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2024-03-31-accounts

Learn..,Thrive IFT* JI I" Thrive INSIAUGTOR Rw/rJ. 2023/24 Annual

We'd like to thank all our donors for their generous support

£171,700

Learn and Thrive is forever growing, learning and developing; none of which would be possible without the contributions of those who worked tirelessly on the projects: the employees, trustees, volunteers, supporters and funders.

Raised across all our funding streams for 23/24

Its brilliant - scaffolds the things that at school she's getting in one lesson.. pre and post learning with these resources has made it so much easier... thank you!

Selena Chapman - Parent

I can’t stress enough how fantastic your videos are. The topics are totally on point for what Olivia is learning and “The Hand Clapping Rap” and “Time to Rhyme” are welcome additions to the videos we’ve watched as Olivia loves the fun musical elements.

I have learnt new skills and practices which I now include in our daily schedule all of which have helped me support and develop my student. We also watch these alongside his peers as a class (in mainstream) so everyone is included in his learning and they all love the videos too! Nikki Burns - Professional

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Donna Lille - Parent
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VISION

A world where everyone with Down's syndrome thrives.

MISSION

Using digital tools to empower people with Down's syndrome to thrive throughout their lives.

The Objects for which the charity is established are exclusively charitable according to English law and for the benefit of the public anywhere in the world by advancing the education of children and young people with Down's syndrome and similar learning difficulties, including but not limited to, providing access to specialist teachers and therapists through digital content and other resources.

CHAIR’S REPORT

2023 was a year of continued growth for Learn and Thrive. Our unwavering mission remains breaking down barriers faced by individuals with Down's syndrome and enable them to thrive in their communities. This year, we focused on delivering our mission through the following strategic objectives:

During a very busy year we released two new series focussed on Caring Friendships and Being Healthy as well as starting to introduce our Learn and Thrive ambassadors who demonstrate every day the impact our resources have.

A sincere thank you to our fantastic team, volunteers, and generous donors. Your unwavering commitment has made a significant difference in the lives of individuals with Down's syndrome and their families.

Nikki Walker - Chair of TrusteeBoard

CEO SUMMARY

At Learn and Thrive, our mission to empower individuals with Down's syndrome has driven us to overcome challenges and make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. This year, we expanded our digital outreach, increasing awareness and establishing a stronger reputation among support groups, professionals, and users alike. Our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible resources is evident in the launch of three new video series, which attracted 979 new members to our Learning for Life project.

We also made a significant transition by integrating our Teach Me Too content into our member area, ensuring a more unified and streamlined experience for our community. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—88% of parents and professionals gained new skills through Teach Me Too, while 80% of those involved in Learning for Life observed positive changes in their students.

In an increasingly competitive environment, securing funding remains challenging, yet we have taken proactive steps to adapt. By diversifying income streams and enhancing our impact reporting, we are positioning ourselves for sustainable growth. We continue to prioritise community input, working closely with those we serve to ensure our initiatives meet their needs.

As we navigate these challenges, our resolve is unwavering. Together, we are building a resilient organisation, poised to continue making a meaningful impact nationwide.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to help everyone reach their full potential.

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Johanna Aiyathurai - CEO
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ABOUT US

At Learn and Thrive, our mission is to empower individuals with Down's syndrome to lead fulfilling lives through the use of digital tools. We understand the societal challenges they face and are dedicated to providing online resources to help dismantle these barriers, enabling everyone to reach their full potential.

Through our lived experience, we know that outdated stereotypes, a lack of understanding of unique learning needs, and limited access to services prevent people with Down's syndrome from receiving the necessary support within their communities. Nevertheless, we recognise that individuals with Down's syndrome are lifelong learners who, with targeted and specific assistance, can develop the essential skills needed to fully participate in their communities.

We are committed to keeping our community at the heart of decision-making and maintaining our dedication to co-production. By working together, we ensure that our initiatives are truly reflective of the needs and aspirations of those we serve.

Practical approaches are used to develop language skills through play, focusing on early learning concepts and skills.

This RSHE content covers personal health, emotions, relationships, and appropriate behavior from pre-teen to adulthood.

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Supporting more than
3,150
Children and Young People
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Safeguarding

At Learn and Thrive, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do, and our Learning for Life project exemplifies this commitment. The project is specifically designed to teach and empower young people with learning difficulties to identify unsafe situations and people, and to take appropriate action.

Through engaging and accessible resources, we equip them with the essential skills to recognise potential risks, set boundaries, and protect themselves. This is crucial for their personal development, independence, and well-being. Safeguarding is not just a responsibility for us—it is a fundamental part of our mission to enable young people to thrive safely and confidently.

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We maintain robust, regularly updated
Clear Policies
safeguarding policies that reflect current legal
and Procedures
standards and best practices.
All staff, volunteers, and trustees undergo
mandatory safeguarding training to ensure
Training
everyone knows how to recognize and respond
to concerns.
Background checks and safeguarding protocols
Safe
are in place during recruitment to ensure the
Recruitment
suitability of all individuals working with us.
We provide clear, accessible reporting
Reporting and mechanisms for safeguarding concerns and
Support ensure that swift, appropriate action is taken,
alongside ongoing support for those involved.
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The children have latched into the language and really enjoy the videos and then hands-on activities

118

Free learning videos

2048

Members accessing LFL

Hannah Wright - Parent and Professional

1835

Members accessing TM2

Action

Details

Outcome

Increased reach and awareness

Full time digital marketing output and attendance at conferences

Learning for Life video content

3 new video series created and released in the second half of the financial year

Teach Me Too content moved websites (Feb 24)

TM2 moved from external web browser to Learn and Thrive member area

Our Impact

At Learn and Thrive, impact is our top priority. We put the children and young people we support at the centre of every decision and actively seek community feedback to adapt and improve our projects.

The chart below shows overwhelmingly positive community responses. Through the Teach Me Too project, 88% of parents and professionals gained new skills and strategies, and 69% felt more confident when delivering learning activities.

The improvements overall in students have been significant. The sessions have helped students to clarify key terms such as personal space and they have really enjoyed the sessions. It has been really useful in reinforcing learning which is very evident in student interactions in lessons.

Philip Redman - Professional

Feedback for the Learning for Life project revealed that 80% observed positive changes in knowledge or behaviour of their student and found teaching the RSE curriculum easier. Additionally, 63% identified learning gaps they previously thought were secure, and 89% praised the variety and differentiation of the resources and worksheets. much.

Lovely work, we use these techniques as they are so effective, so its saves us a lot of time in creating our own. Thank you so much.

Sen Smallwood - Parent and Professional

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As a result of the videos, I have changed my practice and/or the way I interact with/teach the student
As a result of the project, I have asked others to change their behaviour/teaching approach with the student
The student found the Learn and Thrive projects engaging The videos were clearly presented
We will return to the Learn and Thrive projects modules and use it for overlearning and repetition
We would recommend Learn and Thrive projects to others
100
80
60
40
20
0
Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree
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The year in review

Learning for Life covers the RSE curriculm in a way that is accessible to those with additional learning needs.

It looks beneath the curriculum at the concept knowledge, that is often assumed, or not formally taught. Providing this underpinning knowledge for foundation skills; concepts such as public and private, emotions and relationships, to ensure the curriculum makes sense.

You are doing an amazing job - thank you. These resources are so direct and a lot less wishy washy than any other resources on RSHE topics that I have found

Susan Ainsworth - Parent

The completion of the 23/24 financial year, brought three more video series to the Learning for Life project; totalling 5 series of 48 videos and accompanying learning resources. 56% of video views were for our flagship series Growing Up and Keeping Safe showing core concepts of public and private, personal space and appropriate touch, taught in an accessible way is invaluable to the learning of children and young people with Down’s syndrome.

I want to thank you! I work at Oakley Special School and have been asked by so many parents to run a workshop on Puberty and Sex Education. I have struggled to find anyone to advise me or any appropriate resources until I found your website

Susan Benson - Professional

Members and Users

Learning Needs

Learning For Life gained 979 new members in 23/24 with a total of 2048 children and young people highlighting the increased need for this specialised support.

Of those accessing the project: 57% of sign-ups were Teachers and TAs 87% of users accessed the project from the UK

Interestingly, only 43% of members accessing Learning for Life have a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome, showing the project’s versatility to support other additional needs (57%) with similar learning profiles.

The year in review

Thank you very much for making the video resources available for schools. We have found the resources to be so useful and have implemented them within our practice in school

Teach Me Too focuses on early learning topics and skills, covering practical approaches to develop language skills through play.

It delivers key early cognitive and communication skills across five key domains of the Early Years and Key Stage 1 Curriculum. Compromising of 70 videos; organised under five threads - Literacy, Mathematics, Language through Play, Exploring Language and the Wider Curriculum – it provides fun, engaging activities using Makaton as well as speech to support learning.

Thomas Gallagher - Professional

The project’s relevance and popularity continues with 8732 views across our video content range. This is despite no new content being added in 2023/23 . 40% of the views are attributable to the Language through Play series; the most viewed series every month bar one.

Our five most popular videos were viewed 1759 times by 450 unique users , evidencing an average of 4 views per video and the importance of repetition in the learning style of children and young people with Down’s syndrome.

I often watch the videos to gain ideas of how to introduce a new topic to Che. The videos also allow me to see the best ways to teach Che based on his learning profile. The videos are also a good way to plan in which topic we will focus on each week

Toni Dayton - Parent

Members

Teach Me Too gained 752 new members in 23/24 to make a total of 1835 children and young people, highlighting that even without the launch of new videos, specialised early intervention support is still vital. 84% of users accessed the project from the UK

Learning Needs and Users

63% of members accessing Teach Me Too have recorded having a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome. 50% of the sign-ups in 23/24 were Teachers/TAs and 36% were parents or carers.

Impact Performance Data

Our mission is to help people with Down's syndrome live fulfilling lives with the aid of digital tools. The primary way we currently deliver of our mission via a library of educational videos and learning resources, providing critical teaching on key areas of social and emotional development and early years support.

24%

Increase in video content release for this financial year with three new video series launched in Learning For Life

48%

Learn and Thrive is recommended by 72 out of 150 Local authorities in the UK via their local offer websites.

68%

Increased reach to children and young people accessing the projects in 23/24 compared to 22/23

69%

Recent data shows 69% of traffic to our projects has derived from external sources and specifically increased personal recommendation

Our Reach

3883

97

Counties accessing Learn and Thrive

Number of children and young people accessing the projects in 23/24

Top 10 Counties Top 10 Counties
Greater London 154
Kent 113
Surrey 76
West Midlands 54
Lancashire 51
Hampshire 48
Cheshire 45
Essex 35
Devonshire 33
Warwickshire 32

Table shows the number of children and young people accessing the projects from each county.

Our Reach

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External social media
9.9%
Word of mouth
24.4%
Our social media
16%
Email
3.3%
Local Offer / government agency
1.1%
Local support group
7.2%
Professional recommendation
Our website 26.7%
11.4%
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Recent data captures where our users have heard about our services with 51% reaching us from word of mouth or a professional recommendation, highlighting an awareness of the positive impact our projects are making to the lives of the children and young people accessing them.

155

21,654

5726

Number of countries where someone has visited our website

Users visiting the website in 23/24

Number of children and young people supported by the projects overall

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Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Oct '22Nov '22Dec '22Jan '23Feb '23Mar '23Apr '23May '23Jun '23July '23Aug '23Sept '23Oct '23Nov '23Dec '23Jan '24Feb '24Mar '24
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Whilst there was missing data early in the financial year (depicted with grey box) we can clearly demonstrate increased reach across all our social media channels for 23/24 with Facebook topping 2800 followers.

Adapting to Funding Challenges: Diversifying Income and Strengthening Community Ties

Securing grants and donations has become increasingly difficult this year, with heightened competition among charities and a tightening of available funding. Despite these obstacles, our commitment to our mission remains steadfast. We are actively adapting to this challenging landscape by refining our approach. This includes producing detailed impact reports, enhancing our marketing strategies, and ensuring that our content and design remain current and engaging.

To address the funding shortfall, we are diversifying our income streams by pursuing corporate partnerships and exploring additional funding opportunities. We are also investing in our staff to enhance our success with grants and trusts and building robust stewardship processes across all areas. Additionally, we continue to prioritise community feedback and collaborate closely with those we serve through coproduction and joint initiatives. By staying focused on our objectives and building a resilient organisation, we are well-positioned to navigate these challenging times and continue making a meaningful impact.

Challenges of Being a Small National Charity

As a small national charity, we face distinct challenges compared to local organisations. Our work spans across the country, requiring a broader reach and more complex logistics. While local charities benefit from closer ties with their communities and more targeted support, we must navigate diverse regional needs and build relationships on a national scale. These challenges are compounded by limited resources, making it

essential for us to be strategic in our outreach and efficient in our operations. However, we intend to turn this challenge into an opportunity by forging partnerships with local charities. By collaborating with organisations that have established connections and expertise in specific regional areas, we aim to tap into local insights and strengthen our impact across communities.

Despite these hurdles, our commitment to our mission drives us to adapt and innovate, ensuring we effectively support and engage with communities nationwide.

TREASURER’S REPORT

We have had another exciting year, with lots of new content produced for our website, supported by our funders that span individuals, grants and trusts.

In the 12-months to 31st March 2024, we generated income of £177,550 (of which, £173,907 was restricted funding) from numerous grants, trusts, as well as from generous individual donors supporting a successful fundraising event - a Dragon Boat Race - with our trustees, staff and friends and family, that generated almost £17,000 in restricted funds to support our caring friendship project.

We incurred a total of £142,645 expenditure, which, in line with last year, primarily related to contracted services for content development, salary costs and advertising/marketing costs. These continue to be our main categories of expenditure. We are actively planning for the coming year's spending needs, with a clear pipeline of content that will be developed in the coming months.

The charity remains in a stable financial position, with funds carried forward totalling £186,660 at the end of the year. We finished the year with our unrestricted funds available at £69,278 which is on track for our reserves policy. Other monies are restricted to specific projects or areas of work within the charity.

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Kate Taylor - Treasurer
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LEARN AND THRIVE

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Learn and Thrive

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Learn and Thrive for the period ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

I report in respect of my examination of the Trustee’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 2011 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records.

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.

Stuart Rosling FCCA

Ashdown Hurrey Auditors Limited 20 Havelock Road Hastings East Sussex TN34 1BP

Date: 11 September 2024

LEARN AND THRIVE

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
RECEIPTS
Grants
2
Donations
3
Interest
4
Charitable Activities
5
Total
PAYMENTS
Costs of Generating Funds
6
Charitable Activities
7
Management and Administration Costs
8
Total
NET RECEIPTS / (PAYMENTS)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
9
Transfers between funds
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
funds
£
-
3,309
334
-
3,643
3,722
10,259
488
14,469
(10,826)
-
80,104
69,278		 Restricted
funds
£
159,940
13,855
-
112
173,907
11,839
110,457
5,880
128,176
45,731
-
71,651
117,382		 Year Ended
31.03.2024
Total funds
£
159,940
17,164
334
112
177,550
15,561
120,716
6,368
142,645
34,905
-
151,755
186,660		 Year Ended
31.03.2023
Total funds
£
73,334
68,130
184
316
141,964
5,282
77,009
4,555
86,846
55,118
-
96,637
151,755

LEARN AND THRIVE

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Monetary Assets
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Debtors
Accounts Receivable
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable		 Unrestricted
funds
£
69,278
69,278
-
-
-
-		 Restricted
funds
£
117,382
117,382
-
-
-
-		 31.03.2024
Total funds
£
186,660
186,660
-
-
-
-		 31.03.2023
Total funds
£
151,755
151,755
-
-
9,479
9,479

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 2 October 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

………………………………… K Taylor - Trustee

………………………………… N Walker - Trustee

LEARN AND THRIVE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.

2. GRANTS

Grants - 21 Together
Grants - Peter Harrison
Grants - Arnold Clark
Grants - Albert Hunt
Grants - Brian Murtagh
Grants - KCF - Friday
Grants - KCF Barrett
Grants - FP Whittingham
Grants - KCF/ KCC Digital
Grants - KCF CYP
Grants - David Solomons
Grants - Groundwork/ Tesco
Grants - Marsh Charitable Trust
Grants - Philip & Connie Phillips
Grants - Cantiacorum
Grants - Bentley
Grants - Postcode Lottery
Grants - Operations & Development
Grants - The Lawson Trust
DONATIONS
Donations - Corporate
Donations - Fundraising Platform (was Enthuse)
Donations - Fundraising Pages External
Donations - Individuals (individuals)
Gift Aid		 31.03.2024
£
-
22,500
-
-
5,000
-
-
50,000
-
4,440
-
2,500
-
-
-
500
25,000
50,000
-
159,940
31.03.2024
£
100
14,340
235
-
2,488
17,164		 31.03.2023
£
39,764
-
1,000
2,000
-
5,500
4,000
-
6,000
-
500
1,000
500
5,000
3,070
-
-
-
5,000
73,334
31.03.2023
£
191
14,982
-
50,345
2,612
68,130

3. DONATIONS

LEARN AND THRIVE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4.
INTEREST
Interest - CAF Account
5.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES INCOME
Shop Product Sales
6.
COST OF GENERATING FUNDS
Fundraising Products Brought
Advertising & Marketing
7.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES EXPENDITURE
Direct Wages
General Expenses
Pension Costs
Recruitment
Resource Creation
Staff Training
Travel - National
Venue Cost
Bought-in Services
Expert Costs
Fliming Costs		 31.03.2024
£
334
334
31.03.2024
£
112
112
31.03.2024
£
4,071
11,489
15,561
31.03.2024
£
71,585
790
2,628
273
1,582
1,265
1,609
-
12,750
26,158
2,076
120,716		 31.03.2023
£
184
184
31.03.2023
£
316
316
31.03.2023
£
31
5,251
5,282
31.03.2023
£
35,232
296
1,774
89
471
10
164
978
37,996
-
-
77,009

LEARN AND THRIVE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

8. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION COSTS

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION COSTS
Audit & Accountancy Fees
Payroll Fees
IP, Licence, Permissions
Website Maintenance
Bank Fees
IT Software & Consumables
Postage, Freight & Courier
Subscriptions
Insurance
Office Equipment		 31.03.2024
£
1,635
549
48
446
60
548
21
1,984
383
694
6,368		 31.03.2023
£
1,313
-
44
418
72
-
23
2,201
483
-
4,555

9.

RESTRICTED FUNDS

Fund Name
21 Together
Peter Harrison
Bentley
Brian Murtagh Trust
FP Whittingham
KCF - Friday
KCF Barrett
KCF / KCC Digital
KCF CYP
LFL
Postcode Lottery
Resource Creation
Groundwork/ Tesco
Marsh Charitable Trust
Phillip + Connie Phillips
Cantiacorum
Operations & Development
The Lawson Trust		 01.04.2023
Receipts
Payments
Transfers
£
£
£
£
13,211
-
(13,211)
-
-
22,500
(9,750)
-
-
500
(500)
-
-
5,000
(5,000)
-
-
50,000
(10,000)
-
5,500
-
(5,500)
-
4,000
-
(4,000)
-
2,277
-
(2,277)
-
-
4,440
-
-
35,000
-
-
-
-
25,000
-
-
80
112
-
-
1,000
2,500
(3,500)
-
500
-
(500)
-
3,250
-
(3,250)
-
1,833
-
(1,833)
-
-
50,000
(50,000)
-
5,000
-
(5,000)
-
71,651
160,052
(114,321)
-		 31.03.2024
£
-
12,750
-
-
40,000
-
-
-
4,440
35,000
25,000
192
-
-
-
-
-
-
117,382

Charity Number: 1195053 Email: contact@learnandthrive.org.uk TEL: 0300 102 4553

Trustees during the reporting period: April 23 - March 24

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Name Date Appointed Date Stood Down Role
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Name Date Appointed Date Stood Down Role
Nicola Walker 05 July 2021 Chair
Kate Rosanna Taylor 22 September 2021 Treasurer
Karen Michelle McGuigan 05 July 2021 Trustee
Shilpa Bose 05 July 2021 29th February 2024 Trustee
Andrea Melanie Wilson 05 July 2021 Trustee
Andreas Lundberg 25 January 2023 20 December 2023 Trustee
Sophie Evitts 25 January 2023 20 December 2023 Trustee
Maja Trninic 12 March 2024 Trustee
Clair Smith 12 March 2024 Trustee

The Key Management Personnel are the Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Johanna Aiyathurai – CEO

Registered Office: 265 Maidstone Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 0HA

Operational Address: MCSC, Marsham Street, Maidstone, ME14 1HH

Independent Examiner: S R Sampson BFP FCA FCIE DChA, Ashdown Hurrey Auditors Limited, 20 Havelock Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1BP

Bank: CAF Bank, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA

Governance and Structure:

Type of governing document Foundation Registered 05 July 2021

How the charity is constituted Foundation CIO

Trustee selection methods

Trustees are appointed by the existing Trustees

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees:

Nicola Walker Chair

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Nikki Walker - Chair of TrusteeBoard
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Kate Taylor Treasurer

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Kate Taylor - Treasurer
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Learn and Thrive Charity Number: 1195053 Year ending March 31st 2024 www.learnandthrive.org.uk

Annual Report 2023/2024