2025-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Accounts 2025

For the year of 1 January to 31 December 2025 Registered Charity 1198362

1

Chattertots in numbers: 2025 Our impart in 2025 Families 5UPPOrted across Berkshbre 35 Chlldrtn Y••dwd thwh tyJrMr¥k 17 15 10 Summ•rt•m wKhthM•pv week*, lace-to-lace Rrylrt•r•d charhv 2022 h￿d Totsl Ivd(Qffl• £34,434 £54.647 £51,980 E4.lJ5re￿rkIEd

Introduc�on from the Trustees

The poten�al of children with Down Syndrome has never been greater. With the right support from the earliest years, these remarkable young people are thriving in mainstream schools across Berkshire, forming las�ng friendships, developing independence, and building founda�ons for fulfilling careers. Such outcomes would have been unimaginable just a genera�on ago.

Whilst local authori�es are expected to provide such essen�al support services, the reality is that provision o�en falls short. Some children receive no specialist therapy at all, and many schools lack staff with experience in the specific learning profile of children with Down Syndrome.

Cha�ertots fills this crucial gap in provision across Berkshire. Since our founding in 2015 and formal registra�on as a Charitable Incorporated Organisa�on in 2022, we have grown from

suppor�ng three families to thirty-five. Each family represents a child whose communica�on skills, confidence, and life opportuni�es have been transformed through early interven�on and ongoing support.

We have con�nued to grow our services in response to the needs of families across Berkshire, to make our governance more robust, and taken meaningful steps to secure the charity's long-term future. Above all, we have stayed focused on what ma�ers most - suppor�ng children to find their voice, and standing alongside the families who champion them every day. This report reflects on our achievements, a year that saw us expand our services, strengthen our organisa�on, and deepen our impact across the communi�es we serve.

2025 has been a year of real momentum for us. In 2024, we had taken the important step of appoin�ng Clare McIntosh (our founder) as our part-�me Charity Manager and CEO, providing dedicated professional leadership to complement the passion and commitment of our trustee board. In 2025, we saw fundraising income grow and provision improved as a result of this change.

“Cha�ertots are not just a charity to us. They are part of our family's story. They have been

consistent, expert and deeply caring - and every service they have provided has made a real difference to our daughter’s life and to ours. We are so proud that our daughter is looked a�er by Cha�ertots, and we are so grateful that this charity exists right here in Berkshire, for families like ours.” A family in Arborfield

3

Our Year in 2025

Pre-School Speech and Language Therapy

Our cornerstone service con�nued to provide weekly, face-to-face speech and language therapy for seven pre-school children at Woodley Bap�st Church in Reading. Sessions were delivered by Priscilla and Libby from Symbol UK, our partner with deep exper�se in the learning profile of children with Down Syndrome.

Each child is assessed on joining, placed in a small peer group matched by ability and need, and given individual termly targets across speech sounds, Makaton signing, vocabulary, pre-literacy skills, and social communica�on. Notes are taken at every session; parents are ac�vely involved and, at the end of each term, the therapist reports on progress against each target.

“The consistent speech and language prac�ce, input from a speech therapist who is specially trained in the learning profile of DS, ideas for things to prac�se at home, opportuni�es for socialisa�on and support from families who have found themselves in a similar situa�on has been invaluable." A parent in Caversham

The results in 2025 con�nued to exceed expecta�ons. Every child

a�ending made progress. In every case, that progress went beyond what the therapist or the parents had ini�ally hoped for.

The reloca�on of sessions from Windsor to Woodley in 2024 has proven a wise decision. The central Berkshire loca�on serves our Reading, Wokingham and surrounding families well, and feedback from parents about the venue and accessibility has remained posi�ve.

4

Go to School' Resource Boxes

Star�ng school is one of the most significant transi�ons a child with Down Syndrome - and their family - will face.

“For the last four years, not only have I had the privilege of being her mum, I've also been her advocate, interpreter, safe person, and at �mes, her voice. In a few short weeks, I will have to put my trust and faith into her school." A parent in Wokingham.

In 2025, we supported this transi�on by providing four “Go to School” resource boxes to children star�ng primary school across Berkshire, each valued at approximately £400.

Each box is carefully curated to include visual �metables, phonics resources, fine motor ac�vi�es, sensory items, communica�on aids, and transi�on support materials. These resources are selected in line with current evidence on effec�ve strategies to support children with Down Syndrome in mainstream educa�onal se�ngs.

“When our daughter started school, Cha�ertots made sure she didn’t arrive empty-handed. They gave us a ‘Go to

School’ box, packed with specialist resources carefully chosen to help children with Down Syndrome se�le and thrive in a mainstream se�ng. It was a though�ul, prac�cal gi� that made a real difference to those early weeks.” A family in Wokingham

In 2024, families introduced these resources to schools themselves. In 2025, we enhanced this approach by arranging for Clare to deliver each box directly to the school. These visits provided an opportunity to build rela�onships with teaching staff, demonstrate how to use the materials effec�vely, and support greater understanding of the needs of children with Down Syndrome.

Early feedback from both families and schools has been highly posi�ve, with schools repor�ng increased confidence in suppor�ng pupils and families valuing the strengthened communica�on and collabora�on.

5

Educa�onal Consultancy for schools

Le�ng go at the school gate represents a significant step for families, and parents o�en worry about whether their children are receiving the right support. To address this, we engaged Inclusively Down, an educa�onal consultancy, to ensure that children receive high-quality, inclusive educa�on.

The consultant provides specialist exper�se in suppor�ng children with Down Syndrome and works with schools, se�ngs, and families to develop the knowledge and skills needed to create effec�ve learning environments. Their support includes individualised learning plans, staff training, bridging home and school approaches, and monitoring progress to ensure interven�ons are evidence-based and impac�ul. This role strengthens both teaching prac�ce and family engagement, ensuring that every child’s learning needs are met.

Inclusively Down provided bi-annual specialist consultancy visits to schools across Berkshire for 15 children. These visits offered teachers and teaching assistants prac�cal, tailored guidance on strategies that help children access the curriculum, manage transi�ons, and develop independence.

"The consultant’s visit changed everything. Their expert guidance helped the school understand how to include our son effec�vely in classroom learning. Seeing him thrive alongside his peers and come home happy from school has been wonderful." A family in Windsor

Reports Funding

We con�nued to part-fund specialist assessments and reports for families naviga�ng the Educa�on, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. The EHCP process can be challenging, and having expert evidence on their side makes a real difference to families seeking the right support for their children. These reports can be par�cularly impac�ul in tribunals or other disputes, providing authorita�ve guidance that strengthens families’ cases and ensures that children receive the support they need.

6

School-Aged Speech and Language Therapy

For years, parents had told us that the move to school felt like falling off a cliff – NHS provision did not materialise, schools were uncertain, and children who had made such progress in their early years began to plateau. Parents felt alone.

Building on the strong interest observed in 2024, we launched face-to-face Saturday sessions in Woodley to expand access to specialist therapy for our children. These sessions focused on suppor�ng children with speech challenges, improving communica�on skills, building confidence, and encouraging greater par�cipa�on in school and everyday life. Feedback from families and observed progress highlighted meaningful improvements in children’s communica�on and engagement. The sessions ran successfully un�l November, when our therapist, Beth, began her maternity leave. Despite extensive efforts, we were unable to recruit a suitably qualified replacement willing to work Saturdays.

Rather than compromise on quality, we paused and reviewed. Working with Libby from Symbol UK, we began

planning a new weekly virtual model – one that removes the geographic barriers that have always limited who can access support, and that we believe will serve our families even be�er. We will launch these in February 2026, and the excitement among our families is palpable.

7

Summer Camp

Our week-long summer camp, delivered by Make/Sense Theatre, was one of the highlights of the Cha�ertots year. Ten children from across Berkshire came together for five days of intensive, crea�ve, and therapeu�c ac�vi�es designed to support communica�on, social interac�on, confidence, and sensory needs.

Throughout the week, children par�cipated in a range of ac�vi�es, including drama, storytelling, sensory play, and group problemsolving exercises. These sessions were carefully structured to address individual sensory profiles, encourage peer interac�on, develop vocabulary, and enhance self-expression in a safe, suppor�ve environment.

The camp produced remarkable outcomes: children demonstrated improved vocabulary, stronger social skills, greater self-expression, increased confidence, and be�er regula�on of sensory experiences. Parents reported that the benefits extended well beyond the week, posi�vely influencing classroom engagement and par�cipa�on in everyday ac�vi�es throughout the autumn term.

We were delighted that Bracknell MP Peter Swallow joined us for the end-of-week celebra�on, recognising the achievements of our children and families. The camp not only offered intensive therapeu�c support tailored to each child’s sensory and developmental needs but also created opportuni�es for children to form friendships, for families to connect, and for professionals to observe and share strategies to implement in schools and at home.

8

Building Community and Connec�on

Cha�ertots con�nues to provide a strong and suppor�ve community for families. Throughout 2025, we delivered a programme of regular social opportuni�es, including monthly sessions at Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP) in Taplow. This safe and inclusive environment enables children to play freely, build confidence, and develop meaningful friendships.

In addi�on to these regular sessions, we marked key moments in the year with special events. World Down Syndrome Day was celebrated with entertainment from Fred in the Shed, bringing laughter and shared joy to families. Our annual Christmas party, themed around Frozen, featured entertainment from Princess Par�es, crea�ng a magical and inclusive celebra�on for all.

These gatherings play a vital role in reducing isola�on and strengthening connec�ons. For many families, raising a child with Down Syndrome can feel isola�ng. Opportuni�es to meet others who share similar experiences, who understand the challenges, celebrate the milestones, and offer mutual support, are invaluable.

We are proud to create and sustain a space where families feel understood, connected, and supported.

9

Fundraising and Community Support

In 2025, we were delighted to receive £54,647 in dona�ons and contribu�ons, reflec�ng the con�nued generosity of our community and supporters.

A significant development this year was securing funding from local councils and community-based charitable organisa�ons. We are grateful to Woodley Town Council (£3,000), Poor’s Land Woodley (£500) and TK Maxx and Homesense Founda�on (£500) for their valued support.

Community fundraising also played an important role. Fifield Fun Day raised an impressive £3,500, demonstra�ng the strength of local engagement and commitment to the children and families we support.

We were par�cularly fortunate to benefit from People’s Postcode Lo�ery, with one of the postcodes where we deliver our pre-school Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) provision selected as a “Millionaire Street,” resul�ng in a £10,000 dona�on.

We also received valued support from local businesses, including The Co-opera�ve Bank (£1,000) and Lapland UK, via Berkshire Community Founda�on (£500 towards our Christmas party). In addi�on, Berkshire Community Founda�on awarded a further grant towards our core costs. We are also grateful for funding received from Cumber Family Trust, The Bailey Thomas Charitable Fund, and Frenkel Topping.

For the first �me, we par�cipated in Parallel Windsor, the UK’s na�onal celebra�on of disability inclusion held in Windsor Great Park. Two families took part in sponsored events, raising £1,343 for Cha�ertots. This inspiring event reflects the same values of inclusion and community that underpin our work.

We were also honoured to be selected as the Charity of the Year by Unicorn Club Wokingham. Their support included hos�ng an enjoyable quiz night in November 2025 in aid of Cha�ertots.

We extend our sincere thanks to every donor, grant-maker, community fundraiser, and supporter who made our work in 2025 possible.

"I would be completely lost without this group. Without doubt, my child would not have made the progress she has without Cha�ertots." A family from Reading.

10

Governance

Cha�ertots is a Charitable Incorporated Organisa�on (CIO), governed by a board of trustees, all of whom are parents of children with Down Syndrome. This lived experience is central to our approach, ensuring that our work remains grounded in the real needs of the families we support.

The Board meets quarterly to review progress, make key decisions, and ensure the organisa�on remains accountable to families across Berkshire, as well as to its responsibili�es as a registered charity.

During 2025, there were several changes to the Board. We said a warm farewell to Leiah Norco�, who stepped down in March a�er a decade of dedicated service. We also extend our thanks to Mark Murphy, who served as Treasurer and Trustee before stepping down at the end of the year.

We were pleased to welcome Patrick Robinson as Treasurer in September, and to see David Jones take on the role of Chair.

Management

Clare McIntosh acts as our Charity Manager and has a wide range of responsibili�es. She keeps our day-to-day administra�on running smoothly: managing family membership and enquiries, coordina�ng with our therapy and educa�on partners, maintaining our policy framework, and providing governance support to the trustee board. Trinity Kam provides bookkeeping support to ensure that financial records are accurate, up to date, and ready to support the repor�ng and transparency that good governance demands. Alongside this, Clare leads our fundraising ac�vity - researching grant opportuni�es, preparing applica�ons, managing funder rela�onships, and producing the reports that allow us to demonstrate impact and maintain trust with those who support us.

One of the parts of this work that families tell us they value most is the individual advocacy and casework support that Clare provides. When a family in Berkshire is struggling to secure the right provision for their child - whether that means challenging a refusal for an Educa�on, Health and Care Plan, pushing back on inadequate provision in school, naviga�ng the tribunal process, or simply knowing their rights, Clare is there. She works alongside families to help them understand the system, build their case, and advocate effec�vely for their child. This support is informal, personal, and, for many families, makes a real difference at moments of considerable stress.

Beyond the families we directly serve, Cha�ertots plays an ac�ve role in educa�ng the wider community about the needs of children with Down Syndrome. Clare visits schools across Berkshire to work with teachers and staff, helping them understand the specific learning profile of children with Down Syndrome and the prac�cal adapta�ons that help those children thrive. The Go to School resource boxes (provided to children transi�oning into primary school) are accompanied by in-person visits to schools to demonstrate how the materials work and how best to support each child. The feedback from teachers has been genuinely encouraging, with many describing these visits as transforma�ve for their confidence and understanding.

11

Cha�ertots also takes its responsibility to influence policy and improve provision seriously. We encourage and support our families to respond to local and na�onal consulta�ons, ensuring that the voices of Berkshire families are heard. In 2025-26, we par�cipated ac�vely in the Government's consulta�on on the statutory guidance for the Down Syndrome Act 2022 (a landmark piece of legisla�on with the poten�al to improve outcomes for people with Down Syndrome across health, educa�on, social care, and housing). We produced resources for our families to support their responses and submi�ed our own formal consulta�on response, drawing on the lived experience of the families we serve.

12

Our Trustees and Management Team

----- Start of picture text -----
Name Role and Background
David Chair and Trustee
Jones David joined the board in 2024 and became Chair in 2025. A qualified solicitor, his legal
exper�se directly informs his responsibility for Cha�ertots' legal and regulatory
compliance.
Magdalene Trustee
Kim Magdalene brings strong organisa�onal skills, with a background in hospitality
management and a postgraduate qualifica�on in management. She leads parent
communica�ons and oversees the summer camp programme, while further developing
her exper�se through the Early Years SEND programme with Dingley’s Promise.
Victoria Safeguarding Lead and Trustee
Kirby Drawing on extensive experience from her background in the Guiding movement, Vicki
keeps our safeguarding prac�ce robust and current. In March 2025, she a�ended the
Down Syndrome Research Forum, an annual interna�onal event hosted by Down
Syndrome Educa�on Interna�onal, keeping our prac�ce informed by the latest research.
Mark Treasurer (to August 2025) and Trustee (to December 2025)
Murphy Mark served as Trustee and Treasurer, bringing a background in digital marke�ng and
commercial customer engagement. He stepped down as Treasurer at the end of August
2025 and as a trustee at the end of December 2025. We are grateful for his contribu�on
during a period of significant organisa�onal growth.
Leiah Trustee (to March 2025)
Norco� Leiah served as a trustee from the charity's earliest years, stepping down in March 2025.
Her decade of dedicated service made a significant contribu�on to the development and
stability of Cha�ertots.
Patrick Treasurer and Trustee (from September 2025)
Robinson Patrick joined as Trustee and Treasurer in September 2025. A qualified Chartered
Accountant with a background in commercial finance, his exper�se ensures every pound
raised for Berkshire children with Down Syndrome is managed with rigour and
transparency.
Clare Charity Manager and CEO
McIntosh Clare founded Cha�ertots in 2015, driven by direct experience as a parent of a child with
Down Syndrome. She brings 30 years of professional exper�se spanning strategic
leadership, fundraising, and marke�ng, gained at organisa�ons including Bri�sh Gas and
O2, and applies that experience daily to building Cha�ertots’ income, partnerships, and
capacity.
Trinity Kam Finance and Administra�on Support (from March 2025)
Trinity holds a degree in Accoun�ng and Finance and brings prac�cal experience in charity
finance and administra�on. Her a�en�on to detail and experience across the charitable
sector support the smooth running of Cha�ertots' day-to-day opera�ons.
----- End of picture text -----

13

Organisa�onal Development

Throughout 2025, Clare McIntosh con�nued to build the organisa�on's capacity, strengthening rela�onships with funders and specialist providers, managing an expanding por�olio of services, and ensuring compliance with our obliga�ons as a registered charity. We reviewed and updated key policies including our GDPR and data protec�on framework, and safeguarding procedures. We also developed a comprehensive service contribu�on policy to ensure our funding model remains fair, transparent, and sustainable.

Clare a�ended the Down Syndrome UK Annual Support Network Event in October, with sessions covering charity finance and governance, philanthropy, and family support, bringing valuable insight back to our work.

Policy and Advocacy

2025 saw Cha�ertots deepen its engagement with the wider policy landscape affec�ng children with Down Syndrome.

The Down Syndrome Act 2022 represents a significant legisla�ve step, placing a duty on NHS England and local authori�es to have due regard to guidance on improving outcomes for people with Down Syndrome across health, educa�on and social care. As the Government moved towards publishing statutory guidance in 2026, Cha�ertots ac�vely encouraged our families to engage with the consulta�on process and amplify their voices.

We also strengthened our rela�onships with local MPs, including Bracknell MP Peter Swallow, who visited our summer camp and showed a genuine interest in the challenges facing families in Berkshire.

We believe that the lived experience of our families – the real, day-to-day reality of raising a child with Down Syndrome in Berkshire – is some of the most powerful evidence available to policy-makers. We will con�nue to find ways to make that voice heard.

14

Financial Review

Our accounts are prepared on a receipts and payments basis, as is the norm for chari�es with a gross income below £250,000. Under this method, income and expenditure are recorded when cash is received or paid. On rare occasions this can mean that grant income and its related programme expenditure may therefore fall in different accoun�ng years, even where both sit within the same funder's grant period. An example of this is our Christmas party spend where some invoices were received and processed in 2025 and some in 2026. The full cost of the ac�vity goes across the two year groups.

Our opening balance for the year commencing 1 January 2025 was £31,767. Our annual income for 2025 is approximately £54,647, comprising parental service contribu�ons of £8,437, Gi� Aid reclaims of £4,613, and fundraising and grant income of approximately £31,900.

Our annual expenditure for the same period is approximately £51,980, reflec�ng the full cost of delivering our expanded programme. The principal costs are:

• Pre-school speech and language therapy (Symbol UK): £5,686

• School-aged speech and language therapy (Func�onAbility): £6,075

• Educa�onal consultancy (Inclusively Down): £5,833

• Summer camp (Make/Sense Theatre): £10,835. This includes some of the costs for 2024 as well as 2025.

• School boxes: £540

• Internal staffing and related costs £20,310

15

Our reserves policy requires us to hold at least six months of opera�ng costs in reserve – approximately £26,000. This prudent approach protects our ability to con�nue suppor�ng families even if income is disrupted.

Our full accounts are subject to independent examina�on and are available on the Charity Commission website.

Looking Ahead to 2026

2025 has given us a great deal to build on. As we look to 2026, our priori�es are:

• Con�nue to raise awareness of our services throughout Berkshire so that all families can be supported.

• Con�nue to deliver our core por�olio of services to families

• Test virtual school salt and make a decision on the best solu�on long term

• Develop a calendar of social events responding to the needs of different families. In par�cular, develop other solu�ons for the school holidays.

• Improve dialogue with schools, hospitals and local authori�es.

• Engage ac�vely in the Down Syndrome Act 2022 statutory guidance process and SEND white paper ensuring the voices of Berkshire families are heard

We are ambi�ous for our children. We know that with the right support, the right community around them, and people who believe in them, children with Down Syndrome across Berkshire can achieve things that no-one expected. We have seen it happen, year a�er year.

Thank you for being part of it.

16

CHAThERTOTS { R•ob•tsr•d Charlty 11983621 Recelpts and Payments Account for th0 12 months to 31st December 2025 V•rt•nc• El Contr1￿￿0￿• 7.1M7 4.891 2,196 Donations E￿nI¥ t)onRtions Ggwal Donats"on8 Loe41 GM IntsreBt Unrestrictsd Gr•nt 5,197 5,767 3.111 1,104 3.347 15.C(M) 9.123 5.877 18.451 Grnnt R•BtriLtr 16. 11.4CQ CEIP £54,647 £26,797 £27.851 PA Chrf8trnM ￿lty 1LKI "1 -278 -125 -15, 8,075 25 Fundr•l•S 276 125 4.7S1 8.075 Pro Sthool SALT S¢hool Box School SALT 1.120 4185 Sodol •v•nts 8umm8r C•r R•p 1.145 8.169 -1.145 -8.169 -163 -1L 248 Chrislmps Patty Pr￿£￿￿ SALT 407 SummorC* .765 17.214 PAY £51,980 £23.265 -£28.715 El PAYM THE £JM2

CHArrERTOTS l R•gknt•r•d Charlty 11983621 Balance Sheet a8 at 318t December 2026 CURRENT ASSErs 2025 2024 Vthrf•n¢• Cow B•nk Cury8ntAcc4 34.434 31.7SI TA ASS £31,767 RESERVES G•n•rnl (DEFicrr) 18URPLUS FOR YEAR B*l•nc• bll BALANCE CARRED FORWARD 2.981 27,188 £30.149 -1,C67 £27,168 £2.981 Re•trlct•d Ro•0 (DEFIC1T￿UAPLU8 FOR YEAR 414 4.599 4.913 £4,285 £4.$99 314 È31.767 Prepared by: Patrlck Roblnson. Treasurer Examlned by. chrl5satch￿1l I report tt) the ¢harltyTrustees gn myexamlnatlon of the accountsof Chattertotsft¥rthe year ended 31st December 2025.1 confirni thatthe Recelpts and Payments attount and the accompanyln8 Balance Sheet are In agreement wlth the record5 shown to me and the e￿lanatIOn58￿en. $18ned (Hmornry Examlnerl Oate