StonesDS Supporting children & young people with Down Syndrome to lfil their poteMtlal. ri)) Annual Report 2021- 2022 Charity number 1182787 Report summary Our mlssi Is to help children and young adults with Down syndrome fulfil their potential. We do this by providing a range of servSces that help them to be social, have fun and learn. We support families, carers and professionals wlth social events and training. "Absolutely outstanding and invaluable support. Thank you. These services are amazing :)" Sarah. SSDS parent SDS works in: North Hampshire West Surrey uth West Berkshir SSDS Values Community Opportunity Independence Inclusion At Stepping Stones DS. we try to leod by example. We aim to be kind, show compassion and not under-estimate others, skills. We provide specialist support to families so that their children with down syndrome can thrive. We remain politically neutral and are not a campaigning organisation. 2022 2021 Total income 116,480 56,904 Total expenditure 131.235 90.466 Charity number 1182787 www.facebook.com/steppingstonesds @Stepping Stones DS @Steppingstoneds in linkedin.com/company/steppingstonesds Report Report from our Chair and CEO We had a year with almost every activity running in-person. and what a joy it was to be back! With record sign-ups for our extra-curricular activlties and social events. and a bumper year about to start school, we have been busy with all our age groups. We started the year in September with Waterbabies kindly offering a pro-bono class for Stepping Stones DS pre- schoolers. And we ended it in style with our much-missed summer party, wSth the addltion of archery for older children and young-at-heart adults to hove a go. 16 new families joined us this year, some moving to the area with young adults and some comlng to Stay and Play wlth o baby bump. For everyone's clrcumstances, we know that our community of support is vitol and we are privileged to be part of the journey. Fundraising continues to be competitlve and we are worklng hard to dlversSfy our income streams to make us more resillient. This yeor, we increased our income from grant funding and are hugely grateful to Sophie. one of our younger children who scooted 100 lengths of her road to raise more than £3,000. In the Autumn, we launched our updated brond, designed to reflect our mission and the full age-range of the young people we support. And in March we held a World Down Syndrome day networking event, at which guests heard from speakers including our very own Bella ond professional partners LETS Go! and Vlk Ralfs. who work with us. We would like to extend our enormous gratitude to everyone who has donated time or money (or both) so that we can continue our vital work. It really wouldn't be possible without you. Our long-standingc corporate partner. Rosemount Financial Solutions. was able to hold its fundraising ball in September, which was a delight to attend. Josh Mccormack Chair "Thank you for your assistance. Please continue to be amazing." -Jay. SSDS parent Alex Brewer CEO Charity number 1182787 We welcomed 16 A year in figures new families to Stepping Stones DS We supported In May 2022, we surveyed our families to find out how we were doing. Averoge ratlngs of our servlces went up to 4.72 out of 5 this year. There was a palpable sense of relief to be back 'in the room, in a consistent way. 71 pupils in schools with specialist knowledge. trainlng and coaching for thelr teachers We delivered "Just so wonderful to have someone else really 'see' our daughter and her potential." Sarah B - Stepping - SSDS parent Stones DS parent said: "Stepping Stones DS provides life-changing skills wrapped up as a big fun activity for children and young adults with Down syndrome. It's an absolutely invaluable service for our daughter and for us as parents, and has enabled Sophie to make huge leaps in her learning." tralnlng courses to professionals. parents and carers Stones DS parents gave an overage of 4.72 out of 5 for our services 56 Our young adults got the chance to try out some new sports this year. In September. we held a cricket taster doy and our summer party featured an archery session, both of whlch were very popular. families came to our summer picnic the first in three years. Our families New Families We welcomed 16 more new families to Stepping Stones DS this year - more than our average. Anyone with Down syndrome who is under 25 and lives in our catchment. and their family. can join. We do not charge for the vast majority of our services, to enable as many people as possible to particlpate. We support young people with Down syndrome. their siblings. parents. carers and professionals to help them fulfil their potential. Social activities We were very sad to have to cancel our Christmas party once again, but many of our familles came to our flrst trlp to the Panto In 3 years. And our summer porty In July 2022 was a day to remember with glorious weather, activities including archery, swimming and. of course. ice cream. The unknown journey ahead doesn't seem so scary when I know we always have the support of so many wonderful individuals. both staff and fellow porents... So. thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do." Chantelle. SSDS Parent What we do Early Years Early Development Groups These are the first step in our little one's educational journeys and help prepare them for starting school. Groups are delivered by LETS Go! and target a range of development including communication. speech, vocabulary and language, number, memory, reading, play and cognition. "Having this service helps me to keep developing my child's skills at home knowlng how to do it & keeplng at it. It's good for my chlld to Interact, meet & be guided by people other than myself." SSDS Porent Age range 4 months to 4 years "It's a learning curve not onlg for baby but for family too. It is invaluable." SSDS Parent Number supported 22 children Frequency monthly Stay and Play Our monthly Stay and Play coffee mornings have been very busy this year with a packed-out room every time. lots of chatter and play between friends and siblings. This is how Stepping Stones DS began and it's wonderful to see it so popular still. What we do - young adult Groups Young Adult Groups These groups alm to bulld confidence. frlendshlps and communlcatlon skills for a wide variety of settings. such as work. social and community. But most of all, they have fun. Age range 16 to 24 years Number supported 17 young adults 'Brilliantl Oliver loves it. He feels Ilke he has new frlends and can't wait to get to group." . SSDS parent Frequency fortnightly The expert team ot LETS Go! facilitates these groups which ore extremely popular among our young adults. They provide an opportunity to learn valuable life skills. make friends and practice communication in a safe and supportive environment. "I like the groups because I love chatting to Becky, Kim, Michelle and my lovely friends." Will H What we do School Outreach Mainstream Outreach Mainstream Outreach helps both pupils and schools to be more confident in their journey together. equipping staff with the knowledge & skills to support our children olongside their typically developlng peers. "The Outreach service has provided invaluable to support the teaching team wlth strategles to enable our son to learn alongside his peers." We supported 39 pupils In 32 Schools through our mainstream outreach programme this year. SSDS porent Special School Outreach In its second year, our Special School Outreach programme has qulckly become embedded as a core service in high demand. Delivered by Down syndrome expert, Vik Ralfs, the Special School Outreach Service has been designed to respond organically through regular termly visits and the development of close partnerships between everyone around each young person with Down syndrome. It's mode transition into school so much easier, we can't thank you enough." "My child goes to a 'speclal school, but there are different challenges the children face and the teachers cannot be expected to be experts in all disabilities. Therefore having the Outreach Service providing them with the best current advice and strategies to help my child reach her full potential is invaluable." SSDS Parent 32 pupils in 13 schools participated in this service. What we do Get Moving. Primary Dance and Drama Dance and Drama for primary age began back in person in September with 23 attendees thorughout the year. These classes are held fortnighly during term-time and help to develop confidence. coordination and strength. Huge thanks to our parent coordlnators who ensure everythlng runs smoothly. My son loves the groups and enjoys seeing his friends and we also get to see the parents and talk about how our children are progressing." SSDS parent Dance and Tennis for 11-24 year-olds For our older children and young odults. we run fortnightly tennis classes with Special Needs coach, Andy Warry; and dance which is delivered by Stopgap Dance. Both groups help develop strength, coordination and confidence through practice, self-expression and fun. "Our son loves the sense of belonging and purpose that he gets from going to these classes with his friends and peers, as well as the fun and enjoyment of the movement itself." SSDS parent Thank you! With huge thanks to our Grant and Trust supporters ommunity Foundation for Surrey co op COMMUNITY FUND TESCO Foundation Bags of Help FOYLE FOUNDATION 6Energise SURREY SHANLY- FOUNDATION COUNTY COUNCIL I FPIOLAIXI LOTTERY FUNDED THE ALBERT HUNT TRUST THE ¥ Hampshire County Council FOUNDATION COMMUNITY FUND United Way James Wise Charitable Trust UnFted Way Unlted Klngdorn Thank you! With huge thanks to our corporate partners. local businesses and branches for supporting our work. WE RECfCLE MTH TFRftACYCLE ! OSEMOUNT l inanclal Solutlons Lld 4splraiiiVl% lor Waitrose turtle tots. Morrisons Marketing • Spaces Maths For Life SURREY CRICKET FOUNDATION A Diff•r•ntiat•d Approach SURREY co op NIMA SKANEY P H O T O a R A P H Y -11 Day Lewis care OPPORTUNITIES TESCO EST. 2018 Local and national purchasing schemes: Amazon, EasyFundraising, Give as you Live. Thank you! We were thrilled to be back in the room for our 2022 World Down Syndrome Day networking event. Speakers included our very own Bella, alongside SSDS professionals Vik Ralfs and Sarah Horton (LETS Go!). Stepping Stones DS Amazing 5 year-old Sophie raised more thon £3.000 by scooting 100 times up and down her road. We ore so proud of herl 60PHIE5 ¥ SCOOT COUNTF **J¢Xx xx We love working with local groups and this year in particular were so grateful to.. Hook Fun Run and Road Races Overton Black Arrows And the many schools and nurseries who have fundraised for us. We would like to extend enormous thanks to Rich and Donna Paterson who supporte us this year with a tremendous donation of £10.000. Finally. there are many individuals who give regularly. make one-off donations or hold fundraising challenges. Without these small but mighty gifts. Stepping Stones DS would not be able to provide the services it does. Thank you. Thank you Gifts In Kind Thank you to our volunteers who have". Written birthday cards to all our children and young adults Coordinoted our extra-curricular activities Provided specialist services free of charge Helped run our events uuc A huge thank you to UBC for the provision of our Fleet office space worth £60,000 in the past year. Utited knress Centres , IffjMA SEANTEY P H O T O A P H Y Thank you to Emma Seaney for her fantastic photography of our World Down Syndrome Day Event. • bJF?Iiies Thank you to Water Babies for offering free of charge swimming lessons to some of our toddlers. water babies learn for Ilfe Stepplng Stones DS Sentinel House. Harvest Crescent Fleet. Hampshire. GU52 7ST 01252 417014 www.steppingstonesds.co.uk enqviries@steppingstonesds.co.uk Charity number.. 1182787 DS activities have been vitol i ncouraging motor skills and social skills and have been a lifeline for us parents from on early age. Thank you so much." Board of Trustees The 2021/22 Stepping Stones DS Board of Trustees We aim to have around half our Board of Trustees from Stepping Stones DS families. It is important that our board has lived experience of the challenges that Stepping Stones DS seeks to address. but equally important that we have direction and input from outside our community. Chair Josh Mccormack Vice-chair Irene Arthur Treasurer Rebecca Hitch Secretary Mlke Wainhouse (until Nov 2021) Laura Bryant (from Nov 2021) Our board members bring a range of skills and experience from diverse of backgrounds. However, we are always looklng for more trustees and to increase that diversity to ensure that we are fully representative of the communltles we serve. Others Despina Papadimitriou Jacky McKenzie Sarahjane MacAlinden Llz Phillipou Address: SSDS, Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Harvest Crescent, Fleet. Hampshire. GU512UZ Website: www.steppingstonesds.co.uk Email: enquiries@steppingstonesds.co.uk Bank: Cooperative Bank Charity number 1182787 Financial review Stepping Stones DS Income wos £116,5k (2021: £59.Ok). The significant increase from the previous year was due to an increase in grants. We are very grateful to have received grant fundlng durlng the year from Foyle Foundatlon, Hampshire Country Councll, National Lottery. Surrey County Council. Co-op. Tesco. United Way & Costco. Community Foundation For Surrey, Sport England. Shanly Foundation. James Wise Trust. Albert Hunt Trust, Syder Foundation and Arnold Clark Community Fund. Total expenditure increased from the prior year to £131.2k (2021.. £90.5k). The increase is driven by increased demand on our charitable activities and increased focus on fundraising. Overall. there was a deficit in the year of £14.8k (2021.. deficit £31.5k). The deficit this year is lower thon the previous 2 yeors due to our Increased focus on fundralslng and in particular grant funding received. Principal Risk and uncertainties Reserves pollcy This year Stepplng Stones DS was requlred to use reserves to brldge the gap between spendlng and the income recelved to cover Increasing expenditure. Stepping Stones DS reserves policy states that an emergency reserves fund held by the charity should be 3 months of the resources expended based on the next flnancial year expendlture budget. This equates to £56.5k for the flnancial yeor 2022/23. Stepping Stones DS operates a flexible cost model. at this level the trustees feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity in the event of a significant drop in funding while necessory action is considered to replace such funding or identify the activities that should be changed. The free reserves currently ovailable equate to just over 7 months running costs. Going Concern Our consolidated balance sheet remains strong. Covid-19 has significantly hindered our ability to fundraise in recent years and a fourth in-year deficit hos reduced our available reserves. While action has been taken to address this issue. which has assisted in reducing the deficit this year. demand for services and the costs of providing those services are both increasing. The trustees have reviewed the circumstances of Stepping Stones DS and consider that. at the current time, adequate resources continue to be available to fund the activities for the charity for the foreseeable future. The trustees. therefore. take the view that the charity is a going concern. Financial review Consolidated Statement of financial activities For the year endlr)g 31 August 202 2 2021 Income from". Donutions 4&620 .1B3 5.177 475 41,E182 lo,￿0 Grants Chor ituble Activities Investments 2,510 Total IrKome 116.455 59,003 Expendlture on". Ilui&iriiJ f u ri cjs Char ituble c)ctivities ILI.1119 82.682 29.709 57,476 2d324 Support LQSt5 Total expendlture 131.210 90,469 Net Income / lexpertdlture) 04,755) 151,466) Recondliation ol funds". Total funds brought forwurd 149.632 181.098 Total furKls carrled forward 134.877 149.632 All ol iho above iesulrs derived Irorn continuing activiiios. Financial review Balance Sheet As at 31 August 2022 2022 2021 Current Assets Cash at bonk ond in hand 154.877 134,877 149.652 149,632 Total Current Assets Net Current Assets 134.877 149.632 Totol Net Assets 134.877 149.632 Funds: Restricted funds 41.397 93,479 134.877 6,937 142,694 149.632 unrestrlcted funds Totol Fund5 Statement of cash flows For the year ending 31 August 2022 2022 021 Net Cash used in operating octivities Interest from investments (15,230) (33,976) 475 2,510 04.755) (31.466) Chonge in cash in the year Cash at beginnning of the year Cash at the end of the year 149,632 134.877 181,098 149.632 Financial review Notes to the financial statements 1. Accounting policies o) Statutory Information Stepping Stones DS is a charitable company limited by guarantee ond incorporoted in England. The registered office address and principal place of business is SSDS, Sentinel House. Harvest Crescent. Fleet. Hampshire. GU512UZ. b) Basis of Preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting for Charities. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts In accordonce with the Financial Reporting Standard applicoble In the UK and Republlc of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companles Act 2006. The financial stotements have been present in Pound Stirling os this is the functional and presentational currency of the Charity. c) Public benefit entity Stepping Stones DS meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102, d) Going Concern The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis and all operations are continuing. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. e) Income and Interest receivable Income ond Interest receivable are recognised when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity. n Expendlture Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal obligation to make payment to a third party. it is probable that settlement will be required. and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. ## Financial Review Stepping Stones DS Income was £116.5k (2021: £59.0k). The significant increase from the previous year was due to an increase in grants. We are very grateful to have received grant funding during the year from Foyle Foundation, Hampshire Country Council, National Lottery, Surrey County Council, Co-op, Tesco, United Way & Costco, Community Foundation Surrey, Sport England, Shanly Foundation, James Wise Trust, Albert Hunt, Syder Foundation and Arnold Clark Community Fund. Total expenditure increased from the prior year to £131.2k (2021: £90.5k). The increase is driven by increased demand on our charitable activities and increased focus on fundraising. Overall, there was a deficit in the year of £14.8k (2021: deficit £31.5k). The deficit this year is lower than the previous 2 years due to our increased focus on fundraising and in particular grant funding received. ## Principal Risk and uncertainties ## Reserves policy This year Stepping Stones DS were required to use reserves to bridge the gap between spending and the income received to cover increasing expenditure. Stepping Stones DS reserves policy states that an emergency reserves fund held by the charity should be 3 months of the resources expended based on the next financial year expenditure budget. This equates to £56.5k for the financial year 2022/23. Stepping Stones DS operates a flexible cost model, at this level the trustees feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity in the event of a significant drop in funding while necessary action is considered to replace such funding or identify the activities that should be changed. The free reserves currently available equate to just over 7 months running costs. ## Going Concern Our consolidated balance sheet remains strong. Covid-19 has significantly hindered our ability to fundraise in recent years and a fourth in-year deficit has reduced our available reserves. While action has been taken to address this issue, which has assisted in reducing the deficit this year, demand for services and the costs of providing those services are both increasing. The trustees have reviewed the circumstances of Stepping Stones DS and consider that, at the current time, adequate resources continue to be available to fund the activities for the charity for the foreseeable future. The trustees, therefore, take the view that the charity is a going concern. Charity Number 1182787 ## Statement of financial activities For the year ended 31 August 2022 Charity Number 1182787 ## Balance Sheet As at 31 August 2022 Statement of cash flows For the year ended 31 August 2022 Charity Number 1182787 ## Notes to the financial statements ## **1. Accounting policies** ## **a) Statutory Information** Stepping Stones DS is a charitable company limited by guarantee and incorporated in England. The registered office address and principal place of business is SSDS, Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Harvest Cres, Fleet GU51 2UZ ## **b) Basis of Preparation** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Account and Reporting for 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) and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been presented in Pound Stirling as this is the functional and presentational currency of the charity. ## **c) Public benefit entity** Stepping Stones DS meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. ## **d) Going Concern** The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis and all operations are continuing. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. ## **e) Income and Interest receivable** Income and Interest receivable are recognised when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity. ## **f) Expenditure** Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal obligation to make payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Charity Number 1182787 ## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts** **Section A Independent Examiner’s Report** **Report to the trustees/** Charity Name **members of** Steppingstones DS |**On accounts for the year**
**ended**
**Set out on pages**|31 August 2022|**Charity no**
**(if any)**|1182787| |---|---|---|---| ||||| ||(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)||| I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended **31 / 08 / 2022** . **Responsibilities and** As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the **basis of report** 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 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or - the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or - the accounts did 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. * _Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply._ **Date:** 27/06/2023 **Signed: Name:** Victoria Worsfold **Relevant professional** FCPFA – Fellow Chartered Institute Public Finance Accountancy (CIPFA) **qualification(s) or body (if any):** 1 **Oct 2018** **IER** Mansell Street ## **Address:** London ## **Section B Disclosure** Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). **Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** . 2 **Oct 2018** **IER**