTER
M Lobacz
CONTACT DETAILS
Address: Polish Saturday School in Brighton and Hove 19 Bush Farm Drive Portslade Brighton BN41 2GY Website http://www.polska-szkola-brighton.org Registered Charity No. 1170273
PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
Payroll Service: Keith Braid Payroll Services Insurance Provider: Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.
Registered Charity No. 1170273 info@polska-szkola-brighton.org www.polska-szkola-brighton.org
POLISH SATURDAY SCHOOL IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE. 19 Bush Farm Drive, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 2GY
Independent Examiner's report on the accounts Report to the trustees of Polish Saturday School in Brighton and Hove Registered Charity number 1170273 st Accounts year ended 31 August 2024 The accounts have been prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis. Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examlner As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures specified in the General Directions of the Charity Commissioners {under section 145 (5){b) of the Act) and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examlnerfs 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 the 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 fairf view and the report is limited to those matters laid out in the statement below. Independent Examinerfs Report In connection with my examination, no matter has corne to my attention: (l) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements (al to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act: and (b} to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met; or 12) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Rebecca Luton Resource Centre 6 Tilbury Place Brighton BN2 OGY Date: 11 IG l Lol
Polish Saturday School in Brighton and Hove
Registered Charity No. 1170273
Statement of Financial Activities year ending 31st August 2023
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | |
| Receipts | ||||||
| Charitable activities | - | 41,709 | 41,709 | - | 38,064 | 38,064 |
| Grants and fundraising | 5,567 | 2,246 | 7,813 | 12,094 | 1,957 | 14,051 |
| Total Receipts | 5,567 | 43,955 | 49,522 | 12,094 | 40,021 | 52,115 |
| Payments | ||||||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 6,638 | 53,605 | 60,242 | 4,364 | 40,897 | 45,261 |
| Total Payments | 6,638 | 53,605 | 60,242 | 4,364 | 40,897 | 45,261 |
| Net payments for the year | (1,070) | (9,650) | (10,720) | 7,730 | (876) | 6,854 |
| Funds transferred | - | - | - | (6,607) | 6,607 | |
| Funds at 1st September 2023 | 1,124 | 26,360 | 27,484 | - | 20,630 | 20,630 |
| Balance of funds at 31st August 2024 | 54 | 16,710 | 16,764 | 1,124 | 26,360 | 27,484 |
Please note that additions may vary by +/- £1 due to rounding
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Polish Saturday School in Brighton and Hove
Registered Charity No. 1170273
Receipts and Payments Account year ended 31st August 2024
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | |
| Receipts | ||||||
| Charitable activities | ||||||
| Fees | - | 41,709 | 41,709 | - | 38,064 | 38,064 |
| Grants and Fundraising | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Polish Community Association grant | 5,567 | - | 5,567 | 12,094 | - | 12,094 |
| Amazon Smile | - | - | - | - | 50 | 50 |
| Events | - | 2,246 | 2,246 | - | 1,907 | 1,907 |
| Total Receipts | 5,567 | 43,955 | 49,522 | 12,094 | 40,021 | 52,115 |
| Payments | ||||||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | - | |||||
| Net wages | - | 34,941 | 34,941 | 3,914 | 27,598 | 31,512 |
| HMRC - tax | - | 3,109 | 3,109 | - | 2,917 | 2,917 |
| Rent | 6,600 | 400 | 7,000 | 450 | 3,865 | 4,315 |
| Teacher training | - | 1,059 | 1,059 | - | 609 | 609 |
| Travel costs | - | 116 | 116 | - | 125 | 125 |
| Supplies and class materials | - | 1,616 | 1,616 | - | 1,633 | 1,633 |
| Payroll administration fees | - | 1,050 | 1,050 | - | 400 | 400 |
| HR audit | - | 2,587 | 2,587 | - | - | - |
| Software fees | - | 1,693 | 1,693 | - | 425 | 425 |
| Hosting and domain | - | 145 | 145 | - | 116 | 116 |
| DBS checks | - | 491 | 491 | - | 372 | 372 |
| Insurance | - | 286 | 286 | - | 197 | 197 |
| Office and telephone | - | 906 | 906 | - | 1,194 | 1,194 |
| Events | - | 1,135 | 1,135 | - | 1,074 | 1,074 |
| Staff gifts and Xmas party | - | 1,527 | 1,527 | - | - | - |
| Xmas gifts for students | - | 1,136 | 1,136 | - | - | - |
| Printing | - | 383 | 383 | - | - | - |
| Advertising | - | 24 | 24 | - | - | - |
| Equipment | - | 805 | 805 | - | - | - |
| Sundry expenses | - | 170 | 170 | - | 352 | 352 |
| Banking costs (incl Stripe) | - | 26 | 26 | - | 20 | 20 |
| Grant repayment*see note1 | 38 | - | 38 | - | - | - |
| Total Payments | 6,638 | 53,605 | 60,242 | 4,364 | 40,897 | 45,261 |
| Net income for the year | (1,070) | (9,650) | (10,720) | 7,730 | (876) | 6,854 |
| Funds transferred | - | - | - | (6,607) | 6,607 | - |
| Funds at 1st September 2023 | 1,124 | 26,360 | 27,484 | - | 20,630 | 20,630 |
| Balance of funds at 31st August 2024 | 54 | 16,710 | 16,764 | 1,124 | 26,360 | 27,484 |
Note 1: The charity was required to repay part of the Polish Community Association grant as the student number quota was not achieved.
Please note that additions may vary by +/- £1 due to rounding
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Polish Saturday School in Brighton and Hove
Registered Charity No. 1170273
Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31st August 2024
| Monetary Assets Barclays Cash in hand Breakdown of funds Restricted Unrestricted |
16,567 196 |
|---|---|
| 16,764 | |
| 54 16,710 |
|
| 16,764 |
Non-Monetary Assets
The charity states that it holds non-monetary assets of £2,006
Liabilities
The charity has no liabilities.
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