THE FOUNDATION YEARS TRUST
Early Explorers groups for families 0-3yr olds delivering Peep Learning Together programme, Early readers for schools promoting early literacy, Grandparents groups, Transition groups in schools, Little Talkers for families on speech & language waiting list, Active play sessions, Story Explorers volunteer-led home sessions, Training for schools/nurseries, Volunteering opportunities & training.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves of £79,781 are below the stated policy target of £49,579, although the trustees consider sufficient funds are available for the foreseeable future. The charity reported a net movement in funds of a deficit of £2,835 for the year ended 31 December 2025.
What the accounts disclose
“The level of expenditure for 2025 was £198,316, giving a reserves policy target of £49,579.”
“Itis the policy of the Trust to maintain both restricted and unrestricted funds at a level which equates to at least three months of expenditure to ensure that the Trust can continue to operate should difficulties in receiving income occur in the short term.” — page 6
Trustees
- Dermot John Coleman
- Janice Darkes-Sutcliffe
- Kelleigh Elizabeth Hoy
- Marcus Bell
- Sandhya Singh
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £195k | £198k |
| 31/12/2024 | £195k | £200k |
| 31/12/2023 | £317k | £338k |
| 31/12/2022 | £356k | £349k |
| 31/12/2021 | £295k | £256k |
Common questions
Is THE FOUNDATION YEARS TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves of £79,781 are below the stated policy target of £49,579, although the trustees consider sufficient funds are available for the foreseeable future. The charity reported a net movement in funds of a deficit of £2,835 for the year ended 31 December 2025. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds THE FOUNDATION YEARS TRUST?
Funders whose own accounts filings name THE FOUNDATION YEARS TRUST as a grant recipient include COLLECTIVE FUTURES (CIO), THE NATIONAL LITERACY TRUST, THE JOHNSON FOUNDATION, THE KPMG FOUNDATION, NORTHERN CONSORTIUM.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLLECTIVE FUTURES (CIO) | FY2026 | £75k | Discovery Partners |
| THE NATIONAL LITERACY TRUST | FY2023 | £31k | |
| THE JOHNSON FOUNDATION | FY2024 | £30k | |
| THE NATIONAL LITERACY TRUST | FY2022 | £29k | |
| THE KPMG FOUNDATION | FY2025 | £25k | Strengthening early childhood services and family learning to improve outcomes for children before they start school |
| NORTHERN CONSORTIUM | FY2024 | £17k | Co-design and co-produce a manual for Schools programme |
| SIR HARRY PILKINGTON FUND | FY2022 | £6k | |
| MISS E F RATHBONE CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2022 | £5k | |
| THE JOHNSON FOUNDATION | FY2022 | £5k | |
| MISS E F RATHBONE CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2023 | £3k | Merseyside |
| THE RAINFORD TRUST | FY2023 | £1k | |
| COLLECTIVE FUTURES (CIO) | FY2025 | £1k | Partners |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 18/02/2022 | £305k | Wirral Partnership for thriving families |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 13/11/2020 | £8k | Adventures at home: support to parents of children in the early years |