Charity registration number: 1025265 West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Contents Reference and Administrative Details Trustees, Report 2to5 Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Note5 to the Financial Statements Ioto 17
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Reference and Administrative Details Trustees Alison Hobbs April Davies Chelsey Morgan Jennifer Lay Jenny Marsh Joanne Cross Kim Davis, Treasurer Michelle Earl Charity Registration Number 1025265 Principal Office West Totton Community Centre Hazel Farm Road Totton Southampton Hampshire S040 8WU Independent Examiner R. A. Jones & Co Chartered Accountants 38 Rumbridge Street Totton Southampton Hampshire S040 9DS Page I
West TottoD Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Trnstees, Report The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2024. Objeetives and activities Objects and oin The aims of the Pre-school 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: (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 group5, ensuring that such groups offer opportunities for all children whatever their race. culture, religion, means or ability. (b) encourdging 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. Public benefil Our main activity is to deliver care and education to children between the ages of 2 and 5 within the Early Years Foundation Stage and we are a fijlly inclusive setting. To do this we employ a manager and practitioners who provide activities to meet the needs and interests of the children attending the Pre-school. The Pre-school has a key person approach to ensure that the progress and well-being of all individual children 15 consistently monitored using the online learning journal Tapestsy and feeds into future planning. The staff are well trained and this is updated throughout the year and are therefore able to success11Y meet the needs of the children in their care. The staff endeavour to provide a stimulating environment inside and outside and provide inforniation to SFYC, schools and outside agencies &s necessary. The staff build positive relationships with parents and carers and they are welcomed into the Pre-school. There are policies and procedures in place for all aspects of safeguarding, child protection. risk assessments and health and safety and the Pre-school ensures that all staff are familiar with these and are updated regularly The tnEStees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the chItIeS Act 201 I to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Page ?
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Trustees, Report (continued) Achievements and performanee The charity has continued to benefit the local community by supporting preschool children and have seen the children in their care develop increased confidence and social skills which have equipped them for later life. The charity has also provided much needed support to families of the children in their care and Èn particular to parents and carers of children with learning diftTiculties and other developmental issue5. The pre-school always bears in mind any particular issues or difficulties which the children in their care rnay suffer and through a system of encouragement and support they have endeavoured to help the children reach their full potential which will cary through to their future lives. The preschool welcomes all preschool children in the local community regardless of personal background, faith, gender or personal circumstances and we believe this philosophy of openness to all enriches everyone through the integration and sharing of skills, aptitudes and experiences. It was a busy year at West Totton Squirrels preh0o] and another group of children have left to continue their learning journey at school. The staff have helped them on their way by planning lots of learning activities and experiences. Squirrels hopes to build on the achievement of the past year to develop new systems and activities and to provide continued training for ils staff and volunteers. Financial review The tnain source of funds continues to be government funding through Hampshire County Council supplemented by fees charged to parents and small amounts generdted through fund raising. The income received from the council and parenis increased significantly during the year whilst expenditure, apart from increases in staff costs due largely to changes in the minimum wage. remained similar to that in the previous year. As a consequence the net income of the charity improved compared to the prior year. The charity's finances continue to be sound with more than adequate reserves to meet current and foreseable expenditure in the medium tem]. Policy on reserves The Pre-school considers that it should have minimum reserves of £IOO,000 to cover increased costs or redundancies with a further amount to cover between 6 and 12 months of running costs, replacement of equipment, exceptional items and emergencies. It considers that the accumulated funds set out in the financial statements are more than adequate to cover these amounts Page 3
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Trustees, Report (continued) Trustees and offieers The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows: Trnstees.. Aimee Louise DitKlen (res]ed 21 October 2024) Alison Hobbs April Davies (appointed 21 October 2024) Chelsey Morgan (appointed 21 October 2024) Jennifer Lay Jenny Marsh (appointed 25 November 2024) Joanne CTOSS (appointed 21 October 2024) Kim Davis. Treasurer (appointed 21 October 2024) Kristie Ullett (appointed 18 October 2023 and resigned 21 October 2024) Liz Clayton (resigned 20 December 2024) Michelle Earl Sard Jenkins (appointed 18 October 2023 and res)ed 21 October 2024) Sarah Brown (resigned 18 October 2023) Chairperson: Aimee Louise Dibden (resigned 21 October 2024) Structure? governance and management Nathre ofgoverning documenl The Pre-school is govemed by the Pre-school Learning Alliance Model Pre-school Constitution 201 l and is a body in membership of the Pre-school Learning Alliance. Recruitment and appointmen¢ of Irustees The trustees are elected annually at the AGM by the members of the association &s set out in the constitution. Any member may stand for election as a trustee as may key staff members. There is a child protection policy in place. Disclosure and barring service checks are carried out prior to commencement of employment or trusteeship Arrangementsfor setting key managemenlpersonnel renneratiOn All trustees, with the exception of key staff. give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits. Key staff are remunerated solely for their duties as employees of the preschool for the perfonnance of these duties and not for duties a5 trustees. No other paJ7nents or expenses were paid to trustees during the year. Organisolional slruclure The Pre-school is an unicorporated association. Page 4
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Trustees, Report (continued) Major risks and managemenl ofihose ris As an ongoing process trustees assess the level of risk in relation to governance. service. employment. health and safety. child protection, financial management and infornMtion 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 annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 21 Febnwy 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Kim Davis Trustee Page 5
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities The trnstees are responsible for preparing the trustees, report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations. The law applicable to charities requires the trustees to pr¢pare fmancial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and applt¢ation of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the tsvstees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently" observe the methods and principles in the Charities SOIiP. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent" stste whether applicable accounting standards have been followert subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. and prepare the financial statements on the going concern b&sis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continu¢ in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the fmancial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corpordte and fmancial inforniation included on the charity's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Approved by the trustees of the charity on 21 Febnwy 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Kim Davis Trustee Page 6
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of West Totton Squirrels Pre•School Learning Alliance report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance for the year ended 31 August 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity ttustees of West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance 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 West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance'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(5Kb) of the ACL Independent examiner's statement Since West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confim] that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. which is one of the listed bodies. I have compleied my examination. I confirni that no material matters have corne to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: l. accounting records were not kept in respect of West Totlon Squ]els Pre-school Learning Alliance as required by section 130 of the Act" or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records" or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the forni 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 eport in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ones Chartered Accountants Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales 38 Rumbridge Street Totton Southampton Hampshire S040 9DS 21 February 2025 Page 7
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Allianee Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Unrestricted funds Total 2024 Note Ineome and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitsble activities Other trading activities Investment income 80 311,162 854 4,300 80 311.162 854 4.300 Total income 316,396 316,396 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 829 253,130 829 253.130 Total expenditure 253,959 253,959 Net income 62,437 62,437 Reconciliation of funds Total ndS brought fonvard 295,765 295,765 Total funds carried forward 19 358,202 Unrestricted funds 358,202 2023 Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activtties Investment income 70 267,390 3,039 20 70 267.390 3,039 20 Total income 270.519 270.519 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 1.238 235.198 1,238 235.198 Total expenditure 236,436 236,436 Net income 34,083 34,083 Reeonciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 261.682 261,682 Total funds catTied forward 19 295,765 295,765 All of the charity's aciivities derive from continuing operdtions during the above two periods. The fijnds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note 19. The notes on pages 10 to 17 forni an integral part of these financial statements. Page 8
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance (Registration number: 1025265) Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 14 347 521 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 15 16 4.796 361.333 1,479 298,372 366.129 299,851 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 17 (8,274) {4,607) Net current assets 357.855 295,244 Net assets 358.202 295,765 Funds of the charity: Ullrestrieted income funds Unrestricted funds 358.202 295,765 Total funds 19 358,202 295,765 The financial statements on pages 8 to 17 were approved by the ttvstees. and authorised for issue on 21 Febrnary 2025 and signed on their behalf by: Kim Davis Tstee The notes on pages 10 to 17 fonn an integrdl part of these financial statements. Page 9
West Totton Squirrels Pre-scbool Learning Alliance Notes to the FinancAal Statements for the Year EDded 31 August 2024 l Accounting policies Statement of compliance The financial slatemenis have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. Basis of preparation West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance meets the defmition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recogni5ed at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. Going coneern The trustee5 consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. Income and endowments Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general narure is recognised when the charity ha5 entitlement to the income. it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with su1¢1¢nt reliability. Expenditure All expenditure is recognised on¢¢ there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consisient with the use of resources. Governance costs These include ihe costs attributable to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meeting5 and reimbursed expenses. Taxation The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitsble company for UK corporatton tax purposes. Accordingly. the charity 15 Potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part I l of the Corporation Tax Act 201 O or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. TangÉble fixed assets Individual fixed assets costiT]g £200 or more are initially recorded at cost, less 2ny subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Page 10
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 (continued) Depreciation and amortisation Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to WTite off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follow5- Asset class Equipment Depreciation method and rate 250/0 straighi line basis Fund structure Unrestricted income funds are general fimds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Pensions and other post retirement obligations The charity operaies a defined contribution pension scheme Vwhich is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the chartty has no leJo l or constrLECtive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sulTicient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. Contributions to defmed contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepa>rynent. 2 Income from dottations and legacies Unrestricted funds General Total funds Donations and legacies; Donations from individuals 80 80 Totsl for 2024 80 80 Total for 2023 70 70 3 Income from charitable activities Unrestricled funds General Total funds Local authority grants Fees received Employers allowance and other tncome 250.633 54.693 5,836 250,633 54,693 5,836 Tot21 for 2024 311.162 311.162 Total for 2023 267,390 267,J90 Page 11
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 (continued) 4 Income from other tr2ding activities Unrestricted funds General Total funds Events income- Other events income 854 854 Total for 2024 854 854 Total for 2023 i.039 3.039 5 Investment income Unrestricted funds General Total funds Interest receivable and simtlar income. Interest receivable on bank deposits 4,300 4,300 Total for 2024 4.300 4.300 Total for 2023 20 20 6 Expenditure OD raising funds a) Costs of trading activitles Unrestricted funds General Total funds Costs of goods sold 829 829 Total for 2024 829 829 Total for 2023 1,238 ,238 Page 12
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 (continued) 7 Exp¢ndi¢ure on charitsble activities Unrestricted funds General Total funds Governance costs 253,130 253.130 Total for 2024 253.130 253,130 Total for 2023 235,198 235,198 8 Analysis of governance and support eosts Governance costs Unrestrieled funds General Total funds Staff costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Other staff costs Independent examiner fees Examination of the financial statements Other fees paid to examiners Depreciation, amortisation and other similar costs Other governance costs 204.718 9.074 3.257 ,416 204,718 9,074 3.257 1,416 1.200 1.200 174 32,091 1,2 1,200 174 32.091 Total for 2024 253,130 253.130 Total for 2023 235.198 235.198 9 Net incomingloutgoing resources Net incoming resources for the year include: 2024 2023 Depreciation of fixed assets 174 174 Page 13
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 (eontinued) 10 Trustees remuneration and expenses DIng the year the charity made the following transactions with tntees. Liz Clayton Liz Clayton received remuneration of £13,451 {2023: £12,795) during the year. The remuneration was paid to the trustee in their capacity as a member of the school staff. Alison Hobbs Alison Hobbs received remuneration of £25.455 (2023: £23.212) during the year. The remuneration was paid to the trustee in their capacity as a member of the school stsff The trustee was auto*nrolled into the school's pension scheme. The Pre-school's contribution was £764 (2023 - £696). 11 Staff costs The aggregate payroll costs were as follows: 2024 2023 Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salarie5 Social security costs Pension costs Other staff costs 204,718 9.074 3257 1.416 190,299 7,926 3,402 711 218,465 202,338 The monthly average number of persons (including senior management I leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as 11 lime equivalents was as follows: 2024 No 2023 No Nlmiber of employees including trustees 20 19 8 {2023 - 10) of the above employees participared in the Defmed Contribution Pension Schemes. Contrtbutions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £3.257 (2023 - £3,402). No employee received ¢moluments of more than £60.000 during the year Page 14
West Totton Squirrels Pre•Sehool Learning Alliance Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 (continued) 12 Independent examiner's remuneration 2024 2023 Examination of the financial statements 1.200 1,200 Other fees to examiners All other services 1.200 1.200 13 Taxation The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from t&xation. 14 Tangible fixed assets Furniture and equipment Total Cost At I September 2023 695 695 At 31 August 2024 695 695 Depreciation At I September 2023 Charge for the year 174 174 174 174 At 31 August 2024 348 348 Net book value At 31 August 2024 347 347 At 31 August 2023 521 521 15 Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments Accrned income 75 387 4,334 1,463 16 4.796 1,479 Page 15
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 (Continued) 16 Cash and eash equivalents 2024 2023 Cash at bank Short-tenn deposits 261.333 i 00.000 298,372 361.333 298,372 17 Creditors: amounts falling due Ivithin one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals 2,236 877 2,143 5,161 2,463 8.274 4,607 18 Pension and other schemes Defined contribution pension scheme The charity operdtes a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to £3.257 (2023 - £3,402). 19 Funds Balance at I September 2023 Incoming resources Resourees expended Balanee at 31 August 2024 Unrestricted funds General 295.765 316,396 (253.959) 358,202 Balance at I September 2022 Incoming resources Resources expended Balance at 31 August 2023 Unrestricted funds Generdl 261.682 270.519 (236.436) 295,765 Page 16
West Totton Squirrels Pre-school Learning Alliance Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 (Continued) 20 Analysis of net assets behveen funds Unrestricted funds General Total funds at 31 August 2024 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Cuent liabilities 347 366.129 (8.274) 347 366,129 (8,274) Total net assets 358.202 358,202 Unrestricted funds General Totsl funds at 31 August 2023 Tangible fixed assets Cuent assets Cuent liabilities 521 299,851 (4.607) 521 299,851 (4,607) Total net assets 295,765 295,765 21 Analysis of net funds Atl September 2023 Net cash movement At 31 August 2024 Cash at bank and in hand 298.372 62,961 361,333 Net debt 298,372 62,961 361.333 Page 17