Realising Children's Potential Taunton Opportunity Group Annual Report and Accounts For the period ended 31 August 2024
Taunton Opportunity Group Index to Annual Report and Accounts For the period ended 31 August 2024 Contents General Information Trustees, Annual Report 4t06 Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet 10 Notes to the Financial Slatements 11 to17
General Information Trustees Chair Holly Burcheti Vice-chair Jena Whittet-Evens Treasurer Gavin Brown Secretary Alison Brown oth8r Truslees Susan Small Heidi Brand Nina Engleby Jennifer Bird (resigned as trustee prior to 31 August 20241 Mo Hodges Iresigned as trustee prior to 31 August 20241 Rosi Rosthorn (appointed as trustee 18 July 20241 Addre$s Wooden Spoon House Crowcombe Road Taunton TA2 7NF Bankers Lloyds Bank PIC 31 Fore Street Taunton TA1 1HN Charlty Numbar 277984 Independent Examlner Christopher Chery FCCA Clo Brunel Chartered Certified Accountants 3 Marco Polo House Cook Way Taunton Sorllerset TA2 6BJ
Trustees, Annual Report The trustees present the annual report together wilh the finanaal ststemenls of the charity for the extended period ended 31 August 2024. Background and activities Taunton Opportunity Group (TOGI is a specialist preschool provision for children with special educational needs andlor disabilities living in Taunton Deane and ils surrounding areas. TOG welcomes applications for children with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are highly trained in supporting children with conditions such as Downs Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and complex medical conditions in addition lo speech and language or general development delay. TOG was first formed as a voluntary self-help group in 1972. The group initially met Ihree mornings per week and was run by a committee of parents and those interested in helping preschool children with special educalional needs. In 1978 TOG moved to Iwo purpose-built cabins in Bishop's Hull. In 2000 thanks to support from local organisations including Soroplimist International and Taunton Vale Rotary Club and a generous matched donation from The British Rugby Charity (known as Wooden Spoon Society), a new purpose-buill building opened. TOG boasts a range of excellent facilities including a multi-sensory unit {MSUI, playroom, messy play area, outdoor play area and family room. Our mission TOG provides a learning environment geared lowards its mission to help children realise their full developmental potential. TOG operates a key worker system, has a maximum 1..3 staff to child ratio, provides a tailored curriculum and universal access to the Early Years Foundation Stage through developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and stimulating activities. To offer a coordinated approach to development, the team also works in partnership wlh external professionals such as Speech and Language Therapy, Physiolherapy and Occupational Therapy. Achievements and performance May 2023 brought a well-eamed Outstanding rating from Ofsted. The team are very proud of this achievement, and it reflects TOG'S dedication and hard work in delivering an individualised curriculum tailored to each child's needs. In July 2023. TOG had 9 leavers.. 4 went into mainstre8m; 4 into specialist schools., 1 was not placed. September 2023 saw the return of a key worker from maternity leave and the start of 2 apprenticeships. Bolh apprentices have settled in well and are 8 great addition to the TOG team, which currently consists of manager, deputy manager, 3 key workers and 1 bank staff. At the Annual General Meeting held on 23 November 2023. Jennifer Bird stepped down from the pos5tion of Chair and Holly Burchetl was elecled. Jena Whiltet-Evens was elected as V&-chaIr and former staff member Nina Engleby was elected as a new committee member. As of 31 August 2024, 14 children are on the roll for morning sessions, 2 children alt8nd Tuesday baby group and 1 child allends weekly 1-hour MSU sessions. The age range of TOG'S children is between 3 months to 5 years.
Volunteers 3 weekly playroom volunteers assist with supeNision and help lo enhance the play experience of individual children. In January 2024 a fundraising subcommittee consisting of 3 trustees was established. A variety of fundraising avenues are being explored.. individual giving; trusts and foundations., community fundraising,. corporate sponsorship. Governance TOG is governed by a constitution modelled on one recommended by The Early Years Alliance. This was brought up to dale and adopted al the Annual General Meeting held on 8 November 2018. TOG'S constitution is available lo view on the website. Public benefit The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Ofsted As aforementioned the most recent Ofsted inspection was in May 2023. The report stales thal the quality and standard of TOG'S provision was Outstanding aOsS all four categories. The inspector wrote how'slaff know the Children extremely well and have very high expectations for them all. They skilfully interact lo encourage and promote children's language development. [...] Children are highly motivated to explore, showing curiosity and fascination when Ihey come across something of interest., Other key findings include how the curriculum is adapted lo suit individual needs, learning is inclusive, and communication methods are experuy used lo help children to interact. Safeguarding TOG is committed to ensuring that paramount importance is given lo safeguarding the children in ils care. TOG'S Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually. The management team is also proactive in providing annual training and regular support to staff. volunteers, and trustees. Rlsk Management Comprehensive policy and protocol documents are in place coverfng all operational aspects of TOG'S work. These are reviewed and updated as neSsary, bul at least annLsally. Financial risk is kept under constant review by the committee at ils regular half temly meetings and is looked at in greater depth when Ihe annual accounts are produced, and budgets are set. Reserves Policy The committee aims to hold in cash reserves a figure equal lo one year's expenditure not covered by income from Somerset County Council. As of 31 August 2024 the unreslricled liquid cash reserves stood al £234,835.
Investment Pollcy Funds not required to meel day-to-day expenses or to act as reserves are to be deposited in low- risk interest bearing accounts. Flnancial review The Slalement of Financial Activities for the period and Balance Sheel as of 31 August 2024 are presented on pages 9 and 10. Forlhe extended period ending 31 August 2024, TOG achieved a surplus of income over expenditure amounting to £190,757, with total unrestricted funds carried fOnard of £511,354 Included in these reseNes is a legacy of £222.076.76 received from Mrs. Christine Ann Robinson. TOG is immensely grateful for Mrs. Robinson's generosity. which has financially sustained the charityfor the next 10 years. The TOG team plans lo erect a plaque al Wooden Spoon House lo honour her gift. The trustees remaln concerned about the ongoing annual deficit, which has risen from £7,777 in 2020 to £16,757 in 2022 and £17,580 in 2023. Excluding Mrs. Robinson's legacy, a trading deficit of £31.320 was generated in the extended period to 31 August 2024. The strategic prlority is for the committee to work with management to develop a plan which addresses this problem and works to close the gap between financial income and expenditure in the long-lerm. Specifically, this will ir)volve volunteer recruilmenl, the gradual increase of children per session and the promotion of TOG'S baby group and MSU facilities, in addition to fundraising. The trustees wish to thank all who have supported TOG financially during the past reporting period. Thank you to our regular donors, events participants, Hidden Needs Trust, and The Wailrose Foundation amongst others. Going concern The trustees have carefully considered the charity's position in respect of its going concern status. Given the improvement made In reserves sinTr 31 March 2023 and the strategic plan In development between the committee and management team, the trustees are satisfied of the charity's ability to meet ils obligations for the next twelve months. The Irustees, annual report was approved by the trustees of T8unlon Opportunity Group on 21 November 2024 and was signed on its behalf by its Chairperson Holly Burchett. Holly Burchett Chair of trustees 21 November 2024
Statement of Trustees. Responsibilities The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees. annual report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practi¢el and appli¢able law and regulations. Usual accounting principles requires the trustees to prepare the financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view. The trustees should not approve the financial slatemenls unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the slale of affairs of the charity and of ils incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expendilure, for that flnancial period. In preparing Ihese financial slatemenls, the trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. Observe the methods and principles in The Charities Statement of Recommended Practice. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. Slate whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue lo operate. The trustees 8re responsible for keeping adequate accounting records thal are sufficient lo show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company, and enable them lo ensure Ihat the finan¢i81 slatemenls comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for Ihe prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporale and financial information included on the charitable company s website. Approved by the trustees of Taunton Opportunity Group on 21 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by Chairperson Holly Burchett. Holly Burchett Chair of trustees 21 November 2024
Independent Examiner's Report CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Fie ort Report lo the trusteesl members of Taunton Opportunity Group On accounts for the perlod ended 31 Auousl 2024 Charity no lif any) 277984 Sel out on pages nine to eighteen I report to the trustees on my examlnalion of the aGcounls of the above charity {"the Trust") for Ihe ptsriod ended 31 August 2024. Responsibilities and basis of As Ihe charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for th6 preparation of the report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111.lhe Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Aol and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. I have compleled my exatminalion. I confirm that no material mallers have come lo my attention (other than that disclosed below'l in connection wilh the examination which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material r&specl'. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the ac¢ounling COrdS I have no concerns and have come across no other mallers in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Pleas8 delete th& words in the brack81s if Ih8y do not apply. Independent examiner's statement C Ckerry Dale.. 15 November 2024 Signed.. Name.. Christopher Chtrrry Relevant professional qualificationlsl or body lif any).. FCCA Address.. Clo Brunel Chartered Certified Accountants 3 Marco Polo Hous8, Cook Way Taunton. Somerset TA2 6
Taunton Opportunity Group Statement of Financial Activities Period Ended 31 August 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Slalement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses) Note Unrestricted Restricled Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Income From.. and Endowments Donations & legacies Charitable activities 224,897 90,546 963 224,897 90,546 963 7,389 58,312 1,062 Other tradirsg activities other Total Income 318 606 326 072 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities (131,772) {3,543) 1135,3151 {97,4981 Other Total Expenditure 131772 135315 Net IncomellExpenditurg) 186 834 190 757 Transfer between funds Net movement in funds 190,757 190,757 {17,580) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 16 319240 320 597 338 177 Transfèr funds between histor1¢ Total funds carried forward 511354 511354 320 597
Taunton Opportunity Group Balance Sheet 31 August 2024 Nole 2024 2023 Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 271,696 271,696 Current assets Stocks 12 Debtors 13 3,644 1,035 28,097 Prepayments Investmenls 13 Cash al bank and in hand 236014 511,354 48,901 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net assets 14 511354 320 597 Funds of the charity: Restricted funds Unrestricted in¢ome funds Unrestricted funds 15 1,357 511354 319240 Total funds 511354 320 597 The trustees have nol required the charity lo obtain and audit of its financial statements for the period ended 31 August 2024 in accordance with section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011. The trustees ad<nowledge Iheir responsibililies of ensuring the charity keeps accounting records that comply with the relevent legislations. The financial statements on pages twelv8 lo twenty-one were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue at the date of the 2024 AGM on 21 November 2024 and signed on Iheir behalf by.. Holly Burchett Chair of Trustees io
Taunton Opportunity Group Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 31 August 2024 1} Charity status The charily was regisler8d on 19 June 1979 with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. 2) Accounting policies Summary of slgnifi¢ant accounting poli¢les and key accountlng estimates The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policles have been consistently applied to all the years presented unless otheMise slated. statement of compllance The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicab18 in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) {effe¢live 1 January 20151- (Charities SORP {FRS 10211, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. Basis of preparation The Taunlon Opportunity Group meets the definilion of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless OthenlSe slated in the relevant accounting policy notes. Going concern The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity. Key sources of estimation uncertainty In the application of the charity's accounting policies, which are described below, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered lo be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The following are the critical judgements and eslimales that the trustees have made in the process of applying the charily's accounting judgements and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements. Key management personnel are considered lo be the Trustees and Team Leader with overall management control of the day to day running of the services provided by the charity. li
Income and endowments All income is recognised once the charity has enlillement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably. Donations and legacies Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. If a donation is subject to conditions that require that funds are spent on a specify item or items or a defined activity, then the donation is deemed to be restricted within the accounls. Such donations are used only for the specified purpose. In accordan with the Charities SORP {FRS 102), the valuation of ServIS provided by volunteers has nol been included in the statement of financial activities. Grants receivable Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and monies have been received. Expenditure All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable selllement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs lo that category. Raising funds These are costs incurred in atlracling voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading aclivilies that raise funds. Charitable actlvities Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of ils activities and seNices for its beneficiaries. 11 includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities 8nd those costs of an indirect nature necessary lo support them. Staff costs These include all staff salaries and related t8xalion costs, pension payments and expenses. Support costs Support costs include day lo day premises (including utilities) and other costs for offlce and playroom consumables together with administration and registration costs. Governance costs These include the costs attributable to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including Ofsted and other registrations, Safeguarding IDBS checks), accountancy and other fees. strategic management and trustees, meetings and reimbursed expenses. Government grants Govemment grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured al the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised In income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is renised as deferred income. 12
Taxation The charity is considered to pass the tests sel out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempl from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. Tangible fixed assets Individual fixed assets are initially recorded al cost. less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation has been provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as lo write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows.. Depreciation method and rate o/. 20°/o Straight Llne 20,/0 Straight Line 20°A Straight Line Asset class Land & Buildings Plant & equipment Computer equipment Furniture Stock Stock is valued at the purchas8 pri. Trade debtors Trade debtors are amounts due from third parties andl or amounts owed under the Gift Aid tax scheme. Trade debtors are regnised initially al the transaction price. They are subsequently measured al amortised cost using the 8ffeclive interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according lo the original terms of the recelvables. Cash and ¢ash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and ¢811 deposits that are subject to an insignificant risk of chang8 in value. Fund structure Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees. discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted lo Ihal area or purpose. Financial instruments Classiflcation Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according lo the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of ils liabilities. The charity holds lor is likely to hold) the following financial instruments: Short term trade and other debtors and creditors., and Cash and bank balances. All financial instruments are classified as basic. 13
Recognition and measurement Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a parly to the contraclual provisions of the inslrumenl. All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured al transaction price lincluding transaction costs) and are subseqLJently carried at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other Consideration exp8Cted to be paid or received, after taking account of impairment adjustments. Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are sellled, bl the charity transfers to another party subslanlially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of Ihe financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the assel lo another party. Financial liabililies are derewgnised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires. 3) Income from donations and legacies Unrestricled Restricted Total funds funds 2024 Total 2023 Donations Legacy of Mrs Robinson Gift Aid 2,820 222,077 2,820 1,348 222,077 224 897 224 897 41 Income from charitable activities and other income Unrestricted Restri¢te funds d funds Total Total 2024 2023 Somerset County Council Statutory Funding Fees Fundraising Other 87,385 87,385 56,62 3,161 963 3,161 1,690 963 1,062 9666 1315 7466 101 175 72 52 5) Expenditure on raising funds Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total Total 2024 2023 JustGiving fundraising portal Raffle 14
6) Expenditure on charitable activities Unrestricted Re$trlcted funds funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Staff Costs (including pension) ort Costs Training & expenses Educational consumables and equipment Heat and light Water rates Rates Telephone IT & Website costs Printing costs Repairs Insurance Fees & Regulation Bank charges 109,180 109,180 73,910 223 1,866 223 5,409 162 1,523 3,543 5.665 461 1,264 993 343 141 5,863 3,590 2,183 5,665 461 1,264 993 343 141 5,863 3,590 2,183 6,825 438 2,430 712 370 601 6,751 2,366 1,380 28 Other 131772 135 315 Depreciation Other 131772 135315 7) Analysls of governance and support costs No costs or expenses were claimed by trustees during the period. No costs have been incurred for independent examiner's fees. No trustees, nor any persons connected wilh them, have recelved any remuneration or benefits from the chariiy during the year. 81 Net incomingloutgolng resources Net (outgoingyin¢oming resources for the period include.. 2024 2023 Depreciation of fixed assels Independent examiners fees 9) staff costs The aggregate payroll costs were as follows.. - 2024 2023 Staff costs during the period Wages & salaries Pension costs {Employee and Employer) 105,996 71,738 109 180 15
The monthly average number of persons employed by the charity during the period was seven. Three employees are enrolled in the NEST pension scheme. No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the period. 10) Taxatlon The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation. 41) Tangible flxed assets Furniture Computer and Equipment Equipment Building Total Cost At 1 April 2023 (See note below) Additions in period At 31 August 2024 271.696 38.703 2,811 313,210 271 696 313 210 Depreciation Al 1 April 2023 (See note below) Charge for year 38,703 2,811 41,514 At 31 March 2024 Net Book Value At 31 August 2024 At 31 March 2023 (See note below) 271696 271 696 271 696 271696 Note: The Base Cost al 1 April 2017 was determined as follows. Building based on original build cost with 00/0 depreciation. Furniture, General Equipment and Computer Equipment Based upon a review by trustees having regard lo the age and (if appropriate) setviceability. A market valuation was undertaken by Symonds and Sampson during 2018 and il has been agreed that as at 31 March 2018, the building known as Wooden Spoon House is lo be given a market value in the region of £250,000. The Iruslees agreed that a value of £245,000 should be used with an addition of £26,696 for a new outside play area giving a lolal value of £271,696. No market valuation was conducted during 2023 or 2024 but, it has been recommended a revaluation should be done in the near future. All Furniture and Equipment including computers was fully depreciated as at 31 March 2023 and 31 ALJgusl 2024. 12) Stock Total 2024 Total 2023 Stocks 13) Debtors Total 2024 Total 2023 16
Debtors Prepaymenls 3644 3644 14) Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Total 2024 Total 2023 Creditors 15) Funds Balance at 1 April 2023 Incomlng resources Resources expended Transfer between funds Balan¢e at 31 August 2024 Unrestricted funds General General Fixed assels Designated-specialist ui ment 36,916 261,324 318,606 (131,7721 5,280 229,030 261,324 Total General Funds 319,240 318,606 131,772 5.280 511,354 Restricted funds Wilton Trust Baker Famil E ui Sl Peters Guides Somersel CC Health & Wellbein TOG Trans wps 107 128 147 125 107 128 147 {1251 ment Fund ort Fund 850 850 7,466 3,543 Total Restricted Funds Total Funds 320 597 326 072 135 315 511354 161 Analysis of nel assèls between funds Historic restricted funds which have been used for the purposes intended have been written off to the general fund. All other funds or assets are deemed to be 'G8neral'. Once funded from a restricted fund any item purchased is a general asset and is freely available for general use within Taunton Opportunity Group. 171 Related party transa¢tlons There were no related party transactions for the period ended 31 August 2024 and year ended 31 March 2023. 17