A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 ( A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE AND NOT HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL) COIVIPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER N1041606 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER NIC 106269 O'HARA SHEARER CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AND STATUTORY AUDITORS 547 FALLS ROAD BELFAST BTII 9AB
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 CONTEiYrs Page Members and Professional Advisors Trustees Annual Report (including the Statement of Directors Responsibilities in respect of financial statements) Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members, 8-10 Accounting Policies 11-13 Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure accoun 14 Balance Sheet 15 Cash Flow Statement 16 Notes to the Financial Statements 17-23
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FtNANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 OFFICERS AND OTHER tNFORMATION Directors Martin walls, Chairperson Amanda Jolinston Joyce Rainey Claire Humphries Leali Rea Karen Kerr Management Committee Joanne Grityiths Paula Cunningham Project Manaoer Registered Office Mary Catherine Todd 440 Shore Road Newtownabbey Co Antrim BT37 9RU Auditors O'Hara Shearer Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors 547 Falls Road Belfast, BT119AB Solicitors James J Macaulay 2 North Street Carrickfergus BT38 7AQ Bankers Ulster Bank Limited 2 Farmley Road Glengorniley Newtownabbey Co Antrim BT36 7QU Company Registration Number N1041606 Charity Registration Number XR 53098 Charity Commission for Northern Ireland Registration Number NIC 106269 Page I
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START THE TRUSTEES AND FtNANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presenting their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 3 1 March 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors, report and accounts for Companies Act 2006 PUTposes. Tlie Trustees confinn that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice which applies to cliarities preparino their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2015). Reference & Administrative Details Reference and adm inistrative details are shown in the schedule of members and professional advisers on page l of the financial statements. Directors and Trustees The directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purpose of charity law. The Directors and trustees who served the charity during the period were as follows: Martin walls, Chairperson Amanda Johnston Joyce Rainey Claire Humphries Leah Rea Karen Kerr Structure, Governance & Management Governing Document The charity is controlled by its governing docutnent, a Memorandum and Articles of Association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Each metnber has agreed to contribute El in the event of a compulsory winding up. It is regIsted as a charity with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. The charity is a company limited by guarantee and not havino a share capital. It is a company incorporated under the Companles Act. The charity is managed under the control of the tnanagetnent committee. The day to day running of the charity is carried out by the Project Manager, Cathy Todd. Appointment of Trustees The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the charity. Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting by the members present and the total number of Trustees shall not be less than 3. Trustees shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting following his/her appointment. A retiring Trustee shall be eligible for re-election. Page 2
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START THE TRUSTEES AND FtNANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees shall have the power at any time and from time to time to appoint any person to be a Trustee, either to full a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing Trustees. Any Trustee so appointed shall Iiold office until the next following Annual General Meeting and shall then be eligible for election. Trustee Induction and training New Trustees receive an induction pack which supports due diligence and supwrts good record keeping. They undergo an induction to brief them on their legal oblioations under charity and company law, the Charities Coinmission guidance on public benefit, content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the board of trustees and decision-making processes, policies and procedures, the business plan and recent finaiicial performance of tli¢ cliarity. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events wliere tliese 'ill facil itate the undertakin(y of their role. Organisation The Board of Trustees meet 3 monthly, and delegates certain responsibilities to the Project Manager. The Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day manaoement of the affairs of the charity and for implementing the policies and operational plans as a.oreed by the Board of Trustees. Between meetings of the Board of Trustees, the Project Manager reports to the chairr50. Related parties None of the Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the Charity. Any connection between a trustee or senior manager of the charity to Telated parties must be disclosed to the full Board of Trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a third party. There were no such disclosures in the current year. Risk Management The Trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises: An annual review of the risks the charity may face. The establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risk identified and Tlie implementation of procedures desioned to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks tnaterialise This work has identified that financial sustainability is a major financial risk for the charity. A key eleinent in tlie management of financial risk is via the reserves policy. Attention has also been focused on non-financial risks arising from fire. health and safety of employees, volunteers and scheme users. In providing access and opportunities to people and children, the Charity recognises that there are potential risks to children and vulnerable adults. A key eletnent in the manaivement of non-financial risk is the establishment and implementation of a robust chart of policies and procedures including Access Nl Disclosure Check, Child Protection Policy and the renewal and training of staff in this area. Page 3
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START THE TRUSTEES AND FtNANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees are satisfied that the necessary policies and procedures are in place to safeguard participants, and ensure that the b¢nefits provided outweiivh any potential hann. Objectives and Activities The charity's objectives are to enhance the development and education of children below the statutory school a(Je and to advance education, relieve poverty, sickness and distress among those in the necessitous circuinstances in Newtownabbey and its environs and to provide recreational and leisure facilities in the interests of social welfare for those inhabitants of the area of benefit without distinction of age, se& special need, race or political, reli(jious or other opinions, who are in necessitous circumstances. Future and principal funding sources Sure Start is solely government funded and funding is allocated by the tkpartment of Education. Projects are jointly managed by the Department of Education and the Childcare Partnerships (HSCBISPPG) who oversee allocations and monitor expenditure. Charitable Purposes To promote the benefit of the parents and children of Newtownabbey without distinction of race or political, religious or other opinions by associating together with the said parents/children and local aiithorities, voluntary and other oranIsatIOnS in a common effort to advance education, improve health and Well-bein and to provide facilities in the interests of social and emotional welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of itnproviniv the conditions of life for the said parents/chi Idren. To relieve the suffering and distress of parentslchildren who by reason of health, social or economic circumstances, have need of such facilities. To help parentslchildren in the area to reach their full potential thereby offering SOEnething back to their Community. Public Benefit Statement A.B.B.E.Y Sure Start is a government funded inttiative, targeting children under 4 years old. It is aimed at giving everyone a good start in life and is about a long-temi investment. Research has indicated that where children have access to early intervention and play opportunities it will help their development through school and adult life. The overall aim of the organisation is to improve the wellbeing and life opportunities of young children under four, through better health, childcare and educational opportunities so that children can flourish when they enter school. The project operates within the defined boundaries of Abbey,Cloughfern, Coole, Dunanney, Monkstown. Whitehouse and Valley electoral wards. Temporary inclusion of Carnmoney 1, Glengomiley 2 and Mossley wards. Page 4
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Acliievements and Perfonnance A.B.B.E.Y. Siire Starfs main office is located at 440 Shore Road and the Project continues to deliver programmes and servic¢s from 6 other outreach sites located at Merville Garden Village. the Dunanney Centre, Abbots Cr055 Primary School, St. James, Primary School, Monkstown Village Centre and Abbejtown Square. A range of venues are also hired across the catchment area to deliver programmes All programmes and services are desioned to meet local need and improve outcomes for children and families. Outcomes are related to health, social well-being and education and also to have an impact on strenothening communities At the end of quarter 4 we met the majority of the 75 taroets detailed in our annual plan. We fully met 70 of the tar(yets and also exceeded the tar(yet in many programmes and services. The 5 targets that we didn't fully meet were mostly due to not having the target number of attendees, eg. in the expansion area we had a target of 40 parents and 40 children attendino outingslevents and the actual number was 36 parents and 37 Children. We were able to increase midwifery hours from the expansion budget for a short period of time and this made a significant difference in getting mums registered at the ante- natal stage and has also increased uptake of services, currently sitting at 96.740/0. Recruitment of staff for the expansion area has proved to be very difficult as they are temporary posts and due to the timino of confirniation of funding it is impossible to have staff in post from tlie 1st of April as this is dependent on a lengthy time frame for advertising, interviewing, completing necessary checks and staff giving notice. This also has an impact on delivery of services and in engaoing families as this adds to the already heavy workloads of staff whose main role is to work in the Core catchment area. The core staff team have been delivering progratnmes in the expansion area and all staff have gone above and beyond to ensure targets have been met. Staff have noted a sionificant increase in parents presenting with severe emotional and mental health difficulties. This has increased the level of work within the Family Support team througli provision of intensive l- I support. FSW'S have been continuing to sign post families to 26 different organisations/services including food banks, autism services, education services, baby basics, mental health services, Barnardo's, CB T, GP, Healtvisitor, Page 5
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Parentin(F NI, Trian(Fle Housing. home safety, Employers for childcare, Advice NI, CITHRAH. A htgh percentage of signposting and support is with food banks and autismleducation services. Uptake of families accessing services has increased sliohtly within the last quarter, with tlie tnost significant increase in Dads accessino services, there was an increase from 18.240/0 last quarter to 30.67 % in quarter 4. There was an increase in registrations from the Health Visiting team following on from staff attendin(r a staff meeting to provide infomiation and promote Surestart services, however this has reduced significantly. Parents are also reporting difficulties with Contacting health Visitors as tliere is no longer a direct phone line. Many also comment that they have no idea who their Health Visitor is and seldom see the same person twice. The majority of registrations continue to be cotnpleted via teleplione with families receiving relevant information in the post. This is mostly due to staff capacity as core staff are also deliverinu services in our expansion area. Families are continuino to access Food Banks, Pallet Scheme through the DFC, baby basics and Save the Children funding through the Family Support hub. A 22-year lease Iiad been signed for NIHE premises in the old Ulster Bank Iixated in Rathcoole Estate. The Housiiig Executive completed works to a lettable standard prior to our contractors completing tlie work, however capital funding was not available to progress any work. An updated business case was submitted for Capital funding and tlie situation post_ covid in ternis of risiniv costs had resulted in increased costs to complete the refurbishment. We had hoped to be moving premises for this financial year but due to the delay this has not been possible. The detrimental effect of tliis is that we were expected to pay £12,000 rent per annum for a building that we couldn't use. One of our Directors liaised with Community planniniv and NIHE resulting in NIHE aoreeing to release us from the tenancy. An opportunity arose to lease the ground floor of our office space in Shore Road and it is cUentlY being refurbished to accommodate the new intake of children into our Developmental Progrdmme for Children with Additional Needs. We had also planned to facilitate our Developmental Programme for children with additional needs from the ground floor of the Ulster bank Iiowever we have had to use our premises in Merville garden village to accotnmodate this programme. This has resulted in us having to hire an additional v¢nu¢ in Rathfern Community Centre to deliver core programmes and a creche facility. Movina forward this issue will be resolved wlien we are able to use the ground floor in our Shore Road premises. Many families have been experiencintr a decline in mental health and wellbeing and Family Support Workers have been offering l- I support and signposting to relevant or(Fanisations. We previously identified that the number of children presenting with additional needs in the Developmental Programme for 2-3 year olds was increasing year on year and that for some children this may not be tlie most suitable environment to support the specific individual needs of children. This programm¢ continues to be an integral element of Surestart services and demand is increasing. Feedback from parents hiohli(Flits how much they appreciate the additional support provided to both them and their child particularly in navigating the self-referral form in relation to assessment. Due to the fact that we only have 2 members of staff we have kept the numbers low for all sessions and are offering more sessions than originally planned to accommodate all 9 children. We are attempting to ty and recruit for an additional Programme Practitioner again. We are continuing to register families in our expansion area and deliver a wide range of programmes to support families .We are offering programmes in Mossley Church and they are all well attended. Service delivery has been quite challengino as we were unable to recruit to all posts in the expansion area and have had to use core staff and bring in outside facilitators. Plans for the Future Page 6
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 24 This is a small synopsis of the activity we have provided froTn April 2023 to March 2024, and, we look forward to progressing and developing relationships with the children and families in the area to ensure they can easily access our services. The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presentin their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 3 1 March 2024 whicli are also prepared to meet tlie requirements for a directors, report and accounts for Cotnpanies Act 2006 purposes. Tlie Trustees confirm that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice wl)ich applies to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reportin(F Standard applicable in tlie UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2015). Reference & Administrative Details Reference and adminlstrative details are shown in the schedule of members and professional advisers on page l of tlie financial statements. Directors and Trustees Tlie directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purpose of charity law. The Directors and triistees who served tlie charity durin(y the period were as follows: Structure, Govemance & Management Directors Martin walls, Chairperson Amanda Johnston Joyce Rainey Claire Humphries Leah Rea Karen Kerr Goveming Document The charity is controlled by its governing documenL a Memorandum and Articles of Association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Each member has agreed to contribute El in the event of a compulsory winding up. It is registered as a charity witli The Charity Commission for Northem Ireland. The charity is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. It is a company incorporated under the Compani¢s Act. The charity is managed under the control of tlie manauement committee. The day to day running of the charity is carried out by the Project Manager, Cathy Todd. Appointment of Trustees The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the charity. Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting by the m¢mbers present and the total number of Trustees shall not be less than 3. Page 7
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE THE TRUSTEES AND FtNANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Trustees shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting following histher appointment. A retiring Trustee shall be eligible for re-election. The Trustees shall have the power at any time and from time to time to appoint any person to be a Trustee, eitlier to full a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing Trustees. Any Trustee so appointed shall hold office for 4 years (up to 2 tenns). Page 8
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH )024 Triistee Induction and trainino New Trustees und¢r(yo an induction to brief them ori their leqal obli(yations under charity and company law, the Charities Commission guidance on public benefit: content of tlie Memorandum and Articles of Association, the board of trnstees and decision-makino processes, policies and procedures, tlie business plan and recent financial perfomiance of the charity. Trustees are encouraoed to attend appropriate extemal training events w'here these will facilitate the undertaking of tlieir role. Organisation Tlie Board of Trustees meet every Quarter with additional meetings as required. and delegates certain responsibilities to the Project Manaoer. The Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day manaoement of the affairs of the charity and for implementing the policies and operational plans as aoreed by the Board of Trustees. Between meetings of the Board of Trustees, tlie Project Manager reports to tlie Chairperson. The Project Manager is assisted by a full time Administrator. Related parties None of the Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the Charity. Any connection between a trustee or senior manager of the charity to related parties must be disclosed to tlie full Board of Trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a third party. There were no such disclosures in the current year. Risk Management The Trustees have a risk manaoement strategy which comprises: An annual revtew of the risks the charity may face. The establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risk identified and The implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise This work has identified that financial sustainability is a major financial risk for the charity. A key element in the manaoement of financial risk is via the reserves policy. Attention has also been focused on non-financial risks arising from fire, health and safety of employees, volunteers and scheme users. In providing access and opportunities to people and children, the Charity recognises that tliere are potential risks to children and vulnerable adults. A key element in the manageTn¢nt of non-financial risk is the establishment and implementation of a robust chart of policies and procedures including Access Nl Disclosure Check, Child Protection Policy and the renewal and trainin(r of staff in this area. The Trustees are satisfied that the necessary policies and procedures are in place to safeguard participants, and ensure that the benefits provided outweigh any potential harni. RCI PORT OF I'IIE TRUSTEES ANI D FIPi.4NCI.4L STATE,METr4TS ST FOR THE YEAR E.NiDED 31 MARCH 2023 TRLISTEES, AIYNI U.IL REPORT Objectives and Activities Page 9
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE THE TRUSTEES AND FtNANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH ?4 The charity's objectives are to enhance the development and education of children below the statutory school aTre and to advance education, relieve poverN, sickness and distress amon(y those in the necessitous circumstances in Newtownabbey and its environs and to provide recreational and leisure facilities in tlie interests of social welfare for those inhabitants of the area of benefit without distinction of age, sex, 5cial need, race or political, religious or other opinions, who are in necessitous circumstances. Future and principal funding sources Sure Start is solely government funded and funding is allocated by the tkpartment of Education. Projects are jointly Manaed by the Department of Education and the Childcare Partnerships (HSCB) who oversee allocations and monitor expenditure. Charitable Purposes To promote the benefit of the parents and children of Newtownabbey witliout distinction of race or political, religious or other opinions by associating together with tlie said parents/children and local authorities, voluntary and other or(yanisations in a common effort to advance education, improve health and well-being and to provide facilities in the interests of social and emotional welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of iwnproving the conditions of life for the said parentslchildren. To relieve the suffering and distress of parentslchildren who by reason of health, social or economic circumstances, have need of such facilities. To help parents/children in the area to reach their full wtential thereby offering something back to their community. Public Benefit Statement A.B.B.E.Y Sure Start is a government funded initiative, targeting children under 4 years old. It is aimed at giving everyone a (yood start in life and is about a long-term investment. Researcli has indicated that where children have access to early intervention and play opportunities it will help their development through school and adult life. The overall aim of the organisation is to improve the well being and life opportunities of young children under four, through better health, childcare and educational opportunities so that children can flourish when they enter school. The project operates witliin the defined boundaries of Abbey, Cloughfern. Coole, Dunanney, Monkstown, Whitehouse and Valley electoral wards. Page 10
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS, Opinion We have audited the financial statements of A.B.B.E.Y. Sure Start (the 'chariW) for the year ended i l March 2024 which cotnprise the Staternent of Financial Activities, the Balance SheeL the Statetnent of Cash Flows and the notes to the financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policie5. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation 15 applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stsndards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 Thefinancial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ofIrelap7d (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion. the financial statements: give a true and fair view of th¢ state of th¢ charitable company's affairs &s at ) l March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended. have been properly prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) (effective l Janauary 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the accounts section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance wilh these requirements. We b¢liev¢ that th¢ audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relgting to going concern We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAS (UK) require us to report to you where: the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or the trustees have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertaintie5 that may cast significant doubt about the charity's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Other informatio The other infonnation comprises the inforniation included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditorfs report thereon. The tteeS are responsible for the other inforn]ation. Our opinion on the financial statements does not Cover the other information and. except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any forni of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other inforniation and, in doing so, consider whether the other infonnation is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to detennin¢ whether ther¢ is a material misstatm¢nt in th¢ financial statements or a material misstatement of the oiher infonnation. If, b&sed on the work we have perfonn¢d, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information. we are required to rep)rt that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Page 8
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS, Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the livht of the knowled(pe and understandincr of the Ttte$ and its environment obtained in the course of the audiL we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees, Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the followino matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if. in our opinion.. sufficient accountino records have not been kept. or the financial statements are not in atsreemeTJt with the a¢countino records- or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made- or we have not received all the infonnation and explanations we require for our audit. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees. Responsibilitie5, the trnstees. who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law. are responsible for the prepardtion of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal Control as the directors detemine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatemeT]L whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessTng the charity's ability to continue as a goin( concern. disclosing, as applicable, matters related to goin(F concern and usinfj the ooinfj concern basis of accountints unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations. or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financi21 statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorfs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurdnce. bul is not a guardntee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the atstrregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these fmancial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and retsulations. We desi.(m procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irreuularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities. including fraud, is detailed below. Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, ineluding fraud The objectives of our audit in respect of fraud. are to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud- to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and implementing appropriate responses to those assessed risk5- and to respond appropriately to instances of fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both management and those charged with governance of the Charity. Our approach was as follows: We obtained an understandintr of the legal and regulatory requirements applicable lo the charity and considered that the most significant are the Companies Act 2006 and the Financtal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l Janaury 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102). Enquiry of management. those charged with governance and the entitys solicitor5 around actual and potential litigation and Claims. Enquiry of eT]tity staff in compliance nCtionS to identify any instances of any non-compliance with laws and regulations. Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Page 9
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINAYCI.4L sTATEIEr*ITs FOR THE I'EAR ENDED 31ST I¥IARCH 2024 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS, Auditing the risk ol management override of ntrol$. including through lesting joumal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness. and evaluating th¢ bysiness rationale of si_£nificant trdrksactions outside the norn]al course of business. As part of an audit in accordance with ISAS {UK) we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional sceptlCi51n throughout the audit. We also-. Identity and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statetnents. whethcr duc to fraud or error. design and perfomi audit procedures resp)nsive to those risks. and obtain audit evidencc that is sufficicnt and appropriate to provide a basis lor our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misslatement resulting frotn fraud is higher than for one resulting from error. as frnud may involve collusion. forgery. intentional omissions. tnisi'epi'esentations. or the override of internal ¢onirol. Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures are appropriate in the circumstances. but not for the purtx>se5 of cxprcssing an opinion on the effectiveness of the CoMpanS internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting w)licies used and the reasonableness of a¢counling estimates and related disclosures made by the directors. Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors, use of the goin? concern basi5 of accounting and. based on the audit evidence obtained. whether a material uncertainty exisls relat to events or condilion5 that may cast signiticani doubt on the ¢harity's abiliN to continue &s a going concern. If wc conclude that a material uncertainty exists. we are requId lo drnw attention in our auditorfs retK)rt to the rclatcd disclosures in the financial statements or. if such disclosures are inadequate. to mi)difv our opinion. Our conclusion5 are based on the audit evidence obtained up to our audiiows report. However. future events or conditions may causc the charity to cease coniinue as a going ¢on¢¢m. Evaluate the overall presentation. structurc and content of the financial statements. including the disclosures. and whether the financial statements reprcscnt the underlying transactions and ¢vents in a manner that achieves fair presentation. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statctnents is located on the Financi Reporting Council's website at: httpJlwww.frc.org.uklauditorsrestx)nsibilities. This dcscription fomis part of our auditorfs report. We cotnmunicate with thosc charged with governance regardin& among other matters. the planned scope and timing of the audit and signiticant tindings. including anv significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. Use of our report This report is made solely to thc charitablc companv's members. as a lyxly, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and regulatiot15 Tnadc undcr thai Aci. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's tnembers those tnattcrs ivc are required io slate to them in an auditors, retK)rt and for no other purpose. To the tullest extent permitted by law. wc do not accept or assum¢ responsibility to anyone other than the charitable cotnpany andi members &s a bo . for our audit work, for this reTx1 or for the opinions we have fonned. LAW ENCE SHEARER F.C.A., Senlor Statutory Auditor FOR AIYD ON BEHALF OF O'HARA SHEARER, Stht0ry Auditor O'HARA SHEARER CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AND STATUTORY AUDITORS 547 Falls Road Beltast BTII 9AB Dated: 12th September 2024 Page 10
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FIINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 STATEMENT OF ACCOUIYfING POLICIES Accountin¢7 Convention and Basis of Accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparino their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard which applies in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Going Concern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees, have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable fvture. Thus the trustees, continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. Income Recognition Income is recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, any perfomiance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Interest Receivable Interest on funds held is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably" this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank. Resources Expended All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Fundraising costs include the costs of advertising, producing publications, printing and mailing fundraising material, and stsff costs in these areas. Costs of charitable activities include direct expenditure incued through operational activities. Governance costs represent the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity which relate to the general running of the charity as opposed to those costs associated with fundraising or charitable activity. Fixed Assets All tangible fixed assets are recorded at cost. Premises adaptations Office equipment Computer equipment 4 % reducing balance 20% straight line 200/0 straight line Pagell
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FIINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 STATEMEiYf OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES Continued Repairs and Renewals All repairs and renewals are written off as incurred. Pension Costs The charity does currently operate a defined conribution pension scheme. This is operated via Early Years Members Group Personal Pension Scheme in conjuction with Verity Pensions. Debtors and Prepayments Trade debtors and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Creditors and Provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are nornially recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. Financial Instruments The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic fmancial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Foreign Currencies Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in forei currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account kn aLTiving at the net movement in funds. Page 12
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES Conlinued Fund Accounting Unrestricted funds are general funds that are available for use at the Trustee5' discretion in furtherance of the charitable objectives of the charity unless th¢ funds have been designated for other Purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes. Restricted funds are those given for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. Endownment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity. The incotne received from funders depends on the charity meeting detailed criteria on expenses plans. Grants given under such conditions are also given subject to them being obtained for in connection with the furtherance of the charity's aims and objectives. Such incotne can be repayable to the funder if such expenses plans and criteria are not met. Such incotne is only deferred when the donor specifies that the granvdonation must only be used in future accounting periods. or the donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has unconditional entitlement. Income from charitable activities includes income received under contract or where entitlement to grant funding is subject to specific perfortnance conditions is recognised as earned as the related goodslservices are provided. Grant income included in this category provides funding to support perfonnance activities and is recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Income is deferred when: fees/perforniance related grants are received in advance of the performancelevent to which they relate. Reserves Policy Restricted funds must be be utilised in compliance with funder criteria. Specifically. HSCB Department of Education Governance and Accountability guidance also provides details ola new reserves policy. Sure Start Projects are pennitted to hold a maximum of two weeks equivalent of their annual budget allocation as reserves, if required, for working capital requirements at the financial year end. In line with the requirement from our key fund¢r. the organisation is unable to allocate any unused funding to reserves. All unspent monies must be returned to the funder. The funder h&8 also &8sumed the responsibility for meeting any dissolution costs should the organisation ce&se to operate. Page 13
A.B.B.E.I". SI'.RE ST.4RT ST.ITENIEYT OF FIY.4NCI.&L.4CtIl'lTIES FOR TFIE I'E.4R ENDED 31ST 11..IRCH 2024 inco orati tht inrome e cnditure aecourtt I'.nrtstricted RtStri¢ted Endownment TOT.4L Funds Funds Funds 2024 TOT.4L 2023 NOTES INCOI¥IE AYE D ENDOWNMENTS FRO1. Donations and legacies Incotne frotn investtnents Incotne frotn charitable activittes Income from other trading activities 928.594 928,594 92J,263 TOTAL INCOfvIE AND ElyDOWN[ENTS 928.594 928,594 923,263 EXPENDITLIRE ON.. Expenditure on raising funds Expendirure on Charitable activities Other expendiwre Net gainslllosses) on investments 928,594 928.594 947,076 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 928,594 928,594 947,076 NET INCOTrIEIIEXPENDITUREI {23,8131 Transfers between fi]nds NET fvIOVENIENT IN FUINDS 123,813) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS TOT.4L FiINDS BROiIGHT FORWARD 12113115116 32.721 32.721 34.148 TOTAL FUIYDS CARRIED FORW.4RD 1211i115116 32.721 32,721 10,335 The SlateTheTrt of Financi#l A¢tlVT¢ie$ includes all ggins 4nd lfysses in the yexr and therefore Statement of Total Retogfyiged Gaitys and Lossu hAs Thot been prepared All of the above amounts r¢l41¢ to continuing a£tivitie5 Tht ltcompityyithg ateo•o1i•g policies the wte5 forrn pxrt oftke5e finalltial statements Page 14
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 NOTES FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank Cash in hand 10 18,253 30,123 16.640 27,491 670 48,376 44,801 Creditors= amounts falling due within one year (15.655) (12,080) NET CURRENT ASSETSI(LIABILrrIES) 32,721 32,721 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT ASSETSI( LIABIL[rS ) 32,721 32,721 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year NET ASSETSI(LIABILITIES) 32,721 32,721 Fuls. ENDOWNMENT FUNDS UNRESTiucfED INCOME FUNDS 12113115 RESTRIED INCOME FUNDS 12113116 32,721 32,721 32,721 32,721 APPROVED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS . Wjpk MARTIN WALLS DIRECTOR DATE 14th December 2024 The &eeompDying A¢COUDtillE polleies thotes forni part of these flnnelAI ststements Page 15
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 NOTES CASHFLOWS FROM OPERATING AIVITIEs Cash generated from operations 14 1,962 14,803 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 1,962 14,803 Investing activities Investment income Purchase of tangible fixed assets Acquisition of investments Disposal of investtnents Disposal of tangible fixed assets Net cash from Investin activities Increase/(decrease) in cash and c2$h equivalents in the year 1,962 14,803 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 28,161 13,358 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 30,123 28,161 Relating to: Cash at bank and in hand 30.123 28,161 The a¢¢ompanying accounting policies and notes forni part of these fillanci21 statements Page 16
A.B.B.E.I'. SI-RE ST.4RT YOTES TO THE FI.%'.4NCI.4L ST.4TE.IIEYrs FOR THE I"E..IR ENIDED 31ST NI.4RCH 2024 I. DONATIONS.4ry1 D LEGACIES Uttrt5trirtril Re5tricttd FuDd5 Fullds UnTe5tricied Re51rÈcted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Donations Legacies I INCOfvIE FRO[ INvEsTlE1YTs Unrtstritted Rtstritttd FDud5 Uttrtstricted Rtstritttd Fund5 Funds 2024 2023 Income from UK listed invesirnents Income from cash 3. INCOME FRO[ CHARITABLE ACTIVITILS Unrtstricied Re5trided Funds Funds Unrtstricted Restricted Futtds Funds 2024 2023 Health & Sttial Care Board- D¢wtneni of Educaiion Core FwxlKn8 Health & S<*ial Cat¢ BoaTd- tkydrtFnent of Educatioll Exp10 Furyjing Health & Swial ca Board- Depart5nent of Education Capital Funding 825.416 103.178 825.416 103,178 805.079 805,079 118,184 118,184 928.i94 928.594 923,263 923.263 4. INCOIVIE FROIVI OTHER TRADING AcfiviTIES Uurtstricied Re5tricied Funds Funds Unrestri¢(ed Restricted Fllllds Funds 2024 2023 Fundraising Page 17
A.B.B.E.I. SI'RE ST.&RT TESTOTHE FIN.INCI.IL ST.4TEMEYr FOR THE I"E.4R ENDED 31ST 11.IRCH 2024 5. EXPENDrruRE ON IUISING FUIYDS Unrtstritted Restritttd Funds Funds Urtrtstricted Restricted Funds Fund5 2024 2023 Promotional and fiJndraisin8 Costs 6. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unreslricted Re5tricled Fund$ Funds Unreslricted Restri¢t¢d Fund5 Futtds 2024 2023 Wage5 and salaries (See Nole I I Pension costs IS¥e Note 81 Swial security c05t5 (See Note 81 Recruittnent exp¢nse5 Training and development Trnvel costs Project costs- accountable body Project costs- lead body costs Project COSts- proje¢t materials and equipm¢n¢ Project ¢OSts- projeLt programmes, events 2nd activities Depaninent ot Education IDE) core funding retraction Q4 undtr5rKnd 2023124 { Noie 11) Sundry expenses 542.096 32.485 28,288 3,3(Y) 14,507 4.0> 18.119 25,539 10.103 53.780 536 54?.096 32,485 28.288 3.3(M) 14.507 4,090 554.885 554,885 22.119 3.899 14.888 3,152 20.207 24,795 14.024 81,652 8.591 2.933 22.119 3,899 14,888 3.152 20,207 24,795 14,024 81,652 8,591 2.933 25.)39 10.103 53,780 536 732843 732843 762271 762,271 Support Costs Governance ¢0$15 Telephone and inl¢rnet Ren¢ and rates Htrdt and li8ht Room hire PreTll15e5 expenses Premises expenses- Capital works In5UTance CompuleT 50thvare and office equipTnent Jnainienantt costs Printing. postage and siaiiortery Advertisin8 RepaiT5 and tnaintenance Legal aiid professional fees Subscrtptions Depreciation Audit fees Annugl retum fee Bank interest and char8es 10,820 84.366 12.831 10.820 84,366 12.831 8.559 (A.027 8,637 7.246 26.563 6.000 12.473 10.709 14.645 5,654 8,559 64.027 8,637 7,246 26.563 6.000 12,473 10,709 14.645 5.654 35.124 35.124 15,048 10.887 7.203 2,885 15.048 10.887 7203 2.885 6.582 4,846 6.582 4.846 11.335 4,953 1,335 4,953 4.434 13 712 4.434 3.312 13 679 3,312 712 679 195.751 195,751 184105 184,805 TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON CFLIRITABLE ACTivfTIFS 928J94 928394 947,076 947.076 Page 18
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START NOTES TO THE FINAINCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 7. NET (OUTGOING}/ INCOMING RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR This is stated after chargingl(crediting) 2024 2023 Auditors remuneration Depreciation 4,434 3,312 8. SALARY COSTS AND EMOLUMENTS 2024 2023 Total staff costs were as follows: Wages and salaries - key management personnel Wages and salaries - other staff Pension Costs - key management personnel Pension Costs - other staff Employer social security costs - key management personnel Employer social security costs - other staff Employer social security costs - Statutory Maternity Pay Recoverable Employer social security costs - Employment Allowance 40,664 520,352 41,329 513,556 12,252 4,356 30,245 11,126 4,687 25,186 (5,042) (2,712) (5,000) 602,869 588,130 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 2024 2023 Number Number 37 38 No employees had emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2023: £Nil) Trustees, remuneration and benefits There was no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 st March 2024. (2023: £Nil) Trustees, Expenses There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 st March 2024. (2023: £Nil) Page 19
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023 9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Premises Office Adaptations Equipment Computer Equipment Total COST As at 1st April 2022 Additions Disposals As at 31 st March 2023 DEPRECIATION As at 1st April 2022 Charge for year Eliminated on disposal As at 3 1st March 2023 Net book value 2023 Net book value 2022 Page 20
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Debtors Prepayments 18,253 16,640 18.253 16,640 11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Social security Costs and other taxes Net pay control account Accrued expenses HSCB (Department of Education) Q4 2022123 draft accumulated underspend 33 33 15,086 536 3,589 8,458 15,655 12,080 12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Tangible Debtors Fixed and Assets Prepayments Cash at Bank and in Hand Creditors and Accruals 2024 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 18,253 30,123 (15,655) 32,721 34,148 Total Funds 18,253 30,123 (l5,655) 32,721 34,148 Page21
B.&Tr'. SiIRE START OTF.STOTHF. FIN.4. IAL .4TEIIENTS FOR THE I"E.4R ENDED 31ST NIARCH 2024 13. MOVEfvIENT INI FUIYDS Net Movernenl Opening Balauee Transfer5 bthyten Fllud5 Income ExpcDditurr 2024 2024 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted FuryJ5 {SeeAnol)¥is Below) 32.721 928594 1928,5941 32.721 32.721 32,ni 928394 1928J941 32,721 32.721 Net Movemtttt ID Furyd5 2024 OpeniAg Balanct Trxn5fcrs between Funds Restricted Fund5: Itttomt Eiptnditure 2024 2023 DE Core nd.4ddit10tt21 Funding: Healtli & Social Care BoaTd- DE CO FutKling Hea]th & Social Care Board- DE Capital FurKiing 32.721 928.594 (928,5941 32.721 32.721 TotAI DE Core Addbtion81 Fundiryg 32,721 928,594 928u941 32,721 32,721 Other Restrictcfl Other Incomc Total Oiher Re5trict¢d Fundittg Total Reslrieled Funding 31721 928J94 9285941 32,721 32,721 Retraction of Ilndersptnt Fundittg Each year quarter four confirmed undeTsperhts agajnst su Strrt Bthlgets forany fi[Mla1 year t5 not available to cany fotThard into subscqu¢nt years and will be retracted by the Health and Swial Care Board IHSCBI in Ihe next flnancial year. This confiTrned qwter fw und¢T5prJKI Is shown as a ¢reditor IHSCB IDEII (See Nole Ilj. 14. RECONCILIATION OF OPERAT1Tr4G PROFrr TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPEK4TING ACTIVITIES FRO[ OPERATING Acfii'iTIES 2024 2023 OperntiDg SUrplu{[kYleItI for the year Deprtciation Movement in debtor5 Movement in creditors Gain on Investments IProfitllL055 on disposa] of Fixed Assets Retraction of DE Core rE5tricttd fuT Investment income 11.4271 18,707 12.4771 3.575 Net C5b inflowlloutflowl from optrAting gctivities 1,962 14,803 Pw2?
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 15. UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS 2024 2023 Balance at 1st April 2023 Incoming resources for the year Resources expended for the year Transfer between funds Balance at 3 1st March 2024 16. RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS 2024 2023 Balance at 1st April 2023 32,721 34,148 Incoming resources for the year Resources expended for the year Transfer between funds 928.594 923,263 (928,594) (924,690) Balance at 3 1st March 2024 32,721 32,721 17. LEGAL STATUS A.B.B.E.Y Sure Start is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Each member has agreed to contribute £ l in the event of a compulsory winding up. A.B.B.E.Y Sure Start is registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, Charity Number 106269. Date of registration 7th December 2016. A.B.B.E.Y Sure Start is a recognised Charity within the definition of Section 360(3) Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1970 by the Commissioners of the Inland Revenue. Page 23