Preschool and ASC Report to the Annual Parish Meeting May 2022
Combe Preschool and ASC continues to operate 5 days a week, from 8.50 – 6.00pm during school term times in the Combe Hub. We have 27 2- 4 year old children on Preschool roll, and we now employ 7 staff working with the children, as well as a cleaner and an administrator. Afterschool club numbers vary, but we have between 8 – 16 children most days. We are running open days this term to encourage new families to come and see what we offer at Combe. This is to try and boost numbers, but also in response to a comment from a visiting Parent who said she had no idea what a lovely Preschool we have in Combe, and if she’d have known, she would have sent her children in preference to her own local village preschool!
Both the indoor and outdoor spaces have received much attention over the past year, and continue to offer the children a stimulating, inviting and challenging environment. Lisa Humphrey has taken the lead in this area, and has been resourceful and inventive, finding ways to develop the provision without spending much money in these difficult financial times.
Finances continue to be difficult, with increasing staff costs, lower than average numbers on roll, and the carry forward deficit resulting from the pandemic. Monthly finance meetings are held to monitor the position, and various strategies are being tried to help us improve our position. One of these strategies has been to step up our fundraising efforts, which we have done effectively this spring. So far in 2022 we have raised approximately £2500, with the Garage sale and two cream teas still to come. We are extremely grateful to Combe for continuing to support our Preschool both through these fundraising events, and also through donations.
The committee has recently undertaken a restructuring of our leadership team, and has now split the manager’s role into two jobs. Andrea Oliver continues to take the lead on Safeguarding and Welfare, and Lisa Humphrey is now the lead on Teaching and Learning. This structure divides up what is a hugely demanding role, and utilises the strengths of our team members to their best advantage. The committee will continue to monitor this new way of working to ensure the best provision for our children and families.
Our committee and staff continue to work closely with the Combe Hub, the Primary School, and the VHRGC all of whom are very supportive of Preschool and ASC. We are very grateful to have the support of these and other village organisations.
Although we are still going through a difficult time financially, we are confident that with the continued support of Parents and the Village we will survive these challenges, and look forward to a more financially stable time next year. Whilst these challenges go on in the background our dedicated staff and committee get on with continuing to provide the very best early education for the young people of Combe and local villages.
Sally Purssell Chair, Combe Preschool and ASC
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Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name Combe Pre-school members of
Charity no On accounts for the year ended 31st August 2021 (if any) 1022602
Set out on pages
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended DD / MM / YYYY .
Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’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 [The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [insert name of applicable listed body]]. Delete [ ] if not applicable.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) 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; 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 as 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 this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Signed: Name: Barry Baudry
Date: 26[th] June 2022
Oct 2018
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Relevant professional CIMA qualification(s) or body (if any):
Address:
6, Square Firs,
Combe, Oxon OX29 8PB
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
Oct 2018
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