Pool Pre School Group (Charity number 1027238) Significant Information and Report of Trustees Year Ended 31 August 2025
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 £53330 Reserves at the end of the period were £129613
Reserves Policy
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 balances at 31 August 2025 were £125153 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.
Approval
Date Al-lo-2s
POOL PRE-SCHOOL GROUP AGM
TUESDAY 21st OCTOBER 2025
CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
Welcome to Pre-Schools AGM, for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Carol Lister and | 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.
Pre-School had a really good year last year. It started at the end of September when we got THE CALL our first Ofsted inspection in our new setting was taking place the following day, Vikky, Tracy and team took it in their stride, the inspector was very impressed with the whole setting and awarded us a Good. Which to my mind was never in doubt. Well done ladies.
We finally got the fence erected around the outside grass area, which has madea big difference to the children’s outdoor play.
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.
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 5 committee members. The committee meets every half term usually on a Tuesday evening, in person or by zoom, 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), Christmas Raffle + Pool Feast. Staff also organised a sponsored obstacle course for the children.
THANK YOU’S
Firstly, | 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, Penny and Sam our Pre-School assistants who are all caring and dedicated workers.
Sadly, our lovely Penny decided to retire in July, she had been part of Pre School since 1997, she will be missed but we wish her a happy retirement. We welcomed a new member of staff in September Mrs. Sarah Bowman who has settled in well. We have an amazing team.
Fourthly, | would like to thank our Financial Administrator Sue, who has the difficult job of balancing the books which she does well.
Next, thank you to the committee, Faye, Natalie, Andrea, David, Emma and George your help and support has been amazing, not to mention the laughs we’ve had.
Last but by no means least | would like to thank all you parents for your support it means sucha lot to PreSchool.
Pool Pre-school Group Managers report for 2025/26
Thank you so much for taking the time to attend our Pre-School AGM, and New Parents meeting myself and the staff really are grateful for all the support from our current committee and parents over the last year as we look towards a bright future.
Pre-School follows an ambitious curriculum which was carefully designed and tailored for a child centred approach to learning, with an emphasis on the prime areas of learning. The prime areas help to build a foundation for igniting children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Our aim is that children in our care reach their full potential and have well developed skills to become model citizens in future life.
Our biggest aim from 2024/25 was to get our outdoor learning area up and running, we fundraised like mad in order to finance planning and installation, we danced at Halloween disco's, held wreath making classes and raffles a parent even ran a marathon in support of the project. Finally in February the planning was passed and the book's balanced and the work began. We were so pleased with the result as children are innately curious, driven learners who flourish if allowed to find out more about the world around them with a variety of natural materials which provides an authentic experience. Outdoor learning also nourishes opportunities for awe and wonders which allows each child to revisit their fascinations, schema and dispositions. Exploring nature also helps to build children's confidence, selfawareness, and boost their independence- I bet you guys thought we were just “Playing out" July saw the retirement of Mrs Penny Gwilt who after over 40 years of working for Pool PreSchool Group decided to hang up her pink and purple polo t-shirts, we all wish her a restful retirement. The team welcomed a new member of staff Mrs Sarah Bowman who comes with a wealth of experience from her previous role and will become an asset to the setting.
Now it's time for my thanks, a big thank you to our team of volunteer parents who make up our Pre-School Committee- some of whom no longer have children attending the setting, they give up their time to help make some of the difficult decisions about the running of the setting always putting Pre-School at the heart of everything they do- Thank You.
Thank you to the wonderful committee and trustees at Arthington Village Hall for their continuing support, and for allowing us to make their hall our home.
Thanks to our Parents- previous and current, the support, generosity and love, particularly this year has absolutely blown us away we all feel very appreciated- Thank You.
Thanks to our Chairperson Carol, who's wisdom and guidance has given the setting consistency for more years than she would probably like to own up to.
Tracy my deputy, you're amazing, I'm not sure I could do what I do without you by my side.
Finally Praise and thanks to the dedicated staff at the setting, we all work together to make our beloved Pre-school drive forwards no matter what comes our way
Thank You! Vikky Campbell
Treasurer’s Report — October 2025
The Pool Pre-School accounts, copies of which are available today, show the finances for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Result for the Year
The accounts showa surplus for the year 2024/2025 of £53,330
incoming Resources
Fee income for the year was £32,082 this was higher than the previous year due to SEN places which was £17897
Grant funding totalled £114,998 which is up from the previous year which was £98,727.
We extend sincere thanks to parents, carers, and relatives who supported our fundraising efforts. Special thanks to staff and committee members who organised events.
Fundraising income totalled £2187, which is up from the previous year which was £2055.
Resources Expended
Staff wages have increased in line with national minimum wage adjustments. We recruited a new team member to backfill a retirement. Staffing levels are under regular review to ensure we meet all needs effectively.
Rent and Premises
We remain settled in our premises at Athington Village Hall. The facility continues to accommodate our extended hours and expanding community, and now offers the outdoor play area for use.
Reserves
As of 31 August 2025, Pool Pre-School holds reserves of £125,153. Our goal remains to maintain at least three months of operating expenses in reserve, in line with Pre-School Learning Alliance guidelines.
Looking Forward
Our focus remains on increasing child numbers, strengthening community links, and continuing our fundraising efforts. We are building strong relationships with local settings and promoting our extended hours and experienced team.
Weare proud of our outstanding staff, and | extend heartfelt thanks to them for their dedication and care under the continued leadership of Vikky Campbell.
David Wallis, Treasurer (FY 2024-2025)