Annual Accounts and Annual Report 2023/24
Charity Registration Number: 1037668
(HARITY (OMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Stepping Stones Pre-school Canterbury On accounts for the year ended 3110812024 Charlty no (If any) 1037668 Set out on pages 14 (Receipts and Payments Summary) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trust") for the year ended 3110812024. Rosponslbllltles and basls of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {"the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145151{bl of the Act. Independènt examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with seclion 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records.. or the accounts did not comply wilh the applicable requirements concerning the fomi and content of accounts sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Dale: 2310312025 Slgned: Name: Stephen Lazell Relevant professlonal quallflcatlon{s) or body (If any}: ACCA (Reg # 09914361 Address: 2 Juniper Close, Canterbury, Kenl, CT13LL IER
Sectlon B Dlsclosure Only complete If the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern {see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidan for examiners). GSve here brlef detalls of any Items that the oxaminer wishes to dlsclose. None. IER
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLANO AND WALES St•pplng Ston•• Pr• School 1037868 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For Iho porlod from To 011(ffJ12023 3110PA2024 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestrictod lunds to th• n•ar•sf Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds L••t year th• n•ar•t t to th• n•ar•st£ fo th• nr•s1 e th• n•ar•st t A1 Recel ts External furQing IKCCI TurtKin fees FuThlraisiry Bank Interest SnacksAs Granls DOns 64.132 12,068 1,241 49 64.132 12.868 83,852 12,3 495 283 6,38• 7.251 8,764 0,372 6,372 Sub total (Gross income for AR) 8.9 92.197 A2 Asset and Investment sales. $00 tablo . Sub total zzzz 86.308 0.389 •2.897 83.409 A3 Pa ments Staff Wage5 Hall re Consumab Casual Staff Equipnrt TnPsIEls Other 69,217 8,382 71.117 8.382 1.480 1,175 896 463 01 784 403 018 784 1,726 1,269 139 l.allJ knsurarte Traini FlembsAY $SelnS nNnislralNI 767 1.899 1,183 4,229 2,93• 1,269 139 Sub total .oJo 1S,U9 91.919 •S.30J A4 Assot and Investmorrt urchases see tsble Sub total zzzz 86,030 6,889 91,•1• 85,303 Net of receipt{payMents) A5 Transfors batween funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 278 600 778 1,894 278 778 1.894 IER
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted lunds to n•ar•st£ Restricted lunds Endowment funds to n••r•st £ Categorles Detslls t¢ n•ar•st B1 Cash funds 727 Cash at bank Icwrert 6.024 Cash al Ideposrt ¢¢y) 28.7715 Total cash funds 32,626 ¥Mth FK•iOs pymgnls Unro$trldod funds nur•stt R•strl¢ted funds nur•st£ Endowmont funds i• n••r•st £ Dètalls B2 Other monetary assets Fund io *thl¢h b•lon Dètslls C•%t (OP0n•1) Curr•M valu• lonal Fund to a•s•f b•lon Curr•nt valu• onal Detall$ 84 Assets retained for the charity's own use Fund to r•lai•s Amount du• nal Yh•n du• onal Detalls 85 Liabilitie$ SwJned by one or two trustees on bghaif of 01 Ihe Irustaes Slgnature Prfnt Namo Dalo of roval Brian Homil Brionne Homilon
Trustees’ Annual Report 2023/ 24
From 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024
Charity name: Stepping Stones Pre-School Canterbury
Charity registration number: 1037668
Objectives and Activities
| 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 Early Years 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. 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 EarlyYears 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 a local Café with families. |
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 a local Café with families. |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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| 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 family members of the charity and they take 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 36 children to develop within the Early Years Foundation Stage during the year. 5 children had English as an additional language, alongside French, Bulgarian, Malalayam and Slovak. 3 children received Free for Two funding for all or part of the year; 7 children received Early Years Pupil Premium funding; 2 children received Special Educational Needs Inclusion Funding and 3 Disability Access Funding The charity continued to support children and families to work with partner agencies, including: 3 children accessing the Specialist Teaching Service or Speech and Language Therapy; 2 children accessing Kent Children’s Services and 1 Early Help. At the end of the year, 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 throughout the year from the parents and carers of children including the following comments: ●_The team are“always friendly and helpful” ●“I have always felt able to talk to the team_ about anything” ●“your level of care and dedication to the children is amazing” The charity’s staff continued to develop their professional practice during the year, attending training and learning events in a range of areas, including: Statutory Safeguarding and Prevent Training, FGM, Early Years Child Development, Development Matters, Makaton, Planning in the Moment, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Autism, Attention, Curiosity, Communication and Language, Social and Emotional Development, Food Hygiene All trustees completed training in governance and safeguarding. |
The charity’s Manager continued her role as a mentor for the DfE Early Years covid recovery programme; delivering mentoring sessions for early years settings in person all over Kent. All staff accessed early years professional development training to embed knowledge around communication and language. Across the year, the charity appointed a new Accounts Administrator following the Apprentice leaving at the end of the previous year. The Manager and an Early Years Educator moved on at the end of the Year. The deputy Manager was appointed as the new manager, and an Early Years Educator appointed as Deputy Manager. A new Early Years Educator was recruited, and an existing Early Years Educator increased their hours.
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. |
|---|---|---|
| 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. The charity’s fundraising group performed well in identifying and securing funding and monitored the charity’s fundraising plan across the year. The charity secured some additional funding as detailed in the accounts but trustees were mindful of the ever-present gap between funding and costs and the attendant threat to |
its reserves and are aware that they will need to monitor this extremely closely going forward 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 receipts exceeding our payments by approximately £800 covering planned expenditure for the start of the next financial year. |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Following a review we continue to hold reserves of £25,280 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 | £25,280 |
| 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 continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | n/a |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
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. 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“Little Kickers”,“Sign n Rhyme” |
| and funding our additional member of staff who works 2 days a week as standard as well as extra days as needed to enable staff to work intensively with children with additional needs. |
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|---|---|---|
| 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)
| 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 | 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. |
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|---|---|---|
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | n/a |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charityname | SteppingStones Pre-School Canterbury |
|---|---|
| Other namethe charity uses | n/a |
| Registered charity number | 1037668 |
| Charity’s principal address | Kendall Hall, Nunnery Fields, 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Kathryn Rogers | Chair and acting Treasurer |
To 22/02/2024 n/a To 22/02/2024 To 22/02/2024 From 22/02/2024 From 12/10/2023 |
| Tiffany Carter | Chair | |
| Anna Campion | ||
| Nicola Bayly | Acting Treasurer | |
| SallyHeath | ||
| Brianne Hamilton | Treasurer | |
| Debbie Cavero |
| 8 | Abigail Stavroulakis-McMahon |
From 12/10/2023 From 12/10/2023 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Rosetta Lancaster | ||
| 10 | |||
| 11 | |||
| 12 |
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 |
Tiffany Carter | Tiffany Carter | Brianne Hamilton | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiffany Carter | Brianne Hamilton | |||
| Chair | Treasurer | |||
| 21/01/2025 | ||||
| 21/01/2025 |