2022-08-31-accounts

Annual Accounts and Annual Report 2021/ 22

Charity Registration Number: 1037668

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiners Report R•port to th• truste momb•r& of St•pping Stones Pre-S¢ool Canlerbury On accounts lor th• y•ar end•d 31108r2022 Charlty no 1114ny 1037668 Strt out on pAg• 14 (Recèlpts and P8yrMnts Summary) I reFJrt lo the trLMlees on my •xamination ofth0 ¥ccounts of the above charity fft Tru￿) forthe year end￿ 31108 r2022. R•spon•lbllltl•• and bas1• ol rnp(xt Ag th¥ ¢hariVs trustees, you are responslblè for ihe ￿parat￿n ofthe accvunts in a¢¢wl•nce wilh the requir¢mwrt8 ofthe CharfYe¥ Act 2011 rth? ACVI. I rowt in respect of my 0￿rnIn31￿￿ d thè Tru8fs cArt under Secaion 145 of th¢ 2011 Act and in ¢afry(ng out my o¥•mlnation, I have folluwed all the aFpll¢at4e Di￿¢th)n3 gfven by thè Chanty ccthm1$￿ uTraor 8econ 14515}Ib} of the Acl. Indop•nd•nt examlnorf8 8tst•m•nt I have cOmp￿ted my ex8mination. I confimi that no material matters have come lo my attention in connedK>n WTth the exarnin'on which glvo8 me CWJBe lo tse1￿¥e Ihat In, 8ny rnaterial respo¢l.' the gc¢ounting records 4wie not kept in a¢￿￿anc8 with se¢tiM 130 ofthe ch8ril￿S Act,. or t￿ accounts dld not aceAJrd with th8 a¢wurrting record$" or the a￿)UnIS Ld nol ¢ompty wlh th• applrcable requir8merrt8 n¢omlng the fom) and cxinlent of 8¢counls set ￿Jt in the Charities IA¢¢othts aThJ ReFQrt51 Regula￿On$ 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts glve a faiP vpwvthich Yd not a maller n8id&r8d as part of an Mxt•pen¢Jent examinallon. I have no ¢uncem8 8TrJ have corne acn)ss no other matters In ¢￿￿Ct￿ wth the examination to attention should bo dr￿ in this report in ord&r lo enable 4 kyopor understanding of the ac￿￿nts lo be rethj. 8lgMd.. 0310512023 Nam•: steFth L8zdl Relevant prof￿$10n￿l qualificatlon{g1 or body 111 any): ACCA {Rog # 09914361 AddM¥: 2 JuThper Close. C8ntethry, KenL CT13LL IER 'J. Oct 2018

Section B OisLltsstire Only complete rf the examiner ntteds to highlight matèrial matters of cOn￿M Issa CC32. Independent oxamlnatk*n of tharliy xiy)unts'. dlrections ond guKlance for examin8rs). Glvo here brw (fotall• of any Items thal the •xamin•r wl•h•• to dls¢lo8¢. IER Oct 2018

CHARITY COMMISSIOM FOR EN61AND AND WALE5 SrK>pping siono5 Pi• school No ill Recelpts and payments accounts CC16a For t￿ 01K￿r2021 31108r2022 To Section A Receipts and paymonts UnTrstrfcted fund• Re9tricled fund• Endowment fund• Tot•1 l•Jndg L••t y A1 R•c•lpts FL Tuiwon Fees FuDdrthkn9 Bank intÈi#l sn￿n Graryl C)7￿5 KCC 010 803 8M47 •73 TJ AR) 64JJT &111 nv•stm•nt #p 72,34• A3Pa 2J37 138 57.391 7.314 47.407 7,574 1.743 C4nsumabks •¥AI its lJ2S 12 IAIO 2Bg 724 1.410 ItyOUf8rt• Trnnn 724 3.111 I,Yll 102 917 900 Sub totsi 71116 A4 A88et and Invelm•rt urchu•$ Sub lot•1 n.186 71384 N•t of r•c•Jptrfpaym•ntsJ . AS Transf•r¥ ￿ts¥•n fund# A6 Corhh fund¥ 148t y••r •nd C•sh fund¥ thls end 10 8.881 26,01 33.895 ¢CXX R1 •¢￿fi￿ Issi (344)

Section B Slatement of assets and liabilitiÈs at the end of the period Unrestri¢i•d fund8 EndowJin•rt furt Colggorf Details B1 CAh fttndl CBsh•itrAnd coh￿ bllr& (de￿￿1 Y5,ts14 24014 fund ••r••tR Jnd• Cfal Datal 83 Inv•lm•ttlM•ts D•tslls B4 A•s•l• vgl•ln•d fvrth• ch4rlty' u Del411 BS Uabllltl SWedtyoMorMr•trU¥toeJfyi b•haW421•1th• tr￿01 ShJnauw• NÈM Date ol Nlr& B CGXX P2 ISS C4+4)

Trustees’ Annual Report 2021/ 22

From 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022

Charity name: Stepping Stones Pre-School Canterbury

Charity registration number: 1037668

Objectives and Activities

Objectives and Activities
	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of 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 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. This was especially important in the aftermath of Covid lockdowns which significantly affected the well-being and development of children.

		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, Kearsney Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral and the library as well as carol singing at Waitrose 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 31 children to develop within the Early Years Foundation Stage during the year. 4 children had English as an additional language, alongside Ukrainian, Arabic, Italian and Polish 3 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: 5 children accessing the Specialist Teaching Service or Speech and Language Therapy; and 1 child accessing Kent Children’s Services. At the end of the year, children left the pre- school to start school in 5 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 throughout the year from the parents and carers of children including the following comments: • “I’m so grateful the ‘Stretch it! Dance it! Kick it!’ provision is made for little ones and can see how it helps them develop in fitness, listening skills and gross motor skills too.” • “My child loved the Little Kickers and the coaches were patient, engaging and fun.” • Solihull has been a really important tool helping our family and I am so grateful to S and C for helping me better understand the material." 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 Reconnect funding and a Covid Recovery grant as well as Outbreak Management funding which was used to run a Solihull parenting group and run well-being activities within the setting including a “Stretch it! Dance it! Kick it” initiative where children did courses in yoga, street dance and football. Staff also received My Happy Mind mental health training to help them support the children as we began to emerge from the pandemic. The charity’s staff continued to develop their professional practice during the year, attending training and learning events in a range of areas, including: Solihull Approach Training for Professionals; My Happy Mind mental health and wellbeing; safeguarding; First Aid. 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. Across the year, the charity recruited a Business Administration Apprentice to relieve some of the burden of administrative work from staff and trustees. One of our Early Years Educators retired.

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 monitored the emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic 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 with our payments exceeding our receipts by approximately £8000 but covered by a carry forward and a transfer between funds.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	Following a review we now hold reserves of £25,014 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	£25,014
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 maychoose to include further statements where relevant about:	You maychoose to include further statements where relevant about:	You maychoose 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. 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 Solihull training for parents, mental health training for staff and our “Stretch it! Dance it! Kick it!” initiative.
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

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

	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12	Kathryn Rogers	Chair and acting Treasurer		n/a
	Tiffany Carter	Secretary
	Anna Campion
	Nicola Bayly	Acting Treasurer
	Philip Embry		Until 27/04/22
	Patricia Fleming		Until 13/10/21
	Elisabeth Garcia White		Until 27/04/22
	Sally Heath
	Nicholas Maher		Until 27.04/22
	Coral Murray

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	Nicola Bayly
	Kathryn Rogers	Nicola Bayly
	Chair and Acting Treasurer	Acting Treasurer