Charity registration no:1182413
PREMIER LEARNING ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021
PREMIER LEARNING
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| _______________ | _______________ |
|---|---|
| Trustees | E Frost |
| A Ducker | |
| C Lee | |
| Charity number | 1182413 |
| Address | Premier Learning |
| C/O 16 School Grove | |
| Aston | |
| Sheffield | |
| S26 2DF | |
| Independent Examiner | Emma Broad |
| Banker | RBS |
| Rotherham | |
| S66 0AA |
PREMIER LEARNING TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st December 2021
The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2021. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). This report serves the purpose of both a trustees’ report, and a directors’ report under company law.
In setting plans and priorities for areas of work Premier Learning has had regard to the guidance from the Charity Commission on the provision of Public Benefit, with particular attention paid to how planned activities will contribute to meeting the objectives of Premier Learning.
Objectives and activities
To advance the education of the public, in particular (but not exclusively) those living in North East England who are unable to communicate due to lack of English language skills, in the subjects of English language and IT skills, through the provision of educational courses and activities.
Charitable purposes (Public Benefit)
Premier Learning benefits the public through the provision of free English skills courses.
An example of a recent specific project successfully completed is Controlling Migration Fund. The project achieved its targets in terms of learner numbers with 96% pass rate for the accredited ESOL courses.
In addition:
-
Students who are illiterate in their first language were supported with some small group sessions
-
Identifying and addressing the needs of the local community through community development
-
Promotion of equal opportunities for everyone
-
Adults gaining functional literacy skills
-
Increase in the number of registered volunteers from the community
-
Increased cultural awareness within communities
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the 2011 Charity Act to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit.
At the start of 2021 we were continuing to deliver blended learning with smaller groups and online provision. We were supporting some 80 students in language learning capacity. It was evident that the lower level students were struggling to learn online as well as understand how to use devices. Our delivery model and requirements were constantly changing and needed to be adapted. We were faced again with a lack of devices, access to the Internet and having to communicate remotely with learners. This was a challenging but resilient time for the staff and organisational decisions had to be constantly adapted.
Once again we were in a similar situation to 2020 and that we needed to change our approach from ensuring all were learning to that of more pastoral support. This was difficult as many did not speak English sufficiently, did not have a device, did not have Wifi and certainly did not have the finances to buy devices. This was further linked with the lack of digital skills that our client group did not possess.
With continuation funding, Good Things Foundation, we started the distribution of devices with Internet on legs to those most in need. This helped them learn at home. We were able to loan some 40 devices from mobile phone companies for two years on a contract basis so we could provide learning opportunities at home. These were greatly received and demand outstretched supply. We returned to face to face delivery at Easter. We received additional Controlling Migration Funding, which covered our classes until July 2021. Some students took exams and we had a pass rate of 96%. Around 50 students took exams. This was a shortfall in previous years and some students had simply not made enough progress. We found that students who had higher levels of English progressed quicker and were more likely to take exams. These students had a device and were engaging regularly with remote learning. Our concern was the pre-entry groups so we secured funding to ensure they could attend in person classes twice a week.
Over the school holiday period we operated and we were able to use some of the Good Things Foundation funding to cover Learn My Way classes where students would benefit from IT and English together to help upskill them with their devices.
September was 100% back in the classroom with increased class sizes and more classroom time. We were successful in applying for funding to allow us to increase our delivery face to face and over six levels. By now, we had a robust system in place to support this where students would book speaking sessions with their teachers remotely and complete a series of activities on Google classroom. We were still facing a digital divide. We also continued to offer some online provision as demand was there, especially amongst students who are working.
Hotels were still being used locally to house asylum seekers in remote locations. We still needed to provide English classes for some people locally. We secured funding to support these individuals through SYCF and provided streamed classes for them being housed locally through the asylum system. This came with additional challenges as we had to organise things remotely and assess virtually. Some could not get to a class for an assessment session as they had no money from the Home Office. There were additional barriers as well. Some had no smart phones and little idea how to access classes.
September to December 2021 saw high demand for class places and waiting lists in operation. Even with our partnership working, there was a severe lack of ESOL places. Some organisations had not restarted so there were very few options where to refer people. Many conversation groups had folded so there was a lack of provision. Attendance was not as high due to health issues and child absence from school.
We have supported 282 students in some form of language learning at our Eastwood School provision in 2021. Hotel learners were 145 and we had 15 online learners. We continued with our learning ambassadors to help support communication, getting people signed up and generally staying in touch with us. We supported 232 people with digital skills. Most of this was done remotely through Zoom and the summer course.
The remainder of CMF which was ring fenced and continued despite us having to rebudget many times. This ended in July 2021. People’s Postcode allowed us to fund our main delivery provision for six months. SYCF allowed us to fund provision for people in the hotels. Arnold Clark funding allowed flexible funding so we were able to use this for small group literacy.
We still had targets set as part of the CMF funding. Students were due to be entered in January 2021 but we could not accurately assess students and be confident of their working ability during the lockdown period. It was decided that they would be postponed until face to face delivery could resume. The exams took place in July 2021. Around 50 took exams as part of this.
The remaining funding from the Good Things Foundation allowed us to continue to deliver Learn My Classes including language learning and IT skills. These funding was flexible as long as we met the targets within the agreed timescale, which we did
Two full time staff have been employed during this period providing invaluable support. One tutor was given the role of lead tutor, who coordinates online resources and the curriculum with support from the Trustees. This has now continued and staff have been trained in basic literacy and how to support people suffering from trauma. Classes have resumed face to face. All students are in class every week. We continue to support all students living locally to attend classes at school.The classes, groups and needs are changing all the time. Some students are being moved from the area and so class numbers are fluctuating. However, there are waves of new arrivals. The greatest need is at the lower end and the demand for pre-entry is great.
As we move forward into 2022, it has been necessary to diversify our funding sources and we continue to seek further funding to meet our client group’s needs. This will include lots of additional provision for people who cannot read and write sufficiently.
Financial review
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three- and six-months’ expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The main method of risk management is to take all major decisions at board meetings where all trustees can consider the risks rather than leaving the decision to people who operate the charity on a daily basis who will generally have a view from their particular operational perspective. However, we are constantly seeking new funding and commissioning opportunities for the sustainability of the activities and the organisation.
Structure, governance and management
The company became a registered charity on 1st March 2019.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:
E Frost C Lee A Ducker
Trustees are appointed either if recommended by the trustees or proposed by a member entitled to vote at a meeting. All trustees shall retire by rotation after three years but are eligible for re-election. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company.
All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
E Frost Trustee
Dated: 19th October 2022
PREMIER LEARNING
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF PREMIER LEARNING
________________
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Premier Learning
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Premier Learning (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2021.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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 charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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 financial statements to be reached
Name: Emma Broad
Relevant Professional qualification/professional body: specialist travel consultant
Address: Unit 4a, Fort Shopping Park, Erdington Birmingham B24 9FP
Date: 23rd October 2022
PREMIER LEARNING
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | 2021 | 2020 | ||
| Notes | £ |
£ | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||||
| Charitable activities | 2 | 22,223 | 48,042 | 70,265 | 109,584 |
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Charitable activities | 6 | 25,477 | 57,642 |
83,119 | 70,046 |
| _____ |
______ | ______ | _____ | ||
| Total charitable expenditure | 25,477 | 57,642 |
83,119 | 70,046 | |
| ______ | ______ | ______ | _____ | ||
| Net (expenditure) income for | the | ||||
| year/Net movement in funds | |||||
| _ | _ | _ | ______ | ||
| Fund balances at | |||||
| 1st January 2021 | 63,495 | 63,495 | 6010 | ||
| _ |
______ |
_ | ______ | ||
| Funds at balance 31 | 50,641 | 50,641 | 45,548 | ||
| December 2021 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
PREMIER LEARNING
BALANCE SHEET
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
_____________
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Fixed assets | ||||
| Tangible assets | ||||
| Current assets | ||||
| Debtors | ||||
| Cash at bank | 50,641 | 45,548 | ||
| and in hand | ||||
| Total asset less | ||||
| current liabilities | 50,641 | 45,548 | ||
| Income funds | ||||
| Restricted income funds | 48,042 | 77,894 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 22,223 | 31,600 | ||
| ______ | ______ | |||
| ______ | ______ | |||
| Total funds | 70,265 |
109,584 |
The company was entitled to exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 22 October 2022
E Frost Trustee
PREMIER LEARNING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Premier Learning is a CIO organisation currently delivering at Eastwood Village Primary School, Eldon Road S65 1RD.
1.1 Accounting convention
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's memorandum and articles of association, the Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and “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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
PREMIER LEARNING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Accounting policies (Continued)
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Incoming resources
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
1.5 Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
PREMIER LEARNING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Accounting policies (Continued)
Charitable activities
These are costs incurred on the charity's educational operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including independent examination, strategic management, trustees' meetings and reimbursed expenses.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Land & buildings 6.67% straight line Plant and machinery 33% straight line Fixtures, fittings & equipment 15% reducing balance Motor vehicles 25% reducing balance
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.
PREMIER LEARNING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Accounting policies (Continued)
1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.8 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1 .9 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
PREMIER LEARNING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Accounting policies (Continued)
1.10 Restricted and unrestricted funds
Restricted funds are those received from donors which are subject to restrictions on the purposes for which they may be used. Unrestricted funds are those where there are no externally imposed restrictions and include funds freely available to the charity for expenditure or appropriation to reserves for internally designated purposes.
2 Income from charitable activities
| Restricted income funds | 48,042 | 77,984 |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds |
22,223 | 31,600 |
| ______ | ______ | |
| ______ | ______ | |
| Total funds |
70,256 | 109,584 |
| 3 Expenditure relating to charitable activities | ||
| Governance costs | 2021 | 2020 |
| £ |
£ | |
| 500 | 500 |
Governance costs include payments of £500 in respect of independent examination fees for 2020 and 2021
PREMIER LEARNING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Trustees
The role of one of the trustees has provided a necessary service to the charity. In order for this to happen the following has been adhered to:
-
A written agreement between the charity and the trustee (or connected person) being paid is in place.
-
The exact or maximum amount to be paid is specified.
-
Procedures are put in place to ensure that we do not allow payments or other benefits to half or more than half of the board as the number of trustees receiving any payment.
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.
5 Taxation
The organisation is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from charge to corporation tax on its charitable activities.
PREMIER LEARNING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Restricted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
| Movement | in funds | Movement in funds | Movement in funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming | Resources | Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Balance at | |||
| Resources | expended | 1 January 2021 | resources | expended | 31 December | 2021 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| RMBC | 17373 | (17373) | - | - | - | |||
| SYCF | 9890 | (9890) | - | - | - | - | ||
| SYCF |
5000 | (5000) | - | - | - | - | ||
| Good | ||||||||
| Things | 15933 | (15933) | - | - | - | - | ||
| Lottery | ||||||||
| People’s | ||||||||
| Postcode | 18060 | (18060) | - | - | - | - | ||
| Arnold Clark 1000 | (1000) | - | - | - | - | |||
| Trinity | 500 | (500) | ||||||
| Harry Bottom 2500 | (2500) | - | - | - | - | |||
| _____ | _ | __ | _ ______ |
______ | ||||
| 70256 | (70256) | _ | _ | _ | _ |
RMBC: funding as part of the controlling migration fund to provide ESOL and employability classes and additional add ons.
SYCF: large and small grant to fund hotel provision and additional small groups Good Things Foundation: IT skills and Learn My Way sessions People’s Postcode: Course provision for six months Arnold Clark: General running costs Trinity: Exam fee donation Harry Bottom: General running costs
7 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year.