## **Annual Accounts and Annual Report 2024/25** **Charity Registration Number: 1037668** CHARITY COMMISSIO FOR ENGLAND AND WALE Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examine￿5 Report Report to the trusteesl members of SteppiThJ Sto￿$ ￿ S(thool On accounts for the year ended 314 August 2025 hartrty no Irf any) 1037668 Set out on pages 1-4 (Receipts payments SLmmary) I rerK)rt to the trustees ¢)n rny examinati¢m of the rnnts of the above charity (Yhe Trusfi fLY yeai en¢Jed Responsibilities and As the chanty I￿￿t￿ of the Trust, you are res[￿sible for the preparation of basis of report the accO￿ts in 8CrnTd￿ %bilh Ihe r￿uTernents of the Charities Act 2011 I'the A(0. I report in res￿1 of my e￿inall￿ of the Trusvs accwnts carried out under seth.on 145 of 2011 Act ar¥J in carryirrfJ out my examination, I have followed the ap[dica￿e CA"recbons given by the Chanty Commission under section 1495llbl ol the Act. Independent I have comrAeted my examinati￿. l (x)nfirm that no rnateri￿ m8tters have examinerfs statement comè to my att￿tion (other than that (fisdosed L*l¢M J in connèction thè examinatiw which gives me cause to believe that in. any material resped.. aCcou￿ng reclxds were not kept in accordance V￿th s￿tK)n 130 of thè Act the acco¢Jts th) Th)t accord wth the accounts'ng records I have no c￿cernS and have come aTOSS Th) other matters In Conne(*￿ v￿th the examination to wh.ch attents.on should be in ordw to enable a proper understaThJing of the ￿mjnts to be reached. ' Ilease delete the wonts in tts bwkets iftheydo Th*apply. Oate: 2710212026 Signed: Name: Joshua Unsworth Relevant professional qualificationlsl or body Irf any1= CPFA Address: 38 St Petu's Grove Canterbury CT12DJ IER October 2018 Section 8 Disclosuie ¢(xnplete I the examiner neets lo huhlighl matters of cor￿eM (see CC32, Independent examinat•)n of charity a￿(￿nIS.. direct￿nS and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. )ne IER October 2018 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Stepping Stones Pre Schwl 1037668 Recei tsand ments accounts CC16a Ftsrthe period To 01ft)W2024 31ffjK2025 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted fund$ Restricted nds EndowTnent funds Total fund5 Last year twrgst£ A1 R•e0l ts Enryal T￿rton lees IKCCI 71725 72.720 8,151 64.132 12,568 1.318 430 495 Snacksnnps Gian Dona￿￿5 ¢￿￿b¢r811 4413 5A13 7.J11 1,780 B,8B9 6.372 1.7WJ AR) 89J3S 7.173 97,100 92,857 s$et an see tsble . In¥e$ ent sa es. 7.173 97,10B 91697 A3Pa ments StaYW8ges 71.435 &62J 71,167 B,382 12OB 1,62J 1,5 Casual Sta Equipmenl TryslEvèM5 Other PhDne Insurance Tr¥intyg e￿be￿hip subsrrykns Athi nistyaii Gffis 1,645 l.J48 895 453 SIB 6•2 8fy2 2,085 1.19J 136 1.710 1.193 1269 Sub total 91945 91,919 A4 Assèt and invesknntnt SI￿ tot* Tolalpaymwits 95,945 &Y3 91,919 Net 0free￿p1￿(paPl￿e￿tsj . A5 Trdnsfer5 bel￿fi funds A6 Cash fund$ last ￿aT end Cash funds this year end 4.010 -2380 33.026 29,016 33.026 30,$46 11 xcounts IS81 1710312026 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the ￿rIOd Unrestrictwl funds Restrict furNIs End0￿￿￿ent funds B1 Cash funds h￿￿ Cash* ac¢wrts) %•2Y Cath& llccourt¥i 705 Toial Cash fvnds .016 Unr88tii¢t fuThJ8 R68tridwJ fuThJ8 End0¥w￿ent fund8 Details tr*neaTh￿tt D>tsiSB B3 In4Estment assets Cwrent¥aw• Details 84 Assets retained forthe charty's own use wh￿ du Details B5 Liabilrties behaf IhelDJ5tees &gnatyre Print N￿e teof rov Bi2thth M¢Bh 12 accrAJrts ISS) ## **Trustees’ Annual Report 2024/ 25** ## **From 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025** ## **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 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 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:
Wincheap Park, Kearsney Abbey, the Library, and
Canterbury Cathedral as well as a visit to a local
Café with families.
Starting from September 2025, eligible working
parents will be able to receive up to 30 hours of
free childcare per week. In response to this
change in legislation, Stepping Stones reached
out to our current families to find out how much
interest there was in increasing our hours. Early
feedback from families has been very positive,
indicating that our families would welcome
longer, more flexible hours.|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:
Wincheap Park, Kearsney Abbey, the Library, and
Canterbury Cathedral as well as a visit to a local
Café with families.
Starting from September 2025, eligible working
parents will be able to receive up to 30 hours of
free childcare per week. In response to this
change in legislation, Stepping Stones reached
out to our current families to find out how much
interest there was in increasing our hours. Early
feedback from families has been very positive,
indicating that our families would welcome
longer, more flexible hours.| |---|---|---|---|---| |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 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.
17 children had English as an additional
language, alongside Spanish, French, Hungarian,
Bengali, Nepali, Yoruba, Dari, Malalayam,
Russian, Romanian, Marathi and Slovak.
4 children received Free for Two funding for all or
part of the year; 7 children received Early Years
Pupil Premium funding.
The charity continued to support children and
families to work with partner agencies, including:
1 child accessing the Specialist Teaching Service
or Speech and Language Therapy; 2 children
accessing Kent Children’s Services.
At the end of the year, children left the
pre-school to start school in 9 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 approachable and_
_helpful”,_
_●“The staff take time to understand each_
_child’s personality, strengths and areas for_
_growth”,_| _● “My child feels supported [and] encouraged, [and] that helps build their confidence and love for learning”._ 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, Makaton, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Paedriatric First Aid, English as an Additional Language, Food Hygiene, Inclusive play in early years. Trustees completed training in governance and safeguarding. The recently promoted Manager and deputy Manager had a good first year. The staffing team have all settled into their new roles. |**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:| |---|---|---| |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
payments exceeding our receipts by
approximately £2,380.| |---|---|---| |Statement explaining the policy
for holding reserves stating why
they are held|Para 1.22|Following a review we recalculated our reserves
in relation to our current staffing. We currently
require reserves of £10,000 to cover the costs of
charity wind up and dissolution. This covers 3
months approximate running costs and all staff
redundancies. This pre-allocated reserve fund is
restricted to emergency use only and can only be
accessed in the event of the charity’s dissolution.
We currently hold total reserves of £25,280.| |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: |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
communityfundraising. The majorityofgrants| |---|---|---| |||received this year were used for specific
projects such as “Little Kickers”, “Sign n Rhyme”
and outdoor learning provision.| |---|---|---| |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.
Financial analysis is being carried out to help us
determine the viability of extending our hours
to align with increased funding entitlements
(and to identify any risks in doing so).| |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:|**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:| |---|---|---| |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. Duringtheir 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 and deputy Manager with QTS.
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 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)**| |---|---|---|---| |TiffanyCarter|Chair||n/a| |Elizabeth McElhinney|Treasurer|From 29/04/2025|| |Vicky Hough|Manager||| |Alice Parry||From 17/07/2025|| |Sally Heath|||| |Brianne Hamilton|Treasurer|To 29/04/2025|| |Debbie Cavero|Secretary||| |Abigail
Stavroulakis-McMahon|||| |Rosetta Lancaster||To 29/04/2025|| ||||| ||||| ||||| **Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)** Vicky Hough, Manager ## **Declarations** **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees** |**Signed** **on behalf of the**|**charity’s trustees**|| |---|---|---| |**Signature(s)**|Tiffany Carter|Elizabeth McElhinney| |||| |**Full name(s)**|Tiffany Carter|Elizabeth McElhinney| |||| |**Position (eg Secretary,**
**Chair, etc)**|Chair|Treasurer| |||| |**Date**|01/04/2026|01/04/2026|