2025-08-31-accounts

Company Registration No. 07557678 (England and Wales)

LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31 AUGUST 2025

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

CONTENTS

	Page
Company information	1
Trustees’ annual report	2 - 6
Independent examiner’s report	7
Statement of financial activities	8
Balance sheet	9
Notes to the financial statements	10 - 15

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Directors and trustees	Esther Woodison
	Joanne Hannah
Principal office and registered address	Little Bears Pre-School
	Nursteed Community Primary School
	Brickley Lane
	Devizes
	Wiltshire
	SN10 3BF
Key management personnel	Claire Francis	Early Years Manager
	Abbie Denham	Deputy Manager
Accountant	Ben Dowdeswell
	76 Malmesbury Road
	Chippenham
	Wiltshire
	SN15 1QD
Independent examiner	Tony Woodison
	30 Ferguson Road
	Devizes
	SN10 3UA
Charity Number	1032470
Company Number	07557678

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The directors present their annual report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Structure, Governance and Management

The company is limited by guarantee and is a charity registered in England and Wales. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and is a public benefit entity.

The charity is managed by a committee of eleven members, two of whom are trustees. The committee meets once every term and is chaired by the chairperson. Relevant papers are circulated before each meeting and minutes taken.

The trustees are responsible for the charity’s risk management and internal control systems.

Trustees are nominated and appointed by existing committee members for a period of one year and renewable by nomination for a further term of one year. It is the trustee’s intention to appoint new trustees to represent skills and interests that fully cover the scope of the nursery’s activities.

All trustees receive relevant company documentation as part of the induction programme and are kept up to date with policy news through board and trustee meetings. The trustees are responsible for the charity’s risk management and internal control systems.

Objectives and Activities

The aims of the pre-school are to enhance the development and education of children primarily under statutory school age and encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups and by;

• offering appropriate play, education and care facilities, family learning together with the right of parents 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;

• encouraging 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;

• Supporting and furthering the aims and objects of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.

The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the future aims and objectives.

The Trustees measure the success of the year against the objectives set using financial and non-financial performance indicators. The benefits of the pre-school are assessed not only in terms of the number of places taken but also the positive impact on the children and parents themselves. The review of the year sets out the performance of the charity.

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Achievement and performance

Little Bears enjoyed another successful year. The principle objectives and activities undertaken during the year comprise:

• Continuation of financial strength with secure contingencies in place.

• Aiming for high occupancy of spaces available for children at the nursery to maximise local authority funding.

• Provide outstanding and ongoing play, care and education facilities to the children of the nursery.

Charitable Activities

Little Bears is a purpose built pre-school specialising in providing care, play and education facilities to preschool aged children (2 – 4 year olds). A member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance, the provision for the children’s development is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The charity is funded through the local authority, attendance fees and internal fundraising by committee members and volunteers. The website can be viewed at www.littlebearsdevizes.org.uk

The cost of providing pre-school services for the year ending 31[st] August 2025 was £77,823 which was a decrease compared with prior year costs of £85,027. 18 children attended throughout 2024-25 guided by a team of 6 qualified staff.

Ofsted have rated the quality of the provision as “good”.

Helping the Wider Community

Little Bears continues to work in partnership with parents, encouraging volunteers to help with governance and various activities within the setting, working with the wider community to build relationships and help support the children and parents throughout their journey with Little Bears.

The setting uses its strong links with local support teams and the local authority to self-evaluate and continue to evolve.

Volunteers

There were no volunteers engaged with Little Bears during the year (2024: 1).

Fundraising Activities

The committee were able to hold fundraising events during the year totalling gross income of £1,561. Fundraising is vital to the nursery as the money raised provides extra-curricular trips and activities for the children.

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Planned fundraising for 2025-26 will include seasonal events as well as the highly successful annual sponsored sports day.

Financial Review

Little Bears reported a surplus of £9,097 on income of £86,921 for the year ended 31[st] August 2025 compared to a prior year deficit of £(16,880).

Expenditure decreased from £85,028 to £77,823 driven by a reduction in staff costs during the year.

Reserves for Little Bears continues to show strength with the balance sheet showing net assets of £59,150 (unrestricted reserves).

The trustees have reviewed the charity’s forecasts and cash flow projections and are satisfied that the charity remains a going concern for the foreseeable future.

Reserves policy

Restricted funds are specific to the purpose presented by the donor and are ring-fenced as such for charitable projects. The balance of restricted funds at 31[st] August 2025 is £nil (2024: £nil).

The reserves policy states a requirement of at least three months of staff costs in unrestricted reserves which currently equates to approximately £21,200. At 31[st] August 2025, the charity had unrestricted funds of £59,150.

The current level of reserves exceeds the target level primarily due to prior year surpluses, providing a buffer against ongoing financial pressures including fluctuating occupancy and rising operating costs.

Principal risks

The trustees regularly assess the principal risks and uncertainties facing the charity as part of their oversight and planning. The nursery operates with limited financial margins and, like many early years settings, is exposed to ongoing challenges including fluctuations in occupancy levels, recruitment and retention of qualified staff, and changes in local or national funding arrangements.

A continued increase in operating costs — particularly due to rising energy prices — is placing additional pressure on the charity’s finances. These cost increases may impact the ability to maintain current staffing levels and provision without identifying additional sources of income.

In addition, there is continued risk that the charity may need to identify alternative premises in the coming years, due to local authority pressures regarding the future use of the current building. This would present both logistical and financial challenges.

The trustees continue to monitor these risks closely and manage them through regular financial oversight, scenario planning, and open communication with key stakeholders.

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Future Plans

Little Bears will continue to provide outstanding nursery care, education and support to local children and their families, whilst ensuring solid and continued financial stability. This will be made possible through the continued hard work and training of the Little Bears team.

Alongside this, staffing levels will be reviewed to ensure they remain proportionate and sustainable, with a view to reducing outgoings where appropriate.

Recruitment for volunteers and new members of the committee is an ongoing factor in the continued success of the nursery.

There will be a focus on marketing the setting and highlighting the fantastic work the team does. By increasing our profile in the local area, more parents and families will become aware of the facilities and opportunities available to their children.

In the longer term, we will continue to move forward with plans for a new building, and we aim to fundraise towards this goal with the hope of expanding the size of the premises and securing the future of the setting.

Directors

The Directors in office during the period were as follows:

Esther Woodison Joanne Hannah

Directors’ Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The directors have prepared this report in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

On behalf of the trustees

…………………………..

Esther Woodison Director

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

• to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity 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 trustees 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 a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

4. have not been met; or

5. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

………………………………. Tony Woodison Independent Examiner

23 / 05 / 2026

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Notes Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities 2 Other trading activities Investments Other Total Raising funds: Fundraising events Total Income Expenditure on: Raising funds Fundraising costs Charitable activities 3 Total Net income / (expenditure) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Unrestricted Funds £ 2,413 81,612 93 380 861 85,359 1,561 86,920 400 77,423 77,823 9,097 9,097 50,053 59,150	2025 Total £ 2,413 81,612 93 380 861 85,359 1,561 86,920 400 77,423 77,823 9,097 9,097 50,053 59,150	2024 Total £ 402 64,996 1,501 357 891
			68,147
			-
			68,147
			71 84,956
			85,027
			(16,880)
			(16,880)
			66,933
			50,053

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

Notes Current assets Debtors 5 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 6 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds	2025 Unrestricted £ 1,872 57,653 59,525 375 59,150 59,150 59,150 59,150	2025 Total £ 1,872 57,653 59,525 375 59,150 59,150 59,150 59,150	2024 Total £ 853 49,575
			50,428 375
			50,053
			50,053
			50,053
			50,053

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime and FRS102.

For the year ending 31 August 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors’ responsibilities:

• The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476,

• The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts,

• These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

Approved by the trustees on and signed on their behalf by: 22 / 05 / 2026

……………………………… Esther Woodison, Director Company number - 07557678

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

• a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006 and give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial position and activities.

Little Bears Pre School meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

b) Going concern

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. Based on a review of expected income and cash flows over the forthcoming year the trustees are satisfied that the going concern basis is a suitable basis on which to draw up the accounts.

c) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

d) Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

• e) Resources expended

Expenditure is included on an accruals basis and includes VAT which cannot be recovered.

f) Fundraising

This includes those services directly attributable to the costs of generating funds plus an appropriate proportion of overheads.

g) Charitable Activities

This includes those items incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries.

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

• h) Allocation of support costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support Little Bear’s activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities.

• i) Debtors

Debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts.

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

2 Incoming resources from charitable activities

Local authority funding Attendance fees haritable activities Staff costs Equipment and food Building repairs / improvements Trips/ activities Insurance Utilities Rates Staff training Fire alarm / safety checks Clothing OFSTED Accountancy fees IT Bank charges Advertising Rent	2025 £ 76,662 4,950 81,612 2025 £ 64,477 2,327 267 538 961 4,332 479 397 - 375 75 375 690 - 180 1,950 77,423	2024 £ 61,686 3,310
		64,996
		2024 £ 71,964 4,149 612 435 957 3,551 200 902 71 68 35 375 755 32 150 700
		84,956

3 Charitable activities

4 Taxation

No provision for taxation is required as the company is a Registered Charity and all funds are applied for charitable activities.

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

5 Debtors

Debtors
Prepayments and accrued income Creditors Accruals and deferred income	2025 £ 1,872 1,872 2025 £ 375 375	2024 £ 853
		853
		2024 £ 375
		375

6 Creditors

7 Related party disclosure

During the year, one trustee (R Dommett, Treasurer) received £1,945 (2023/24: £867) for part-time treasury duties. No other trustees received remuneration or expenses in the current year.

8 Company limited by guarantee

The company is limited by guarantee and has two members whose liability is limited to £1 each.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

9 Analysis of total expenditure

Expenditure on raising funds Fundraising events Expenditure on charitable activities Provision of pre-school services Total Support costs Wages and salaries Governance Overheads	2025 Direct Costs 400 4,761 4,761 5,161	2025 Support Costs - 72,662 72,662 72,662	2025 Total 400 77,423 77,423 77,823 2025 £ 64,477 463 7,722 **72,662 **	2024 Total 71
				84,956
				84,956
				85,027
				2024 £ 71,964 455 5,408
				77,827

10 Independent Examiner’s Fees

The charity paid no fees to the independent examiner for their services in 2025 (2024: £0).

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LITTLE BEARS PRE SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

11 Employment Costs

Wages and salaries Other pension The average number of persons, including Executive Directors, employed by the company during the year was: Charitable activities	2025 £ 63,395 1,082 64,477 2025 No's 6 6	2024 £ 70,893 1,071
		71,964
		2024 No's 7
		7

No employee received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000 during the year.

The aggregate staff cost of key personnel for the year was £37,990 (2023-24: £34,731) which includes management personnel.

There were no volunteers engaged during the year (2023-24: 1).

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Audit trail

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Little Bears Pre School 2025 Financial Statements Sign Off Title Little_bears_fin_...S102_DRAFT_1.docx File name Document ID f25c708b7e45104b90939a1bb842e4db36b8253d Audit trail date format DD / MM / YYYY Status Signed

22 / 05 / 2026	Sent for signature to Tony Woodison ([e-mail]) and
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22 / 05 / 2026	Signed by Esther Woodison ([e-mail])
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23 / 05 / 2026	Viewed by Tony Woodison ([e-mail])
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23 / 05 / 2026	Signed by Tony Woodison ([e-mail])
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