Seamer Pre-School
(Charity number: 1022284)
Trustees annual report & financial statements for the year ended
31st August 2024
Charity accounts preparation & independent examination service
Seamer Pre-School
| Seamer Pre-School | |
|---|---|
| (Charity number: 1022284) | |
| Contents | |
| Index | Page |
| Report of the trustees | 1 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Receipts & payments accounts | 5 |
| Statement of assets and liabilities | 6 |
| Notes to the accounts | 7 |
Trustees' Annual Report
From: 1st September 2023 To: 31st August 2024 Charity's full name Seamer Pre-School Registered Charity number 1022284
Objectives and activities
Summary of the purposes of the charity set out in its governing document
The charity is governed by the Pre-school Learning Alliance model constitution 2011 adopted on 12th January 2012.
The charity's main objects , as set out in the constitution are:
To enhance the development and education of children primarily under statutory school age by encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups and by:
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) Instigating and adhering to and furthering the aims and objectives of the Pre-school Learning Alliance. The trustees' policy is to ensure the highest level of childcare, development and education is attained in the pre-primary school years and to ensure that the charity's objectives are met. The charity employs 13 staff members who are supported by some parents and volunteers.
All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or
services identified in the accounts
In planning activities trustees have kept in mind the Charity Commission's guidence on public benefit. The charity has continued to attain it’s charitable objectives during the year (as listed above). Each of the 10 sessions per week offered by the charity, continued to run at maximum capacity, offered to families from the local community, whilst still maintaining an above average ratio of staff to children. There has been a substantial take up by parents of the funded hours. The trustees consider that the charitable fundraising events undertaken by the charity have been relatively successful and supported by the community. These events have enabled the children to purchase a limited number of new items of equipment, all being for the benefit of the children attending the setting.
The trustees consider that they have complied with their duties to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the
circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.
The year was once again extremely busy and we welcomed many new families to the setting. 57 children were listed on our registers with very few spaces available.
The wide age range of the children attending Pre-school quite often makes it a challenging place to work. However the staff work tirelessly to support every child who attends to achieve their full potential, fostering creativity and curiosity in a fun filled and loving way.
The children have enjoyed library visits, with the local Lions group supporting the transport arrangements. We have hosted gym sessions, as an attempt to increase the children’s physical fitness throughout the year. Music always plays a big part at Pre-school and we have been supported by a local musician delivering engaging sessions on a regular basis. This year we have also looked at supporting the emotional regulation of all children and staff and have offered Mindfulness sessions with a qualified tutor. This was a huge success in giving the children the tools to support their emotional development.
Parents have been offered stay and play sessions throughout the year, which were very popular and gave them an important insight to the work that we do.
Speech and Language continues to be an area of children’s development which needs to be a focus of our efforts. Children receive regular interventions and reviews.
Staff continue to use Talk Boost sessions to support the children and a number of staff now deliver this regularly at Pre-school
1
We continue to use a closed WhatsApp group to communicate with parents and Tapestry is used to document the children’s achievements. We feel this has gone well and have good relations with parents.
We have had several events that the children have enjoyed. These include Christmas performances for parents, an Easter Egg hunt around the village, a Spring Farm trip to a local attraction, a summer trip to our local beach along with transition visits to primary schools.
Staff recruitment and retention continues to cause us problems typical of the national trend. We had a member of staff (Mandy)go off on long term sick, (she took the decision to leave us at the end of the year) with two other staff (Danni and Maya) also leaving us to pursue changes of career. We welcomed back with open arms (Michelle) a qualified level 3 member of staff who had left us a number of years previously, along with another young lady, Nicola (also level 3 trained) who had newly moved into the area. We ended the year being a member of staff down. We do however always try to work above the ratios recommended within each age group, this provides the children the very best opportunities to achieve their full potential. This remains the case still.
Despite these changes staff continued to undertake further training with Jess becoming our newly qualified SENCO, whilst Michelle and Kadie ‘got moving’ on a course promoting children’s physicality and Sam undertook Autism training.
We are deeply grateful to our dedicated staff and committee members along with supportive parents and the involvement of the local community who help us to continue to offer outstanding provision to all the children in our care.
Financial review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period
The principal source of funding of Pre-school is rapidly becoming the receipt of Universal and Extended funding of the attending 3 and 4 year olds along with some 2 year funding. This has a big impact on our finances.
Parental fees continue to be an important source of income along with fundraising.
There was a notable decrease in our income this year due mainly to the increased uptake of funded places and the much lower rate per hour we receive for each child, compared to the hourly rates we charge.
There is huge pressure to fill spaces at the beginning of the academic year to cover our costs but also the need to retain staff in light of the difficulties we are all having with recruitment, whilst wanting to offer the best service we possibly can. The change to the ratios of staff to 2 year olds has not been helpful as I would defy anyone’s ability to positively impact 5 2 year olds! It would be prudent however to keep reviewing this.
Staffing costs have continued to rise at a fast pace with the annual increase to the Living Wage having a big impact on our finances. A review of our charges will be essential going forwards.
We are deeply grateful to our dedicated staff and committee members along with supportive parents and the involvement of the local community who help us to continue to offer outstanding provision to all the children in our care.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held
Reserves are held by the charity and these would equate to 3 months average running costs the group would ordinarily incur. This is important in the eventuality that it no longer remains viable for the group to remain operational and would be forced to close.
Amount of reserves held
£36,985
Reasons for holding zero reserves N/A
Funds materially in deficit
None
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern
Whilst government funding has fallen seriously short over recent years, the trustees are hopeful that this cannot remain the case indefinately. The group maintains a healthy waiting list and there is no shortage of children to attend.
Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity's trusts
Type of governing document
Pre School constitution
How the charity is constituted Unincorporated association
2
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees
The charity's committee shall consist of 3 officers, not more than 9 elected members and if the committee so decides not more than 3 co-opted members. All trustees resign and new trustees are appointed annually at the AGM.
Reference and administration details
----- Start of picture text -----
||||
|---|---|---|
|Charity's full name|Seamer Pre-school|
|Charity’s principal address|64 Pasture Lane|
|Seamer, Scarborough|
|North Yorkshire, YO12 4QR|
|Names of the trustees who manage the charity|
|Dates acted if not for|Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if|
|Trustee name|Office (if any)|
|whole year|any)|
|es|Mrs Rebecca Penfold|Chair|
|Mrs Virginia Wilkinson|Treasurer|
|Mrs Samantha Hammond|Secretary|
|Mrs Katie Doherty|
|Mrs Gemma Fail|
|Ms Michaela Braidley|Resigned 2024|
|Names and addresses of advisers|
|Type of adviser|Name|Address|
|a|
|Independent|Karen Wood ACMA|Outsource Accountancy Services and Independent Examinations|
|Examiner|
|2 Galligap Lane|
|Osbaldwick, York|
|YO10 3NR|
|Bankers|Lloyds Bank|
----- End of picture text -----
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members Mrs Virginia Wilkinson
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees
Signature Full Name Rebecca Penfold Position Chair Date
3
~~PT~~ Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Seamer Pre-School
I report on the accounts of: Seamer Pre-School (the Charity) for the year ended: 31st August 2024
which are set out on pages 5 to 7.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
2 the accounts do not accord with those records
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 accounts to be reached.
Karen Wood (ACMA) Outsource independent examination service 2 Galligap Lane Osbaldwick York YO10 3NR
10/06/2025 ~~|~~ Date:
4
Seamer Pre-School
(Charity number: 1022284)
| Receipts &payments accounts for theyear ended: | Receipts &payments accounts for theyear ended: | 31st August 2024 | 31st August 2024 | 31st August 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total receipts Receipts Fees income NYCC funding Donations & fundraising Balance carried forward Fundraising costs Publicity & website Cleaning,repairs & maintenance Independent examination Milk & refreshments Net of receipts/(payments) Rent & rates Insurance costs Affiliations, subscriptions & DBS Telephone & internet Printing, postage & stationery Total payments Purchase of uniforms Transfers between funds Balance brought forward Payments Salaries & wage costs Staff expenses, training & recruitment Play materials, activities & equipment Bank charges Payroll, finance & administration |
Unrestricted funds £ 24,119 159,966 3,483 187,568 168,277 544 2,986 722 8,993 1,342 1,446 1,102 772 881 - 135 3,089 266 350 85 190,990 ( 3,422) - 40,408 36,986 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
2024 Total funds £ 24,119 159,966 3,483 187,568 168,277 544 2,986 722 8,993 1,342 1,446 1,102 772 881 - 135 3,089 266 350 85 190,990 ( 3,422) - 40,408 36,986 |
2023 Total funds £ 48,044 144,195 1,782 |
| 194,021 | ||||
| 152,937 1,666 1,829 719 9,500 1,331 848 1,054 1,522 960 100 (33) 3,739 226 300 84 |
||||
| 176,782 | ||||
| 17,239 - 23,169 |
||||
| 40,408 |
5
Seamer Pre-School
(Charity number: 1022284)
| Statement of assets and liabilities at: | 31st August 2024 | 31st August 2024 | 31st August 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current bank account Fundraising bank account Petty cash Liabilities Independent examination fee Assets Cash at bank and in hand |
Unrestricted funds £ 21,360 15,621 5 36,986 Unrestricted Funds £ 350 350 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - Restricted Funds £ - - |
2024 Total funds £ 21,360 15,621 5 36,986 2024 Total Funds £ 350 350 |
2023 Total funds £ 24,751 15,621 36 |
| 40,408 | ||||
| 2023 Total Funds £ 350 |
||||
| 350 |
6
(Charity number: 1022284)
Seamer Pre-School
~~a~~ Notes to the accounts for the year ended: 31st August 2024
1. Basis of accounts
The Trustees have taken advantage of section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 and prepared the accounts on a receipts and payments basis.
~~a~~ Approval of accounts for the year ended: 31st August 2024 The report and accounts were approved at a meeting of the Trustees held on: Date Signed for and on behalf of the trustees Date Print name Position (e.g. Chair etc)
7