2025-06-30-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 09 May 2024 Period start date To 30th June 2025 Period end date

Charity name: Kingston Coding for Kids

Charity registration number: 1208175

Objectives and Activities

The objects of Kingston Coding for Kids (KCK), as set out in its governing document, are to advance in life and help children and young people aged 7–17 through:

• Providing volunteer-led computing coding club or clubs that provide informal opportunities for engagement and interest in exploring coding, digital making and step topics and projects designed to improve their conditions of life.

• Providing opportunities to develop key skills in communication, collaboration and problem solving to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.

Main Activities in Relation to Charitable Purposes

To further these charitable purposes, KCK operates a Club (CoderDojo Kingston University, or CoderDojo KU) which holds free monthly coding and digital skills sessions on one Saturday each month during school term time. These sessions are open to young people aged 7 to 17 and are designed to promote digital literacy, creativity, and confidence in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Typical activities include:

• Block-based coding with Scratch

• Text-based programming with Python

• Electronics using Micro:bit and Raspberry Pi

• Web development using HTML/CSS

• Robotics and physical computing

• Game design and AI projects using Unity and other platforms

Sessions are based at Kingston University (Penrhyn Campus), hosted at no charge by the University’s STEM Outreach Team, where we welcome up to 100 young people per session.

Public Benefit Statement

The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

The trustees have considered this guidance when reviewing the charity’s aims and planning future activities. During the reporting period, KCK carried out through CoderDojo KU the following key activities in support of its charitable objectives and for the public benefit:

• Delivered free monthly coding sessions for young people aged 7–17, helping them to develop valuable digital and life skills.

• Supported up to 100 attendees per session in learning programming languages and tools such as Scratch, Python, HTML/CSS, and robotics.

• Recruited and supported a team of volunteer mentors who shared their expertise and enthusiasm for technology with young participants.

Contributions made by Volunteers

Trustees during the reporting period were:

• Peter Wolf - Chair of Trustees

• Parco Cheng - Secretary

• Chantelle Mukalazi - Treasurer

• Anthony Dhanendran - WebMaster

• Jaroslaw Francik - Advanced coding skills advisor

• Richard Hayler - Safeguarding Lead

• Katerina Papamichael - Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Social Secretary

• Spiro Spyropoulos - Technology and Risk Management Lead

The trustees are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, governance, and financial oversight of KCK. Each trustee plays an active role in the charity’s operations, including planning and facilitating activities, managing partnerships, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding and data protection procedures.

The CoderDojo KU club operated by KCK is supported by a team of dedicated volunteer mentors who are integral to its programme. These volunteers contribute in various capacities, including:

• Supporting and leading young people in coding projects during sessions

• Preparing and setting up resources and equipment

• Providing mentoring in areas such as Scratch, Python, web development, and robotics

• Helping to maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all attendees

The time, energy, and expertise of our volunteers make it possible for us to continue offering engaging, high-quality sessions. The trustees are immensely grateful for their contribution and commitment to our mission.

Achievements and Performance

During the 2024/25 academic year, the CoderDojo KU club operated by KCK has continued to grow and adapt, delivering high-quality, free digital education opportunities to young people across our community. Key achievements and milestones from this year include:

• May 2024 – KCK officially took over responsibility for CoderDojo KU, which had previously operated as an unincorporated association. This marked a significant development in governance structure and reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability and transparency.

• October 2024 – We transitioned from using Eventbrite to Ticket Tailor as our booking platform. This has improved our ability to manage registrations, reduce administrative workload, and provide a smoother experience for families booking sessions.

• October 2024 – We also opened a charity treasurer’s bank account with Lloyds Bank. An initial £100 donation was generously made by a trustee, which supported essential administrative costs related to the running of our sessions.

• November 2024 – We successfully relaunched our robotics programme with the support of a £750 grant. The funding allowed us to purchase new robotics kits and deliver hands-on sessions that re-energised our STEM offering.

• October 2024 – We celebrated the club’s 10-year anniversary with a special session attended by current families, alumni, and volunteers. This milestone event highlighted a decade of impact, showcasing the achievements of young people and mentors who have been part of our journey.

• March 2025 – the club successfully launched our robotics programme. This addition reinvigorated our STEM offering and provided new learning opportunities for participants and continues to run monthly.

Throughout the year, we faced some challenges in securing consistent room bookings at our venue. Despite this, we successfully delivered a full calendar of monthly activities, including Scratch programming, Python development, robotics, and creative coding projects.

We have also grown our volunteer team, welcoming new mentors who bring fresh energy and expertise to our sessions. Their contributions have been vital in maintaining the quality and inclusivity of our workshops.

Kingston University supports our operations not only through venue provision but also by donating the time of paid two student marshalls to assist with set-up at each session. This in-kind support has been essential in ensuring smooth, timely delivery of activities.

In addition, we maintain a dedicated stock of 50 laptops, securely stored at Kingston University, which enables participants to access software and tools regardless of their personal device access, a vital step in reducing digital exclusion.

Achievements Against Objectives Set

KCK set out to achieve the following charitable objectives during the reporting period:

• To provide a volunteer-led computer coding club or clubs that offer informal opportunities for young people to engage with coding, digital making, and STEM topics and projects designed to improve their conditions of life.

• To provide opportunities to develop key skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, enabling young people to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.

Over the course of the 2024/25 academic year, KCK through CoderDojo UK successfully delivered monthly free coding workshops for young people aged 7–17. Activities included Scratch, Python, HTML/CSS, robotics, and game development, all delivered in a supportive, inclusive environment. The reintroduction of our robotics programme in March 2025 expanded the hands-on learning opportunities available and enhanced engagement. These sessions promoted collaboration and problem-solving, while regular volunteer mentoring provided personalised support and role modelling.

New Goals

For the coming year, KCK will continue to review its activities and priorities in line with its charitable purposes. Key goals and areas of focus for the next reporting period will include:

• Fundraising initiatives to support the continuation and growth of our coding and digital skills activities.

• Re-launching parental representation, strengthening communication and collaboration between families and the CoderDojo KU team.

• Developing a long-term attendance data analysis project to help monitor engagement trends and inform future planning.

Financial Review

Income	restricted funds	unrestricted funds		net
Grants	750			750
Donations		101		101
Expenditure
Operating costs		30		30
Activity related	569.87			569.87
Net Total	180.13	71		251.13

Review of the Charity’s Financial Position

At the end of the reporting period, KCK held total funds of £251.13. A detailed breakdown of income and expenditure is provided in the above accompanying financial summary.

Principal Sources of Funds

During the year, KCK received a £750 grant from Kingston Giving, a registered charity, which supported the relaunch of our club’s robotics programme, and a £101 donation, which was used to cover administrative expenses. We do not currently engage in public fundraising but continue to seek small grants and donations to sustain and develop our activities.

Income and Expenditure Overview

• Total income: £851 (£750 grant + £101 donation)

• Expenditure:

• Robotics equipment and delivery: £569.87

• Operational costs (admin, website, printing): £30

Reserves and Sustainability

Our reserves policy is to maintain an operating reserve sufficient to cover three years of minimal running costs, estimated as:

• £108 (domain/website)

• £30 (remote office)

• £10 (printing/miscellaneous admin)

This totals £148 per year, with a reserves target of £444 to support three years of core operational sustainability. The unrestricted reserves of £71 currently fall below this target. We are committed to building these reserves over time and will continue to review our financial position and explore relevant grant opportunities to strengthen our long-term stability. These funds are held to ensure the charity can maintain its core administrative and digital presence should income temporarily decline. As a volunteer-run organisation with no paid staff or contractual supplier commitments, our risk of financial exposure remains low.

The restricted funds held at year-end relate to a £750 grant awarded to support the robotics programme, activity-related costs, and initiatives to enhance volunteer visibility. These funds are ring-fenced and will be used in accordance with the terms of the grant.

Reasons for Holding Limited Reserves

KCK currently holds unrestricted reserves of £71, which is below our minimum target of £444. This is due to the limited level of unrestricted income received during the reporting period. The remaining funds held (£180.13) are restricted and relate to an underspend from a recent grant cycle. These restricted funds are reserved for specific purposes in line with the grant terms and cannot be used to meet general operating costs.

Funds in Deficit

The charity holds no funds in deficit.

Going Concern Statement

There are no identified uncertainties regarding the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The charity remains financially stable and continues to operate with low overheads and strong volunteer support.

Principal Risks

KCK has identified the following key risks:

• Loss or reduction of venue space, which may limit session capacity or continuity.

• Decline in volunteer mentors, which could affect the quality or delivery of sessions.

Mitigation strategies include ongoing venue relationship-building and active volunteer recruitment and onboarding. Risks are further reduced through established links with KU, supported by Peter and Jarek’s roles as Kingston University staff members, which strengthen institutional connections and continuity.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

KCK is governed by a constitution adopted in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. The charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Trustee Selection and Appointment

Trustees are appointed through a process of majority voting by the existing trustee board, in line with the provisions set out in the constitution. Trustees are selected based on their skills, commitment to the charity's mission, and ability to support its governance and operations. There are no individuals or organisations with automatic rights to appoint trustees.

Safeguarding

All trustees of KCK and volunteers at CoderDojo KU are required to complete STEM Ambassador induction training and safeguarding training as part of their onboarding process. Enhanced DBS checks are conducted through STEM Learning, and all volunteers must hold a valid DBS certificate while working with children.

New mentors and volunteers are given opportunities to shadow experienced team members during sessions to build confidence and familiarity with the environment. They also receive a digital copy of the charity’s constitution, an outline of their safeguarding responsibilities, and access to key organisational policies relevant to their role.

Organisational Structure and Networks (SORP 1.51)

KCK and its club are volunteer led. KCK is overseen by a board of trustees who manage governance, fundraising, safeguarding, and operational oversight. The CIO delivers monthly coding sessions through its club with the support of a growing team of volunteer mentors. The club owns and maintains a small inventory of 50 laptops, Micro:bits, and robotics equipment, all of which are stored securely at Kingston University’s STEM outreach centre and used during monthly workshops.

CoderDojo KU is part of the wider international CoderDojo movement, now under the umbrella of Code Club, which is coordinated by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. The club benefits from community updates, shared resources, and recently welcomed a visit from the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s Community Manager to support and celebrate the size of the club.

CoderDojo KU works closely with several key partners:

• Kingston University generously donates venue space for our monthly sessions and provides additional in-kind support, including the assistance of two student helpers for setup assistance at each session, as well as safe on-site storage for a range of laptops and equipment used during our workshops.

• The club maintains an active relationship with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Code Club, both of which support our volunteer community and programme development.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Kingston Coding for Kids
Other name the charity uses
Registered charitynumber	1208175
Charity’s principal address	82a James Carter Road Mildenhall IP28 7DE

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

	Trustee Name	Dates acted from
1	Peter Wolf	10 May 2024
2	Parco Cheng	10 May 2024
3	Chantelle Mukalazi	28 November 2024
4	Anthony Dhanendran	10 May 2024
5	Jaroslaw Francik	10 May 2024
6	Richard Hayler	10 May 2024
7	Katerina Papamichael	10 May 2024
8	Spiro Spyropoulos	10 May 2024

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Peter Wolf - Chair of Trustees Date: 01/01/2026