Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees Charity Name Sandy’s Farm On accounts for the year 31 March 2025 Charity no 1198058 ended (if any) Set out on pages 12 (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 31/03/2025. 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 (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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.
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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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.
Signed: Date: 18/07/2025 Name: Eleanor Brown Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 75 Queen Anne Road, West Mersea, CO5 8BA
1
Oct 2018
IER
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
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01/04/2024 Period start date To 01/03/2025 Period end date
Charity name: SANDYS FARM
Charity registration number:1198058
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of St. Osyth and surrounding areas the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time activities, particularly for individuals who are disadvantaged by youth, age, infirmity, disability, financial hardship, or social isolation. This includes the operation of a community care farm to improve wellbeing and quality of life. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
We provide inclusive educational and vocational experiences in animal care, horticulture, crafts, and environmental activities. Our aim is to increase confidence, independence, and social engagement, especially for young people and adults with special educational needs (SEN), disabilities, or those facing other life challenges. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees confirm they have had due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. |
| SORP reference | ||
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Sandy’s Farm is powered by over 20 dedicated volunteers. In addition to giving their time, they have supported us with donated materials, food, and other essentials. Their efforts keepthe farm |
| running 7 days a week without any paid staff. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Other | ||
| SORP reference | ||
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | During the year, Sandy’s Farm has provided hands-on opportunities for over 100 young people with special educational needs, disabilities, or social disadvantages through placements, volunteering, and alternative education. The launch of ASDAN qualification delivery on-site allowed students to achieve meaningful progress toward vocational and life skills. We completed and opened a new education cabin with donated materials and volunteer labour, enabling sheltered, year-round learning. Our weekly Young Farmers Club, goat- walking sessions, and Mini Pony Club welcomed dozens of participants from across the community, many of whom struggle with mainstream settings. The mobile petting farm visited schools, care homes, and community events, promoting inclusion and rural education while reaching individuals unable to visit the farm. Media exposure following a visit by MP Nigel Farage and coverage by GB News helped raise nearly £20,000 and sparked new referrals from Essex County Council. Volunteers recovering from addiction, social isolation, or unemployment reported improved wellbeing and a renewed sense of purpose through their involvement. Our work continues to bridge gaps in education, therapy, and social connection for vulnerable groups in Essex. |
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Sandy’s Farm set out to create an inclusive, supportive environment where individuals of all ages and abilities could engage in animal care, horticulture, and outdoor learning. We achieved this by: • Delivering over 100 structured |
| placementsfor students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), fulfilling our objective to provide practical education and personal development opportunities. • Launching ASDAN qualification pathwaysto support vocational skill-building in line with our mission to develop employability and independence. • Constructing and opening a new education cabin, enhancing our ability to deliver year-round services, and directly contributing to our goal of creating accessible learning spaces. • Expanding community engagementthrough weekly clubs and mobile outreach sessions, aligning with our aim to promote social inclusion and reduce isolation. • Sustaining operations entirely through volunteer support and donations, demonstrating strong alignment with our founding vision of community-powered impact. All these achievements have directly contributed to improving the quality of life, confidence, and skills of our beneficiaries, while fostering a greater sense of community and purpose. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Fundraising activities at Sandy’s Farm this year focused on generating core income to sustain free and low-cost access for vulnerable young people and adults. Despite limited capacity and no paid staff, we successfully: • Raised nearly £20,000following national media exposure, including support from MP Nigel Farage and GB News. • Received in-kind donationsof timber, fencing, animal feed, and construction materials, helping complete essential infrastructure like our new education cabin. • Launched a GoFundMe campaign, actively promoted across social media, which |
| helped attract small-scale recurring donations from supporters. • Attended community events and feteswith our mobile animal unit to raise awareness and collect contributions, expanding both visibility and income streams. • Submitted multiple grant applications(including National Lottery and Tendring District Council funds) in line with our goal to secure long-term financial sustainability. While we remain heavily dependent on volunteer support and one-off donations, this year’s fundraising performance has laid a foundation for greater future resilience and growth. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | Sandy’s Farm does not currently hold any financial investments. All available funds are used directly for operational purposes and charitable activities. As such, there was no investment activity during the period, and no investment objectives were set or reviewed. |
| Other | ||
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | At the end of the reporting period, Sandy’s Farm continued to operate with no financial reserves. The charity remained reliant on volunteer labour, in-kind donations, and direct trustee support to cover core costs. Although cash flow has been tight, the farm remained operational throughout the year thanks to significant community support and the personal contributions of trustees. Income from mobile farm visits, educational placements, and fundraising has increased, helping to reduce the deficit, though the charity remains financially vulnerable without core grant funding. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Sandy’s Farm does not currently hold financial reserves due to limited unrestricted income and high ongoing operational costs. As a volunteer-run organisation, any funds received are used immediately to support frontline delivery of services. However, the trustees recognise the importance of building a reserves policy and aim to establish a small operating reserve in |
| future years to ensure continuity of services and to manage unforeseen costs. This will be reviewed as the charity's financial position stabilises. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | 0 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | The charity operates on a volunteer-only basis with limited unrestricted income. All funds received are immediately used to support the delivery of essential services. Due to financial constraints and reliance on donations, Sandy’s Farm has not been able to build up a reserve. Trustees have personally supported shortfalls when needed. Establishing a reserve remains a future objective once core funding is secured. |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | Sandy’s Farm is experiencing growing interest and engagement from the community, local authorities, and schools. This has led to increased referrals and demand for our services. While the charity currently operates without core funding, the trustees are confident in the long-term sustainability of the project. We have submitted multiple grant applications and are in discussions regarding service agreements with Essex County Council. With continued community support and increasing visibility, the trustees are optimistic about securing the funding required to sustain and expand operations in the year ahead. |
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Community donations, mobile petting farm visits, educational placements, in-kind support, and online fundraising. Grant applications are underway to secure long- term funding. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
|||
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | FOUNDATION | |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO | |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | ||
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | ||
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | ||
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | ||
| Other | |||
| Charity name | SANDYS FARM | ||
| Other name the charity uses | |||
| Registered charity number | 1198058 | ||
| Charity’s principal address | 5 SEA GLEBE WAY JAYWICK ESSEX CO152EL |
||
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GARY CLARKE | ||||
| SANDRA MILLER | ||||
| ANGELA MORRIS |
| 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
ANNIE SANDS | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSAN NEWELL | |||||||
| Director name | |||||||
| GARY CLARKE | |||||||
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | ||||||
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
|||||||
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
|||||||
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, DIRECTOR Chair, etc) Date
Statement of Activity
Sandys Farm
April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025
| DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT | TOTAL |
|---|---|
| Income | |
| Donation | 69,069.75 |
| Refunds | 20.39 |
| Sales | 16,123.50 |
| Sales of Product Income | 340.00 |
| Uncategorised Income | 58.09 |
| Total for Income | £85,611.73 |
| Cost of Sales | |
| Gross Profit | £85,611.73 |
| Expenses | |
| Advertising | 122.50 |
| Animal Equipment | 2,177.64 |
| Animal Feed | 6,682.28 |
| Bank Charges | 102.31 |
| Craft | 330.69 |
| Farrier | 2,358.00 |
| Fencing | 2,712.75 |
| Fuel | 7,924.94 |
| Gas | 804.85 |
| Insurance | 2,030.08 |
| Purchases | 2,470.00 |
| Rent | 1,500.00 |
| Repairs & Maintenance | 1,596.57 |
| Service Charges | 45.00 |
| Services | 409.20 |
| Small Equipment | 2,559.59 |
| Stationery | 1,032.45 |
| Subscriptions and membership | 425.60 |
| Sundries | 5,721.62 |
| Telephone | 299.73 |
| Uncategorised Expense | 5.00 |
| Vehicle rent | 1,979.88 |
| Vehicles Repair & Maintenance | 6,333.51 |
| Vet & Medical | 1,064.85 |
| Website/Email/Internet | 684.22 |
| Total for Expenses | £51,373.26 |
| Net Operating Income | £34,238.47 |
| Other Income | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Net Other Income | 0 |
| Net Income | £34,238.47 |
1/1
Cash Basis Monday, July 21, 2025 01:25 PM GMTZ
Statement of Financial Position
Sandys Farm
As of March 31, 2025
| DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT | TOTAL |
|---|---|
| Called up share capital not paid | |
| Fixed Asset | |
| Tangible assets | |
| Horses / animals | 1,150.00 |
| Total for Tangible assets | £1,150.00 |
| Non-current Assets | |
| Total for Fixed Asset | £1,150.00 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | |
| Lloyds (1260) | 1,222.36 |
| Lloyds (7760) | |
| Nationwide | |
| Total for Cash at bank and in hand | £1,222.36 |
| Debtors | |
| Current Assets | |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | £1,222.36 |
| Prepayments and accrued income | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | |
| Trade Creditors | |
| Credit Cards | |
| Current Liabilities | |
| Total for Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 0 |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) | £1,222.36 |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | £2,372.36 |
| Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year | |
| Provision for liabilities and charges | |
| Accruals and deferred income | |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES) | £2,372.36 |
| Capital and Reserves | |
| Called up share capital | |
| Retained Earnings | -31,866.11 |
| Net Income | 34,238.47 |
| Total for Capital and Reserves | £2,372.36 |
1/1
Cash Basis Monday, July 21, 2025 01:23 PM GMTZ
Signature cover page
Sandy's Farm
Signed by:
GARY CLARKE
Signing request
Created:
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21/07/2025, 14:28:19
Sandy's Farm
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