Budd Bear Trust
Charitabl Com
an
Limited b
arantee
DIRECTORS. REPORT for the
ear ended 31 Au
ust 2023
The Directors, who are the trustees for the purpose of charity law, have pleasure in presenting
their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charitable company for the year
ended 31 August 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of
Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS 102) and the Companies
Act 2006.
Reference and Administration Details
The reference and administration details of the charitable company are as shown on page 2.
Objectives and Activities
The principal activity of the charitable company is to relieve sickness of children suffering from
cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other motor neurone disorders.
The main strategic objectives of the Trust are:
To provide conductive education for children who suffer from cerebral palsy and other
motor disorders.
To become a "mainetream" part of education and therapy for children suffering from
cerebral palsy in Northern Ireland and to see greater integration of the existing services of
health and education for such children.
The key aims of Buddy Bear Trust are to allow yOLJng people to benefit from this life changing
therapy and develop their own optimum level of independence.
Public Benefit Statement
The Directors of Buddy Bear Trust confirm that they have complied with their duty under
section 4(6) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 to have regard to the Charity
Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public benefit and that the public benefit
requirement has informed the activities of the charitable company in the year ended 31 August
2022.
Achievements and Performance
Children with Cerebral Palsy at the Buddy Bear Trust Conductive Education School ("Buddy Bear
School") benefited from a team lead by the principal and three other Peto trained Conductors,
all of whom are registered with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland as well as two
experienced Classroom Assistants and a part-time Secretary. The Buddy Bear School was able
to offer places to 26 children in one of four main groups being:
Parent and Child Group (Pre-Nursery);
Nursery Groupi
School Group I; and
School Group 2.
CavanaghKellyi Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
Pd8e13

Budd Bear Trust
-table Com
an
Limi
ed b Guarante
DIRECTORS, REPORT for the
ear ended 31 Au
ust 2023
Continued
c.hildren at the Buddy Bear School made great progress under the guidance of tlie
Conductorsffeachers. Each child made visible progress throughout the year which pleased and
motivated their parents to request more conductive education within the school.
Children new to the school began the first stages of walking, while others used the mounted
wall bars in classrooms to pull themselves into a standing position and show new levels of
mobility, all of which brought positive feedback from parents. One parent shared a quote with
us "We are so grateful that our child attends Buddy Bear. Even with the pandemic the care,
teaching sessions, progress and support he has received from the Buddy Bear team has been
incredible. It has been amazing to see progress so much in such a short space of time and has
filled us all with such hope and joy for the future.
Several children at the School were also able to make the transition to mainstream education at
local primary schools during the year on a full time or pait-tiime bdSi5.
Achievements and Performance in
ear
The Buddy Bear Trust continues to actively promote its five year 'Lifetime of Difference, project.
The project is being funded for the next three years from the National Lottery Community Fund
and the Mcclay Foundation. These vital funds serves as a platform but still leaves a shortfall for
the optimum running costs of the school which we need to supplement with government
funding and ongoing fund raising.
The Buddy Bear Trust continues to rely heavily on volunteers to assist in the day to day
operational running of the charity. Such volunteers are invaluable, and the charity continues to
be grateful for their continued input. The volunteers do not receive any remuneration; however,
the charity will cover any costs of travel and expenses in order to ensure no volunteers are out
of pocket for the costs they incur. Good volunteers are the backbone of any charity and we
appreciate their time and effort.
CavanaghKelty. Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
Page14

Budd Bear Trust
Ch
rita
Com
an
Limi
ed b Guaran
ee
DIRECTORS. REPORT for the
ear ended 31 Au
ust 2023
Continued
In
en
ent School Ins
ection
The school last had an inspection by the Education Training inspectorate In December 2020
with the focus on:
The learners, achlevements and standards in literary and numeracy;
Whether the accommodation is suitable and meets health and safety standards.
The implementation of procedures for safeguarding and pastoral care;
The quality of leadership and management
The full inspection was carried out with findings and conclusions documented within an official
report or inspectlon. DE Ref No. IS59 to which key findings have bcen noted below.
Outcomes for Learners
The pupils all have complex physical difficulties arising from medical conditions, despite these,
they make steady progress in their physical, educational, communication and play skills targets.
A small number of parents and family members shared with the inspectors their highly positive
experiences of the school. They reported that their children are safe and very happy and
appreciate the ongoing support they receive from staff to increase their skills in helping their
children.
It was also reported that the pupils are very well settled and enjoy their routines and activities
in school and interact well with staff and visitors.
uali
of Provision
It was stated, the learning environment is highly inclusive and nurturing with child-centred,
well-maintained, and very purposeful learning resources, including a well-equipped sensory
room and outdoor play space.
The conductors/teachers' plan learning for each individual pupil. It is thorough, comprehensive,
and purposeful, and is monitored, reviewed and evaluated regularly through corroborative staff
meetings.
Furthermore, the resources used are well-planned, imaginative and linked closely to themes
and to the pupil's individual interests.
The school is reported as inclusive and has a highly positive ethos, addressing the educational,
physical and health and well-being needs of the pupils.
The learning environment is highly inclusive and nurturing with child-centred, well-maintained,
and very purposeful learning resources, including a well-equipped Sensory Room and safe
poured rubber outdoor play space.
Leadershi
and mana
ement
The teaching Principal and staff are highly skilled and apply consistent high standards of
provision appropriate for the complex and wide range of learning and physical needs of the
pupils.
They continually self-evaluate and assess the progre55 made by the pupils as well as identifying
and sustaining areas of improvement across the school.
It was also reported that the board of trustees are highly committed to and support all aspects
of the school. They meet regularly and are very well informed about sateguarding and the
overall life and work of the school.
CavanaghKelly, Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
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Budd Bear Trust
Ch
ri
ecom
an
Limited b Guarantee
DIRECTORS. REPORT for the
ear ended 31 Au
ust 2023
Continued
Inde
endent School Ins
ection
Continued
Safe
uardin
It was reported at the time of the inspection, the arrangements for safeguarding learners, take
account of and reflect, the guidance from the Department of Education.
It was concluded in the inspection from the ETI that Buddy Bear Trust Conductive Independent
School provides efficient and suitable instruction for the learners and that the school is to
continue to be registered by the Department of Education to provide education.
h Profile Visits to the School
The Directors encouraged the Political Leaders and Senior EA officials to visit the independent
special school to understand why early intervention is important in the life of a child with
cerebral palsy and the impact it can have on the parents and extended family.
The Hungarian Ambassador was among the politician5 to visit the school in the year.
We valued the visits as the Politicians could speak with authority about the benefits of the
school.
The visits also reinforced the parents and let them know that their child was valuable.
Joint Letter of su
ort from the main Political Parties
The Buddy Bear Trust continued to receive letters of support from political parties and a Joint
Letter signed by the Political leaders of the 5 main parties, showing their continued support to
Buddy Bear Trust.
Along with previous letters received from all political party leaders, including Michelle O'Neill
(Vice President of Sinn Fein) and Robin Swann MLA (Health Minister for Northern Ireland), it is
clear to see the continued support for the work and care carried out by Buddy Bear Trust.
We are actively trying to secure a meeting with the Secretary of State, the Minister of Education
and the Permanent Secretary of Northern Ireland to meet with thp Truqtees to discuss funding
arrangements and how the parents of children attending the school should be assisted.
General Maintenance
Converted a Classroom (upstairs) to a toilet and changing bench and area
Converted other half of Classroom into a storage area
Aims for Next Year
Address Councils about benefits of Buddy Bear Trust
Provide lift to access first floor
Employ two more Conductors as to meet needs of school and children
Add additional rubber flooring outside
CavanaghKelly, Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
Pagc16

Budd Bear Trust
Charitable Coin
an
Limited b Guaran
DIRECTORS. REPORT for the
ear ended 31 Au
ust 2023
Continued
Financial Review
Financial Performance
The charity earned net incoming resources of £124,934 (2022
incoming resou rces of
£80,552) in the year to 31 August 2023 and at the year end the total funds of the charity
amounted to £380,693 (2022 - £255,759) comprising unrestricted funds of £168,868 (2022
£149,859), restricted funds of £11,825 (2022
£5,900) and a designated reserve fund of
£200,000 (2022 £100,000).
Principal sources of funding and how this has sUPPOrted the key objectives of the charitable
company are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.
Reserves Policy
The Buddy Bear Trust have a formal reserves policy and the trustees believe there are sufficient
funds to meet the needs of the charity for the medium term. As the charity is heavily reliant on
donations and funding from public bodies, the board believe it is imperative to hold a significant
level of reserves so that the charity can continue to operate should there be any unexpected fall
in incoming resources.
structure, Governance and Management
Organisational Structure
The charitable company is a company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital.
The charitable company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established
the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of
Association.
In accordance with the Articles of Association, the members to retire by rotation shall be those
who have been longest in office since their last election, and the relevant motion will be put at
the Annual General Meeting. A retiring member shall be eligible for re-election.
Directors
The Directors during the year are the same as the Directors as listed on page 2.
Taxation Status
The charitable company is recognised as a charity by HM Revenue & Customs. Accordingly, the
charitable company has availed of the exemptions contained in Chapter 3 Part 11 Corporation
Taxes Act 2010 and Section 256 Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992.
Directors. Responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year
which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company and of the
incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the
charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial statements the Directors are
required to..
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any
material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
CavanaghKelly, Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
PagL17

Budd Bear Trust
Com
an
Limi
d b Guaran
DIRECTORS. REPORT for the
ear ended 31 Au
ust 2023
Continued
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time tlie linancial posllion of the charitable company and enable
them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are
also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Small Companies Exemption
The above report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small
companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report wag approved by the Board of Directors on 29 July 2024 and signed on its behalf
by:
Registered office:
Peto Ceiitre
Killyman Road
Dungannon
Co. Tyrone
BT71 6DE
Mr Brendan Mcconville
DIRECTOR
Com
Chari
an
Re
istration Number: N1022996
Re
istration Number: 104137
Mrs Phyllis Agnew
DIRECTOR
CavanaghKeiiyi Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
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