BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP
Bolton Children's Opportunity Group (COG) provides a stepping stone between home, playgroup and/or nursery, giving under 5s with special needs the opportunity to play and learn alongside their peers. COG has become a leader in the field of inclusive provision for under 5s. COG gives parents of children with special needs the chance to meet others with similar problems and so be of mutual help.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a deficit on unrestricted funds of £42,688 for the year ended 30 March 2025, reducing its unrestricted reserves to £33,768. The Trustees have expressed serious concerns regarding funding sustainability, noting that current contract funding may not be sufficient to deliver contracted services, although they consider the charity has sufficient reserves to discharge liabilities in the event of a winding up.
What the accounts disclose
“It is the policy of the Charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be, if possible, maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month's expenditure.” — page 6
“The Trustees have expressed serious concerns that the level of funding from the current contracts may not be sufficient to enable the Charity to deliver the contracted services.” — page 14
“In the year to 30 March 2025 two Trustees (2024 — two) were paid for their employment with the Charity. This amounted to £17,662 for wages and salaries, £793 for sacial security costs and £0 for defined contribution pension costs.” — page 18
“Mrs Dodd lent the Charity £13,000 during the year to help with cashflow. No interest is being charged. £3000 has been repaid after the year end with the balance still in the Charity’s bank account.” — page 5
“In the year to 30 March 2025 two Trustees (2024 — two) were paid for their employment with the Charity. This amounted to £17,662 for wages and salaries, £793 for sacial security costs and £0 for defined contribution pension costs.” — page 18
“Mrs Dodd lent the Charity £13,000 during the year to help with cashflow. No interest is being charged. £3000 has been repaid after the year end with the balance still in the Charity’s bank account.” — page 5
“In the year to 30 March 2025 two Trustees (2024 — two) were paid for their employment with the Charity. This amounted to £17,662 for wages and salaries, £793 for sacial security costs and £0 for defined contribution pension costs.” — page 18
Funders the charity credits
- Inner Urban Aid
- Bolton MBC
Trustees
- ANNETTE DODD
- Karen Louise Partridge
- Mary Elizabeth Wheatcroft
- Susan Marie Seddon
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/03/2025 | £472k | £511k |
| 30/03/2024 | £434k | £474k |
| 30/03/2023 | £476k | £452k |
| 30/03/2022 | £428k | £446k |
| 30/03/2021 | £394k | £431k |
Common questions
Is BOLTON CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITY GROUP financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a deficit on unrestricted funds of £42,688 for the year ended 30 March 2025, reducing its unrestricted reserves to £33,768. The Trustees have expressed serious concerns regarding funding sustainability, noting that current contract funding may not be sufficient to deliver contracted services, although they consider the charity has sufficient reserves to discharge liabilities in the event of a winding up. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 11/12/2020 | £82k | Access for Children with Disabilities RC application |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 26/07/2018 | £10k | Access for children with disabilities |