A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEI AR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 ( A COfvIPANY LIfvIITED BY GUARANTEE AND NOT HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL) COMPANY 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 2025 CONTENTS Page Members and Professional Advisoi's Trustees Annual Report (inc Iiiding tlie Stateinent of Directors Responsibilities in respect of financial statements) Report of tlie Independent Auditoi's to tlie Meinbers, 8-10 Accounting Policies 1-13 Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure accoun 14 Balance Sheet 15 Casli Flow Stateinent 16 Notes to tlie Financial Statements 17-23
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 OFFICERS AND OTHER INFORMATION Directors Martin Walls (Appointed May 2024) Councilloi. Jaines Goodinan (Resigned July 2024) Joyce Rainey Councillor William Webb (Resigned May 2024) Claire Humphrey (Resigned February 2025) Amanda Jolinstoii (Appointed July 2024) Icaren Keri. (Appointed October 2024) Leah Rea (Appoiiited May 2024) Colette Gray (Resigned June 2024) Colin Barr (Appoiiited August 2025) Katliy Wolff (Appointed August 2025) Secretary Mary Catliei-ine Todd (Resigned June 2024) Project Manager Mary Cathei'ine Todd Registered Offjce 440 Sliore Road Newtownabbey Co Anti'im BT37 9RU Auditors O'Hara Sliearer Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors 547 Falls Road Belfast, BTI 19AB Solicitors Jaines J Macaulay 22 Carnmoney Road Glengoi'mley Newtownabbey BT36 6HW Bankers Ulster Bank Limited 1-16 Donegall SqLiare East Belfast Co Antrim BTI 5HD Company Registriition 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 FfNANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT The Trust¢¢s, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presenting their annual report together witli the financial statements of th¢ charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are also prepared to meet tli¢ requirements for a directors, report and accounts for Companies Act 2006 purposes. The Trustees confirm that the fInancial statements comply witli tl)e requirements of the Charities Act (Northem Ireland) 2008 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice which applies to charities preparing their accoiints 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 administrative details are shown in the schedule of members and professional advisers on page I 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, Cliairperson Amanda Johnston Joyce Rainey Claire Humpliries Leah Rea Karen Kerr Structure, Governanee & Management Governing Document The charity is controlled by its governing document, a Memorandum and Articles of Association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantec, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Each member has agreed to contribiite El in tlie event of a compulsory winding up. It is registered as a charity with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. The charity is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. It is a company incorporated under the Companies Act. Tli¢ charity is managed under the control of the management committec. The day to day running of tli¢ charity is carried out by the Project Manager, Catliy 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 FINANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT Tlie Trustees shall have the power at any time and from time to time to appoint any person to b¢ a Trustee, either to full a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing Trustees. Any Trustee so appointed shall hold office until the next following Annual General Meeting and shall tlien be eligible for election. Trustee Induction and training New TrLlStees receive an inductioii pack which supports diie diligence and supports good record k¢eping. They undergo an induction to brief them on tlieir legal obligations under charity and company law, the Charities Commission guidance on public benefit, content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the board of ti'ustees and decision-making processes, policies and procedures, the business plan and recent financial p¢rfomiance of tlie cliarity. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will faLilitate the iindcrtaking of their i'ole. Organisation The Board of Trustees meet 3 monthly, and delegates certain responsibilities to the Project Manager. The Project Manager is i'esponsible for the day-to-day management of the affairs of the charity and for implementing the policies and operational plans as agreed by the Board of Trustees. Between meetings of tlie Board of Trustees, the Project Manager reports to the Chairperson. Related parties None of the Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with thc Charity. Any connection between a trustee or senior manager of the charity to related 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 revicw 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 tlie charity should those risks materialise This work has identified that financial SLlStainability is a major financial risk for thc charity. A key element in the management of financial risk is via the resei'ves 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 element in the management of non-financial risk is the establishment and implem¢ntation of a robust cliart of policies and procedures including Access NI Disclosure Check, Child Pi'otection Policy and the renewal and training of staff in this area. Page 3
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL 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 benefits provided outweigh any potential hami. Objectives and Activitics The charity's objectives are to enliance tlie development and education of children below tlie statutory school age and to advance education, relieve poverty, sickness and distress among tliose in the necessitous circumstances in Newtownabbey and its environs and to provide recreational and leisure facilities in the interests of social welfare for tliose inliabitants of the area of benefit without distinction of age, sex, special need, race or political, religious or other opinions, wlio are in necessitous circumstances. Futui'e and principal funding sources Sure Stait is solcly government funded and funding is allocated by the Department of Education. Projects are jointly managed by the Department of Education and the Chtldcare Partnerships (HSCBISPPG) who oversee allocations and monitor expenditure. Charitablc Purposes To promote the b¢n¢fit of the parents and cliildren of Newtownabbey without distinction of race or political, religious or other opinions by associating togetlier with the said parents/children and local authorities, voluntary and otlier organisations in a commoii effort to advance education, iinprove 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 improving the conditions of lif¢ for tlie 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 parentslchildren in the area to reach their full potential 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 good start in life and is about a long-term 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, Carnmoney 1, Cloughfern, Coole, Dunanney, Glengormley 2, Monkstown, Mossley 2, Whitehouse and Valley electoral wards. Page 4
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ANNUAL REPORT Achievements and Performance A.B.B.E.Y. Sure Start's main office is located at 440 Shore Road and the Project continues to deliver programmes and services from 6 other outreacli sites located at Merville Garden Village, the Dunanney Centre, Abbots Cross Primary School, St. James, Primary School, Monkstown Village Centre and Abbeytown Square. A range of venues are also hired across the catchment area to deliver programmes All programmes and services are designed to meet local need and improve outcomes for children and families. Outcomes are related to healtli, social well-being and education and also to have an impact on strengtliening communities At tlie end of quarter 4 we met tlie majority of the 127 targets detailed in our annual plan. We fully met 45 /0 of the targets, exceeded 520/0 of tlie targets and partially met 2Q/o of the targets. The small percentage of targets that we didn't fully meet were mostly diie to not having tlie target number of attendees, eg, a target of 8 parents attending a programme and 7 attended. Uptake of services across aiitenatal, childi'en, motliers, fatliers and families exceeded the Surestart Northern Ireland averagcs, with the highest percentage being 93Q/o of ante natal registrations. A key success indicator is getting children registered before tlicir I, birthday, the target is 70 % and we achieved 710/0.We have <ilso had an increase in the use of tlie family Stars out¢om¢ measurement tool. Staff liave noted ¢1 significant increase in parents presenting with severe emotional and mental health difficulties. This has increased the level of work within the Family Support team through provision of intensive l-l support. FSW'S have been continiiing to sign post families to 27 diffcrent organisationslservices incliiding food banks, autism services. education services, baby basics, mental Iiealtli services, Barnardo's, CBT, GP, Healtli Visitor, Parenting NI, Triangle Housing, home safety, Employers for childcare, Advice NI, CITHRAH. A high percentage of signposting and support is with food banks and autism/education services. Tliei'e was an increase in registrations from the Health Visiting team following on fi'om staff attending a staff meeting to provide information and promote Surestart services, however this has reduced significantly. Parents are also reporting difficulties with contacting liealth Visitors as there 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 have now reverted back to face to face home visits. Fainilies are continuing to access Food Banks, Pallet Scheme through the DFC, baby basics and Save the Children funding through the Family Support hub. Page 5
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE THE TRUSTEES AND FtNANCIAL THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We have been delivering one of our Developmental Programmes in the Monkstown area for the past I l years tn a building owned by tlie NIHE. It is in a row of commercial premises, and we are the only remaining tenants and there are only a few tenants in tlie flats above. Unfortunately for us the Housing Executive have plans to demolish the buildings and we were given notice to vacate the premises by tlie 3 1st of July 2025, however we entered further negotiations and NIHE have agreed to extend our rental agreement until 31 st August 2026 witli tlie caveat that if the building becomes iinsafe, we would have to vacate immediately. This continues to present us with a significant problem as tliere are no other suitable premises in the area that wouldn't require capital monies to allow for refurbishment and to meet requirements for rcgistration by Social Services. I have approached the principal of the local Primary Scliool to enquire about vacant classrooms but unfortunately all rooms are being fully Iised. She indicatcd that she would love to have us on site if EA would provide a mobile classroom. We have been in contact witli local Councillors who are trying to9 negotiate anotlier year in the premises as there are no immediate plans for demolition and redevelopment of tlie site. Another of our Developmental Programmes is delivered from a classroom in Abbots Cross Primary Scliool and due to developments within the school we have been advised that they plan to move us to anotlier classroom next year whicli will Iiave financial implications for us and we arc currently in ongoing discussions i'egarding this issue. We previously identified that the number of children presenting with additional needs in the Developinental Programme for 2-3 year olds was increasing year on y¢ar and tliat for some childi'cn this may not be the most suitable environment to siipport the specific individual needs of Children. This programme continues to be an integral element of Surestart services and demand is increasing. Feedback from parents highlights how much they appreciate the additional support provided to both them and tlieir child particularly in navigating the self-referral form in relation to assessinent. Due to tlie fact that we only have 2 meinbei's of staff we liave kept the nuinbers low for all sessions and are offering more scssions than originally planned to accommodate all 9 cliildren. We are attempting to try and recruit for an additional Progi'aminc Practitionei. again. We are continuing to register families in our expansion area and deliver a wide range of programmes to support families .We are offering programines in Mossley Church and they are all well attended. Service delivery has been qiiite challeiiging as we were iinable to recruit to all posts in the expansion area and liave had to use core staff and bring iii outside facilitator8. Plans for the Future This is a small synopsis of the activity we have provided from April 2024 to March 2025, and, we look forwai'd to progressing and developing rclationsliips with the cliildren and families in the ai'ea to ensure they can easily access our scrvices. 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 31 March 2025 which ai-¢ also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors, report and accounts for Companies Act 2006 purposes. The Trustees confirm that thc financial statements comply with the reqiiirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice wliich applies to Cliarities pi'eparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applA¢able in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective I January 2015). Page 6
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATIMII NTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS, Opinion We have audited the financial statements of A.B.B.E.Y. Sui'e Start (the 'charity') for the yeai. ended J l March 2025 which compi'ise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Stateinent of Cash Flows and the notes to the financial stat¢m¢nts, including a summai'y of signi ficant accounting policies. The financial I'eporting framework that has been applied in theii. pi'epai'ation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Slandai'ds, including Financial Repoiting Standard 102 T17ef117ancial Repoi'lii?g Staiidai'd applicable in 117e UK a17d Repiiblic ofl)'elap7d (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In oui. opinion, the financial stateinents.. give a true and fair view of the State of the chai'itable company's affairs as at J l Mai'ch 2025 and of its incoming resoui'ces and application of i'esoui'ces, including its income and expenditure for the year th¢n ended. have been propei'ly prepared in accordance with the Financial Repoiting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) (effective l Janauai'y 2015) - (Chai'ities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Repoiting Standai'd applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). have been prepared in accordance with the requireinents of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accoi'dance with Intei'national Standai'ds on Auditing {UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standai'ds are fuither described in the Auditor's I'esponsibilities foi. the audit of the accounts section of our repoit. We are independent of the charity in accoi'dance with the ethical requirements that ar¢ relevant to our audit of the accounts in the UIC, including the FRC'S Ethical Slandard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accoi'dance with these i'equireinents. We believe tliat the audil evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to pi'ovide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions I'elating to going eoneern We have nothing to repoit in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAS (UK) requii'e us to i'¢poit to you whei'e.. the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the prepai'ation of th¢ financial statements is not appi'opriate. oi. the trustees have not disclosed in the financial stateinents any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the chai'ity's ability to continue to adopt the going concei'n basis of accounting foi. a pei'iod of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements al'e authorised for issue. Other information The othei. infoi'mation Comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's i'epoit thereon. The ti'ustees are responsible for the other infoi'mation. Our opinion on the financial statements does not covei. the other information and, e,xcept to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our repoit, we do not e.xpress any form of assurance conclusion thei'eon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our i'esponsibility is to read the othei. infonnation and, in doing so, consider whether the othei. information is matei'ially inconsistent with the financial statement5 or our knowledge obtained in the audit or othei'wise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such matei'ial inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to deteiinine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misslatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have perfortned, we conclude that there is a matei'ial misstatement of this other infonnation, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Page 8
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YII AR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS, Matters on Ivhieh ive are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Ti'ustees and its environinent obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified Inatei'ial Inisstateinents in the Trustees, Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following Inattei's in relation to which the Coinpanies Act 2006 requires us lo i'eport lo you if, in oui. opinion.. sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or the financial slateinenls are not in agreeillent with the accounting records. or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not Inade; oi. we have not received all the inforination and explanations we i'equii'e for oui. audit. Responsibilities of trustees As explained Inore fully in the Stateinent of Ti'ustees, Responsibilities, the trustees, who al'e also the directors of the charity foi. tlie purpose of coinpany law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial stateinents and for being satisfied that tliey give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directoi's determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial stateinents that are free from matei'ial misstateinellt, whethei- due to fraud or error. In pi-eparing the financial stateinents, the Ii'ustees are responsible for assessina tlie charity's ability lo continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, Inatters related to 01n(l concei-n and using the going concern basis of accountiiig unles5 Il)e Ii'ustees eithei. intend to liquidate the coinpany oi. to cease operations, or have no I'ealistic altei'native but to do so. Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives at'e to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial stateinents as a whole are fi'ee froin material Inisstateinenl, whether due lo fi'aud or errol., and lo issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a Iiigh level of assurance, bul is not a guai'anlee tliat an audit conducted in accoi'dance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a Inalei'ial Inisstalemenl when it exists. Misstatements can arise froin fraud or errol. and are considered material if, individually oi. in the aggregate, tliey could reasonably be expected to intluence the economic decisions of usei's taken on the basis of these financial stateinents. Irre(Fularities, including fi'aud, are instances of non-coinpliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect Inatei'ial Inisstateiments in respect of ii'regularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedui-es are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed b¢low. Explanation as to Ivhat extent the audit was considered eapable of detecting irregularities, including fraud The objectives of our audit in respect of fraud, al'e to identify and assess the risks of material misstateinent of the financial statements due lo fraud. to obtain sufficient appropi'iate audit evidence regai'ding tlie a5se55ed risks of material misstateinent due to fraud, througli designing and iinpleinenting appropriate responses to those as5e55ed i'isks. and to i'espond appi-opi'iately lo instances of fraud or suspected fi'aud ideiitified dui'ints the audit. However, the primary responsibility foi. the pi'evenlion and detection of fraud rests with both manageineiit and tliose charged with governance of the Charity. Our approach was as follows: We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory requii'einents applicable to the charity and considered that the most significant are the Coinpanies Act 2006 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ii-eland (FRS 102) (effective l Janaury 2015) (Charities SORP (FRS 102). Enquiiy of Inanaaeinent, those charged with governance and the entity's solicitoi's around actual and potential litigation and claiins. Enquiry of entity staff in compliance functions to identify any instances of any non-compliance with laws and regulations. Reviewinv financial stateinent disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Page 9
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START Fif4ANCIAL STATEIENTs FOR THE YEAR ENDED31ST ftriARCH 2025 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE lE{BERs, Auditing the risk ofmanagement overi'ide ol'controls. including thi'ough testing jouinal enli'ies and othei. adjustments for appropi'iatcncss. and evaluating the business I'ationalc of signiticanl Ii'ansaclions outside the nornial course of business. As pait ol'an audit in accoi'dance with ISAS (UK) Ive e.eiSe piofessional judgeinent and maintain professional scepticism tliroughoul the audit. We also.. Ideiitify and assess the I'isks ofmatei'ial misstatement ot the financial slalement5. Ivhether due lo ti'aud or errol.. design and pei'form audit proLedurcs I'csponsivc to those risks. and obtain audit evidence that is suificient and appropi'iate to piDvide a basis foi. our opinion. Tlie I'isk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting fiDm fi'aud is highei. than foi- one resulting troin ei'i'or. as fi'aud may involve collusion, forgery. intentional omi55ions. misrepi'esenlalions. oi. the Oveide of iiitei'nal conti'ol. Obtain an undeistanding of internal conirol relevant to the audit in oi'dei. to design audit proccdlires that are appiopriate iii the cii'cuinstaiices. bul not foi. Il)e pui'poses ot eipi'essing an opinion on tlic eftectiveness of the Loinpany's intei'nal contiDI. Evaluate the appropi'iateness ot accounting poli¢ies used and the rcasonableness of accounting estimates and I'elaled disclosurcs made by the dii'ectoi's. Conclude on the appropriateness of the direLto)S' USC Ot the going concei'n basis of accounting ai)d. based on the audit evidence obtained. Ivhether a material unccrtainty exists I'elated to events or conditions that may cast significaiit doubt 01) tlie cl)arily's ability lo continue as a going coi)cei'n. If ive Conclude Iliat a matci'ial unceitainly exists. Ive are requii'ed to draw attention in oui. auditoi s report to the related disclosui'es in tlic financial statements oi.. il-sucli disclosures are inadequate. lo modifv oui. opinion. Oui. conclusions al'e based on tlie audit evidence obiaincd up to our auditoi s repoil. Hoivevei.. future events oi. conditions Inay ¢ause the Charity to cease to continue as a going concei'n. Evaluate the overall pir5entation, sti'uctui'e and content of the Iinanvial statements. including the disclosures. and whether the finanuial statemcnts I'epi'esent the underlying Ii'ansa¢tions and events in a mannei. that achieves laii. presentation. A tuither description ofour responsibilities foi. the audit of the financial statemcnls is located on the Financial Reporting Council's ivebsile al.. htlp'.l/wMv.trc.org.uklauditorsi'esponsibililies. This desci'iption forms pait of our auditor's report. We ¢on)municale Ivith those chaiged iviih governance regarding, among othei. matters, the planned scopc and timing ot the audit and signiticant findings, including any signilicanl deficiencies in internal contlDI that we identify during our audit. Use of our report This repoit is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body. in accordan¢¢ iviih Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and regulations made undei. thai Act. Oui. audit woi'L has been undeitaken so that we might state to the chai'ilable company's members those matters ive al'e requiiyd to state to them in an auditoi's, rewit and tor no otliei. pui'pose. To the fullest eAtcnt pennittcd by laiv, Ive do not accept or assunie rcsponsibility to anyone other than the chai'itable company and il members as a bod oi. our audit ivoi'k. for this report. oi. foi. the opinions we have foiined. LAWRENCE SHEARER F.C.A., Senior Statutory Auditor FOR AND ON BEHALF OF O'HAIL4 SHEARER, Statlltory Auditor O'HARA SHII ARER CHARTERCI D ACCOUNTANTS AND STATUTORY AUDITORS 547 Falls Road Beltast BTI 19AB Dated: 22nd Scptember 2025 Page 10
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMEI NTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounting Convention and Basis of Accounting Tlie financial statements have been PlEpared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Cliai'ities: Statement of Recominended Pi'actice applicable to charities preparing tlieir accounts in accordance witli tlie Financial Repoiting Standard ivhicli applies in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l JanLiary 2015) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Repoi'ting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Going Concern At tlie time of approving the financial statements, the trustees, have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resouires to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable futui'e. Tlius the trustees, continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in prepai'ing the financial statements. Income Recognition Incoine is recognised wlien the Charity has entitleinent to tlie funds, any performance conditions attached to tlie item(s) of income Iiave been met, it is probable that tlie income will be received and tlie amount can be measured I'eliably. Interest Receivable Interest 011 funds lield is incliided when receivable and tlie amount can be measui'ed reliably. this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by tlie Bank. Resources Expended All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is classified undei. headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Fundraising costs include the costs of advertising, producing publications, printing and mailing fiindraising material, and staff costs in these areas. Costs of cliai'itable activities include dii'ect expenditure incurred tliroLigh operational activities. Governance costs represent the costs associated witli tlie governance arrangements of the charity wliich relate to tlie general running of the charity as opposed to those costs associated with fundraising or chai'itable activity. Fixed Assets All tangible fixed assets are recorded at cost. Premises adaptations Office equipment Coinpiiter equipment 40/0 reducing balance 200/0 Straight line 20 % straight line Page Il
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEI AR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES Conliniied Repairs and Renewals All repaii's and renewals are written off as incun'ed. Pension Costs The Cl1.1tY does currently operate a defined coni'ibution pension scheme. Tliis is operated via Early Yeai's Members Group Personal Pension Scheme in conjuction with Verity Pensions. Debtors and Prepayments Trade debtoi's and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount offered. Pi'epayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any ti'ade discounts due, Creditors and Provisions Creditors and provisions are iecognised wEiere 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 estirnated reliably. Creditors and provisions noiinally recognised at tlieir 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 financial instruments are initially i'ecognised at transaction value and subseqiiently measui'ed at theii. settlement value with the exceptioii of bank loans wliich are subsequently measured at amoitised cost using the effective interest method. Foreign Currencies Monetary assets and liabilities in foi'eign curi-encies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foi'eign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the net movement in funds. Page 12
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES Coiiliiiiied Fund Accountin Unresti'icted fiiiids are geiieral funds that ait available for use at the Ti'ustees, discretion in furtherance of the charitable objectives of the cliarity unless tlie fuiids have beeii designated for othei. purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside by the trustees out of uiii'esti'icted fiinds for specific fllture purposes. Restricted fuiids al'e those given foi. Iise in a paitiCLilar area or foi. specific pui'poses, the Lise of wliich is I'esti'icted to that ai'ea or purpose. Endownment funds al'e subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital musi be maintained by the cliarity. The income received froin fLinders depends on the charity meeting detailed criteria 011 expenses plans. Graiits given uiidei. sucli conditions are also given siibject to them being obtained for in coniiection with the furtherance of the cliarity's aiins and objective5. SLicli iiicoine can be repayable to the fundei. if Slicli expenses plaiis and ci'itei'ia are not ITtet. SLicli iiicoine is only defei'red when tlie donor specifies tliat tlie grantldoiiation must oiily be iised in future accoLlllting periods. oi. tlie donor lias imposed conditions whicli Iniist be met before tlie cliarity lias unconditional entitleinenl. Income from charitable activities iiicludes income received undei. coiiti'act or wl)ere entitlement to gi'ant funding is siibject to specific perfoiinance conditions is recognised as earned as the related goodslservices al'e provided. Grant income included in tliis category provides funding to support perfoiinaiice activities and is r¢cognised where there is entitlement, certaiiity of receipt and the amount can be measured witli sufficient reliability. Incoine is defei'red wlien: fees/perfoiThance related grants are received in advaiice of tlie pei-formancelevenl to wliich tliey relate. Reserves Policy Restricted funds Inlist be be utilised in compliance with fundei. ci'iteria. Specifically, HSCB Departmeiit of Education Goveriiance and Accountability guidance also pi'ovides delails of a new itseives policy. Sure Stait Pi'ojects ale pei'rnitted to liold a maximLim of two weeks eqLiivalent of their annual budget allocation as i'eseives, if I'equii'ed, for working capital I'eqliirements at the financial yeai. end. In line witli the requii'ement froin oui. key fundei., the organisation is unable to allocate any unused funding to reseives. All Linspent monies must be retui'ned to the funder. The fundei. has also assumed tlie responsibility foi. meeting any dissolution costs sliould the organisation cease to operate. Page 13
A.B.B.E.I'. SLIRE ST.IRT ST.4TEI IVEI T OF FIINANI CIAL ACTIVITIES roR TIIE YEAR ENI DEI D JIS-I. INIARCH 2025 incor Ilie inlume ex eNditure Account [Inr¢sti'ieted Resti'ieted Endoiviirnent Funds Fund Fund5 TOTAL 2025 TOT.4L 2024 NOTEI S INCOlE AIND EIYDOIVNIllEINTS FROIVI: Donations and legacies Income froni investments Incoiiie fron) chaiiillble dctivilies Income froni other tiuding activities 1,054.180 1,054,180 928,594 TOTAL INI COINIE.4ND EI NDOWNI Ni ICNTS 1,054,180 1,054,180 928,594 EXPII Ni DITIIRC ON: E.¥penditiire on Taisin8 funds Expendiliiie on cl)aiitable activiti¢s Oilier e.xpeiiditure Nei gai11s11105sesl on investments 1,054.180 1,054.180 928,594 TOTAL REISOIIRCES E4.XPENDED 1,054,180 1.054.180 928,594 NET INCOINIEIIEXPENDITIIREI Transfcrs betsveen funds NEI I. INIOVEf*iii Yi T IN FUYI DS RECONCILIATION OF FIINDS TOTAL fLlINDS BROIIGHT foRWtrlRD 12113115116 32.721 32.721 32,721 PRIOR YEIAR.4DJUSTIVIENT li.81Jl TOTAL FIINDS CARRIED foRIVARD 28,908 28,908 32,721 The Stlltem¢nt of li inaneiul Aclivitres includes.'Ill 1115 losse5 Én the yeiii. gnd tliei'efore a Statement of I'otiil R¢eognistd Gairts Losse5 has Noi been pi'ep4r¢d All of the above amounts relthte to eontinuing activities Tlie accM).1n8 a¢eounling poli¢ie8 tlie notes form PArt Df Ihc5c finnTrcilll stlltomonls Page 14
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START BALANCI SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025 2025 2024 NOTES FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtoi's and prepayments Cash at bank Cash in Iiand 10 19,175 41,101 14 18,253 30,123 60,290 48,376 Creditors: amounts falling due ivithin one year (31,382) (15,655) NET CURRENT ASSETSI(LIABILITIES) 28,908 32,721 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT ASSETSI( LIABILITIES ) 28,908 32,721 Creditors: atnounts falling due after more than one year NEI T ASSETSI(LIABILITIES) 28,908 32,721 FUNDS: ENDOWNMENT FUNDS UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS 12113115 RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS 12113/16 28,908 32,721 28,908 32,721 APPROVED ON BEHALF OF THI BOARD OF DIRECTORS: MARTIN WALLS DIRECTOR DATE 22nd Se tember 2025 The accompanying Aeeounting policies and notes form part of these fin4incial stteMentS Page 15
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 2025 2024 NOTES CASHFLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Casli generated fi'om operations 14 10,992 1,962 Net casli inflow/(OLltflow) from opei'ating activities 10,992 1,962 Investing activities Investment income Piircliase of tangible fixed assets Acquisition of investments Disposal of investments Disposal of tangible fi.xed assets Net cash from investing activities Increasel(decrease) in c>ish and eash equlvalents in the year 10,992 1,962 Casli and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 30,123 28,161 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 41,115 30,123 Relating to.. Cash at bank and in hand 41,115 30,123 The aecompamying Accountiiig policie5 and notes form part of these finaMciHI statements Page 16
A.B.B.I.Y. SURL ST.4RT NO'I'LS TO THE FINI AINCIAL STATEIIEINTS roR THE YEAR EINDED JIST fvIARCII 2025 I. DONATIONS AIND LEGACIES UnreslricleLi Re5tritled Fiind Unreslricled Reslricled riinds 202S 2024 Donations Legacie5 2. INCOfvIE fROfvI INVESTIVllI NTS Untt51rirlcd Re51ricled Funds riinds Unreslritted Restricted riund5 Fund5 2025 2024 Incoin¢ from UK listed invesirnents Income Irom cash 3. INCOlE FROfvI CHARITABLE ACTIIIITIES Uni'e5tricted Restricted riinds UKrtslri¢l¢il R¢slvicl¢d ruli(15 202S 2024 Health & Social Care Board- Departmeni of Edllcation CO Funding Health & Social Care Board Department of Education Expa115ion Funding Healih & Social Care Board- Departtntnt of Education CapiMI Funding I,Oi4.180 1,054,180 825,416 825,416 103,178 103,178 1.054.180 1.054,180 928.594 928.594 4. INI CO1[ fROfvI OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unresti'itttd Rcslrict¢d Fiind Fiinds Unrestricltd Reslritte riinds iinds 2025 2024 Fundraising Pa8e 17
A.B.B.E.I'. SLIRE ST.4RT NOTES TO TIIF. fiiY.4INCIAL STATEIl.IENTS FOR THI YIAR EINDED 31ST IVT,IRC'14 2025 5. EXPEINDITURE ON RAISING fuNDS Unreslricted Re5tricle Fllnds Funds Uiirtstricted RestrÉeted Fund5 2025 2024 Promotional aiid tiiiidraising Costs 6. EXPCNDITURC ON CHARITABLE.4cfIvITIES Uni'e5tri¢te(l Restricted Unrestritted Restricted ruiids rui)d5 2025 2024 Wages and salaries IS¢eNoie 81 Pension costs ISgeNoié 81 Social 5¢curity c051s Isev Nole 81 Staff wellare cost5 Re¢ruitinent e¥pe115e5 Training and developinenl Travel costs Project costs- seconded staff salaries Project ¢osls- project inalerials and equipinent Projeei costs- proJ¢cl progiainine5, ¢veii15 aiid aclivilie5 Departillenl of Education IDE) core lundin8 reiraeiion Q4 llnderspend 2024125 1 Nole 11 I Suiidry expenses 585.109 14.496 30.93) 2.073 4,054 22.607 5,71) 585,109 14.496 30,935 ?,073 4.054 22,607 5,715 19.176 24,760 66,258 558,065 5)8,065 12,252 29,601 29.601 3,300 14,507 4.090 2,951 10,103 53.780 536 3,300 14,)07 4.090 2,951 10.103 53.780 536 24,760 66.258 775,183 775,183 689,185 689,185 Support Cost5 Iiiid Covernonce eost5 Telepl)one and internet Rent and rates Heat alld light ProJ¢cl c051s- accouiilable and lead body costs Premises expenses Preinises expenses- eapiial ivorks Insurance Computer softivar¢ and 017ice equipment Inaintenance costs Printiiig, posia8e and siaiionery Advertlsing Rep#Tr5 and muint¢naiic¢ Legal aiTrd professioi)al fees 10.569 83,574 l i.343 50,000 53.387 10.569 83,574 15,343 50.000 53.387 10,820 84,366 10,820 84,366 43,658 35,124 43,658 35,124 18,lOQ 12,637 7,53) 18.100 11.637 7.535 15,048 10.887 7,203 2.885 15,048 10.887 7,203 2.885 14,586 8,403 14,586 8,403 6,582 4.846 6,582 4.846 Depiecialion Audit fees Annual return fee Bank intercsl and cliarges 4,104 34 725 4,104 34 725 4,434 4.434 712 278,997 278,997 2J9,409 239,409 TOTAL E,XPENDITURE ON CHARII'ABLE ACTIVITIES ,054.180 1,054,180 928,594 928,594 Page 18
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 7. NET (OUTGOING)/ INCOMING RESOURCES FOR THE YEIAR This is stated after chargingl(crediting) 2025 2024 ALiditors remuneration Depi'eciation 4,104 4,434 8. SALARY COSTS AND EMOLUMENTS 2025 2024 Total staff costs were as follows: Wages and salaries - key management pei'sonnel Wages and salaries - othei. staff Pension Costs - key management personnel Pension Costs - otliei. staff Employer social seclirity costs - key management pei'sonnel Einployer social secLlI'ity costs - otliei. staff Elmployer social secui'ity costs - Statutoi'y Matei'nity Pay Recoverable Einployer social secui'ity costs - Employment Allowance 42,489 542,620 40,664 517,401 14,496 4,608 34,817 (3,490) (5,000) 12,252 4,356 30,245 (5,000) 630,540 599,918 Tlie avei'age montlily nuinber of einployees during the year was as follows.. 2025 Number 2024 Number 37 38 No employees had emoluinents in excess of £60,000 (2024.. £Nil) Trustees, remuneration and benefits Tliei'e was no trustees, i'einuneration oi. othei. benefits for the year ended 31 st March 2025. (2024: £Nil) Trustees, Expenses There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 st March 2025. (2024: £Nil) Page 19
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START NOTES TO THE FIIYANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Premises Office Adaptations Equipment Computer Equipment Total COST As at 1st April 2024 Additions Disposals As at 31 st March 2025 DEPRECIATION As at 1st Api'il 2024 Charge foi. year Eliminated on disposal As at 31 st March 2025 Net book value 2025 Net book value 2024 Page 20
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Debtors Prepayments 19,175 18,253 19,175 18,253 11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Social security costs and other taxes Net pay control account Accrued expenses HSCB (Departmeiit of Education) Q4 2024125 accuinulated underspend 283 33 30,563 536 15,086 536 31,382 15,655 12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Tangible Debtors Fixed and Assets Pi'epayments Cash at Banlc and in Hand Creditors and Acci'uals 2025 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 19,175 41,115 (31,382) 28,908 32,721 Total Funds 19,175 41,115 (3 I,382) 28,908 32,721 Page 21
A.B.B.E.I'. SIIRE START NOTES TO TTrIE FINAINCIAL ST.4TEIllENTS FOR TIIE I'EAR ENI DED JIST II IARCII 21125 IJ. hNIOVEMI ENI T IN FIINDS Net Jvloyemcnl Oi>emlng BJlan¢¢ Trllnslcrs be¢'¢Ell funils Pri•r Year Adjusimettt 2U25 2025 2024 Unresiricied Fulld5 32.721 32.721 1.054.180 11,054,180) 28.908 32.721 i ei Llloveme#i Oi)onimg Transftrs benyeert Puttd5 Prlor Yeir Adlwsimtnl In¢om¢ 2025 2025 2024 Healtli & SoeiJl Car¢ Board- DE Core Fuiidinb Healtli & Social Car¢ Board- DE Capital Fundiii&' 13.8131 28.908 Totlll DE Cort and,Iddllioiiip l Fun(Ilng 28.908 32,721 Ollior Ro$lr5¢iwl Funding: Totnl Other Restrictod FUndIg Totlll Restricted Fun(linE 32.721 1.054.180 11,Q54,1801 28,908 32,721 Rctrnclion Undorspenl Fvn¢lltt by Ilie Heaiili alld Social Caie Board IHSCBI Iii tlie ti¢¥i rtiiaii¢ial yeilr. Tliis conliniied qilElrter four underspend is SI1Vil as a creditor IHSCB IDEII (Seg Niile 11). 14. RECONCILIATION OF OPERIITING I'BOFIT TO NET CASH FLOIV FRO1 OPEKITING AcfiviTIES fRONI OPER.ITING IICTIVITIES 2025 2024 Operaliii¥, 5iirplusllDeficill for tlieyellr DeprerialiDII 3.575 IProfiiiiLoss on disposal of FiKed Assets R¢ira¢iioiiofDE Core restri¢led funds Nel cash lnnoiyllotflO%vI from operniinE aclivilie5 10.992 1,901 Paye !2
A.B.B.E.Y. SURE START NOTEI S TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 15. UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS 2025 2024 Balance at I st April 2024 Incoining resoiirces for the year ResoLirces expended for the year Transfer between funds Balance at 31 st March 2025 16. RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS 2025 2024 Balance at I st April 2024 32,721 32,721 Incoining resources for the year Resources expended for the year Transfer between funds Pi'ioi. yeai. adj ustment 1,054,180 928,594 (1,054,180) (928,594) (3,813) Balance at 31 st March 2025 28,908 32,721 17. LEGAL STATUS A.B.B.E.Y Sure Start is a Coinpany Limited by Guai'antee. Each member lias agreed to contribute £1 in the event of a compulsory winding up. A.B.B.E.Y Sui'e Start is registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, Cliarity Niimbei. 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 tlie Inland Revenue. Page 23