## **Annual Report 2020**
**Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure Registered charity: 1174850**
**1**
## **Contents**
_**Page 3:**_ **Introduction from our Chair** _**Page 4-7:**_ **An overview of the year** _**Page 8:**_ **2020 in pictures** _**Page 9:**_ **Treasurer’s report**
**2**
## **Introduction**
Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a charity that provides meaningful and worthwhile activities for adults with learning disabilities. We deliver a weekly programme of activities including art, drama, dance, music and cooking.
2020 was a year like no other and the impact on our charity cannot be overstated. This annual report offers the opportunity to reflect upon the challenges we faced and the experiences we shared as we found ways to stay connected.
Our main aim during the year has been to emulate the resilience and spirit of our wonderful students and continue to deliver our classes with innovation, care and good humour. That we have succeeded in continuing to provide a much needed service, and learnt a lot to help us develop in the future, is down to our brilliant staff who have just kept going. We know that meeting face to face is best for some our students and re-connecting with them is a priority.
A massive debt of gratitude is due to our hosts, funders and supporters. Your faith in us meant that we could weather this strange year confidently and look forward enthusiastically. Thank you.
Several trustees, who have given many years of service to Stepping Stones, have decided to pass on the baton. I, as the new Chair, together with all trustees, will ensure that Stepping Stones is as committed as ever to providing creative and educational opportunities to people living with learning disability in our community.
Lynn Bransby Chair of Trustees
**3**
## _**An overview of 2020**_
During late February and early March, we followed the COVID 19 developments with increasing concern, particularly given that many of our users are vulnerable. On 13[th] March we made the difficult decision to stop running our classes. Just weeks later, the UK went into the first nationwide lockdown.
## _**Reaching out and researching**_
As soon as we closed services we started contacting service users to understand what access they had to online activities, what sorts of activities would be of interest, and we also looked at what capacity we had as a team to deliver activities remotely. Prior to this date we had never delivered any activities online, and we knew very little about what access our service users would have.
Just over 50% of service users expressed an interest in taking part in online or remote activities. At this time residential care settings were facing tremendous pressure so we were clear that any activities we provided had to add value without adding to workload for care staff.
## _**Stepping Stones Connect**_
We worked closely with our tutors to understand what might be possible and were very fortunate to receive the support and expertise of two video editors who donated their time to support us. In April 2020we were able to launch a new online and remote offering. Our initial aim was to provide reassurance and familiarity to our service users in the most accessible way. We created videos and resource packs to enable service users to take part in weekly activities at the most convenient time to them.
|||
|---|---|
**4**
We were able to reach about 40% of our service users with these forms of delivery. 60% of service users did not engage because of the suitability of activities or lack of access to equipment. This was particularly evident with service users who had profound disabilities or complex needs and who were generally not able to participate in online activities.
## _**Live activities**_
As digital confidence grew for all of us, we tried some live online sessions towards the end of the term in July. As well as being a wonderful opportunity for friends from classes to see each other again, it was a test for us to see what might be possible in the future. These trial sessions informed our plans for September onwards as we saw first-hand the importance of real-time connection, shared experience and sense of community that has been the foundation of Stepping Stones.
**5**
## _**Autumn delivery**_
Building on the success of our trial live classes we launched the Autumn term with regular live online dance and music classes. The timetable expanded over the term as we were able to support more people to take part. We also secured additional funding to develop a digital exclusion project to enable us to support service users who had so far been unable to engage with our digital offerings.
We were delighted to be able to replicate the familiar structure of Stepping Stones with regular weekly classes, bringing together the same group of people for each session. As we gained experience with the format, we were able to expand the content of each session, as we shared news, celebrations and wonderfully out of sync renditions of ‘Happy Birthday’.
We enjoyed a return to the centre for four weeks in October, running a trial of in person, socially distanced dance and art activities. This was a wonderful chance to reconnect in person with small groups of service users. This short trial has also given us a blueprint for how we can return to face to face activities once again in the future.
## _**Autumn term achievements**_
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Art packs for 18 4 weeks of face 50 zoom
people to face classes sessions
**----- End of picture text -----**
We finished the year in a spirit of celebration even though we were once again confined to meeting remotely and our online activities took on a festive feel. We were also focused on the future and how best to continue meeting the needs of all of our service users through the uncertain weeks and months ahead.
## _**Gratitude and reflections**_
Huge thanks must go to our fantastic tutors Hannelore, Flora and Ricky for their creativity, determination and positivity throughout this challenging year and to our fantastic volunteers Linda and Eddie who have provided invaluable practical support that enabled us
**6**
to return to the centre in October. Our video editing volunteers, Jonny and Nigel, showed incredible generosity by sharing their time and skills with us, allowing us to find a way forward at the most difficult time, and our Board of Trustees have provided support, encouragement and vision – ensuring that Stepping Stones has continued to provide meaningful and worthwhile activities for adults with learning disabilities.
Stepping Stones has much to be grateful for at the end of 2020. We have survived, and in unexpected ways we have thrived. Tutors and service users have embraced the challenges of digital provision and all of our horizons have been broadened.
We have We have We have shared cared connected
Unlike so many experiences this year, our achievements have not been made in isolation. Donations and grants we received in 2019 was crucial in meeting the challenges we faced at the start of the year and we feel so fortunate to have received further funding during 2020 that has allowed us to continue developing and delivering our activities and services.
Everyone at Stepping Stones extend our heartfelt thanks to:
**Peter Minet Trust Southwark Adult Learning Service London Community Response Fund Southwark Neighbourhood Fund Terra Firma Charitable Trust St Faiths Parish Baily Thomas Trust**
**A finally, a huge thank you to our service users. Thank you for your courage, your creativity, and your company. You make each session and all of our work worthwhile.**
Catriona Finlayson Operations Manager
**7**
## _**2020 in pictures**_
Lockdown art Dance and music videos
Zoom classes
**8**
## _**Treasurer’s report**_
2020 was a unique year. Having to suspend our classes on March, we diverted our resources into reaching out to our service users who were more socially isolated than ever, and then into using technology to provide classes remotely. It is thanks to our funders that we were in a sound financial state that enabled us to make this transition.
Our income for 2020 was £47,185, compared to £86,668 in 2019
and £57,342 in 2018. We did not charge our service users any fees after the shutdown in March, which lost us about £9,000 in revenue.
Our spending was £49,615, compared to £58,629 in 2019 and £54,346 in 2018. Running costs, e.g. hall hire, were down, although much of the spending budgeted for classes was re-invested into outreach and online classes.
Our overall loss for the year was £2,430. Our total assets carried forward into 2021 were £79,568.
Our accounts are independently examined annually by our accountants, Gibson’s Financial Limited, and their separate report containing more detailed financial information is available and filed on the charity commission website.
## **Terry Baldwin Treasurer in 2020**
**9**
Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure **Registered charity: 1174850**
Registered address:
**Stepping Stones St Faiths Centre Red Post Hill London SE24 9JQ**
## **www.steppingstoneslearning.org.uk**
**07950 612 914 info@steppingstoneslearning.org.uk**
**10**
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE**
## **(CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **Registered Charity Number 1174850**
**Gibsons Financial Limited Chartered Accountants Foresters Hall 25-27 Westow Street London SE19 3RY**
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
**YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **CONTENTS**
## **PAGES**
|Administrative Information|2|
|---|---|
|Executive Committee & Trustees Report|3|
|Independent Examiners Report|4|
|Statement of Financial Activities|5|
|Balance Sheet|6|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|7|
|Detailed Income and Expenditure|9|
1
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020**
|**REGISTRATION DETAILS**|Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a charitable|
|---|---|
||incorporated organisation (CIO) under charity number|
||1174850.|
|**GOVERNING DOCUMENT**|Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is governed by the|
||Charities Act 2011 and its constitution.|
|**EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE**|Sylvia Wells – Chair|
||Christine Baldwin -Secretary|
||Terry Baldwin – Treasurer|
||Christopher Cooper – Vice Chair|
||Sally Reid - User Representative|
||Jennifer Walmsley – Member|
||Savie Musendo - Member|
||Susan Height - Member|
||Julia Barbosa - Member|
||Lynn Bransby - Member|
||Gillian Kerr - Member|
|**PRINCIPAL ADDRESS OF CHARITY**|St Faith’s Community Centre|
||Red Post Hill|
||Herne Hill|
||London|
||SE24 9JQ|
|**ACCOUNTANTS**|Gibsons Financial Limited|
||Chartered Accountants|
||Foresters Hall|
||25-27 Westow Street|
||London SE19 3RY|
|**BANKERS**|Lloyds TSB Plc|
||12 Croxted Road|
||London|
||SE21 8SP|
2
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND TRUSTEES REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
The Executive Committee of Stepping Stones Leaning and Leisure present their Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.
## **PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY**
The principal activity of the charity is to help adults with learning disabilities to help themselves.
In planning our activities for the year we kept in mind the Charity Commissioner’s guidance on public benefit at our trustee meetings.
The focus of our activities is to provide a range of much needed local workshops for adults with learning disabilities, and so enabling an often neglected section of the community to work from a base where they can make new friends and build their skills. The workshops promote health and hygiene; exercise and fitness; and drama and self-development. This benefits the disabled people by developing their selfconfidence, social skills and life skills.
We welcome all disabled people regardless of personal background, faith, gender or personal circumstances and we believe this philosophy of openness to all enriches everyone through the sharing of the skills, aptitudes and life experiences of our disabled people. The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duties under schedule 3 of The Charities Act 2011 with regard to charity commission’s guidance on public benefit.
## **ACTIVITIES, DEVELOPMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS**
See Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure’s separate Annual Report.
## **STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES**
Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Executive Committee to prepare Financial Statements, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these Financial Statements, the Executive Committee are required to:-
- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable standards and statement of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements; and
- prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the project will continue in operation.
- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS102).
The Executive Committee are responsible for keeping proper records which disclose at any time the financial position of the project. They are also responsible for safe guarding the assets of the organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
…………………………..
Date 25 August 2021
Sylvia Wells - Chair
3
## **INDEPENFDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2020, which are set out on pages 5 to 10.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees 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 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
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 Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- 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 out in the statement below.
## **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 the requirements:
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- 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.
Geoffrey C Gibbs FCA Gibsons Financial Limited Foresters Hall 25/27 Westow Street Upper Norwood London SE19 3RY
25 August 2021
4
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE**
## **(CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **INCOMING RESOURCES**
|**Incoming resources from**
**generated funds:**
Voluntary Income
Other Income
**Total Incoming Resources**
**Cost of Generating Funds**
Charitable activities
Governance costs
**Total Resources Expended**
**Net Incoming Resources**
**Fund Balances brought forward**
**Fund transfer**
**Fund Balances carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Restricted**
**Fund**
**2020**
**Total**
**2019**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
20,394
23,765
44,159
74,652
3,026
-
3,026
12,016|
|---|---|
||23,420
23,765
47,185
86,668|
||-
48,320
48,320
56,929
-
1,295
1,295
1,700|
||-
49,615
49,615
58,629|
||23,420
(25,850)
(2,430)
28,039
81,943
55
81,998
53,959
(25,900)
25,900
-
-|
||79,463
105
79,568
81,998|
5
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020**
|**Current Assets**
Cash at Bank
Cash in Hand
Debtors
**Current Liabilities**
Creditors and Accruals
**Net Current Assets**
**Funds:**
Unrestricted Fund
Restricted Fund|**2020**
£
75,495
-
8,500
**83,995**
4,427
**79,568**
79,463
105
**79,568**|**2019**
£
71,217
-
14,750|
|---|---|---|
|||**85,967**|
|||3,969|
|||**81,998**|
|||81,943
55|
|||**81,998**|
The financial statements were approved by Executive Committee and Trustees on 25 August 2021 and Approved on their behalf by:
**……………………………… Sylvia Wells - Chair**
6
**STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## 1. **ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## 1.1 **Basis of preparation of Financial Statements**
The Financial Statements are prepared under the historic cost convention and include the results of the Charity’s operations which are described in the Executive Committee’s Report and all of which are continuing.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 “The financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”; the Statements of Recommended Practice - Charities SORP (FRS102) and; with the Charities Act 2011.
In preparing these financial statements the Trustees have taken advantage of the exemption permitted by FRS 102 in not presenting a Statement of Cash Flows.
These financial statements represent the first time that the Trustees have adopted FRS102 however the policies applied under the previous accounting framework are not materially different to FRS102 the change of reporting framework has not impacted on the charity’s Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2020 or its Balance Sheet position as at that date.
## 1.2 **Incoming Resources**
- 1.2.1 Revenue grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities on the earlier date of when they are received or when they are receivable, unless they relate to a specific future period, in which case they are included on the Balance Sheet as deferred income to be recognised in the future accounting period.
- 1.2.2 Grants received for specific purposes are accounted for as restricted funds in the Statement of Financial Activities.
## 1.3 **Restricted Funds**
Restricted Funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure, which meets these criteria is identified to the fund, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.
## 1.4 **Unrestricted Funds**
Unrestricted Funds are donations and other income received or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and is available for general funds.
7
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## 1.5 **Financial Instruments**
The charity only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like amounts recoverable on invoices, other debtors, amounts payable to providers of services and other accruals. Debt instruments being amounts owed to and by the charity are accounted for at the amount that is expected to be received or paid by the charity. Debt instruments receivable after more than one year are initially recorded at the present value of future cash flows and subsequently accounted for at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## 1.6 **Cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and balances in bank accounts with no notice or less than three months’ notice from inception and are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value
## **2 TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION, BENEFITS AND EXPENSES**
The charity did not pay any remuneration or provide benefits to any of its Trustees during the year under review. None of the charity’s Trustees claimed expenses nor were any Trustees’ expenses met by the charity during the year.
## **3 TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES**
There were no transactions with related parties during the year. Related parties include Trustees, their close family members, their business associates, and any non-natural persons which are controlled by any of these individuals or in which they have a significant interest.
## **4 COVID-19**
In March 2020, towards the end of our spring term, classes were closed due to Covid-19.
In April 2020 a new online and remote project was launched which was named Stepping Stones Connect. The initial aim was to provide reassurance and familiarity to the service in the most accessible way. Videos and resource packs were created to enable service users to take part in weekly activities at the most convenient time to them. Around 40% of service users were able to be reached with these forms of delivery.
By July 2020 online sessions were being run using zoom. In the autumn term 50 zoom sessions were able to be run in dance and music, and delivered art packs for 18 people, as well as four weeks of covid-secure face to face classes in the short respite during October 2020.
Additional funding was also secured to develop a digital exclusion project to enable support to service users who had previously been unable to engage with the digital offering.
8
|**5 DEBTORS**
Trade Debtors
**6 CREDITORS & ACCRUALS**
Accountancy Fees
Accruals
|**2020**
**£**
8,500
**2020**
**£**
425
4,002
4,427|
|---|---|
9
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **DETAILED INCOME & EXPENDITURE**
|**Incoming resources from**
**generated funds:**
**Voluntary Income/Grants**
Southwark Adult Learning Services
Peter Minet
United St. Saviours
TCS London
Terra Firma
Camberwell Neighbourhood Fund
Bailey Thomas
Magic Little Grants
St Faith’s PCC
**Other Income**
Membership Subscriptions
Interest Receivable
Refunds
**Total Incoming Resources**
**RESOURCES EXPENDED**
**Direct Charitable Expenditure**
Tutors
Salary/HMRC/Pension
Hall Hire
Office Expenses
Activity Expenses
**Governance costs**
Accountancy Fees
Insurance
Training
Affiliations
**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**|**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Restricted**
**Fund**
**2020**
**Total**
**2019**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
12,250
12,250
21,250
20,000
-
20,000
-
8,775
8,775
-
240
240
-
-
-
35,000
2,500
2,500
2,500
-
-
15,000
-
-
500
394
-
394
402|
|---|---|
||**20,394**
**23,765**
**44,159**
**74,652**|
||3,000
11
15
-
-
-
3,000
11
15
12,016
-
-|
||**3,026**
-
**3,026**
**12,016**|
||**23,420**
**23,765**
**47,185**
**86,668**|
||**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Restricted**
**Fund**
**Total**
**2020**
**Total**
**2019**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
19,280
19,280
25,762
-
24,656
24,656
21,746
-
1,268
1,268
4,060
-
932
932
2,446
-
2,184
2,184
2,915|
||**-**
**48,320**
**48,320**
**56,929**|
||-
644
644
658
-
651
651
616
-
-
-
313
-
-
-
113|
||**-**
**1,295**
**1,295**
**1,700**|
|||
||**-**
**49,615**
**49,615**
**58,629**|
10
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE**
## **(CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **Registered Charity Number 1174850**
**Gibsons Financial Limited Chartered Accountants Foresters Hall 25-27 Westow Street London SE19 3RY**
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
**YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **CONTENTS**
## **PAGES**
|Administrative Information|2|
|---|---|
|Executive Committee & Trustees Report|3|
|Independent Examiners Report|4|
|Statement of Financial Activities|5|
|Balance Sheet|6|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|7|
|Detailed Income and Expenditure|9|
1
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020**
|**REGISTRATION DETAILS**|Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a charitable|
|---|---|
||incorporated organisation (CIO) under charity number|
||1174850.|
|**GOVERNING DOCUMENT**|Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is governed by the|
||Charities Act 2011 and its constitution.|
|**EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE**|Sylvia Wells – Chair|
||Christine Baldwin -Secretary|
||Terry Baldwin – Treasurer|
||Christopher Cooper – Vice Chair|
||Sally Reid - User Representative|
||Jennifer Walmsley – Member|
||Savie Musendo - Member|
||Susan Height - Member|
||Julia Barbosa - Member|
||Lynn Bransby - Member|
||Gillian Kerr - Member|
|**PRINCIPAL ADDRESS OF CHARITY**|St Faith’s Community Centre|
||Red Post Hill|
||Herne Hill|
||London|
||SE24 9JQ|
|**ACCOUNTANTS**|Gibsons Financial Limited|
||Chartered Accountants|
||Foresters Hall|
||25-27 Westow Street|
||London SE19 3RY|
|**BANKERS**|Lloyds TSB Plc|
||12 Croxted Road|
||London|
||SE21 8SP|
2
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND TRUSTEES REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
The Executive Committee of Stepping Stones Leaning and Leisure present their Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.
## **PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY**
The principal activity of the charity is to help adults with learning disabilities to help themselves.
In planning our activities for the year we kept in mind the Charity Commissioner’s guidance on public benefit at our trustee meetings.
The focus of our activities is to provide a range of much needed local workshops for adults with learning disabilities, and so enabling an often neglected section of the community to work from a base where they can make new friends and build their skills. The workshops promote health and hygiene; exercise and fitness; and drama and self-development. This benefits the disabled people by developing their selfconfidence, social skills and life skills.
We welcome all disabled people regardless of personal background, faith, gender or personal circumstances and we believe this philosophy of openness to all enriches everyone through the sharing of the skills, aptitudes and life experiences of our disabled people. The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duties under schedule 3 of The Charities Act 2011 with regard to charity commission’s guidance on public benefit.
## **ACTIVITIES, DEVELOPMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS**
See Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure’s separate Annual Report.
## **STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES**
Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Executive Committee to prepare Financial Statements, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these Financial Statements, the Executive Committee are required to:-
- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable standards and statement of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements; and
- prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the project will continue in operation.
- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS102).
The Executive Committee are responsible for keeping proper records which disclose at any time the financial position of the project. They are also responsible for safe guarding the assets of the organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
…………………………..
Date 25 August 2021
Sylvia Wells - Chair
3
## **INDEPENFDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2020, which are set out on pages 5 to 10.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees 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 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
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 Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- 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 out in the statement below.
## **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 the requirements:
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- 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.
Geoffrey C Gibbs FCA Gibsons Financial Limited Foresters Hall 25/27 Westow Street Upper Norwood London SE19 3RY
25 August 2021
4
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE**
## **(CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **INCOMING RESOURCES**
|**Incoming resources from**
**generated funds:**
Voluntary Income
Other Income
**Total Incoming Resources**
**Cost of Generating Funds**
Charitable activities
Governance costs
**Total Resources Expended**
**Net Incoming Resources**
**Fund Balances brought forward**
**Fund transfer**
**Fund Balances carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Restricted**
**Fund**
**2020**
**Total**
**2019**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
20,394
23,765
44,159
74,652
3,026
-
3,026
12,016|
|---|---|
||23,420
23,765
47,185
86,668|
||-
48,320
48,320
56,929
-
1,295
1,295
1,700|
||-
49,615
49,615
58,629|
||23,420
(25,850)
(2,430)
28,039
81,943
55
81,998
53,959
(25,900)
25,900
-
-|
||79,463
105
79,568
81,998|
5
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020**
|**Current Assets**
Cash at Bank
Cash in Hand
Debtors
**Current Liabilities**
Creditors and Accruals
**Net Current Assets**
**Funds:**
Unrestricted Fund
Restricted Fund|**2020**
£
75,495
-
8,500
**83,995**
4,427
**79,568**
79,463
105
**79,568**|**2019**
£
71,217
-
14,750|
|---|---|---|
|||**85,967**|
|||3,969|
|||**81,998**|
|||81,943
55|
|||**81,998**|
The financial statements were approved by Executive Committee and Trustees on 25 August 2021 and Approved on their behalf by:
**……………………………… Sylvia Wells - Chair**
6
**STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## 1. **ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## 1.1 **Basis of preparation of Financial Statements**
The Financial Statements are prepared under the historic cost convention and include the results of the Charity’s operations which are described in the Executive Committee’s Report and all of which are continuing.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 “The financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”; the Statements of Recommended Practice - Charities SORP (FRS102) and; with the Charities Act 2011.
In preparing these financial statements the Trustees have taken advantage of the exemption permitted by FRS 102 in not presenting a Statement of Cash Flows.
These financial statements represent the first time that the Trustees have adopted FRS102 however the policies applied under the previous accounting framework are not materially different to FRS102 the change of reporting framework has not impacted on the charity’s Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2020 or its Balance Sheet position as at that date.
## 1.2 **Incoming Resources**
- 1.2.1 Revenue grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities on the earlier date of when they are received or when they are receivable, unless they relate to a specific future period, in which case they are included on the Balance Sheet as deferred income to be recognised in the future accounting period.
- 1.2.2 Grants received for specific purposes are accounted for as restricted funds in the Statement of Financial Activities.
## 1.3 **Restricted Funds**
Restricted Funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure, which meets these criteria is identified to the fund, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.
## 1.4 **Unrestricted Funds**
Unrestricted Funds are donations and other income received or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and is available for general funds.
7
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## 1.5 **Financial Instruments**
The charity only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like amounts recoverable on invoices, other debtors, amounts payable to providers of services and other accruals. Debt instruments being amounts owed to and by the charity are accounted for at the amount that is expected to be received or paid by the charity. Debt instruments receivable after more than one year are initially recorded at the present value of future cash flows and subsequently accounted for at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## 1.6 **Cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and balances in bank accounts with no notice or less than three months’ notice from inception and are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value
## **2 TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION, BENEFITS AND EXPENSES**
The charity did not pay any remuneration or provide benefits to any of its Trustees during the year under review. None of the charity’s Trustees claimed expenses nor were any Trustees’ expenses met by the charity during the year.
## **3 TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES**
There were no transactions with related parties during the year. Related parties include Trustees, their close family members, their business associates, and any non-natural persons which are controlled by any of these individuals or in which they have a significant interest.
## **4 COVID-19**
In March 2020, towards the end of our spring term, classes were closed due to Covid-19.
In April 2020 a new online and remote project was launched which was named Stepping Stones Connect. The initial aim was to provide reassurance and familiarity to the service in the most accessible way. Videos and resource packs were created to enable service users to take part in weekly activities at the most convenient time to them. Around 40% of service users were able to be reached with these forms of delivery.
By July 2020 online sessions were being run using zoom. In the autumn term 50 zoom sessions were able to be run in dance and music, and delivered art packs for 18 people, as well as four weeks of covid-secure face to face classes in the short respite during October 2020.
Additional funding was also secured to develop a digital exclusion project to enable support to service users who had previously been unable to engage with the digital offering.
8
|**5 DEBTORS**
Trade Debtors
**6 CREDITORS & ACCRUALS**
Accountancy Fees
Accruals
|**2020**
**£**
8,500
**2020**
**£**
425
4,002
4,427|
|---|---|
9
## **STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **DETAILED INCOME & EXPENDITURE**
|**Incoming resources from**
**generated funds:**
**Voluntary Income/Grants**
Southwark Adult Learning Services
Peter Minet
United St. Saviours
TCS London
Terra Firma
Camberwell Neighbourhood Fund
Bailey Thomas
Magic Little Grants
St Faith’s PCC
**Other Income**
Membership Subscriptions
Interest Receivable
Refunds
**Total Incoming Resources**
**RESOURCES EXPENDED**
**Direct Charitable Expenditure**
Tutors
Salary/HMRC/Pension
Hall Hire
Office Expenses
Activity Expenses
**Governance costs**
Accountancy Fees
Insurance
Training
Affiliations
**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**|**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Restricted**
**Fund**
**2020**
**Total**
**2019**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
12,250
12,250
21,250
20,000
-
20,000
-
8,775
8,775
-
240
240
-
-
-
35,000
2,500
2,500
2,500
-
-
15,000
-
-
500
394
-
394
402|
|---|---|
||**20,394**
**23,765**
**44,159**
**74,652**|
||3,000
11
15
-
-
-
3,000
11
15
12,016
-
-|
||**3,026**
-
**3,026**
**12,016**|
||**23,420**
**23,765**
**47,185**
**86,668**|
||**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Restricted**
**Fund**
**Total**
**2020**
**Total**
**2019**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
19,280
19,280
25,762
-
24,656
24,656
21,746
-
1,268
1,268
4,060
-
932
932
2,446
-
2,184
2,184
2,915|
||**-**
**48,320**
**48,320**
**56,929**|
||-
644
644
658
-
651
651
616
-
-
-
313
-
-
-
113|
||**-**
**1,295**
**1,295**
**1,700**|
|||
||**-**
**49,615**
**49,615**
**58,629**|
10