## **Stepping Stones** ## **Pre-School Canterbury** ## **Annual Accounts and Annual Report 2020/ 21** **Charity Registration Number: 1037668** CHARITY (OMMISSION FOR ENGLAND 114D WALES Independent exarninerfs report on the accounts Section A Indepondent Exarniner s Report R•portto th• tru•t• m8fflb•tA ol Slopping Stone• Cantsrt>ury On for th y•Ar •nd 3110Bf2021 char no 10376e8 S•t t>th on pao•• 14 (R5 ond Paym•nts Surnmaryl I ropDrt to Ihe Irnglees w my •xamSnabon ofthe qccourts ol th• abov• charty (he Tnrnl'l the ar •ndwJ R••pon•1blllll and b•81• ol r•port th• tnMl•e$, you 8r• responsit4• forthe prepwatltyi ol Ihg accounts in •cc¢xdarK4 with t rwuirwnenls ol the Chawitses Ad 2011 I t•port in rosp# ofmy ?xwrnInatl ol th• Tnwfs •xounts under 58¢tn 145 olthe 2011 Acl and in carrying out my exarniThaln. I hgve folkowad all th• applkable Dlreclwn$ gN•n by lh8 Chanty under g•CtKn 14q5llbl of the Act. Ind•p8nd•nt •x•mln•rfg stst•ment I h•v• cunF48tod my EXthmln•t1. I ccrfxrn that no m8twio1 rnotteTS h eome to my attention in connectThn th th¢ •xarninalion lother than Ihat dlsdos•d b•lN"I which gNes me U9• to ball that in. any matw xcounbng rv)ydg w•r• not k•pt in a¢cordawKe 130 of the Chanties Act., CY the accounts *ilh th• #ce1Th3 records.. or the accounts ¢tpIY *Fth the applicoblè requlrvm)ents cthKwning tht form and ¢ont8nt the charity as set out in its
governing document|Para 1.17|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
groups, ensuring that such groups offer
opportunities for all children whatever
their race, culture, religion, means or
ability
(b) 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
(c) instigating and adhering to and furthering
the aims and objects of the Pre-School
Learning Alliance| |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|We provided a charity pre-school, totally
focussed on our children, families and
community, where children built on their
learning through creative play.
We remained open throughout the COVID-19
lockdowns and ran pre-school sessions for 2-5
year olds every week day during term time.
Children's wellbeing was absolutely paramount
and was nurtured by a skilled and experienced
team and a welcoming and inclusive learning
environment.| |||We provided excellent opportunities for
learning and development, giving children the
freedom to develop at their own pace and
reach their full potential within the Early Years
Foundation Stage. Children became resilient
and independent learners who are willing to
take risks and to challenge themselves as they
learn through play. Our children's wellbeing
was high and those that left us at the end of
the summer term were well prepared for their
transition to primary school. The charity
continued to embed excellence and best
practice in its work.
Our knowledgeable, professional, caring and
experienced staff team continued to be really
valued by children and families. Very strong
partnerships with parents and carers
supported children’s learning and
development.
We welcomed children from a wide range of
backgrounds, including those living in areas of
deprivation, children with English as an
additional language, those with special
educational and health needs and families
working with Children's Services.
Children enjoyed events and fundraising
activities at Christmas, Easter and summer and
a transition celebration for those children that
left pre-school in July to start school in
September.
Staff and volunteers took the children on
outings around the local community, including
to: Dane John Gardens, local green spaces, an
orchard, the local shop and to Kearsney Abbey,
with families.| |---|---|---| |Statement confirming whether
the trustees have had regard
to the guidance issued by the
Charity Commission on public
benefit|Para 1.18|Trustees have considered the Charity
Commission’s guidance on public benefit when
planning the charity’s activities| |Contribution made by
volunteers|Para 1.38|The charity is governed by a volunteer Board of
Trustees, with a wide range of skills and
experience across charity, business, education
and family support. All trustees either currently
have children at the pre-school, or previously
had children with us and they have a real
commitment to the charity and the wellbeing
and learning of the children in our care. Our
constitution involves all parents and carers as
familymembers of the charityand theytake on| active roles as volunteers within the setting and at community events. ## **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|The charity supported 35 children to develop
within the Early Years Foundation Stage during
the year: 12 aged 4, 20 aged 3 and 3 aged 2 by
the end of the summer term.
7 children had English as an additional
language, alongside Estonian, Tamil, Arabic,
Turkish, Polish and Nepali.
4 children received Free for Two funding for all
or part of the year; 2 children received Early
Years Pupil Premium funding; 2 children
received Special Educational Needs Inclusion
Funding.
The charity continued to support children and
families to work with partner agencies,
including: 2 children accessing the Specialist
Teaching Service; 2 children accessing Speech
and Language Therapy; and 1 child accessing
Kent Children’s Services.
At the end of the year, 15 children left the pre-
school to start school in 7 different primary
schools across Canterbury and surrounding
areas. The charity received positive feedback
from the schools on the learning and
development of the children.
The charity received very positive feedback
from the parents and carers of children that
left the pre-school at the end of the year,
including the following comments:
•
_"We honestly could not have asked for a_
_better place with better people."_
•
_"At every step of the way we felt included_
_and involved with our children's learning."_
•
_"The staff are always - absolutely without_
_fail - open, welcoming and warm to both_
_children and families."_
•
_"I am very impressed with their_
_commitment to our children's happiness_
_and development."_
•
_"Staff are clearly so knowledgeable about_
_the early years."_
•
_"She was given the freedom to express_
_herself through a wide range of resources,_| |_to risk-take and to negotiate friendships_| |---| |_and feelings safely."_| |•
_"You took such time and care to get to_| |_know our little boy. You knew all about_| |_him: his interests, his family and friends_| |_and what he needed to feel safe and_| |_settled."_| |The charity recognised that COVID-19 social| |distancing measures were making it difficult to| |communicate effectively with families. The| |charity secured a capacity building grant from| |Comic Relief – through Groundwork UK – to set| |up an online system to share information on| |children’s learning and development and invest| |in work to develop the charity’s website| |The charity recognised the impact of the| |COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of| |children and families and on children’s| |communication and social skills. The charity| |secured a wellbeing support grant from| |Canterbury City Council to fund: staff training| |in supporting wellbeing; deliver Solihull| |workshops for parents; and support children’s| |transition into primary school.| |The charity carried forward some funding from| |Martello Fund, through Kent Community| |Foundation, which was used to fund| |redevelopment of the charity’s website and| |general running costs.| |The charity’s staff continued to develop their| |professional practice during the year, attending| |training and learning events in a range of areas,| |including: Developmental Trauma and Adverse| |Childhood Events; Solihull Approach Training| |for Professionals; Young Minds mental health| |and wellbeing; safeguarding; First Aid; and| |Makaton.| |All trustees completed training in governance| |and safeguarding.| |The charity’s Manager continued her role as| |Tutor Champion for Kent, delivering mentoring| |sessions for early years settings in East Kent| |and communication counts training for the| |charity’s staff and gaining Communication| |Friendly status for the pre-school.| |Across the year, the charity recruited an Early| |Years Staff member and an Early Years| |Apprentice. One of our Early Years Educators| |retired after 18years with the charity.| The charity continued to work as part of a collaboration of local early years settings and in partnership with local universities at Community of Practice events. ## **Additional information (optional)** You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |Achievements against
objectives set|Para 1.41|Across the year, the trustees implemented an
annual plan with actions in five key priority
areas: Children, Families and Safeguarding;
Staff, Volunteers and Health and Safety;
Fundraising; Communications; and Governance
and Finance. Trustees regularly monitored
progress against the plan and ensured that
objectives were met. Trustees completed an
annual review of the charity’s work.
In addition to this, the trustees agreed their
response to the COVID-19 pandemic and
implemented and regularly monitored a plan to
keep children, staff and volunteers safe and to
safeguard the charity.| |---|---|---| |Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives set|Para 1.41|The trustees set the following fundraising
objectives for the year:
•
To raise income from individual giving and
community events to meet the shortfall in
statutory funding for childcare places
•
To raise income from grants, statutory
funding and corporate funding to provide
additional services for children and families
•
To further diversify the charity’s income
streams
The trustees set realistic goals, taking into
account the ongoing impact of the COVID-19
pandemic. The charity’s fundraising group
performed well in identifying and securing
funding and monitored the charity’s
fundraising plan across the year. The charity
performed well against all fundraising
objectives and continued to build relationships
with existing and new funders across the year.
Details of the funding secured are shown in the
charity’s Annual Accounts and within this
Annual Report.| ## **Financial Review** |Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end of
the period|Para 1.21|The charity is ending this financial year in an
acceptable position with our receipts
exceeding payments by approximately £500.
We also have a 9% surplus to carry over as
unrestricted budget.| |---|---|---| |Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held|Para 1.22|We hold reserves of £35,000 to cover the costs
of charity wind up and dissolution. This covers
3 months approximate running costs and all
staff redundancies. The reserve fund is
restricted to emergency use only and can only
be accessed in the event of the charity’s
dissolution.| |Amount of reserves held|Para 1.22|£35,000| |Reasons for holding zero
reserves|Para 1.22|n/a| |Details of fund materially in
deficit|Para 1.24|n/a| |Explanation of any
uncertainties about the charity
continuingas agoingconcern|Para 1.23|n/a| ## **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|The charity’s main source of income continues
to be government funding for childcare
provision, through Kent County Council.
Secondary to this is the income from fees for
children who are not in receipt of government-
funded childcare. This year the Trustees agreed
to increase fees by £0.25 per hour.
As in previous years, the income from these
sources does not cover the charity’s costs and
this year the charity has continued to focus on
finding other sources of income, including:
charitable grants, statutory grants, voluntary
contributions from parents and carers and
community fundraising. The majority of grants
received this year were used for specific
projects such as the new communication app
and the ongoing redevelopment of the
website. £1,000 from Tesco will be carried over
to fund a Helicopter Stories project at the
beginning of the next year.
The charity also received £1,847 from the
government’s Job Retention Scheme to assist
in paying members of staff who were
furloughed while there was reduced capacity
at the beginningof theyear.| |---|---|---| |||| |---|---|---| |Investment performance
against objectives|Para 1.41|n/a| |Investment policy and
objectives including any social
investment policy adopted|Para 1.46|n/a| |A description of the principal
risks facing the charity|Para 1.46|The main risk facing the charity is the disparity
between its main funding avenues and its
outgoings. The fundraising team will continue
to focus on obtaining additional funding to
cover the difference.| |Other||n/a| ## **Structure, Governance and Management** |Description of charity’s trusts:||| |---|---|---| |Type of governing document
(trust deed,royal charter)|Para 1.25|Constitution| |How is the charity constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association,CIO)|Para 1.25|Unincorporated association| |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|Elected by members or co-opted by trustees| ## **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|The charity has a clear process for the
recruitment and induction of trustees, which is
overseen by the Governance and Finance
Group. The Chair of Trustees and Manager
support new trustees with their induction to
the charity. During their induction, trustees
meet staff, volunteers, children and families
and complete training and reading in
governance, safeguarding and areas relevant to
their specific role.| |---|---|---| |The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the charity
works|Para 1.51|The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees,
who meet on a termly basis to review the
charity’s progress against its annual plan and
budget. Sub-committees of the Board report
into trustee meetings on work in the following
priority areas: Children, Families and
Safeguarding; Staff, Volunteers and Health and
Safety; Fundraising; Communications; and
Governance and Finance. Each sub-committee| |||has a Lead Trustee who oversees the charity’s
work in that area.
The pre-school is run day-to-day by a small
staff team. All staff are highly qualified and are
led by a Manager with an MA in Early
Childhood Education (with Distinction). Staff
performance is monitored through a
supervision and appraisal system. The Manager
and the Chair of Trustees work together well
and fortnightly staff meetings, which the Chair
of Trustees attends on a termly basis, ensure
good communication across the charity.
The pre-school is regulated by Ofsted and the
charity is a member of the Early Years Alliance,
the National Council for Voluntary
Organisations and a collaboration of local pre-
schools.| |---|---|---| |Relationship with any related
parties|Para 1.51|n/a| ## **Reference and Administrative details** |Charityname|SteppingStones Pre-School Canterbury| |---|---| |Other name the charityuses|n/a| |Registered charitynumber|1037668| |Charity’sprincipal address|Kendall Hall,NunneryFields,Canterbury,Kent,CT1 3JN| **Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity** |1
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12|**Trustee name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for whole year**|**Name of person (or body) entitled**
**to appoint trustee(if any)**| |---|---|---|---|---| ||Kathryn Rogers|Chair||n/a| ||Anna Campion|Treasurer||| ||Tiffany Carter|Secretary||| ||Hayley Barnett||1 September 2020 to 26
May 2021|| ||Nicola Bayly|||| ||Philip Embry||From 28 January 2021|| ||Patricia Fleming||From 28 January 2021|| ||Elisabeth Garcia White||From 28 January 2021|| ||Sally Heath|||| ||Nicholas Maher|||| ||Coral Murray||From 26 May 2021|| ||Susannah Silva-Gould||1 September 2020 to 25
March 2021|| **Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)** Sally Heath, Manager ## **Declarations** **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees** |**Signature(s)**
**Full name(s)**
**Position (eg Secretary, Chair,**
**etc)**
**Date**|Kathryn Rogers|Anna Campion| |---|---|---| ||Kathryn Rogers|Anna Campion| ||
Chair|Treasurer| |||| ||27 April 2022|27 April 2022|