TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
1[st] October 2023 to 30 September 2024
CHARITY NAME Kidenza CHARITY NUMBER 1190855
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023 - 24
| OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES | 3 |
|---|---|
| Summary of the Purposes of the Charity | 3 |
| Summary of the Main Activities | 3 |
| MAIN ACTIVITIES | 4 |
| Production of Showreel | 4 |
| Changing our offering to schools | 4 |
| FUNDING APPLICATIONS | 6 |
| WORKSHOPS | 7 |
| CONCERTS | 8 |
| Small Ensemble | 8 |
| Whole Orchestra | 8 |
| Schools’ Concerts | 8 |
| Special Needs School | 9 |
| Statement of Public Benefit | 10 |
| FINANCIAL REVIEW | 11 |
| End of Period Financial Review | 11 |
| Policy for Holding Reserves | 11 |
| Restricted Funds | 11 |
| Charity Continuing as a Going Concern | 11 |
| STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT | 14 |
| Type of Governing Document | 14 |
| How is the Charity Constituted? | 14 |
| Staff and Trustees | 14 |
| Salaried staff | 14 |
| Trustee Selection Methods | 14 |
| Reference and Administrative Details | 14 |
| Trustees | 14 |
| Advisors | 15 |
| ACCOUNTS | 16 |
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT | 18 |
| APPROVAL | 19 |
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Summary of the Purposes of the Charity
Kidenza provides live, educational, professional, fun orchestral concerts and workshops. Our aim is to inspire children to find out more about music, learn an instrument, maybe perform with others, or simply establish a love of listening to orchestral music for their enjoyment and well-being. We also support teachers with free resources and lesson plans which we hope will help develop their skills and build confidence in delivering an inspiring music education and better understanding of the benefits of music on children's all-round ability to learn.
Our mission: to shatter the misconception that orchestral music is stuffy and inspire every child from every walk of life to listen to and maybe be involved in making music for the whole of their life. Essentially, inspiring tomorrow’s musicians or at the very least, tomorrow’s audiences.
By working with schools, we can ensure that ALL children have access. This goes a long way to breaking up acquired beliefs that orchestral music is ‘not for the likes of us’ and helping to dilute the elitism that is currently associated with classical music.
Summary of the Main Activities
The previous year had been very difficult for our organisation. Years like this focus the mind and we started the new academic year determined to raise more funds and secure more bookings.
We wanted to show schools that we were serious about delivering a quality, value for money experience unrivalled by any. We wanted to work with each school to deliver whatever they needed to best enhance their learning outcomes, and this proved to be the year where yet again, significant changes were made to improve our offering. First, we needed a showreel that was relevant to our market.
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
MAIN ACTIVITIES
Production of Showreel
The only showreel we had was outdated. Filmed back in 2018 at a family Christmas concert, this was clearly not the right tool to be using for schools.
An exciting conversation with a philanthropist resulted in receiving funding to produce a new showreel, in fact with some clever editing and a different voiceover, we produced two short films: one for schools and one for potential funders. We filmed in May 2024, and we were able to start sharing the films in July 2024. We were all very proud of the end result and were excited to see if it had any impact on future bookings.
You can see the films here:
Schools showreel Funders showreel
Changing our offering to schools
Secondly, taking an orchestra to a school is not without significant cost. We wanted to show value for money, so it was important to talk to each individual school about what they wanted from the day. These conversations quickly evolved into us designing a bespoke offer which was well aligned with their learning outcomes.
Example 1 – Hilden Oaks School
A small, independent school who wanted us for the whole school day with workshops in the morning and just one concert at a different venue in the afternoon for the whole school and for parents/grandparents.
We designed three 50-minute workshops which were run concurrently. All pupils from reception to yr 6 participated and in each workshop, there was a mix of ages, so it was vital our delivery was pitched suitably for all ages. In each workshop, we covered the introduction of both musicians and their instruments (each workshop was a section of the orchestra leaving percussion until the actual concert), a short piece with all musicians playing together, a 20-minute exercise focusing on a specific musical element and then time for some Q&As.
The afternoon concert, we all agreed, was more interactive. The children felt as though they knew the musicians and we had referred to some of the pieces we played earlier on in the day, so familiarity was obvious. It was a totally immersive day, and we received the following feedback as well as enthusiasm for future bookings.
“… it was amazing to see the children so enthralled and enjoying the concert, and we’ve had so many parents message us saying their children have been raving about the day and how much they clearly enjoyed it…”
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
“The children have had the most wonderful day with Kidenza.”
“It goes without saying that the musicians were phenomenal, but they were also incredibly skilled at engaging the children and managed to pitch the workshops at the right level for all ages (including the staff!).”
“The concert this afternoon was superb and because the children had spent time with the musicians in the morning they felt part of whole experience.
I am certain that today will be a day that the children will remember for years to come.”
Example 2 – Hitchin Boys Grammar School
A state-run boys grammar school with good provision for music education who wanted our whole orchestra for the full school day.
We performed a ‘typical’ concert to yr 7 pupils for the first session. (1 hour). The second session was a much more intimate session for several of their GCSE and yr 9 and 10 pupils was well as some ‘high end’ instrumental players who sat amongst our musicians. This session was more a masterclass but with the opportunity to rehearse a piece that would then be performed to their peers in the afternoon concert (for yr8).
The head of music said “this was definitely the highlight of our school year. The boys thoroughly enjoyed it, and we have enjoyed reliving some of the highlights this morning in class…
Thank you again for all your efforts on making our Orchestra Day a huge success.”
The lead up to our visit to both schools involved many emails and several Team’s meetings, planning repertoire and understanding how best to achieve everyone’s outcomes. Both schools were grateful for the attention to detail and tailored approach, and it was clear that following these concerts, this should be our approach to all schools going forward.
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
FUNDING APPLICATIONS
| CanterburyUKSPF | unsuccessful |
|---|---|
| Jerwood | unsuccessful |
| Emerton Christie | unsuccessful |
| Thanet UKSPF | successful £4070 |
| Tesco Groundworks Eastbourne | successful £500 |
| Tesco Groundworks Horsham | successful £500 |
| Tesco Groundworks Gravesend | successful £1500 |
| Tesco Groundworks Sevenoaks | successful £500 |
| Tesco Groundworks Ashford | successful £500 |
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
WORKSHOPS
Our workshop, lasting 75 minutes, is suitable for KS1 and KS2. The children work together to compose a soundtrack to accompany a poem that will then be performed. Essentially, the children will be composers, musicians and perform in their very own orchestra. These workshops are delivered by either our conductor or our animateur.
The workshops this year were for Key stage 2 pupils at Edenbridge Primary School, Kings Farm Academy, Highfield Prep, Hawkes Farm Academy and Brambletye School.
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
CONCERTS
Small Ensemble
Hayes Park School, Middlesex. 270 Primary school pupils.
Whole Orchestra
Family Concert at Benenden School, Benenden
Schools’ Concerts
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Sevenoaks Primary School, Sevenoaks, Kent. 555 pupils plus parents and younger siblings
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Bohunt School, Horsham, West Sussex. 650 pupils including some form local primaries
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Hilden Oaks School, Tonbridge, Kent.
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Hitchen Boys Grammar school, Hitchin, Herts.
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
Special Needs School
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Chailey Heritage, Lewes, East Sussex
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
Statement of Public Benefit
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011. They believe that Kidenza is achieving and continually improving its public benefit remit by the provision of music education to young people through school concerts, workshops, and online activities, especially at a time when government funding for the arts is being cut.
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
FINANCIAL REVIEW
End of Period Financial Review
Kidenza has no debt and there are cash reserves which combined with confirmed bookings for the year 2024-25 will be sufficient to maintain the organisation for just over eight months not withstanding future bookings and additional funding
Policy for Holding Reserves
Kidenza holds two financial reserves.
Generic administration and family concerts
Funding secured for future projects.
Restricted Funds
£7070
Charity Continuing as a Going Concern
The Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, it continues to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual accounts.
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
Polic on Reserves y
1. Introduction
This policy sets out the approach of Kidenza to holding and managing financial reserves. It ensures that our charity maintains adequate financial stability to meet its ongoing obligations and protect its work against risks and unforeseen circumstances.
2. Purpose of Reserves
The reserves held by Kidenza are to:
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Ensure the charity can continue to meet its core commitments (e.g. salaries, insurance, utilities and any such costs related to the essential running of the organisation) in the event of temporary income shortfalls.
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Allow for orderly wind-down in the case of closure.
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Provide a buffer for unexpected emergencies or opportunities.
3. Definition of Reserves
Reserves are that part of the charity’s unrestricted funds that are freely available to spend on any of the charity’s purposes. They do not include:
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Restricted funds.
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Designated funds earmarked for specific projects.
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Fixed assets held for charity use (e.g. buildings or equipment).
4. Target Level of Reserves
Kidenza aims to hold unrestricted reserves equivalent to a minimum of three months of regular operating costs. Based on the current budget, this equates to approximately £2896
5. Monitoring and Review
The reserves level will be reviewed:
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At least annually during budget planning.
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Whenever there is a significant change in income or expenditure.
Any decision to draw on reserves or adjust the target level must be approved by the trustees and recorded in meeting minutes.
Telephone: 01732 362820 | Email: education@kidenza.co.uk | Website: www.kidenza.co.uk Registered Office: 35 St Marys Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 2LD Registered Charity in England & Wales 1190855
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
6. Building or Using Reserves
If the reserves fall below the target level, the trustees will agree on a plan to rebuild them over a reasonable timeframe.
Where reserves exceed the target level, the trustees will consider the most effective use of the excess in line with the charity’s objectives.
7. Policy Approval and Review
This policy was approved by the Board of Trustees on 23 July 2025. It will be reviewed at least every 2 years or sooner if there are significant changes to the charity’s financial position or activities.
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Signed:
On behalf of the board of trustees
Date: �����2�3� � �
Telephone: 01732 362820 | Email: education@kidenza.co.uk | Website: www.kidenza.co.uk Registered Office: 35 St Marys Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 2LD Registered Charity in England & Wales 1190855
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Type of Governing Document
The governing document is the Charitable Incorporate Organisation Constitution, 10 December 2019.
How is the Charity Constituted?
Kidenza is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Staff and Trustees
Over the course of this year, we have said goodbye to Barbara Stilwell, Oliver Dixon and Simon Daniels. We appointed Murray Taylor, a lawyer, in March 2024.
Salaried staff
CEO – Claire Lambert
Projects and Marketing – part-time. Self-employed – Jennie Harvey
Trustee Selection Methods
Trustees are appointed by the Board for terms of three years. The minimum number of Trustees is four and the maximum 12. In October 2023 six trustees were on the board, dropping to four in May 2024.
Trustees are appointed for their skill and experience in areas related to the charity’s operation, including music, education, charity management and fundraising.
On appointment, Trustees are sent an induction pack with information about the charity and their role.
The Trustees delegate day-to-day running of the charity to the CEO.
Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Name – Kidenza Registered Charity Number – 1190855
Charity’s principal address 35 St Mary’s Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2LD
Trustees
| Trustees | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name of Trustee | Office(if any) | Dates acted if not for wholeyear | ||
| Barbara Stilwell | Chair | Resigned 26 May2024 | ||
| Simon Daniels | Resigned 23/10/23 | |||
| Oliver Dixon | Resigned 20 January2024 | |||
| Alison Withey-Harrison | ||||
| Sophie Robertshaw | ||||
| MurrayTaylor | Appointed 7 March 2024 | |||
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
Advisors
| Type of Advisor | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant | Scott Moen | Orchard Corner, Freight Lane, Cranbrook TN17 3PF |
| Information Technology | PipMeadway | 35 St Marys Road,Tonbridge,Kent TN9 2LD |
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
ACCOUNTS 11go$ Recelpts and paymenls a¢¢ounts CC16a Fwth p¢rltyJ from T¥ 30024 Section A Receipts and payments RestrictEd funds fund Total funds La&typar IDIr¥t E ipj1roTt£ trJUnvrnt£ A1RK 11.114 11.161 GrBnl& ARI 3D.102 qnti JJ hi lJ25 72 ¢h¥ 72 500 22.747 7ai A4A¥¥0t In¥Blrnvnt urchas• Sub tolal Netofrncelptsqptrymenls) ASTran#fvr• beiwogn lund* A6Cash funds la•tyw •nd 7J5 5,679 12A65 I554 CCXXR1 acc47wlslS81 Kidenza (Charity Reg.. 11908551 Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
Section B Statement of assèts and liabilities at the end of the period Unmstrf¢tsd Rostrid¢d funds Endowm¢nt funds ion••stE B1 c lut)d$ To¢?$ luftds 13.034 Unrqstrfct•d fvnd¥ R•Btrfct•d funds Endowrnwt fundx Dgtall tDnHrHtt B3 Inv•slm•nt au•t FutsdttswNth B4A•sots rotalngd forth• ¢h•rW$ rtlai*% al B5 BXWIWB d byon• ofallthe nature NAme of roval STEPHEN HIGGINS 24101rk025 cCxX gcfyxrtslSSI Kidenza (Charity Reg.. 11908551 Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
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Report to the trustees Charity Name
Kidenza
On accounts for the year 30 September 2024 Charity no 1190855
ended (if any)
Set out on pages 1 of 1
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
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| I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above | |
|---|---|
| charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended30/09/2024. | |
| 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 | I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have |
| examiner's statement | come to my attention in connection with the examination 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 those records. |
|
| 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. |
Signed: Scott Moen Date: 24/01/2025 Name: Scott Moen Relevant professional ICAEW qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: Orchard Corner, Freight Lane Cranbrook TN17 3PF
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IER
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1
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Oct 2018
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24
APPROVAL
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature ……………………………………….
Full Name ………………………………………. STEPHEN HIGGINS TRUSTEE Position ………………………………………….
25/07/2025 Date ……………………………………………….
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Kidenza (Charity Reg: 1190855) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24