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2024-07-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1179496

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

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Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees 2 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Statement of Financial Position 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 12
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THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Trustees Faiza Akram
Asha Khalique
Nisar Raja (resigned 10.11.23)
Kamran Chaudhary (appointed 10.11.23)
Javed Chaudhary (appointed 10.11.23)
Principal address The Bestlight Community Hub
9 Market Square
Nelson
Lancashire
BB9 7LP
Registered charity number 1179496
Independent examiner Xeinadin
Ground Floor
Citygate
Longridge Road
Preston
PR2 5BQ

Page 1

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Charitable objectives

To provide educational, health and sports development initiatives for the public benefit, serving the communities of Pendle and East Lancashire. To provide a well-being and spiritual centre for the public benefit, supporting community cohesion and opportunity for all.

Review of Activities and Achievements

From 1st August 2023 to 31st July 2024, LightBeam Academy has continued to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and meet growing local need. With a strong base at the BestLight Community Hub in Market Square, Nelson, the Academy delivered a wide-ranging programme of education, health, sport, cultural and well-being activities to children, young people and adults in the heart of a significantly deprived community.

Primary Education (Ages 5-11)

The 2023-24 academic year welcomed 36 primary-aged students, an increase from the previous year. The curriculum continued to focus on moral and character development from a faith-based perspective, alongside core literacy skills. Classes ran 6 days a week, with students attending three sessions per week, providing a structured, nurturing and consistent learning environment.

Secondary Education (Ages 11-16)

Our weekend programme for secondary-age students remained stable with continued interest and engagement. Students attended weekly 2-hour sessions, focusing on personal development, social responsibility, and faithinformed ethical thinking. Topics included identity, self-discipline, community involvement and contemporary social issues.

Reception Programme (Ages 4-5)

The Reception programme for early learners remained a vital introduction to the Academy for many families. Three Sunday morning sessions served over 30 children, using a play-based approach to promote confidence, creativity and communication.

Sports, Health and Wellbeing

Health and wellbeing remained a key focus for the Academy throughout 2023-24. We delivered a wide variety of fitness and resilience-building activities, including:

We also hosted weekly yoga and mindfulness workshops, contributing to mental wellbeing in a high-stress environment shaped by deprivation and social challenges.

Education and Skills for Adults

The Academy continued to work with partners to deliver Adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), Maths support, and digital skills training, helping local residents improve their employability and confidence.

In 2024, we piloted a parenting and relationships course, supporting family wellbeing and better home-learning environments.

Community and Cultural Events

The Hub was a focal point for community-building and celebration. Over the past year, we hosted:

Page 2

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

We welcomed over 3,200 individuals to the Hub this year across all our services and activities.

Partnerships and Support

We remain deeply grateful to our partners, funders and collaborators, including:

Together, they help us maintain and expand our offer to the people of Nelson.

Objectives and activities

Governance, Volunteers and Staff

The number of volunteers at the Academy grew to over 30, with many supporting teaching, mentoring, and events. Our staff team expanded to meet the growing demand for high-quality delivery, safeguarding, and project management

.

We continued to invest in the infrastructure of the BestLight Community Hub, improving the safety, accessibility and warmth of our facilities - including a focus on refurbishing our sports hall and enhancing security in light of community safety concerns.

Financial review

It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds at a level which equate to approximately 3 months unrestricted expenditure. This provides sufficient funds to cover management and administration and support costs.

Looking ahead

The LightBeam Academy is now in its 7th year and remains committed to its founding vision - to nurture, strengthen and nourish the hearts and minds of the people we serve.

In the coming year, our priorities include:

Conclusion

The last year has demonstrated the power of community-based initiatives rooted in care, dignity and inclusion. As poverty and hardship grow in our area, LightBeam Academy remains a beacon of light and hope. We thank our supporters, funders, partners, families and volunteers for their trust and continued belief in the work we do.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

Page 3

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 27 May 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Faiza Akram - Trustee

Page 4

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Lightbeam Academy

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Lightbeam Academy (the Trust) for the year ended 31 July 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Farook Patel FCA

Xeinadin Ground Floor Citygate Longridge Road Preston PR2 5BQ

29 May 2025

Page 5

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Notes
Income and endowments from
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
4
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
2
Investment income
3
Total
Expenditure on
Raising funds
Charitable activities
5
Charitable activities
Total
NET INCOME
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
fund
£
23,226
95,659
27,384
-
146,269
14,893
119,808
134,701
11,568
33,383
44,951		 Restricted
fund
£
81,354
85,169
-
35,710
202,233
-
93,799
93,799
108,434
342,387
450,821		 2024
Total
funds
£
104,580
180,828
27,384
35,710
348,502
14,893
213,607
228,500
120,002
375,770
495,772		 2023
Total
funds
£
87,029
189,489
20,645
16,111
313,274
20,228
199,555
219,783
93,491
282,279
375,770

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 JULY 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
Current assets
Stocks
11
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
NET ASSETS
Funds
14
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total funds		 Unrestricted
fund
£
1,114
6,000
-
39,637
45,637
(1,800)
43,837
44,951
44,951		 Restricted
fund
£
291,762
-
180
180,089
180,269
(21,210)
159,059
450,821
450,821		 2024
Total
funds
£
292,876
6,000
180
219,726
225,906
(23,010)
202,896
495,772
495,772
44,951
450,821
495,772		 2023
Total
funds
£
251,298
1,925
-
145,558
147,483
(23,011)
124,472
375,770
375,770
33,383
342,387
375,770

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 27 May 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Faiza Akram - Trustee

Asha Khalique - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

1. Accounting policies

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management.

Going concern

Trustees consider that the charitable company has sufficient resources and there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. Accordingly, trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:

Fixtures & Fittings

25% Straight Line Method

Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise cash and bank in hand. Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise all creditors except social security and other taxes.

Page 8

continued...

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

2. Other trading activities

Shop income
3.
Investment income
Rents received
4.
Income from charitable activities
Activity
Tuition Fee income
Charitable activities
Grants
Charitable activities
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Tudor Trust
Magic Grants
HUBBUB Foundation UK
ASDA Foundation
HAF Pendle BC
Garfield Weston Foundation
Workers' Educational Association
Lancashire BAME Pact
Active Lancashire Ltd
Skelton Charity
Harold & Alice Bridges Charity
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Lancashire Environmental Fund
Dowager Countess Peel Trust
5.
Charitable activities costs
Charitable activities		 Direct
Costs (see
note 6)
£
164,373		 2024
£
27,384
2024
£
35,710
2024
£
95,659
85,169
180,828
2024
£
43,279
-
1,000
-
15,123
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,767
15,000
5,000
85,169
Support
costs (see
note 7)
£
49,234		 2023
£
20,645
2023
£
16,111
2023
£
87,080
102,409
189,489
2023
£
42,979
500
3,000
500
13,650
15,000
17,880
900
5,000
2,000
1,000
-
-
-
102,409
Totals
£
213,607

Page 9

continued...

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

6. Direct costs of charitable activities

Direct costs of charitable activities
Staff costs
Classroom activities
Donations paid		 2024
£
122,648
24,954
16,771
164,373		 2023
£
94,301
23,395
6,360
124,056
Staff costs
Classroom activities
Donations paid		 2024
£
122,648
24,954
16,771
164,373		 2023
£
94,301
23,395
6,360
124,056
7. Support costs
Governance
Management Finance costs Totals
£ £ £ £
Charitable activities 47,109 1,117 1,008 49,234

8. Trustees' remuneration and benefits

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 July 2024 nor for the year ended 31 July 2023.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 July 2024 nor for the year ended 31 July 2023.

9. Staff costs

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

10.

Teaching and admin staff
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 August 2023
Additions
At 31 July 2024
Depreciation
At 1 August 2023
Charge for year
At 31 July 2024
Net book value
At 31 July 2024
At 31 July 2023		 Freehold
property
£
245,425
43,555
288,980
-
-
-
288,980
245,425		 2024
25
Computer
equipment
£
10,801
964
11,765
4,928
2,941
7,869
3,896
5,873		 2023
19
Totals
£
256,226
44,519
300,745
4,928
2,941
7,869
292,876
251,298

Page 10

continued...

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

11.
Stocks
Stocks
12.
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
Prepayments and accrued income
13.
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
14.
Movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.8.23
£
33,383
342,387
375,770
Incoming
resources
£
146,269
202,233
348,502

Page 11

continued...

THE LIGHTBEAM ACADEMY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

14. Movement in funds - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.8.22
£
40,688
241,591
282,279		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(7,305)
100,796
93,491		 At
31.7.23
£
33,383
342,387
375,770

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
131,333
181,941
313,274		 Resources
expended
£
(138,638)
(81,145)
(219,783)		 Movement
in funds
£
(7,305)
100,796
93,491

15. Related party disclosures

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 July 2024.

16. Restricted fund

This fund represents amounts held in order to repay loans (Karze Hasna) provided for the purchase of the building at Market Square, Nelson, that is to be the hub of the charity's activities.

During the year Charity received below restricted grants for various projects.

Trust /Organisation Project Bal B/F Income Spent Bal C/F
Tudor Trust CDM & Finance Offier £10,745 £43,279 £43,010 £11,014
HUBBUB Foundation UK Community Fridge £1,500 £1,000 £1,500 £1,000
HAF Pendle BC HAF - Summer 2023 £2,310 £4,410 £6,720 -
HAF Pendle BC HAF - Winter 2023 - £2,775 £2,775 -
HAF Pendle BC HAF - Summer 2024 - £8,193 £255 £7,938
Garfield Weston Foundation Core Funding £6,250 - £6,250 -
Dowager Countess Peel Trust Lift Refurb - £5,000 £5,000 -
Lancashire Environmental
Fund Lift Refurb - £15,000 £15,000 -
Active Lancashire Ltd Archery/Boxing £2,500 - £2,500 -
Blackburn with Darwen
Borough Council Salary - £5,767 - £5,767
Total £23,305 £85,424 £83,010 £25,719

Page 12