## - POOL PRE SCHOOL GROUP AGM ## TUESDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2023 ## CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Welcome to Pre-Schools AGM, for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Carol Lister and I have been Chairperson of Pre-School for several years. As a former childminder most of the children I’ve looked after have attended this lovely setting. 2022/2023 has been a new beginning for Pre School with the move into Arthington Village Hall, as with all new ventures there were a few teething problems but our amazing staff rose to the challenge and have made the new setting a safe, secure happy place for the children. ## COMMITTEE Pre-School is a committee run charity, which needs a committee to continue to operate otherwise we would have to close. All committee members have to have a DBS check, this costs you nothing and the chair usually sorts this out for you. The committee should ideally be made up of parent’s and carers, there are 3 officers, Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer (who works alongside the financial administrator) plus at least 6 committee members. The committee meets every half term usually on a Tuesday evening, our main tasks are to support the staff, raise money by fundraising, decide on staff wages and fee increases etc. If you would like to join the committee, please do say so when we elect the new one, it is a good way to meet parents and have a say in your child’s Pre-School. ## FUNDRAISING Events this last year have been a Halloween disco (organised by Faye Myers our fundraising co-ordinator) Wreath making (organised by myself with Vikky and Tracy), Christmas cake raffle (cakes donated by Sue Grange), Rob Burrows marathon (run by our amazing treasurer Anna), Hook a Duck at Pool Feast (Organised by Roz, Natalie + Cecile), to name just a few. Our target this school year is to make a play area for the children on the grassed area. ## THANK YOU’S Firstly, I would like to thank Vikky our manager she goes over and above her role for Pre- School, we are so lucky to have her, with her knowledge, experience and dedication. Secondly, my thanks go to Tracy our deputy manager who also brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and dedication to the setting and is a huge support to Vikky, they are both absolute stars. Thirdly, thank you to Rachel and Penny our two Pre-School assistants who are both caring and dedicated workers. We would be lost without this team. Fourthly, I would like to thank our Financial Administrator Sue, who has the difficult job of balancing the books which she does so well. I would also like to thank Anna our Treasurer for supporting Sue in this role. Next, thank you to the committee, your help and support has been amazing, Faye, Natalie, Roz and Cecile, not to mention the laughs we’ve had. Last but by no means least I would like to thank all you parents for your support and patience, particularly during our settling in period in the new venue it means such a lot to Pre-School. Pool Pre School Grou Charit no. 1027238 Accounts Year Ended 31 Au ust 2023 Pool Pre School Grou Charit number 1027238 Inde endent Exarniners Re ort to the Trustees of Pool Pre-school Grou On Accounts for the Year Ended 31 Au ust 2023 Res ective Res onsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner The Trustees are reponsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of The Charities Act 2011 (The 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: al Examine the accounts under sertion 145 of the 2011 Act. bl To Follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 14515llbl of the Charities Act and cl To state whether particular matters have comew to my attention. Basis of Inde endent Examiners Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charities Commission. An 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 consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustee5 concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Inde endent Examiners Statement In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention. 11 Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements= al To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and bl To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of The Charities Act. have not been met or 21 To which in my opinion, attention drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. David Locke AIA AFA David Locke & Co 8A The Gills, Otley L5212AH Pool Pre School Grou Cha rit nificant Information and Re Year Ended 31 Au Ust 2023 number 1027238 ort of Trustees Charitable Ob'ectives 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 tommunity groups and by lal offering appropriate play, education and care facilities, family learning and extended hours groups, together with the right of parent5 to take responsibilty 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, Ibl encouriging the study of the needs of such children and their families and promoting public interest in an recognition of such needs in the local areas. Icl instigating and adhering to and furthering the aims and objects of the Pre- School Learning Alliance. Charit Trustees Carol Lister Anna Dribble Faye Myers Natalie Allen Gemma Owens Ros Fox-Bentlev Trustees are selected by appointment or election. Cecile Drean Egisti Bankers- HSBC Inde endent Examiners David Locke & Co 8A The Gills, Otley, West Yorkshire, L5212AH Address Pool C of E School Holme View C/0 Arthington Village Hall, Arthington Lane, Pool In Wharfedale LS21 IPQ Trustees Res onsi bilities For The Accounts Charity18w requires tie trustees of the Pre-school to prepare a receipts and payments account and a statement of assets aTrid liabilities for each financial year. In addition the trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which are sufficient to show and explain the charities transactions and to disclose with reasonable accuraracy at ant time the financial position of the Pre-school. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Mana ement The management of the charity is through a committee of volunteers who are trustees of the charity. The day to day running of the charity is through a team of paid staff. The trustees have regard to the guidance issued by the Charities Commission per section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 The financial statements are prepared using the statement of recommended prattice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial reporting Standard For Smaller Entltles. Pool Pre School Grou Charit nificant Information and Re Year Ended 31 Au ust 2023 number 1027238 ort of Trustees Review of Activities The principal activity and object of the charity is to develop and advance the education of children below compulsory school age and the whole of the incoming and outgoing resources are related to this activity. Review of Financial Position During the period the school had net income of £8317. Reserves at the end of the period were £66054. Reserves Polic The reserves policy is to have at least three months of operating expense in cash reserves and to recognise Pre-scool Learning Alliance guidelines. Cash balance at 31 August 2023 were £61805 which achieved this aim. Risk Factors The trustees have considered the risks the charity is exposed to and have processes in place to understand and mitigate those risks. Strategic and short trerm plans are reviwed regularily and funding planned to meet the needs of the charity. Internal control procedures to monitor expenditure are in place. Steps have been taken to ensure any reduction in local authority funding does not have a permanent impact. The cost of premises rental had increased and the Trustees decided to move to lower cost premises. roval Date Pool Pre School Grou Balance Sheet At 31 Au charit no 1027238 ust 2023 2023 2022 FIXED A55ETS Tangible Fixed Assets CURRENT ASSETS Stock - Sweatshirts & T Shirts Debtors & Prepayments (Note 31 Bank Balance Current Alc ank Balance Deposi: Alc Petty Cash 269 5000 16869 44936 269 5000 10277 43118 93 67074 58757 CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors & Accruals (Note 41 1020 1020 1020 1020 NETCURRENT ASSETS 66054 57737 NET ASSETS 66054 57737 GENERAL FUND 66054 57737 Approved By the Trustees Date Pool Pre School Grou Cha rit number 1027238 Statement of Financial Activities Year Ended 31 Au Ust 2023 2023 2022 RECEIPTS - Incomin Resources Fees Interest Received Milk Refunds Donations Grants Fund Raising Note I First Aid 21699 473 652 534 85004 2681 21567 17 533 1117 76774 2337 170 111043 102515 LESS PAYMENTS- Resources Ex Staff Wages & Pensions Rent Milk Insurances Electricity Equipment/Materials/Refreshments Administration Expenses Computer Fees Accountancy Gift5 Gratuities & Donations Publications & Subscriptions Training & Courses Tarmac Miscellaneous Expenses Relocation Expenses- Removal Roof Toilets ended 79818 12000 658 883 2464 79416 27150 533 861 1395 312 142 510 186 344 171 3750 93 1802 124 510 194 120 651 260 2640 14472 102726 128733 EXCESSIDEFICIT FOR THE YEAR 8317 -26218 Balance Brought Forward l September 2022 57737 83955 Balance carried forward 31 August 2023 66054 57737 Pool Pre School Grou Charit no. 1027238 Notes To The Accounts At 31 Au ust 2023 Fund Ralsin GiftAid Wreath Making Raffle Haloween C3ke Stal Spring Into Spring School Fete Just Giving Sundry Fundraising 2023 2022 IS8 743 179 370 134 655 135 307 106 863 137 1129 102 2681 2337 Stock of T Shirts The costs during the previous years included shirts purchased for use by employees. Debtors & Pre Debtors Prepayments - Rent ments 5000 5000 5000 5000 Creditors & Accrued Ex enses PAYE & Social Security Costs Accountancy 1020 1020 1020 1020 Related Part Transactions Members of the committee had dealings with the pre school, these were on an arms length basis and are not considered material. Treasurer’s report – October 2023 The Pool Pre-School accounts, copies of which are available today show the finances for the year ended 31 August 2023. ## **Result for the Year** The accounts show a small surplus for the year 2022/2023 of £8,317 ## **Incoming resources** Due to rising energy and salary costs fees were increased in the year. Fee income remains relatively unchanged from last year at £21,699. Grant funds are up slightly at £85,004. While the hourly grant funding rate has increased annually, it has not kept pace with the rate of inflation therefore we will need to carefully review fees in future and focus on fundraising activity to ensure our setting is sustainable. I want to extend sincere thanks to parents, carers and relatives who have supported fundraising efforts throughout the year. And to the staff and committee members who have organised a range of events from Wreath Making to Halloween Discos to Marathon running. In total fundraising income was £2,681, £344 up on the prior year. ## **Resources expended** Rising staff wages (in line with minimum wage increases) are a contributing factor to the requirement to increase fees. Due to our recent move and child numbers we have not needed to replace a team member who left in the prior year. However, we have seen an increased number of children with additional needs and may therefore need to recruit in 202324 year. Staff levels are continuously reviewed. ## **Rent and premises** We are now very much settled into our new premises at Athington Village Hall. While we were sad to leave the Pool Primary School our new setting has enabled us to offer extended hours. ## **Reserves** The balance sheet shows as of 31[st] August 2023, Pool Pre-School holds reserves of £44,936. Our goal is to hold 3 months operating expenses in reserve in line with Pre-School Learning Alliance Guidelines. The reserve fund may also be needed to cover the cost of making our new setting even better for our children, with the creation of a 2[nd] outdoor play space. ## **Looking forward** Our focus must remain on fundraising efforts as well as campaigns to raise numbers. We have made good links with other settings in the area who will refer our setting should theirs not meet the needs of the parents and children. We continue to promote our extended hours and excellent, long-serving team which is a major benefit to this setting. We have an outstanding team to whom I extend my thanks for all they do for the PreSchool under the excellent leadership of Vikky Campbell. _Anna Drabble, Treasurer (FY 2023-2023)_