Charity number 1016988
Chard NNI
Unaudited Accounts
31 August 2025
Chard NNI Report and accounts Contents
| Page | Page | |
|---|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1 - | 6 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 7 | |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 | |
| Balance Sheet | 9 | |
| Notes to the Accounts | 10 - | 14 |
Chard NNI Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing documents, applicable law and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in 2005 (revised 2019).
Reference and administrative details
The legal name of the charity is Chard NNI. The charity is registered in England and Wales with charity number 1016988. The charity is also known as Chard Neighbourhood Nursery and Schools Out, Chard Children's Centre and Clare House.
The charity is operated under its constitution dated 2 November 1962, amended 7 February 2000, 12 February 2003, 7 April 2003 and 16th July 2013. At the Special General Meeting held on 25 September 2008 it was agreed that the date of the AGM be altered (subject to charity Commission approval) to the spring.
The Trustees are all individuals.
The contact details are as follows:
Principal operating address:
Clare House Millfield Chard TA20 2DA
Telephone number: 01460 62367 Email address: admin@clarehouse.org.uk Website: www.clarehouse.org.uk
Trustees
At the AGM held on 29 October 2025 it was agreed that the following Trustees would remain in place for the following year
Marie Baker (Chair) Wendy Toy (Vice chairperson) Wayne Luckett (Treasurer) Amanda Mason (Secretary) Cydney Issacs Garry Shortland Dawn King
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Chard NNI Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025
Objectives and activities of the charity
The nursery has recently undertaken a comprehensive programme of refurbishment, development, and operational improvements in order to enhance the overall environment and ensure it continues to meet the evolving demands and expectations set out within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines. These updates have been carefully planned to support high-quality childcare provision, improve the learning environment for children, and respond effectively to the changing requirements within the early years sector.
In response to the growing demand for places for younger children, particularly babies, the nursery has also reviewed and reorganised the allocation of rooms throughout the setting. As part of this process, the baby room has been extended and reconfigured, increasing its capacity from nine babies to twelve. This expansion has enabled the nursery to provide additional spaces for younger children while still maintaining a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports each child’s individual care and development needs.
The changes to room allocation and capacity planning have been introduced to help the nursery better manage occupancy levels across the setting and respond to increasing enquiries from families seeking baby places. Demand for these spaces continues to be exceptionally high and, despite the recent expansion, the baby room is now operating close to full capacity and is almost fully booked until September 2027.
The Charities Act (2022) explicitly includes “Public Benefit” in the definition of “Charitable Purpose”. The Trustees believe that Chard NNI meets this requirement as it provides day care and education to any child in the area wishing to attend the setting provided, subject to spaces available, and provides facilities which groups in the community are able to use and hire.
Achievements and performance
The Nursery continues to receive considerable support from Somerset County Council by way of grants received. Contributions for the year amounted to £329,815.
Throughout the year, the charity has continued to provide high-quality childcare in a warm, safe, and nurturing environment, supporting children to learn, develop, and thrive. Our primary objective remains to promote the welfare, education, and development of young children while supporting families within our local community.
During the reporting period, we successfully delivered affordable and accessible childcare to a significant number of children, enabling parents and carers to access employment, education, and training opportunities. Our experienced and dedicated staff provided a stimulating learning environment that promoted children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Key achievements during the year included:
Maintaining high standards of care and early years education.
Supporting children to achieve important developmental milestones and school readiness skills.
Providing inclusive support for children with additional needs, ensuring that all children could participate fully in nursery life.
Strengthening partnerships with parents and carers through regular communication, family engagement activities, and individual support.
Continuing staff training and professional development to ensure the highest quality of care and education.
Creating a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment where children feel valued, secure, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
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Chard NNI Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025
Impact on Beneficiaries
The charity's work has made a positive and lasting difference to the lives of the children and families we support. Children attending the nursery have benefited from opportunities to develop confidence, independence, communication skills, and positive relationships with others. Through structured learning experiences and playbased activities, children have been supported to make good progress in their learning and development.
Parents and carers have benefited from reliable and affordable childcare, helping them to balance family responsibilities with employment, education, or training. Many families have reported increased confidence and reduced stress knowing their children are receiving high-quality care in a supportive environment.
The nursery has also provided additional support to families experiencing challenges, signposting them to relevant services and working collaboratively with external agencies where appropriate to ensure children and families receive the support they need.
Wider Benefits to Society
The charity's activities contribute positively to the wider community by supporting early childhood development and helping children gain the skills needed for future educational success. By enabling parents and carers to work, study, and contribute economically, the nursery supports local employment and community wellbeing.
Our inclusive approach helps to reduce social disadvantage and promotes equal opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds. Through investing in children's early years, the charity contributes to stronger families, improved educational outcomes, and healthier communities, creating long-term social benefits that extend beyond the immediate beneficiaries of our services.
The trustees are proud of the achievements made during the year and remain committed to delivering highquality childcare and support for children and families within our community.
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Chard NNI Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025
Structure, governance and management
The charity recruits new Trustees through a range of methods designed to encourage community involvement and participation. Vacancies are advertised appropriately and requests for volunteers are regularly communicated through the parent and staff portal, helping to attract individuals who are interested in supporting the continued development and governance of the nursery.
All newly appointed Trustees are provided with an induction process to ensure they gain a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the charity. Trustees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the relevant Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements and regulatory standards to ensure they are fully aware of the operational requirements, expectations, and legal obligations associated with the running of an early years setting. This knowledge is further supported through the charity’s own policies, procedures, and operational guidance documents.
As part of their induction, Trustees are made fully aware of the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality in relation to all matters concerning the charity, its staff, children, and families. Each Trustee is required to sign a confidentiality agreement confirming their understanding and acceptance of these responsibilities. New Trustees are also given access to previous committee training materials and guidance notes, including information from training sessions attended by earlier committee members, to support ongoing understanding and effective governance.
The Trustees delegate responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation of the setting to the Childcare Manager, Jayne Windsor, who oversees the delivery of childcare provision alongside the room managers and nursery practitioners. Administrative support for the setting is provided by Janet Woodbury, ensuring the smooth running of the nursery’s operational and organisational functions.
The Trustees meet regularly throughout the year to review and discuss matters relating to the management of the childcare provision, the effective use of the charity’s premises, and the strategic direction of the organisation. During these meetings, decisions are made collectively regarding actions required to support the continued development and effective operation of the setting. The Childcare Manager attends committee meetings to provide operational updates, raise matters of importance, and contribute to discussions relating to the nursery’s ongoing provision and development. In addition, the Chairperson and Treasurer act as authorised signatories for the charity’s banking arrangements and financial transactions.
The management committee has carried out a thorough review of the principal risks to which the charity may be exposed and has implemented appropriate systems and procedures to minimise and manage these risks effectively. Internal controls include clear procedures for the authorisation of expenditure, financial transactions, and project approvals, together with processes designed to ensure consistency and quality across all operational aspects of the charity. These procedures and control measures are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain effective, appropriate, and responsive to the evolving needs of the organisation.
The charity's bankers are HSBC, 17 North Street, Taunton TA1 1NA
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Chard NNI Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025
Financial review
The financial position of the charity at 31 August 2025 and comparatives for the prior period, as more fully detailed in the accounts, can be summarised as follows:
| Net income/(expenditure) Unrestricted revenue funds available for the general purposes of the charity |
2025 £ 40,146 63,864 |
2024 £ (34,328) 23,718 |
|---|---|---|
The charity remains dependent on grants and fees for the services that it provides.
The Trustees believe that it is appropriate to continue to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis. In light of the scope, definitions and purpose, the Nursery aims to maintain reserves consisting of: reserves to meet redundancy liabilities and general contingency reserves equal to one term’s (i.e. one-third of annual) total expenditure, excluding maintenance and depreciation. The charity aims to meet its reserves policy and reviews it regularly, although it was not met for year ended 31 August 2025, the profit helped considerably toward meeting the policy in future years.
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources of the charity for that year.
In preparing these accounts, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in Charities SORP;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and
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Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is appropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
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Chard NNI Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
This report was approved by the board on …........................ and signed on its behalf.
…....................................................................
Mrs Marie Baker (chairperson) Trustee
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Chard NNI
Report of the independent examiner to the Trustees of the charity on the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025
I report on the financial statements of Chard NNI on pages 8 to 14 for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner
As described on page 6 the charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements.
The Trustees consider that the audit requirement of section 144(1) of the Charities Act 2011 does not apply, and that there is no requirement in the constitution document of the charity for the conducting of an audit. As a consequence, the Trustees have elected that the financial statements be subject to independent examination.
It is my responsibility to:
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a) examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
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b) follow the procedures in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and;
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c) state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matter has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered part of an independent examination
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Louise Hambidge ACA
Old Bank Building East Street Ilminster TA19 0AJ
Dated:
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Chard NNI Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2025
| Unrestricted Note funds £ Incoming resources 3 Income from charitable activities 475,160 Income from investments 1,049 Income from other resources 6,643 Total income 482,852 Expenditure 6 Cost of raising funds - Expenditure on charitable activities 438,592 Governance costs 4,114 Total expenditure 442,706 Net income/(expenditure) for the year 40,146 Transfers between funds - Net movement in funds 40,146 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Unrestricted 23,718 Restricted - Total funds carried forward 63,864 |
Restricted funds £ 500 - - 500 - 500 - 500 - - - - - - |
Total funds 2025 £ 475,660 1,049 6,643 483,352 - 439,092 4,114 443,206 40,146 - 40,146 23,718 - 63,864 |
Total funds 2024 £ 391,299 1,078 7,311 399,688 - 430,318 3,698 434,016 (34,328) - (34,328) 58,046 - 23,718 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Chard NNI Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 9 Current assets Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand 11 Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets of the charity Represented by: Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 14 Total charity funds |
Unrestricted funds £ 2,290 11,663 76,577 88,240 (26,666) 61,574 63,864 63,864 63,864 - 63,864 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds 2025 £ 2,290 11,663 76,577 88,240 (26,666) 61,574 63,864 63,864 63,864 - 63,864 |
Total funds 2024 £ 4,885 10,449 36,783 47,232 (28,399) 18,833 23,718 23,718 23,718 - 23,718 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
…....................................................................
Mrs Marie Baker (chairperson) Trustee Approved by the board of trustees on …........................
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Chard NNI
Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025
1 Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) updated in October 2019 and with the Charities Act 2022.
2 Accounting policies
Income
Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
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the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
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it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources;
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the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.
Grants and donations are included in the SoFA when received. Grants in respect of apprenticeship funding have been included in a restricted fund as required by the terms and conditions of the local government and other agencies.
Fees receivable and charges for services and use of the premises are accounted for in the period in which the services are received.
Expenditure and liabilities
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Charitable activities include expenditure associated with the education of children. Governance costs include those incurred in governance of the charity and are primarily associated with constiutional and statutory requirements.
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulative depreciation and any accumulative impairment losses. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset evenly over its expected useful life, as follows:
Leasehold property Over the term of the lease Fixtures, fittings and equipment 1 to 4 years
All assets costing more than £200 are capitalised and are included at cost in the financial statements.
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Chard NNI
Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025
Leasehold property is depreciated over the remaining life of the lease from the date the property works were completed. The lease was originally for a period of 28 years. The lease commenced before work began on the construction of the new building and eight years had elapsed by the time the construction was completed.
Debtors
Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
Creditors
Short term creditors are measured at transaction price (which is usually the invoice price). Loans and other financial liabilities are initially recognised at transaction price net of any transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortised cost determined using the effective interest method.
Taxation
As a registered charity Chard NNI is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax, but not value added tax (VAT). Irrecoverable VAT is included in the costs of those items upon which it has been incurred. No VAT is charged on income as childcare is classified as an exempt supply.
Pensions
Contributions to defined contribution plans are expensed in the period to which they relate.
Funds
The restricted fund comprises grants to be used for a specific purpose as laid down by the grantor. Expenditure which meets the criteria is charged to the fund.
The unrestricted fund represents funds which the Trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable objectives.
| 3 | Analysis of income Income from charitable activities Grants received Job retention scheme funding School fees and registrations received Donations received Income from investments Interest received on bank account Income from other resources Room hire and service charges Total income |
Unrestricted funds £ 329,815 - 145,345 - 475,160 1,049 1,049 6,643 6,643 482,852 |
Restricted funds £ 500 - - - 500 - - - - 500 |
Total funds 2025 £ 330,315 - 145,345 - 475,660 1,049 1,049 6,643 6,643 483,352 |
Total funds 2024 £ 197,327 - 193,730 242 391,299 1,078 1,078 7,311 7,311 399,688 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Chard NNI
Notes to the Accounts
for the year ended 31 August 2025
| 4 Analysis of receipts of government grants Somerset County Council - Early Years funding Somerset County Council - apprenticeship funding |
2025 £ 329,815 500 330,315 |
2024 £ 195,827 1,500 197,327 |
|---|---|---|
5 Donated goods, facilities and services
Any donated goods, facilities or services are recorded in the accounts at fair value.
| 6 | Analysis of expenditure Expenditure on charitable activities Staff costs Wages and salaries Pensions Employer's NI Other costs Play materials Groceries and hot meals Repairs and maintenance Rent Rates and water Insurance Light and heat Cleaning and waste disposal Subscriptions Staff training and welfare Software Stationery and printing Telephone and internet Bank charges Sundry expenses Depreciation Overall expenditure on charitable activities Governance costs Independent examination fees Accountancy fees Other legal and professional costs Total expenditure |
Unrestricted funds £ 353,665 6,809 22,454 382,928 2,092 14,765 3,256 50 774 7,455 11,967 3,018 537 1,542 2,081 1,684 989 113 2,746 2,595 55,664 438,592 702 1,680 1,732 4,114 442,706 |
Restricted funds £ 500 - - 500 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 500 - - - - 500 |
Total funds 2025 £ 354,165 6,809 22,454 383,428 2,092 14,765 3,256 50 774 7,455 11,967 3,018 537 1,542 2,081 1,684 989 113 2,746 2,595 55,664 439,092 702 1,680 1,732 4,114 443,206 |
Total funds 2024 £ 341,521 7,450 20,887 369,858 4,864 13,615 6,659 50 1,343 8,136 7,471 3,544 508 2,006 2,547 2,689 554 120 2,381 3,973 60,460 430,318 660 1,380 1,658 3,698 434,016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Chard NNI Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025
| 7 Fees for examination of the accounts Independent examiner's fees paid to the examiner's firm 8 Employees Average number of persons employed by the charity 9 Tangible fixed assets £ Cost At 1 September 2024 759,331 At 31 August 2025 759,331 Depreciation At 1 September 2024 757,044 Charge for the year 1,152 At 31 August 2025 758,196 Net book value At 31 August 2025 1,135 At 31 August 2024 2,287 10 Debtors Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 11 Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand Leasehold buildings |
2025 £ 702 702 2025 Number 17 £ 59,336 59,336 56,738 1,443 58,181 1,155 2,598 2025 £ 9,376 2,287 11,663 2025 £ 76,577 76,577 Fixtures, fittings & equipment |
2024 £ 660 660 2024 Number 17 Total £ 818,667 818,667 813,782 2,595 816,377 2,290 4,885 2024 £ 9,561 888 10,449 2024 £ 36,783 36,783 |
|---|---|---|
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Chard NNI
Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025
12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Taxation and social security Other financial commitments |
2025 £ 330 19,935 6,401 26,666 2025 £ |
2024 £ 2,195 19,923 6,281 28,399 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|
13 Other financial commitments
At 31 August 2025 the charity had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
| Land and buildings: expiry date over 5 years Equipment: expiry date within 1 year expiry date within 2-5 years Insurance protection: expiry date within 1 year expiry date within 2-5 years Total future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases |
- 711 1,066 917 - 2,694 |
- 711 1,777 917 - 3,405 |
|---|---|---|
Total future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases
14 Restricted funds
| Balance at 1 September 2024 £ Apprenticeship funding - - |
Incoming resources £ 500 500 |
Expenditure £ (500) (500) |
Balance at Transfers 31 August 2025 £ £ - - - - |
|---|---|---|---|
The building fund had to be used in the construction of the nursery building. This has now been depreciated fully over its useful economic life.
The pram shelter fund was used in the construction of a shelter attached to the nursery building. This has now been depreciated fully over its useful economic life.
The outdoor play area fund relates to money received from Somerset County Council and the Co-operative, to build an outdoor play area for the children. This has now been depreciated fully over its useful economic life.
15 Related party and trustee transactions
A company owned by one of the trustees provided maintenance services to the charity during the year. The total amount paid for these services was £3,114. The trustee took no part in the decision to award or approve this work. The transaction was carried out on normal commercial terms and in the charity’s best interests. No balance was outstanding at the year end.
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