Registered Charity No: 1045977
BRIGHTER BUNNIES PRE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021
EKW GROUP 1 Pavilion Square Cricketers Way Bolton BL5 3AJ
BRIGHTER BUNNIES PRE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 1 |
| Trustees’ Annual Report | 2-4 |
| Receipts and Payments Account | 5 |
| Statement of Assets | 6 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 7 |
BRIGHTER BUNNIES PRE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRIGHTER BUNNIES PRE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021
I report on the accounts of Brighter Bunnies Pre School Playgroup for the year ended 31 July 2021, which are set out on pages 5-7.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the act”). The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.
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It is my responsibility to:
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Examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act);
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To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145 (5)(b) of the Act; and
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To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An independent examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all evidence that would be required under an audit, and consequently no audit opinion is expressed on the accounts for the year ended 31 July 2021.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination and can confirm that, no material matters have come to my attention which give me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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The accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set 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.
Sara Brassington FCCA 20/05/2022
EKW Group 1 Pavilion Square Cricketers Way
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Bolton
BL5 3AJ ISY L PRE SCHOOL PLAYGRO BRIGHTER BUNNIES PRE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
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.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR & GOING CONCERN
The year ended 31 July 2021 was again a challenging year for the charity due to Covid-19. Its continued impact meant that prospective parents were reluctant to send new children to the pre-school when it reopened in September 2020. The charity had also previously been given notice that its old premises at the church building in Westhoughton was to be closed and therefore it was required to find new premises to operate from. The charity successfully rebranded and relocated in April/May 2021 and changed its name to Brighter Bunnies Pre School Playgroup.
The charity’s new premises have brought some operational concerns in that the rent is much higher than the old premises and it is charged for the full year when previously the charity was only charged for the 38 weeks it was open. Utility costs have also increased considerably in the new financial year and therefore the charity has been incurring a deficit of around £800 a month for a short period of time which has been funded out of existing cash reserves. April 2022 showed a break-even position but the Trustees expect that 2022 will likely show an overall deficit. A significant positive is forecast attendance for September 2022 shows a marked improvement with 18 children a day projected to be attending as opposed to only 6 in September 21. The Trustees are continuing to monitor the funding position closely and are seeking to keep a close control of costs whilst actively looking for ways to increase the charity’s income through grants, donations and fundraising activities.
Despite the issues noted above, the charity recorded another small surplus and cash reserves remained stable thanks to the furlough scheme and higher government and attendance fee income. The Trustees are happy with the 2021 results overall and are satisfied that the charity has access to more than enough funds to continue to operate and fulfil its objectives for at least 12 months from signing the balance sheet.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The YouTube channel set up in March 2020 to keep in touch with parents and to help support them during lockdown now has almost 150 subscribers and 300 videos. The success of the channel has helped the charity to embrace digital marketing and it has now
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developed a strong online presence across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google Business with more than 20 5-star reviews of the pre school. Whilst traditional advertising via leaflets and adverts in community publications has continued to be utilised, the Trustees recognise that digital marketing is now a key way of promoting the charity’s activities moving forward. The Trustees would like to thank the charity’s employees for their help in regard to the digital marketing efforts.
BRIGHTER BUNNIES PRE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
TRUSTEES’ REPORT CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021
The charity held its annual Christmas fundraiser week which once again was well supported. There were many sponsored activities that took place as well as a nativity and a large raffle using donations from parents and local businesses. All in all, the event raised £1,100.
In addition, other fundraising took place in the form of photo commission, weighing in clothes, selling toys and resources from the old church premises prior to the move and a donation from Arnold Clarke. £700 was made from the sale of the old toys and resources and overall, these activities took in £2,500. The cost of manning the above was covered by employees, families, Trustees and parents with the only cash cost being the provision of food and refreshments for the volunteers. The Trustees would like to thank all those who volunteered their time.
For the second year running a staff member was employed using inclusive funding from the local authority for a child with autism and, as part of the charity’s commitment to employee’s personal growth and development, further training courses were run to help strengthen and enhance their skills.
FUNDING AND RESERVES POLICY
The main sources of funding come from attendance fees and from the government which is restricted funds. The charity also continued receive HMRC furlough grant income of £9,494 (2020: £7,726) for payments of furloughed staff wages. The government income and the apprenticeship grants are the only restricted income.
The charity sets a budget each year based on the number of children who are signed up for the sessions beginning in September. These budgets are assessed and monitored at the regular Trustee meetings and any shortfalls in funding identified. Where funding shortfalls are evident, the Trustees endeavour to obtain new sources of funding to bridge the gap.
The charity aims to keep cash reserves equivalent to a minimum of 3 months’ expenditure. The Trustees consider this to be a prudent and adequate policy based on their knowledge of the charity. At the year end, cash balances represented around 2.5 months’ worth of expenditure and therefore the Trustees will be attempting to keep as tight a control on costs as possible whilst also seeking to increase the charity’s incoming resources. All funds in the charity bank account at the year-end were unrestricted and are available for general charitable activities. The reserves policy is monitored on a regular basis to ensure that the charity has enough reserves to continue to operate and fulfil its objectives.
COVID-19
The impact of Covid-19 is not as significant as it was at the end of 2020 and the charity has already made the necessary adjustments in order to mitigate the challenges and changes it presented. The trustees continue to monitor the position with regard to Covid-19 including
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government guidelines in order to keep the children, parents and staff safe whilst on the pre school’s premises.
BRIGHTER BUNNIES PRE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP TRUSTEES’ REPORT CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021
CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNANCE
The Charity is governed in accordance with the Model Pre-school Constitution 2011 adopted by the Pre-school Learning Alliance dated 2 August 2016.
Trustees are personally recruited at the AGM as required and are appointed in accordance with the constitution. The Trustees meet a minimum of 3 times per annum, including at the AGM, to discuss the charity’s day to day performance, deal with any issues and ensure it continues to achieve its stated objectives.
Training for Trustees is available through the Pre-School Alliance and this is reviewed annually to ensure the Trustees’ training needs are met and they have the up-to-date skills and knowledge to fulfil their role.
In setting the Charity’s policy and planning its activities, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.
The accounts have been drawn up on a receipts and payments basis which is consistent with the previous year.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 20/05/2022 and signed on their behalf by:
Debra Parr (Trustee, Chair Person and nominated person for Ofsted)
Trustees Elected:
Bankers:
Mr Christopher David Houghton (Treasurer) Mrs Debbie Crossley (Committee member) Mrs Audrey Ashton (Committee member) Mrs Margaret Johnson (Committee member) Mrs Sandra Simm (Secretary) Ms Debra Parr (Chair & nominated person for Ofsted Lloyds Bank, Westhoughton, Bolton
Charity Registration Number: 1045977 Principal Address: Rear 5 – 7 School Street Westhoughton
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Bolton BL5 2BG
BRIGHTER BUNNIES PRE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021
| 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Un- | Restricte | Total | Total | ||
| restricted | d | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| INCOME RECEIPTS | |||||
| General | Charitable | ||||
| Activities | |||||
| Attendance fees | 11,070 | - | 11,070 | 6,459 | |
| Registration fees | 205 | - | 205 | 330 | |
| Government funding | - | 36,354 | 36,354 | 31,230 | |
| Uniform | 239 | - | 125 | 125 |
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| Football Christmas and leavers parties Photos Mother & baby group Donations Apprenticeship Grant HMRC - CJRS Fundraising Christmas Fayre Other Investment Bank interest received Total Income Receipts EXPENDITURE PAYMENTS Purchases Wages and salaries - Specifc staf funding Pensions Staf training Rent Insurance Repairs PPS, Computer, Telephone Cleaning Travel & subsistence Advertising Accountancy & payroll Sundry Charitable donations Total Expenditure Payments Net Surplus/(Defcit) |
- 555 209 80 369 - 9,494 1,104 2,097 - 25,422 7,203 4,350 - 405 320 6,768 964 999 569 330 139 712 1,260 35 - 24,054 1,368 |
- - - - - 1,157 - - - - 37,511 - 36,354 1,157 - - - - - - - - - - - - 37,511 - |
- 555 209 80 369 1,157 9,494 1,104 2,097 - 62,933 7,203 40,704 1,157 405 320 6,768 964 999 569 330 139 712 1,260 35 - 61,565 1,368 |
533 315 74 296 - 7,726 1,133 3,874 8 52,103 |
533 315 74 296 - 7,726 1,133 3,874 8 52,103 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,295 37,178 1,385 982 594 1,710 619 450 1,192 94 150 255 852 564 60 49,380 |
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| 2,723 |
The notes on page 7 form part of the accounts BRIGHTER BUNNIES PRE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP STATEMENT OF ASSETS AS AT 31 JULY 2021
| 2021 | 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Accumulated fund at 1 August 2020 | Note | 22,939 | 20,216 |
| Surplus/(defcit) of receipts and | 1,368 | 2,723 | |
| payments |
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| Accumulated fund at 31 July 2021 3 REPRESENTED BY: Fixed Assets Debtors – deposit paid for premises Cash and bank balances Total assets at 31 July 2021 |
24,307 9,965 1,650 12,692 24,307 |
22,939 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,965 - 12,974 22,939 |
The notes on page 7 form part of the accounts BRIGHTER BUNNIES PRE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021
- The accounts have been recorded and prepared on the receipts and payments basis.
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For the purpose of presenting these accounts to the Charities Commission, they will be examined by a qualified external accountant who is independent from the Charity and the Trustees.
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The charity’s closing funds at 31 July 2021 are all unrestricted, with all of the incoming restricted income having been spent during the year.
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