2025-08-31-accounts - Dodleston Pre-School

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1[st] September 2024 To 31[st] August 2025

Charity name: Dodleston Pre-school

Charity registration number: 1035994

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	To provide a safe and welcoming, fully inclusive environment for all children ages 2–4, with a particular emphasis on risky play and outdoor-based activities. We aim to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework while fostering a strong sense of self-belief, confidence, and independence in each child, in accordance with their individual needs. Our objective is to enable children to become self-motivated and engaged learners by offering a nourishing and stimulating setting in which they can grow and flourish.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	Dodleston Pre-School’s purpose is to provide an affordable, flexible, and safe childcare environment, where managed risk and in-the-moment planning form the foundation of our practice. We enable children to make their own choices about how they spend their time with us, thereby fostering independence, confidence, and decision-making skills. We follow local term dates in order to enable families using multiple settings to enjoy holiday periods together, instead of navigating conflicting attendance schedules. Our aim is to be as flexible as possible in our delivery, with no minimum sessions required, and with accommodations for early drop-off or late collection, within session times, to meet the needs of individual families — although

		most children typically attend either full morning sessions or full days. We are situated close to the border between England and Wales, placing us in a convenient position to serve families from both jurisdictions. The childcare sector can be challenging and subject to frequent change; we have continually reviewed and adapted our routines and practices to remain relevant, accessible, and responsive to the needs of children and families. We continue to accept funding for two-, three-, and four-year-olds, as well as childcare vouchers, Tax-free Childcare payments, and we strive to keep our fees as affordable as possible for families who pay directly for their childcare. We believe we have successfully fulfilled our purpose by delivering a safe, flexible, and cost- effective service for families in the local area and further afield — ensuring that children’s safety and well-being remain our highest priority, regardless of their individual circumstances. We hold regular meetings — including full committee sessions, with and without staff, parent meetings, and staff supervision sessions — which contribute to maintaining clear and open communication. These enable us to appreciate the challenges we face and manage them effectively, while reflecting upon our objectives, our delivery, and our responsibilities toward the children, their families, the local community, and the wider area.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	The Trustees are mindful of the guidance on public benefit and have taken due account of it in their oversight of the Pre- School. Staffing has, as ever, presented a challenge; however, the Trustees have taken care to ensure that the necessary services and support are made available to those who require them, while retaining an appropriate balance with the operational needs of the setting, including the welfare and safety of children and the ongoing affordability of the service.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	This year has been slightly more favourable financially, although it still required careful consideration and diligent decision-making. The Trustees have acted in the best interests of all those who rely on the Pre-School, both as a service provider and as an employer. Attendance remained consistent throughout the year. At the beginning of the period, there were 16 children on roll — comprising 4 two-year-olds and 12 three- year-olds — of whom 13 received either partial or full Early Years funding. By the end of the year, the number of children on roll increased to 25, including 7 two-year- olds (with 2 in receipt of funding) and 18 children aged 3 and 4, with 15 of these receiving some level of funding. Overall income increased by approximately £32,000, primarily due to a significant rise in funding received from Cheshire West and Chester Local Authority and the Welsh Childcare Offer,despite a slight reduction

in fees collected. The number of attending families claiming funding remained largely similar to the previous year; however, the increase in funding rates was very beneficial. Improved funding for one-to-one care has also largely contributed positively, enabling us to ensure that children requiring such support can continue to attend and benefit, with the Pre-School covering any additional costs incurred. This ensures that no child is disadvantaged in accessing our preschool experience due to additional requirements or financial constraints, whether they are from the local area or further afield, including neighbouring regions. Total costs remained virtually unchanged from the previous year, decreasing marginally by £91. As a result, the PreSchool recorded a much-needed surplus of income over expenditure for the first time in several years. Although there have been some fluctuations in cost breakdowns across various centres, particularly regarding recruitment, the overall expenditure remains consistent. Staffing continues to be a key priority, and the Pre-School remains fully committed to building strong relationships with families and the wider community. Continuing professional development (CPD) remains of utmost importance; while it involves some financial expenditure, we see it as a vital investment in delivering high-quality care and education for the children.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	To help us stay financially healthy and maintain our high standards, we have focused a lot on fundraising activities. We've expanded our efforts beyond events with families to include bigger, annual projects that involve the whole community. This way, we can gain more support and get more people involved.

Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41
Other

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	Owing to our improved profitability this year, we have been able to replenish some of the reserved capital previously utilised in past years, whilst maintaining our standards of care.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	We always aim to maintain the minimum required funds to cover redundancies, should such a situation arise. Having reviewed our requirements for this eventuality, we are now actively working toward rebuilding these reserves. However, due to the current staffing levels and consequently fewer years of service, the necessary amount is lower at this time.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	£3,266
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	We have observed, and continue to observe, a decline in birth rates throughout Cheshire West and Chester, which has inevitably impacted our attendance figures. In response to this trend, it is essential to review and adapt our business model to ensure its continued viability in light of reduced enrolment. Nonetheless, we remain confident in our strategic options and our capacity to manage these challenges effectively.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	Local Authority Early Years funding from both Cheshire West & Chester and Flintshire (Childcare Offer Wales). Parental fees. Program of fundraising
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46

A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	Low rates of EY funding Declining birth rates
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Early Years Alliance Constitution
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	A committee of Trustees forming an Unincorporated Charity. We are in the process of transferring over to a CIO structure.
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	Our Annual General Meeting allows for Trustees to put themselves forward for re- election or stand down. If this is required mid-term a Trustee can be replaced with interested family or affiliate members until the next AGM. Once all Trustees are voted in, roles are then appointed through proposal and agreement.

Additional information (optional)

Additional information (optional)	Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	Safeguarding constitutes a core element of our operational protocols. All personnel, including staff, committee members, and volunteers, must possess an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate, inclusive of a check against the children’s barred list. We are committed to ensuring a supported and seamless transition between outgoing and incoming Trustees, with handover transitions throughout the first term in office, or sometimes longer.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	Dodleston Pre-School is a community- oriented, Trustee-led charitable early years setting that offers care and education for children aged between 2 and 4 years, in alignment with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The setting is governed and inspected by Ofsted. Our approach aims to promote the physical and emotional well-being of the children in our care, while also providing support to their families where appropriate.
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	The Pre-School is a well-established part of the village community and plays a vital role within local life. We regularly participate in a range of community events, both as organisers and attendees, which enhances our visibility and connections within the area. This involvement also helps to build strong relationships with our feeder primary schools, facilitating a smoother and more positive transition for children and their families.
Other		Our Trustees generously dedicate their time in support of the Pre-School. Their contributions encompass attendance at

meetings, assumption of managerial responsibilities, organisation of fundraising initiatives, and participation in village events. Such efforts are vital in ensuring our visibility and engagement both within the village and the broader community.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Dodleston Pre-school
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number	1035994
Charity’s principal address	Village Hall, Pulford Lane, Dodleston Chester CH4 9NN

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)
			Pre-school committee
Emma Hutt	Chair	Nov 23 – Present
JennyBowle	Vice-Chair	Nov 23 - Present
Melanie Hughes	Secretary and Nominated Person	Nov 23 – Present Nov 25 - Present
Sarah Macklin	Treasurer	Nov 23 - Present
Chris Ward		Nov 23 - Present
Anne Tunnicliffe		Nov 23 - Present
Laura Brierley	Nominatedperson	Nov 23 – Nov 25

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name N/A

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
N/A

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

	Type of adviser Name Address	Type of adviser Name Address	Type of adviser Name Address




	Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

Declarations

Signature(s) Melanie Hughes Full name(s) Emma Louise Hutt Chair Secretary 19th June 2026 19[th] June 2026

DODLESTON PRE-SCHOOL Flnanclal Statements 31 August 2025 Charlty number 1035994 INDEX l Accountants Report 2 Receipts and Payments accounu Balance Sheet

DODLESTON PRE-SCHOOL INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT I reporton ihe fin2nGid Statements Df the Chayrty lorthe yearended 31 AuguSI2025 aet Dut Dn pages 3 to 9 Respective te#pon$ibilities of Trnstees And Examiner Th8 Chatity's Trust88s are r8sponsib18forth8 pr8paration of thé accounts. Th8 Chatity's Trusté88 con8id8r thatsn audit Is not rgquired forthis y88r undgr s8dion 144121 of the Ch3tib8s 4#2011lthe Chatibgs Adl and that an Ind&p9nd9nl exatninalion is needed. 11 is my responsibilityto examine the accounts undersection 145 olthe 2011 Act.. tofollowthe procedu IBid down in the GenerBI Directlon3 plven bythe Charlty Commi99iDn to stste whether psrticulgr matters have curne to my attention. Ba818 of iThdependentexaminrf¥ rOPDrt My exarninalion wascarried out In axordancgwilh the General DirectlQllS given bylh& Charity Commis510ners. An exarminalion includesa reviewof ihe accounting records kept bylhe Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with ihose records. It also Incluaes consideration of unusual Ilern5 oi disclosure5 In the aG¢4unts and seeking exKlanations from the Trustees concerning any such matr5. The prccedures undertaken do not provide all ihe evidentt thatwould be iequired In an audit, and con3eouenUy no Dpinion is oiven a3 to whether the accounts wesent a'true and faIrvIe and the POrt 1$ Iimrted to those mattets setout in the staten*nt bebw. Ind9P9ndfjntgx•mingrs 3t¥tsmwnt ITr conne19 with mygxaminafyon, ncTr matterhas wm8to rnyattgnfyon. 111 vthich gives me reasonable cause lo believe that, In material respect, lh8 requirements". -to keep axounlinp records in accordan wth section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and -to prepare acuuntswhich accord with the accountsng cordS 2nd CoMY wlth the untsno 41MentS of the 2011 Act h8ve notbeen met,. or 121 ttswhith, In my tspinion. èttèntion shou be dtawn In tsrder to enablè a proper undÈrstsndiny oltheaccounts to be reached AC Accountants 30-Mar-28 Page I

DODLESTON PRE-SCHOOL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS Year end 31 Au8USt 1025 RECEIPTS 20Z5 60715 6526 8690 1930 3178 1228 115 2024 32093 563 14155 307 824 1125 20 CWAC Funding shfees Spooky Doo MISlIaneous1Refund5 53ving5 acc imere5t 159 126 32 Totsi Receipts 82414 49960 PAYMENTS Wages Pension Nest PAYE Gro$$ we$ Caiering cosis 58517 1364 -976 58905 54843 1384 449 56676 267 4661 50 267 3981 50 70 938 Ofstedfees 531 lob adverts 2529 782 450 934 450 679 661 209 275 1119 294 608 ActOuntÈnty Consumabl&s 373 135 150 954 215 Phone Mlscellaneous expenses 535 70178 959 70169 TOTALPAYMENTS Excess of receipts over payments -12236 20309 BALANCE SHEET 31 August Z025 83nkcurrent arcount 9704 3266 162 -450 IZ68Z 158 700 38 -450 Peitycash Capltal account Balbnce BIF 446 12236 12682 20755 20309 B3laTh CIF Signed 30th March 2026 CHAIRMAN TREASURER Page2

DODLESTON PRE-SCHOOL Flnanclal Statements 31 August 2025 Charlty number 1035994 INDEX l Accountants Report 2 Receipts and Payments accounu Balance Sheet