CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Trustees, Annual Report for the perlod From 0110912024 Perlod start date lo 3110812025 Period end dato Charlty name: Stewartby Pre-school Charlty reglstration number:1038144 Objectives and Activitles SORP refere￿0 Summary of the purposes of the charity as sel oul in its goveming document Pwa 1.17 Our aim is lo provide exceptional Early Years educalion for the children and families of Stewartby and the surrounding community. We are dedicated to supporting every child's development and learning journey, enriching their cultural capital, and giving them Ihe strongest possible foundation for future learning, achievement. and wellbeing. We strive to create a wami, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every family feels valued, respected, and part of our setting community. Building strong, posilive relationships is at the heart of everything we do not only beiween staff and children, but also among families and the wider community. By fostering these connections. we help create a supporlive network where children and families can thrive together. We are incredibly proud that our most recent Ofsted inspection in April 2025 awarded us our third consecutive Outstanding judgement. The inspector recognised the significant positive impact our setting has on children. families, and the wider community, highlighting the high standards we consistently achieve. This achievernent reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence. continuous improvement. and our belief that every child deserves the very best slart in life. As we move forward, we remain committed to reflecting on and developing our practice, enhancing our provision, and ensuring that we continue to play a central role within the Slewartby community. Our goal is lo deliver inspiring, meaningful, and high- quality care and educalion Ihat enables every child to flourish and reach their full potential. Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounls. Para 1.17 and The pre-school provides high-quality early years education and care wilhin a purpose-built setting designed to create a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for young children. The setling operales Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm and offers places for children from the age of two years. We accept all available government funding entitlements, including the 15-hour and 30-hour funded childcare offers, ensuring that families can access affordable, high-quality early education. The setting is located within an area of significant deprivation, characterised by limited public transport links and a higher-than-average proportion of social housing. We recognise the challenges that some families may face in accessing childcare and wider community seNices and are committed to reducing barriers to participation wherever possible. To support accessibility and inclusion. our fee structure is aligned closely with local authority funding rates, helping to ensure that families can maximise their funded entitlement without incurring unnecessary additional costs. Families are able to use Iheir funded hours flexibly across all opening hours, enabling parents and carers to access childcare that meets their individual needs while supporting children's learning and development. As a community-focused selling, we are dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to enriching experiences thal broaden their horizons and enhance their cultural capital. We understand the important role early education plays in addressing disadvantage and promoting positive oulcomes for children. Through a carefully planned curriculum. strong partnerships with families, and a commilment to inclusive practice. we provide children with opportunities to develop confidence, independence, communication skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit Para 1.18 The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard lo the Charity Commission's guidan￿ on public benefit when exercising their powers and duties throughout the year. The Trustees are satisfied that the charity's activities are carried out for the public benefit and in furtherance of its charilable ur oses. Additional information (optional) You ma choose to include further statements where relevant about.. SORP re,erence Para 1.38 None given Policy on grant making. None Given Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment. We recognise that parents and carers are a child's first and most influential educators, and we place great importance on developing strong, collaborative partnerships with families. Parents are actively encouraged to contribute to their child's learning and development through shared learning journeys. where they can record achievements, milestones. and experiences from home. These valuable contributions help staff gain a more holistic understanding of each child and ensure that learning is meaningful, personalised, and builds on children's interests and experiences. Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers. Throughout the year, parents and carers are invited lo attend a variety of stay-and-play sessions, celebrations, and special events within the setting. This year we have successfully hosted themed play-8nd-5tay sessions for Halloween, Christmas. Easter. VE Day, and a Pirate Day. These events provide opportunities for parents lo engage directly in their children's learning, observe how they learn through play, and strenglhen relationships wilh staff and other families. As a result. they contribute significantly lo building a strong sense of community and belonging within the setting. We value the views and opinions of our families and actively seek their feedback through face-tcFface meetings, parent consultations, questionnaires, and surveys throughout the year. Parents, contributions help to shape our provision, inform future developments. and ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our children and families effectively. The strength of our parent partnerships was particularly evident during our recent Ofsted inspection. Parents and carers spent over an hour speaking with the inspector. sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback about the quality of care, education, and support provided by the setting. In addition, many parents took the time to submit written emails and testimonials for the inspector to review. Their comments highlighted the positive impact the setting has on their children and families and reflected the trusting. respectful relationships that have been developed over time. We believe that when parents and practitioners work together, children benefit from greater consistency. enhanced learning opportunities, and improved outcomes. The ongoing contributions made by parents are therefore fundamental lo the success of the setting and play a vital role in helping children Ihrive both within the setting and beyond. Other Achievements and Performance SORP ref8ience The setting serves a community with higher levels of deprivation, wilh approximately 45Q/o of housing within the village being social housing. We recognise the importance of providing enriching experiences that help all children develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity's work has made to the circumstances of ils beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. Para 1.20 Over the past year, we have made significant investments in our outdoor learning environment to ensure that every child has regular access to high- quality outdoor experiences and opportunities to engage with the natural world. Children are encouraged to explore, investigate, and develop a deeper understanding of their environment through activities such as caring for animals, water play, messy and mud kitchen play, and a wide range of physical activities including football, climbing, jumping, running, and other gross motor skill experiences. These opportunities support children's physical development, curiosity, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Throughout the year, we have actively involved parents and carers in the life of the setting through a variety of open days and community events. These opportunities help to strengthen relationships between families, encourage friendships, and foster a slrong sense of community. By bringing families together, we enhance children's cultural capital and help them develop a greater understanding of the world around them. Parents consistently provide positive feedback about these events, commenting on how valuable it is to see first-hand how their children learn, explore, and develop through play-based experiences supported by skilled practitioners. To further strengthen partnerships with parents, we maintain a secure, closed Facebook page for families currently attending the setting. This platform enables parents to view photographs and updates aboul activilies their children have participated in and Ihe learning opportunities available within the setting. Sharing these experiences helps parents engage in meaningful conversations with their children about their day and supports continuity beiween home and the setting. We are committed to ensuring that all children, including those with additional needs, receive the support they require lo thrive. To support families further, we have established a lending library of specialist resources and equipment that can be borrowed for use within the home environment. Families have expressed significant appreciation for this initiative, reporting that it helps them meet their children's individual needs more effectively and promotes consistency in support across home and setting. In our ongoing commitment to inclusion, staff have undertaken training in basic Brilish Sign Language (BSL) and have embedded simple signs into daily practice. Children are learning and using signs such as "good morning" "welcome "everyone" and "sorry. as part of everyday interactions. This approach supports communication for all children and is particularly beneficial for non-verbal children and those with speech, language, and communication needs, helping to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment. Additional information loptionall You ma choose lo include further statements where relevant about.. During the year, the pre-school has made strong progress against the objectives set by the Trustees. Key achievements include maintaining our Achievements against obieclives set. Para 1.41 hlgh-quality provision, evidenced by receiving our third conseculive Outstanding judgement from Ofsled in April 2025. We have continued to invest in our learning environments, particularly the outdoor area, to provide children wilh a wider range of enriching experiences that support their development and wellbeing. We have strengthened partnerships with parents and carers through regular stay-and-play sessions, consultations, and community events, helping lo build a slrong sense of belonging within the setting. We have also enhanced our support for children wilh additional needs through the introduction of a home lending library and staff training in British Sign Language (BSL), promoting greater inclusion and accessibility. The pre-school has continued to provide affordable, high-quality early years education for local families, ensuring that funding can be accessed flexibly across our opening hours. These achievements reflect our commitment to supporting children, families, and the wider village community while continually improving the quality of our provision. No fundraising has taken place in this year. Perfomance offundraising activities against objectives set. Para 1.41 Not applicable 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 The Trustees have conlinued to monitor the pre-school's financial position throughoul the year and are satisfied that the setting remains financially stable and sustainable. Regular reviews of incorne. expencliture. and budget forecasts have been undertaken to ensure effective financial management and responsible use of resources. Despite the ongoing challenges faced within the early years sector, Ihe pre- school remains in a healthy financial position with no concems regarding its future financial security. Careful budgeting and prudent financial planning have enabled the setting to maintain high-quality provision, invest in resources and improvements, and continue to meet the needs of children and families within the community. The Trustees will continue to closely monitor the financial performance of the charity to ensure its long-temi sustainability and its ability to deliver high-quality early years education and care for future generations. Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held Para 1.22 The pre-school maintains an appropriate level of financial reseNes to ensure the continued stability and sustainability of the setting. These reserves are held to cover essential repairs and maintenance. potential staffing costs such as redundancies. and any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies that may arise. Maintaining these reserves enables the Trustees to manage financial risks responsibly and ensures that the setting can continue to provide high-quality care and education for children without disru tion. £8.989.29 Not applicable Number of reserves held Reasons for holding zero reserves Details of fund materially in deficit Explanation of any uncertainties about the Pafa 1.22 Para 1.22 Para 1.24 Not applicable Para 1.23 Not applicable charity continuing as 8 oin concern Additlonal Informatlon loptlonall You ma choose to inclLide further statements where relevant about.. The pre-school's principal Source of income 15 funding received from the Local Authority through the Governmenl's early years funding Schemes. This includ85 funding for eligible Iwo-year-old children, the universal 15-hour enlillemenl, and the working parent funding enlitlemenl, including tho 30-hour childcare offer. These funding streams enable the setting lo provide accessible, high-qualily early years education and care for children within the local community while supporting families lo access affordable childcare. Not Applicable The charity's principal sources of funds (including any fundraislngl Poro 1.47 Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted. P8ro 1.4fj The principal risks facing the pre-school relate to fluctuations in child attendance numbers and changes to Government early years funding arrangements. As most the setting's income is derived from Local Authority funding for funded childcare places, a significant reduction in the number of children attending the setting or any reduction, delay, or withdrawal of funding could have an adverse impact on the charity's financial position. A description of the principal rlsks facing the charity P8ra 1.46 The Trustees regularly monitor occupancy levels. funding announcements, and financial forecasts to identify potential risks at an early stage. The setting maintains financial reserves to help mitigate the impact of unforeseen circumstances and to ensure continuity of service should income levels fluctuate. In addition, the Trustees actively promote the setting within the local community, maintain strong relationships with families and feeder schools, and continually review the quality of provision to ensure the pre-school remains an attractive choice for local families. Other risks include increasing operational costs, recruitment and retention challenges within the early years sector, and unexpected maintenance or repair costs. These risks are reviewed regularly by the Trustees, who take appropriate action to minimise their impact and safeguard the long-temi sustainability of the charity. Other Structure, Governance and Management Description of chanty. trusts.. Type of goveming document Para 1.25 Constitution How is the charity constituted? Para 1.25 associalion Joraled 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 PaFa 1.25 Commillee mernbers and Trustees are appoinled through election at the Annual General Meeling (AGMI. Elections are open lo parents and carers of children attending the setting. alongside existing committee members, ensuring that the governance of the pre-school remains ¢ommunity-focused and representative of the families it serves. Additional information (optional) You ma choose to include further slalements where relevant about- An induction pack, provided by the Local Authority, is given to all new Tnjslees and committee members. The pack contains key fomis. policies. procedures. and guldance to support them in their rol8. Policies and procedu￿$ adopted for the induction and training of trustees. Parn 1.51 The pre-school operates within a framework of statutory requirements, regulations, and contractual obligations. The setting is govemed by and complies with: The charily's organisational slruclure and any wider nelwork with which the charity works. Pwa 1.51 The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework. Requirements and regulations set by Ofsted as the registered regulatory body. Guidance and requirements issued by the Local Authority. The terms and conditions of the lease agreement for the property. Fire safety, health and safety, and safeguarding legislation and regulations. The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. Appropriate insurance policies to ensure the protection of children, staff. volunteers, Trustees. and the organisation. The Trustees regularly review policies, procedures, and practice lo ensure continued compliance with all relevant leglslation, regulations, and guidance. Relationship with any related parlies P8ra 1.51 Other Reference and Administrative details Chari name Other name the charit uses istered charit number Charity's principal address Stewartb Pre-school 1038144 Stewartby Pre-school Park Crescent Slewartby Bedford MK439NN Names of the charlty truslees who manage the charlty D•t•• act•d 11 not for whole •ar Trustee nam• Office Ilf Jnyl Narn• ol p•rson lor body) •ntitl•d toa olnt tru$t•8 IlJn Emma Robinson Chairperson Bryn Goodger James Brislow Secretary Heidi Goligher Tina brill Treasurer 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Cor orate trustees - names of the directors at the date the re ortwasa roved. Director name Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity Trnstee name Dates acted if not for whole 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 beh81f the a55els are held and how this fall within the custodian charity's objects. Delails of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity's own assets Additional Informatlon (optlonal) Names and addresses of advlsers Ioptlonal Informatlonl Type of Name Address advlser Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional InformatSon) Exemptions from disclosure ersonnel details Reason for non-disclosur8 of ke Other o tional information Declarations The trustees declare thal they have approved the trusteès, report above. Slgned on behalf of the charity's trustees Signature(s) £. QolJiThSo Full name(s) Posltlon (eg Secretary, Chair, etc> Date Emma Robinson Heidi Goligher Chairperson 2810512026 %lewarthy p￿-SL￿(￿l H¢Kiitertd Lhnlily number. 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