OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2020-08-31-accounts

Ofsted Reg No., EY244150 Charity Re9 No.. 1018543 Our Ladys First Steps Nursery Clinctonview Widnes Cheshire WA8 8JN Irst Telephone.. 0151424 5500 E-mail.. ourladysfirststeps@googlemail.com Trustee Report Financial Year I" September 2019 - 31 August 2020 th Annual meeting held remotely on 11 November 2020 Involved: Pat Whimperley - Chairperson Elaine Gaskin - Treasurer Ann Gibson - Secretary Anne Rowlands - Nursery Manager Shirley Mellor - Deputy Member (non committee member) Tracey Owens - Finance Manager (non committee member) Nicola Evans - Parent Laura Bevan - Parent Megan Bird - Parent Unable to join meetin9'. Ann Gibson Helen Leedam The above are all members or staff of Our Lady's First Steps Nursery. Their roles and responsibilities were discussed and agreed. Nursery Managers Report: September 19 to March 20 - The nursery was operating well and occupancy was good. There have been some deployment changes with staff swapping rooms and workin9 Wlth different aged children. This worked well and Anne thanked the staff for workin9 hard to ensure oll of the children's needs were met.

March 20 to August 20 - As the country went into lock down, we made the very hard decision to partially close the nursery and remained open f or children of key workers. Only 2 children attended and were able to be cared for by Anne and Tracey. All staf f were put on f urlough. Staf f provided work/activities for the preschool children whilst they were unable to attend. Most staf f stayed on f urlough until the beginning of September but a small number of staf f came back to work on partial furlough for 4 weeks in the summer holidays. This allowed the older children who were leaving to go to primary school time to mix with their f riends and become used to the nursery environment again before transitioning to school. This worked really well and staff were thanked for their continued hard work. The nursery manager and f inancial manager continued to work during the whole of this time to ensure all new government guidelines were met and procedures completed. Next Steps: To continue to operate under all new guidelines and to aim to keep all staf f members employed during the next f inancial year. We hope to resume Kids Club as soon as it is saf e to do so. Financial Report: In order to reduce the time of the annual meeting, copies of the years accounts were posted out to all committee members in advance of the meeting. This was to allow everyone to be prepared with any questions/suggestions in advance. Due to Covid and the restrictions put in place, it meant that 31 of the 33 staf f members were put on f urlough for almost 6 months. Only Anne (nursery manager) and Tmcey (f inance manger) continued to work. She explained that it has been a very tough year f inancially because even though staf f were f urlou9hed on 80 10 pay, the nursery was only able to claim 55 /. back via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the nursery had to f und the rest. The nursery has been able to keep all members of staff in employment, which we are very pleased about. The nursery accounts f inished the f inancial year with a positive bank balance of £33963.10. Tracey explained that it was pleasing we f inished with a Positive bank balance but it has already become apparent that we are in for a tough year (Sept 20 to Aug 21). Attendance f igures are lower and we have already seen a reduction in income f or the f irst two months of just over £40,000.00. If this trend continues and attendance f igures don't drastically improve, we need to start to think about the possibility of havin9 to reduce stoff hours etc... in the near f uture and consider the need to increase the childcare fees.

Tracey stressed that it was regrettable that the work we had planned to undertake during the summer on the bathroom/toilet area and the walls in the Foundation clossroom was not able to be completed. She stressed that it will be very likely that this work will have to be put off indef initely. Chairpersons Closing Report: Pat thanked all f or their continued support and stressed that the committee will continue to provide as much support as necessary during this next f inancial year. She is very aware that it is goin9 to be a tough year f inancially f or the nursery but also mentally, not just f or the staf f but also the parents and children. She stressed again that as much help will be given by the committee if needed. Signed on behalf of the management team and committee. Ms Anne Rowlands. Childcare Manager.

Charity Registration No. 1018543

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees A Rowlands
M Gaskin
P Whimperley
A Gibson
N Evans
H Leedam
M Bird
L Bevan
Charity number 1018543
Principal address Clinton View
Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 8JN
Independent examiner Mitchell Charlesworth LLP
Glebe Business Park
Lunts Heath Road
Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 5SQ
Bankers Yorkshire Bank plc
20 Albert Road
Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 6JG

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Statement of cash flows 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 14

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2020.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and "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

The charity's objects are to enhance the development and education of children primarily under statutory school aged by encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups and by; (A) Offering appropriate play, education and care facilities, family learning and extended hours groups, together with the right of parents to take responsibility for and to become involved in the activities of such groups, ensuring that such groups offer opportunities for all children whatever their race, culture, religion, means or ability. (B) Encouraging the study of the needs of such children and their families and promoting public interest in and recognition of such needs in the local areas. (C) Instigating and adhering to and furthering the aims and objects of the pre-school learning alliance. T here has been no change in these during the year.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

The committee, staff and parents were all thanked for their ongoing support. Pat Whimperley, Elaine Gaskin and Ann Gibson were declared as officers and will continue in their roles as stated above. Megan Bird was welcomed as a new parent representative, replacing Natalie Thomas.

Anne gave information to all present regarding the new Early Years Frame Work and the changes that have been made to the Ofsted inspection process. Staff will also be informed about the changes and how they can ensure they are meeting the new requirements.

Future training needs were also discussed and a budget agreed.

It was agreed by all staff that the improvements to the outdoor play areas have been a huge success and children are enjoying getting outside more. Staff explained how the areas have enhanced the planning and improved outcomes for children.

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

Financial review

In order to reduce the time of the annual meeting, copies of the years accounts were posted out to all committee members in advance of the meeting. This was to allow everyone to be prepared with any questions/suggestions in advance.

Due to COVID and the restrictions put in place, it meant that 31 of the 33 staff members were put on furlough for almost 6 months. Only Anne (nursery manager) and Tracey (finance manager) continued to work. The trustees explained that it has been a very tough year financially, even though the staff were furloughed on 80% pay, the nursery was only able to claim 55% back via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the nursery had to fund the rest. The nursery has been able to keep all members of staff in employment, which we are very pleased about.

The nursery accounts finished in the financial year with a positive bank balance of £33,963. The trustees explained that is was pleasing we finished with a positive bank balance, however it has become apparent we are in for a tough year (Sept 20 to Aug 21). Attendance figures are lower and we have already seen a reduction of just over £40,000 in income for the first two months of the financial year. If this trend continues and attendance figures don't drastically improve, we need to start to think about the possibility of reducing staff hours etc. in the near future whilst also considering the need to increase the childcare fees.

The trustees stressed that it was regrettable that the work we had planned to undertake during the summer on the bathroom/toilet area and the walls in the Foundation classroom was not able to be completed. It will be very likely that this work will have to be put off indefinitely.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Risk policy

The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Plans for future periods

Continue to improve the nursery environment inside and outside. Ensure all staff continue to develop their skills by providing in-house training. To provide work shops for parents to attend alongside staff.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is registered in England and Wales under a Constitution adopted on 14 January 1993 as amended on 1 December 1999 and by a scheme of amendment on 1 March 2017.

Trustees

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

A Rowlands M Gaskin P Whimperley A Gibson N Evans H Leedam M Bird L Bevan

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to follow the CBI's Prompt Payers Code (copies are available from the CBI, Centre Point, 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DU).

The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to:

Trade creditors of the company at the year end were equivalent to 30 day's purchases, based on the average daily amount invoiced by suppliers during the year.

Chairperson's closing report

Pat thanked all present for their continued support and stressed that the committee will continue to provide as much support as necessary during this next financial year. She is very aware it is going to be a tough year financially for the nursery but also mentally, not just for the staff but also the parents and children. She stressed again that as much help will be given by the committee if needed.

The trustees' r eport was approved by the Board of Trustees.

M Gaskin

Trustee Dated: 28 June 2021

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Our Lady's First Steps Pre school (the charity) for the year ended 31 August 2020.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act . In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of chartered, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

P L Griffiths FCA DChA on behalf of Mitchell Charlesworth LLP

Glebe Business Park Lunts Heath Road Widnes Cheshire WA8 5SQ

Dated: 28 June 2021

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2020 2019
Notes £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 3 302,312 299,576
Charitable activities 4 199,791 357,958
Other income 5 98,892 -
Total income 600,995 657,534
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 6 584,461 600,694
Net income for the year/
Net movement in funds 16,534 56,840
Fund balances at 1 September 2019 88,597 31,757
Fund balances at 31 August 2020 105,131 88,597

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

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2020

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
9
Current assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
11
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
2020
£
438
33,964
34,402
(32,443)
£
103,172
1,959
105,131
105,131
105,131
2019
£
4,297
32,553
36,850
(60,698)
£
112,445
(23,848)
88,597
88,597
88,597

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 28 June 2021

M Gaskin Trustee

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
13
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
2020
£
(9,370)
2019
£
£
£
10,781
94,381
(102,072)
(9,370)
(102,072)
-
-
1,411
(7,691)
32,553
40,244
33,964
32,553

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

1 Accounting policies

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's constitution adopted on 14 January 1993 as amended on 1 December 1999 and by a scheme of variation dated 1 March 2017 , the Charities Act 2011 and "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling , which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary a mounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, and having due regard to the impact of Covid-19, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Improvements to property 10% straight line Fixtures and fittings 15% straight line Computers 33.3% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

1.6 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any ) .

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.8 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future p aymen ts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.9 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.10 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2020 2019
£ £
Performance related grants 302,312 299,576

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

4 Charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2020 2019
£ £
Nursery fees 196,569 355,751
Milk reimbursement 1,371 1,909
Other income 891 298
School trips 960 -
199,791 357,958
Other income
Unrestricted Total
funds
2020 2019
£ £
Government grants receivable 98,892 -

5 Other income

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

6 Charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
Expenditure Expenditure
2020 2019
£ £
Staff costs 494,558 469,908
Depreciation and impairment 18,643 6,411
Insurance and rates 2,949 3,506
Repairs and maintenance 4,821 18,615
Telephone costs 1,179 1,207
Groceries 9,125 15,911
School meals 22,697 43,276
Consumables 9,340 8,560
Toys and equipment 6,333 15,150
Printing, stationery and postage 1,328 406
Sundry expenses 4,152 10,343
Accountancy 202 2,000
Trips 990 -
Bank charges and interest 2,084 2,197
Utilities 3,035 1,988
Professional subscriptions 3,025 1,216
584,461 600,694
584,461 600,694

7 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

There were no expenses reimbursed to trustees during the year.

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

8 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
2020
Number
33
2020
£
467,842
21,994
4,722
494,558
2019
Number
35
2019
£
442,854
22,820
4,234
469,908

There were no employees earning at the rate of £60,000 or more during the year.

9 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Improvements to
property
Fixtures and
fittings
Computers
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 September 2019
-
114,414
4,442
Additions
7,603
1,767
-
At 31 August 2020
7,603
116,181
4,442
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 September 2019
-
5,671
740
Depreciation charged in the year
-
17,162
1,481
At 31 August 2020
-
22,833
2,221
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2020
7,603
93,348
2,221
At 31 August 2019
-
108,743
3,702
Total
£
118,856
9,370
128,226
6,411
18,643
25,054
103,172
112,445

OUR LADY'S FIRST STEPS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

10
Debtors
2020
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Trade debtors
438
11
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2020
£
Other taxation and social security
2,826
Trade creditors
18,780
Other creditors
7,846
Accruals and deferred income
2,991
32,443
12
Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2019 - none).
13
Cash generated from operations
2020
£
Surplus for the year
16,534
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
18,643
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in debtors
3,859
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(28,255)
Cash generated from operations
10,781
14
Analysis of changes in net funds
The charity had no debt during the year.
2019
£
4,297
2019
£
4,139
43,237
-
13,322
60,698
2019
£
56,840
6,411
3
31,127
94,381