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2023-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1184968

ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO) REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr Paul Dieppe (Chair)
Mrs Pauline Harper (Deputy Chair)
Mr Stephen Smith (Treasurer)
Mr Michael Edwards
Mrs Jenny Cooney
Mr Adrian Meldrum
Mrs Claire Herriott
Mrs Nadia Boyes
Mrs Hannah McNicholl
Mr Kaustav Dey (appointed 27thFebruary 2023)
Operational Management Committee Mr Paul Dieppe
Mr Stephen Smith
Mrs Marcia Rowlinson
Patrons James Carter
Julie Cohen
Dan Freedman
A.F. Harrold
Ambassador Katie Fforde
Registered Charity Number 1184968
Accountants C F Limited
20 Woods Road
Caversham
Reading
RG4 6NA
Bankers Lloyds Bank PLC

ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 – 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 – 13

ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the period from April 1[st] 2022 to 31[st] March 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 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)

Objectives and activities

The objects of the Charity are to advance the education and self-confidence of children in Berkshire, particularly by helping them overcome reading difficulties and thereby promoting their general well-being.

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

The Charity's vision is that every child should be a reader, with the self-confidence and skills to make positive life choices and contribute to their wider community. ABC to read has continued to provide public benefit by continuing to assist young children in Berkshire with their reading and literacy skills.

2021/2022 statistics from the Department of Education show that in early learning goals, goals achieved by children at the age of 5, literacy skills remain the area in which children struggle the most with the percentage of children attaining to expected level of learning remaining the lowest of all the skills assessed at 68%. This means that just over half of the children in the schools which participated in this survey have the reading skills of an average 5- year-old by the end of their first year in education. Children are seen to be persistently struggling with reading and literacy.

Furthermore, the same study shows that the percentage of Key Stage 1 pupils meeting the expected standard in the phonics is down to 75% in 2021/2022 from a previous 82% in 2019. Also, the percentage of Key Stage 1 children meeting the expected standard of reading in 2021/2022 is down to 67% from a previous 75% in 2019. These statistics reflect the disruption these pupils experience in their learning due to the pandemic. To rectify this issue schools, need the one-to-one mentoring help offered by ABC to read now more than ever.

We really value the ongoing support of our corporate and business partners. Our fantastic corporate and business volunteers made an incredible direct impact on children across Berkshire during a year that was also unprecedented and challenging for workplaces and teams. In particular we would like to thank Salesforce, Iain Mars from Pixel Cottage, Thames Water, Hammerson plc, Oracle Reading, Chris Barrett from Charity Mentors Berkshire, Pennington Manches Cooper, Invesco, Arlington Business Park, Harvester Mansion House, and The Caversham – Home of Reading Golf Club

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

The Trustees would like to thank the following organisations for grants made to ABC to read: Bracknell Town Council, Warfield Parish Council, Deloitte 5 Million Futures, AAIA, Crowthorne Parish Council, Heathrow Community Trust, Crowthorne Trust, Four Barrows Foundation, Reading Borough Council Small Grants Fund, Wokingham Without Parish, The Lexicon Charity Fund, Co-op Community Fund, Hadley Trust, Arthur Bate Fund, PMC Foundation, David Lawton, Iszi Lawrence, Reading Golf Club, University of Reading, De La Rue Charitable Trust, Neighbourly M&S, Andy Thompson Foundation, Reading Blue Coat School, Magic Little Grants Local Giving, Prince Philip Trust Fund, TKMaxx, Blevins Frank Foundation, RCES Community Grants Fund, Abbvie, Shanly Foundation, Gerald Palmer Eling Trust, Neighbourly Southern Co-op Food Stores, Edmond Godson Charitable Trust, Berkshire Community Foundation, Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, Arnold Clark Community Fund, Reading Abbey Rotary Club, St Laurence Church Charities and Tilehurst Square Dance Club.

We were very saddened to learn of the death of Paul Massey. We will always remember Paul as a very special person who provided much support to many children as well as vital help and determination in fundraising for the charity. We are sure Paul will be delighted in being able to make a final contribution as well as leaving a legacy. He will be very much missed by us all and our heartfelt thoughts are with Paul's family.

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

Financial review

The detailed financial position of the Charity is as shown in the Financial Statements. The Trustees consider the finances of the Charity to be satisfactory.

The Charity operates two main bank accounts. The Charity current account is with Lloyds and is the main account for the receipt of funds and donations made and can contain funds of both an unrestricted and restricted nature. This account is used for the day-to-day running of the charity. The Charity retains the majority of its reserves in a COIF Charities Fund with CCLA that generates a small amount of interest each month.

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 twelve-month’s 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. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

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.

Structure, governance and management

Assisting Berkshire Children to read is a CIO and is governed by a constitution dated was adopted on the 27[th] June 2019 and amended on the 13[th] August 2019.

The charity is not politically aligned.

The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr Paul Dieppe (Chair)

Mrs Pauline Harper (Deputy Chair) Mr Stephen Smith (Treasurer) Mr Michael Edwards Mrs Jenny Cooney Mr Adrian Meldrum Mrs Claire Herriott Mrs Nadia Boyes Mrs Hannah McNicholl Mr Kaustav Dey

The Board of Trustees meet once each school term. Decisions are made on a simple majority basis unless Constitutional or legal requirements mandate a greater majority.

All of the Trustees provide their services free of charge. None of the Trustees had a material interest in any contract of significance to which the Charity was a party during the period.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr Paul Dieppe Chair of Trustees Dated:

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Assisting Berkshire Children to read (the Charity) for the period between 1[st] April 2022 and 31[st] March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of 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

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

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:

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.

John Mack C F Limited 20 Woods Road Caversham Reading RG4 6NA

Dated:

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2022
Notes £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and similar income 3 66,696 - 66,696 48,755
Restricted grants 4 - 42,077 42,077 27,610
Other grants 5 20,000 - 20,000 31,900
Interest received from COIF Charity Fund 2,582 - 2,582 95
Other non-taxable income 351
Total incoming resources 89,278 42,077 131,355 108,711
Resources Expended:
Cost of purchase of tangible assets - 1,662 1,662 1,566
Governance costs 3,268 - 3,268 2,724
Total 3,268 1,662 4,930 4,290
Net incoming resources available for charitable
application 86,010 40,415 126,425 104,421
Charitable Expenditure
Volunteers' expenses including training, recruitment
& books 4 - 40,467 40,467 29,294
Running Costs 6 2,584 - 2,584 1,951
Managing and administering the charity 7 70,360 - 70,360 62,028
Total Charitable Expenditure 72,944 40,467 113,411 93,273
Total resources expended 76,212 42,129 118,341 97,563
Net movement in funds for period 13,066 2,460 15,526 12,714
Fund balances at 01 April 2022 142,622 6,765 149,386 136,673
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 155,687 9,225 164,912 149,386

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

2023 2022
Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 8 4,513 3,979
Current assets
Debtors and prepayments 9 840 630
Cash at bank and in hand 10 163,323 147,886
Total
164,163

148,516
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year 11 3,764 3,109
Net current assets 160,399 145,407
Total assets less current liabilities 164,912 149,386
Income funds
Restricted funds 155,687 6,765
Unrestricted funds 9,225 142,261
164,912 149,386

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 15[th] June 2023

Mr Paul Dieppe Chair of Trustees

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Assisting Berkshire Children to read is a CIO governed by a constitution adopted on the 27[th] June 2019 and amended on the 13[th] August 2019.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's constitution, the Charities Act 2011 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 have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

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, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. 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.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.

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.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the Charity.

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.

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies (Cont.)

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes.

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.

Cost of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity.

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.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Furniture and fittings – 20% per annum

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.

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).

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and intangible assets not yet available for use are tested for impairment annually, and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies (Cont.)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

3 Donations and similar income

2023 2022
£ £
School contributions 37,227 27,255
Sundry donations 29,469 21,500
Total 66,696 48,755
4
Restricted Grants
Grantor Purpose Balance
Amount
Amount Balance
b/f Added Expended c/f
Wokingham Without Recruitment of volunteers 500 475 975 -
Parish
Mobbs Memorial Books and games 600 - 600 -
The Earley Charity Recruitment of volunteers 3,000 - 3,000 -
The Greenham Recruitment of volunteers 1,500 - 1,500 -
Trust
Heathrow Recruitment of volunteers 1,166 873 1,476 563
Community Trust
The Prince Phillip Recruitment of volunteers - 1,500 1,500 -
Trust Fund – RBWM
Wokingham Town Support children in Wokingham - 1,356 1,356 -
Council
Warfield Parish Recruitment of volunteers in Warfield - 1,000 1,000 -
Council
Gerald Leigh Volunteer programme, Buddy - 15,000 15,000 -
Charitable Trust Workshops and support for Ukrainian
children
Shanly Foundation Transform children’s lives & gain a life - 2,500 2,500 -
skill
RCES Community Supporting Reading Borough Council - 500 500 -
Grant Fund schools
Blevins Frank Cost of laptops - 850 850 -
Foundation
The Lexicon Charity Recruitment of volunteers in Bracknell - 5,000 5,000 -
Fund
Andy Thompson Books and games - 500 500 -
Foundation
Heathrow Recruitment of volunteers in Bracknell - 78 78 -
Community Trust
Arthur Bate Fund Recruiting, training and supporting - 1,500 1,500 -
volunteers
The Four Barrows Helping children catch-up - 1,500 1,500 -
Foundation
Reading Small Training of volunteers - 3,000 1,000 2,000
Grants Fund
Crowthorne Parish Recruitment of volunteers in - 700 200 500
Council Crowthorne
Heathrow Recruitment of volunteers in Slough, - 2,250 - 2,250
Community Trust Windsor and Maidenhead
The Edmund Training of volunteers - 1,000 - 1,000
Godson Charity
Crowthorne Trust Supporting children in the local parish - 500 - 500
University of Wages for intern – Leorah Stewart - 1,995 432 1,563
Reading
Totals 6,766 42,077 40,467 8,376

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

Total of Restricted 6,766
Grants brought
forward from last
year
Total of Restricted 42,077
Grants added
during the year
Amounts 40,467
Expended during
the year
Balance of 8,375
Restricted Grants
carried forward to
next year

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

5 Other grants

5
Other grants
Total Total
2023 2022
£ £
Bracknell Town Council 1,000
Gerald Palmer Eling Trust 3,000
Berkshire Community Foundation 5,000
Love Your Neighbourhood, Local Partnerships – Southern Co-op 1,000
Abbvie Ltd 2,000
TK Maxx Foundation 500
M&S Gifting Grants 1,000
De La Rue Charitable Trust 1,500
Berkshire Community Foundation – Wellington College 5,000
Total 20,000 31,900
6
Running costs
Rent 1,456 873
Depreciation of fixed assets 1,128 1,077
Total 2,584 1,951
7
Management and administrative expenses
Printing, postage, stationery & telephone 2,596 1,423
Staff salaries 66,749 59,335
Sundry expenses 1,106 1,270
Total 70,360 62,028
8
Tangible fixed assets
2023 2022
Cost
At 1stApril 2022 12,836 11,270
Additions during the period 1,662 1,566
Total 14,497 12,836
Depreciation
At 1stApril 2022 8,856 7,779
Charge for the period 1,128 1,077
Total 9,984 8,856
Net book value
At 31 March 2023 4,513 3,979
9
Debtors and prepayments
Insurance 268 252
School debtors 512 270
Other 60 108
Total 840 630

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ASSISTING BERKSHIRE CHILDREN TO READ (CIO)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD 01 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

10
Cash at hand and in bank
Lloyds current account 29,130 26,133
COIF Charity Trust Fund 134,120 121,538
Cash float 73 216
Total 163,323 147,886
11
Creditors: Amounts falling within 3 months
Accountancy 2,150 1,960
Telephone accruals 208 144
Other accrued expenses 1,406 1,005
Total 3,764 3,109

12 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.

13 Employees

The charity employed an average of seven staff during the year.

15 Retirement benefit schemes

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund.

16 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during period.

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