REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF WEST TOTTEN SQUIRRELS PRE-SCHOOL LEARNING ALLIANCE (Charity No. 1025265) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021
The report on the accounts for the charity for the year ended 31 August 2021, which are set out on pages 1 to 2 in respect of an examination carried out under section 145 of the charities Act 2011 (“the act”)
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the examiners
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider than an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (The 2011 act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
-
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of this report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145 of the Act. That 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 considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accou7nts and seeking explanation from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements • To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and
-
To prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the requirement of the Act, and the Regulations have not been met; or
-
To which, in my opinion attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Georgina Webb MAAT ACCA 23rd June 2022 2 The Old Post Office Main Street Shroton DT11 8QB
WEST TOTTON SQUIRRELS PRE-SCHOOL
Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31[st] August 2021
Objectives and activities
The purpose of the charity is to enhance the development and education of children under statutory school age in a safe, secure and stimulating environment and to work within a framework which ensures equality for all children and families in the local community
The trustees confirm that they have referred to guidance contained in the Charity Commissions general guidance on Public benefit when reviewing the aims and objectives for the year at trustee meetings.
The charity believes that it offers support for the local community in creating an environment where young children can explore their surroundings in a nurturing and supportive role which benefits the local community and enhances the spirit of family life.
The focus of our activities remains the education and design of personal development plans and a programme of stimulating and creative play, that enables learning to take place in a fun and secure environment. This benefits pre-school children by developing their self-confidence and social skills alongside practical skills and life skills preparing them for school. We welcome all pre-school children in the local community regardless of personal background, faith, gender or personal circumstance and we believe this philosophy of openness to all enriches everyone through the integration and sharing of skills, aptitudes and experiences. We look upon pre-school as the first stepping stone to school and school life.
A great contribution is made by volunteers. We are grateful for the many hours volunteers have spent working with our staff. Without this valuable contribution of time and energy we would have not have been able to achieve so much in such difficult times with Covid-19
Achievements & Performance
The charity has continued to benefit the local community by supporting pre-school children and have seen the children in their care develop increased confidence and social skills which have equipped then for later life. The charity has also provided much need support to families of the children in their care and in particular to parents or carers of children suffering from learning disabilities and other developmental issues.
The pre-school always bears in mind any particular issues or difficulties which the children in their care may suffer and through a system of encouragement and support they have endeavoured to help the children reach their full potential which will carry through to their future lives.
It has been a busy year at West Totten squirrels and another group of children have left us to continue their learning journey at school. The staff have helped them on their way by planning lots of learning activities and experiences.
West Totton squirrels hopes to build on the achievement of the past year to develop new systems and activities, and to provide continued training for its staff and volunteers
Financial review
Our main source of funds is government funding from Hampshire County Council.
The trustees consider that the level of free reserves currently on hand is sufficient to cover at least 6 months of overheads and any increased costs or redundancies should the pre-school face closure. The trustees are pleased that the charity attained reserves of over £120,000
Restricted monies were received during the year for school lunch vouchers (£2,352) £105 was carried over to the new school year.
Structur0e, governance and management
The West Totton squirrels Pre-school is a charitable unincorporated body, charity number 1025265
The charity is governed by the 2011 Model constitution of Preschool learning Alliance. The preschool is managed by a voluntary committee of parents who are appointed annually at the Annual General Meeting held in September
There is a child protection policy in place. Criminal Records Bureau checks are carried out prior to commencement of Employment or trusteeship. These checks are carried out again every two years in line with statutory requirements.
All trustees, with the exception of Angela Clayton, give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits. Angela Clayton is paid solely in her capacity as Manager of the Preschool and in performance of these duties and not for her duties as a Trustee. No payments or expenses were paid to trustees during the year.
The appointment of new trustees is undertaken in accordance with adopted guidelines and procedures. This includes application, induction, probationary period and adoption
As an ongoing process trustees asses the level of risk in relation to governance, service, employment, health and safety, child protection, financial management and information management. The trustees keep under review the major business and operation risks that the charity faces and ensure that monitoring systems have been established so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen the risks.
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis
Future plans
The coming year will see a continued emphasis on structured activities to prepare the children for school life. The growing demand for funded places puts pressure on the pre-school coupled with living with Covid 19, the school continues to have some Covid practices in place to protect the children and staff
Reference and administration details
Full name West Totton Squirrels Pre-School Learning Alliance Other names used West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Address West Totton Community Centre Hazel Farm Road Totton Hampshire SO40 8WU
Registered Charity Number 1025265 Trustees Jennifer Lay Chair (Resigned 28 October 2021) Katie Wilkinson Chair (Appointed 28 September 2021) Niki Lace Manager (Resigned 28 September 2021) Angela Clayton Manager (Appointed 4 May 2022) Rebecca Johnson Treasurer (Appointed 28 September 2020) Jessica Martin Vice Chair (Appointed 24 September 2019) Holly Harris Safeguarding (Appointed 28 September 2020) Sophie Harrison (Resigned 10 May 2021) Jodie Matthews (Appointed 28 September 2020) Jenna Turner (Resigned 28 September 2021) Tara Baker (Appointed 28 September 2021) Bankers Lloyds TSB, Totton, Southampton Branch Independent Examiners Miss Georgina Webb 2 The Old Post Office , Main Street, Shroton DT11 8QB Date Date ---------------------------------------------------------------Rebecca Johnson Julie Merrick Treasurer on behalf of the manager