2025-07-31-accounts - Rhythm Academy SCIO

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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: SC053675

Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

for

Rhythm Academy SCIO

Brett Nicholls Associates Herbert House 24 Herbert Street Glasgow G20 6NB

Rhythm Academy SCIO

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

		Page
Reference and Administrative Details		1
Report of the Trustees	2	to	5
Independent Examiner's Report		6
Statement of Financial Activities		7
Balance Sheet		8
Notes to the Financial Statements	9	to	12

Rhythm Academy SCIO

Reference and Administrative Details for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

TRUSTEES

TRUSTEES J Hood (appointed 25.9.24) R McGinness (appointed 25.9.24) L Flanigan (appointed 25.9.24) G King (appointed 25.9.24) PRINCIPAL ADDRESS 80 Ninian Crescent Lenzie Kirkintilloch East Dunbartonshire G66 3JR REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER SC053675 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER David Nicholls FCCA Brett Nicholls Associates Herbert House 24 Herbert Street Glasgow G20 6NB BANKERS Co-operative Bank Plc 29 Gordon Street Glasgow G1 3PF

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Rhythm Academy SCIO

Report of the Trustees for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

Rhythm Academy SCIO exists to advance the arts and to advance education.

Through our work, we’re putting human connection and skilled storytelling front and centre, and we’re starting right here, in our local community with inclusive, welcoming, regular provision.

Beginning in August 2025, weekly classes for kids from nursery to young adulthood in Music, Acting and Dance that focus on friendship, camaraderie and building skills in performance arts, linking great teachers with the next generation and fostering a culture that appreciates and values Performing Arts Education.

Rhythm Academy SCIO recognises what high quality performing arts education does for the individual and for the community, and we want young Scots to know that they can be part of this world, regardless of who they are, what they do, or where life may take them.

Performing Arts Education inspires, challenges and empowers the individual, but it also grows and strengthens the community. In a time where isolation and artificial intelligence are 'everyday', we want to celebrate and encourage the power of the arts to bring out the best in people.

We are based in East Dunbartonshire, but intend to grow beyond the local boundaries; wherever there are talented artists, we aim to equip them with the tools to deliver their knowledge and experience to young people.

Using our network of education and performing arts specialists, we’re bringing programmes that will inspire, inform and empower people through the magic of music, acting and dance.

We agree that Scotland should be the best place in the world to grow up, and we’ve got a role to play in that too!

Significant activities

Here are the key setup steps that the trustees have taken between 24th September 2024 and 31st July 2025:

Formally adopted the constitution, assigned intended roles to trustees.
Treasurer and chair opened a suitable charity bank account that would not incur extraneous charges on intended day-
to-day operations.
Engaged a suitable and experienced accounting firm and agreed a financial controls policy.
Registered with Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (December 2025) and completed lead signatory training (January
2025).
Attended training seminars for the updated Disclosure (Scotland) Act, which came into effect in April 2025 (hosted by
Disclosure Scotland and Volunteer Scotland).
Conducted mandatory checks on all regulated roles.
Agreed on core activities to prioritise for regular provision locally.
Two trustees elected to act as Designated Safeguarding Lead & Deputy, relevant training undertaken and policy agreed.
Developed and agreed on a child protection and safeguarding policy.
Secured an appropriate insurance policy from Hiscox based on intended activities.
Transferred relevant assets from the founder to become property of Rhythm Academy SCIO.
Set up a Curriculum & Programme Development Sub- Committee to inform programme development and steer overall
direction for the organisation.
Entered into venue hire agreements with local providers in order to run intended core activities (July 2025).
Advertised opportunities for delivery staff.

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Rhythm Academy SCIO

Report of the Trustees for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities

Programme Development

Two of our trustees bring extensive experience in performing arts education, having collaborated on various projects as colleagues and individually, with significant experience in delivering Music, Drama and Dance education from early years to professional training.

As such, they lead the Programme Development Sub- Committee, which includes themselves and a larger supportive network of working professionals in the early years performing arts education community, who meet informally on an ongoing basis to help shape Rhythm Academy SCIO’s first wave of arts education development.

In early 2025, the committee identified 3 key goals for the academy's initial programmes:

Convenient, Relevant and Enjoyable Performing Arts Classes: Emphasise the importance of creating a learning experience that is convenient, social, and enjoyable, taking into account the child's broader context (e.g. family, formal education, age and stage, broader interest.
Family Engagement: Ensure the programmes are accessible and engaging for families, recognising that familial support is essential to the success of arts education, and hoping to facilitate some community benefit for the parents of the children who attend - consider how this fits in with their lives.
Grass-roots Focus: Prioritise establishing a strong programme for the early years, this stage of learning is essential for both the child’s development, and the charity’s growth long-term, as it provides ample opportunity to build relationships and trust with local families.

These goals align with our charitable mission and our values of community, friendship and enjoyment through Performing Arts education.

Programe and Curriculum

The Programme & Curriculum Development Committee convened in March 2025 to create a plan to deliver on Rhythm Academy SCIO’s objective through consistent, high quality term-time classes in all 3 performing arts disciplines.

The committee agreed to meet regularly to assess how well Rhythm Academy SCIO is achieving its objectives of advancing arts and advancing education, but within these larger goals the committee has a narrower focus.

As such, this is the set of questions that the Programme & Curriculum Development Committee are using to direct their ongoing work:

How do we ensure our programmes and curriculum are advancing arts and education?
What else is out there for young people in Scotland to access high quality arts education?
Can we make impact beyond our own activities to the wider arts and education landscape in Scotland? - How can we improve and expand upon our core provision for our beneficiaries?

Since registration, our committee have been ensuring our recruitment processes, lesson materials and class plans are making sure that we are ready to deliver a really high quality core provision from August 2025, and have embarked on a specific area of development in Early Music Education that will be a longer-term project for Rhythm Academy SCIO.

Early Years Music Provision

Research shows that structured music instruction at the pre- school stage offers significant benefits in cognitive, social, and behavioural development, even offering diagnostic and remedial potential for children facing early reading or language challenges. This is an attractive prospect for parents and educators alike.

The committee feel strongly that a robust early years music programme is an important offering that promotes both arts and education in an age group that is often left out by traditional music provision, but offers so much potential in delivering on our charitable objectives.

Since 2024, our founder participated in the Early Years Music Scotland (EYMS) network, collaborating with specialists including neurologists, psychologists, music therapists, teachers, and professional actors and musicians.

The sub-committee have extensive experience of delivering family-based music and drama activities in the community. They are also carrying out ongoing observations of existing provision across private, local authority and third sector organisations. and collecting feedback from parents, facilitators and children to learn how we can boost the sector.

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Rhythm Academy SCIO

Report of the Trustees for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

We aim to create a programme that can be delivered by professional musicians both inside and outside of nursery settings in an engaging, convenient and enjoyable way, building a routine of musical engagement and reaping the benefits of structured music instruction from professionals.

We are currently building a library of teaching techniques and musical activities to help professional musicians in Scotland to deliver better quality music education to the early years. Trustees will consider the sub-committee’s recommendations and budget requirements as the project scope is determined.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The charity incurred a net deficit of £742 in this first period of activity as a registered charity.

On 31 July 2025, total reserves stood at -£742 with all of these being unrestricted. The charity didn't start operations until 18 August 2025, which is why they ended the period with negative reserves.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the Trustees to hold reserves equivalent to three months running costs. The charity commenced operations in August 2025 and so these accounts are not a reliable basis for setting a reserves policy based on running costs. The trustees will develop and implement an appropriate policy in the 2025/26 year.

FUTURE PLANS

Our Direction

The trustees have agreed a set of short, medium and long term strategic goals for Rhythm Academy SCIO to support its vision.

Short Term (Aug 25-Jan 26):

Commence core weekly provision to beneficiaries in the local area from August 2025 as agreed with local venue providers (churches, East Dunbartonshire Council, local nursery).

Recruit suitable leaders for these programmes and support any freelancers in delivery of a high quality programme with our ethos 'front and centre'.

Develop a volunteer programme working with East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action and Volunteer Scotland for people who wish to help us achieve our goals.

Identify and engage performing arts professionals who share our goals and are willing to work with our organisation to deliver and expand on our core provision.

Medium Term:

Raise 6 weeks running costs as a reserve fund, in case of any operational issues arising.

Ensure we are delivering across all three performing arts disciplines in our core provision.

Prioritise recruitment at the early stages (pre-school and primary one).

Complete development of robust early years programme that can be delivered locally and beyond.

Consider any funding signposted by East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action as it arises.

Long Term:

Secure suitable premises to host regular classes, meetings, facilitate staff training, house equipment (Currently, hire of venues is a significant cost per hour of provision and restricts operations significantly).

Consider how we can leverage funds raised to increase access and improve performing arts education for children in Scotland.

Look at ways to use our assets to advance performing arts beyond the core provision; theatre arts, set design, costume etc.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and was registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) on 25th September 2024. It is governed by its constitution.

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Rhythm Academy SCIO

Report of the Trustees for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Organisational structure

The Charity aims to officially commence trading operations in mid-late August 2025, after an initial set-up period that includes compliance with necessary regulations governing children’s activities, charity banking and finance, entering into letting agreements with venue providers and making Rhythm Academy SCIO ready to deliver a core offering that sets out to achieve its charitable objectives of advancing both the arts and education.

The trustees are looking forward to shaping the role Rhythm Academy SCIO will play in contributing to the culture of high quality, accessible performing arts education in Scotland, beginning in our 'own backyard' of East Dunbartonshire, and hoping to carry this all across Scotland as the organisation grows.

The trustee team is comprised of 4 highly skilled and engaged individuals from the performing arts, education, financial and legal professions who are eager to make an impact for the better through the transformative power of performing arts education, while maintaining a strong ethos of community, inclusion and friendship that were the driving forces behind the post-covid workshops that sparked the Rhythm Academy idea.

Rhythm Academy SCIO benefits from the assets developed over time by sole trader (and founder) Jenna Hood including branding, curriculum and the fixed assets required to carry out intended activities. Fixed assets with negligible market value were transferred from Jenna Hood to Rhythm Academy SCIO within the first financial year.

The SCIO has a single-tier structure and as such the trustees are the members of the charity.

Key management remuneration

The charity is managed on a day to day basis by the trustees, who do so on a voluntary basis and so are of the opinion there was no remuneration paid to key management personnel in the period ended 31 July 2025.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on ...... ~~....~~ 1BDFF0000-4BE8-A66A-1CB8-08DE84F4D4B6 .......................... 8/03/2026 ~~....~~ ..... and signed on its behalf by:

~~G~~ BDFF0000-4BE8-A66A-1CB4-08DE84F4D4B6 arry bing

BDFF0000-4BE8-A66A-1CB4-08DE84F4D4B6

.. ~~.............~~ .................................... ~~..............~~ .........

G King - Trustee

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Rhythm Academy SCIO

I report on the accounts for the period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025 set out on pages seven to twelve.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity's trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under Section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention :

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1)(a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations

have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

~~N~~ BDFF0000-4BE8-A66A-1CBF-08DE84F4D4B6 n m ~~s |~~

David Nicholls FCCA Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Brett Nicholls Associates Herbert House 24 Herbert Street Glasgow G20 6NB

Date: .... ~~....~~ 1BDFF0000-4BE8-A66A-1CC1-08DE84F4D4B6.........................9/03/2026 ~~....~~ ........

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Rhythm Academy SCIO

Statement of Financial Activities for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

		Unrestricted	Unrestricted
		fund
	Notes	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies	3		1
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities	4
Performing Arts Education			743
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)		(742)
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		(742)
CONTINUING OPERATIONS

This statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

During the year all income and expenditure arose in unrestricted funds.

The notes on pages 9-12 form part of these financial statements

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Rhythm Academy SCIO

Balance Sheet 31 July 2025

		Unrestricted
		fund
	Notes	£
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at bank		1
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year	7	(743)
NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)		(742)
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES		(742)
		~~.~~
NET ASSETS		(742)
FUNDS	8
Unrestricted funds		(742)
TOTAL FUNDS		(742)

18/03/2026 BDFF0000-4BE8-A66A-1CAC-08DE84F4D4B6.........................

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ... ~~....~~ BDFF0000-4BE8-A66A-1CAC-08DE84F4D4B6......................... ~~....~~ ......... and were signed on its behalf by:

BDFF0000-4BE8-A66A-1C9E-08DE84F4D4B6

. ~~.....~~ .............................. ~~.....~~ ....

J Hood - Trustee

The notes on pages 9-12 form part of these financial statements

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Rhythm Academy SCIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Rhythm Academy SCIO ("the charity") is a Scottish charitable incorporated organisation governed by its constitution dated 25 September 2024. It was registered as a charity in Scotland (registered number SC053675) on 25 September 2024. Its registered address is 80 Ninian Crescent, Lenzie, Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, G66 3JR.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial statements are prepared on an accruals basis, and on a going concern basis, in accordance with: - the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005;

Regulation 8 (Statement of account - Fully accrued accounts) of The Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006;
the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, published in March 2018 ("FRS 102"), to the extent that it applies to small entities and public benefit entities;
'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, published in October 2019 (FRS102)' ("the Charities SORP");
UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
the historical cost convention.

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value, unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

The financial statements are presented in UK sterling, which is the charity's functional currency, and rounded to the nearest pound.

There have been no changes to the basis of preparation this financial year or to the previous financial year's financial statements.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Taxation

Rhythm Academy SCIO is a charity within the meaning of Section 467 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that such income or gains are applied for charitable purposes only.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

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continued...

Rhythm Academy SCIO

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

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 normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Financial instruments

The charity has financial assets and financial liabilities that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

3. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
	£
Donations		1

4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
	Support
	costs (see
	note 5)
	£
Performing Arts Education	743

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continued...

Rhythm Academy SCIO

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

5. SUPPORT COSTS Insurance Preparation and Independent Examination of Accounts	£ 143 600
	743

6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 31 July 2025.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the period ended 31 July 2025.

7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

	£
Other creditors		743

8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

		Net
		movement	At
		in funds	31/7/25
		£	£
Unrestricted funds
General fund		(742)	(742)
TOTAL FUNDS		(742)	(742)
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
	Incoming	Resources	Movement
	resources	expended	in funds
	£	£	£
Unrestricted funds
General fund	1	(743)	(742)
TOTAL FUNDS	1	(743)	(742)

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continued...

Rhythm Academy SCIO

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Period 25 September 2024 to 31 July 2025

9. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

One trustee made a donation totalling £1 in the period ended 31 July 2025.

One trustee also donated assets with a historic cost of £8,321. The trustees believe the market value of these assets is negligible and so hasn't been reflected in the accounts, despite these assets having some functional value to the charity.

There were no other related party transactions for the period ended 31 July 2025.

10. PURPOSE OF FUNDS

General - The unrestricted free reserves of the charity

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