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35,847 claims
The financial statements were audited by TC Group.
We have audited the financial statements of Sheila Coates Foundation (the 'charity') for the year ended 28 February 2026
Financial · Observational claim · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 14
The trustees are required to observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
Financial · Policy statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 13
The financial statements were prepared to give a true and fair view of the charity's affairs.
the trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards
Financial · Policy statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 13
Trustees disclose all relevant interests annually.
Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests, and these are reviewed annually and recorded in the Trustees' register
Governance · Procedural statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 11
The Board meets four times a year, with one meeting in person and three online.
Board meetings are held four times a year, one of which is intended to be held face to face in person, and three held online
Governance · Procedural statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 11
New trustees receive documents and briefings to familiarize them with the charity.
New trustees are provided with documents and briefings to familiarise them with the charity and the context within which it operates
Governance · Procedural statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 11
The current Chair announced their intention to step down in summer 2026.
In November 2025 the current Chair announced their intention to step down in the summer of 2026
Governance · Observational claim · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 11
The Board reviews the skills requirements annually.
Board keeps the skills requirement of the Board under review
Governance · Procedural statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 11
The Board of Trustees has a formal process for recruiting and inducting new trustees.
Board has formally approved arrangements for the recruitment and induction of new Trustees
Governance · Procedural statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 11
SCF manages reputation risk through clear governance, adherence to policies, and monitoring of public communications.
The charity recognises that any negative publicity, misperception, or adverse event could impact stakeholder confidence, donor support, and our ability to achieve our objectives. SCF manages this risk through: clear governance and oversight of all external communications; adherence to agreed policies for trustees and staff; monitoring public and media communications to ensure consistency with the charity's mission and values.
Governance · Procedural statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 9
SCF's reserves policy maintains sufficient free reserves to protect continuity, fund unexpected opportunities, and cover risks.
The trustees will review the above criteria with reference to the charity's strategy and annual plan and determine the target level of free reserves to meet these.
Financial · Policy statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 8
SCF requires grantees to report on the impact of their funding, assessing outcomes and ensuring effective use of charitable funds.
All grantees are reguired to report on the impact of their funding, enabling trustees to assess outcomes, and ensure that charitable funds are used effectively.
Operational · Procedural statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 7
SCF funded a targeted round to develop indoor safe/sensory spaces, with an accompanying research project by ACER.
We launched our first targeted funding round (rapid impact fund ten) in autumn 2025. The focus of this round was in response to the high level of demand for indoor safe/sensory spaces funding in the previous round. We recognised the limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of safe/sensory spaces and wanted to learn more.
Commissioning · Commitment statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 6
SCF introduced a structured categorisation framework to classify the type of activity funding requested, improving analysis and trend tracking.
A structured categorisation framework was introduced in this round to classify the 'type' of activity funding requested, informed by analysis of previous rounds. This framework has strengthened our ability to analyse demand, assess alignment with funding priorities, and track trends over time as well as improving the link between funding, activity 'type', and impact on autistic students.
Operational · Procedural statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 6
SCF funded £495,000 in rapid impact round nine to support 99 schools and colleges, benefiting over 5,396 autistic students.
Through this round, we provided a total of £495,000 to 99 schools and colleges, supporting 5,396 autistic young people.
Financial · Funding statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 6
SCF adopted a three-year strategic plan in 2024 to standardise yearly grant-making processes and support innovative initiatives.
In 2024 SCF adopted a three year strategic plan after a review of its activities. This plan confirmed the rhythm and standardisation of yearly grant making (rapid impact funds) in line with the charitable objectives.
Strategic · Commitment statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 5
SCF's grant-making is responsive to changes within the education and wider context, allowing for adjustments in focus or approach.
SCF's grant-making is responsive to changes within the education and wider context. Where there is a specific or urgent need, the trustees may alter the focus or approach to grant-making.
Policy · Procedural statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 5
The primary method of achieving SCF's charitable objectives is to fund qualifying initiatives in England.
The primary method of achieving the charitable objectives is to fund qualifying initiatives in England. Our grants policy sets out how trustees determine SCF's grant-making activities, how these are undertaken, and trustees' roles in processes and financial management.
Policy · Policy statement · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 4
Sheila Coates Foundation was established in memory of Sheila Coates, who created a service for children with autism and related conditions.
Sheila Coates Foundation was registered as a charity in 2020 and established in the memory of the late Sheila Coates. Sheila was an inspirational creator of a service in Oxfordshire for children with autism and related conditions.
Context · Observational claim · From Sheila Coates Foundation — annual report and accounts, year ending 28 February 2026, page 4
Local partnerships can use the checklist to assess roles and responsibilities.
- assess the roles and responsibilities of individuals and organisations within their local partnerships
Operational · Procedural statement · From Safeguarding children affected by a parent's alcohol or drug use, [page]