**10[th] September 2025** ## **Upton St Leonards Playgroup & Preschool** ## **Treasurers Report** The setting has had another positive financial year in 2024/25, reporting a gross profit of £133k, an increase of £8k compared to 2023/24. However, significant investment was made in landscaping and maintenance during the year, with total costs of £46k. After accounting for these works, the setting reported an overall loss of £38k at year end. Excluding these one-off costs, the underlying financial performance remains in line with the previous year. ## **Expenditure** Total expenditure in 2024/25 was £172k, up from £116k in the previous year. Key investments included: - £41k spent with LPS Landscaping Solutions - £5.6k spent with Educational Play Environments These works delivered improvements such as: - A new trim trail - A digging pit - Installation of outdoor barriers The setting also continued to invest in enrichment activities from external providers, including _Robot Reg Phonics_ and _Croc n Roll_ music sessions. Families made voluntary contributions towards Forest School sessions, with the remainder funded by the setting. Given the substantial investment in outdoor space, it is proposed that the setting funds training and resources for nominated staff in 2025/26 to deliver Forest School provision in-house. ## **Income** Overall income increased to £162k (from £147k in 2023/24), largely due to: - A rise in the number of children attending - Changes to government funding - A modest uplift in the local authority hourly funding rate - A fee increase to £6.75 per hour, the first in over five years, and still aligned with local providers The expansion of the _Free Childcare for Working Parents Scheme_ resulted in a significant rise in funded places. In 2024/25, the setting received £29k more in funded income than the previous year and an additional £15k in fee income. ## **Staffing and Operational Costs** Increases in the National Living Wage and National Insurance contributions contributed to a £14k rise in staff costs. Management wages were also uplifted in line with NLW growth. There was no staff turnover during the year, but a new zero-hours contract was issued to support absence cover and busier periods alongside the individual’s further education commitments. Rent increased by only £1k, with Village Hall trustees applying a minimal uplift, as utility costs remained manageable. ## **Cash Position and Reserves** At the point of preparing the accounts, the setting held £54k in cash, including £35k in reserves. ## **Fundraising** As in 2023/24, fundraising activities were intentionally reduced due to ongoing financial stability. Approximately £1k was raised through two sponsored events and a community Halloween disco. For 2025/26, it is proposed that a fundraising schedule is developed in collaboration with a parent/carer fundraising group, recognising the ongoing challenges in recruiting additional committee members. ## **Outlook for 2025/26** The setting enters the 2025/26 financial year in a strong position and continues to work towards maintaining a £25k contingency. Planned works for the year include replacing the patio and awning to create an improved all-weather outdoor space. Trustees and management will continue to liaise with the Village Hall trustees regarding cost-sharing arrangements in line with tenancy responsibilities and building maintenance obligations CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees Ctr.3rity Na',nc Upton St Leonards Playgroup On accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025 Charity no (if any) 1053965 Set out on pages Iremerryber lo Inc,Jde the Dase nJmbers of additional sheets I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 3110312024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charrties 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 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confinn that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below ") which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the fomi and content of 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 concems 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. Please delete the words in the brackets rf they do not apply. Signed: Date: 2611012025 Name: Laura Pitt Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): FCCA Address: Brothertons Accountants. Commercial House, 2 Abbeymead Avenue, IER Oct 2018 GIOU￿Ster. GL4 SUA Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charty accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018 Upton St Leonards Playgroup Unaudited Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2025 Brothertons Accountants Ltd Commercial House, 2 Abbeymead Avenue. GLOUCESTER, Gloucestershire, GL4 5UA, United Kingdom Upton St Leonards Playgroup Report to the proprietor on the preparation of the unaudited accounts of Upton St Leonards Playgroup Year ended 31 March 2025 In accordance with your instructions, I have compiW the accounls on Ihe following pages from the accounting records and from information and explanations supplied to me. I have not carried out an audit or any other review, and consequenlly I do not, Iherefore, express any opinion on the accounts. Brothertons Accountants Lld Commerciaj House 2 Abbeymead Avenue GLOUCESTER Gloucestershire GL4 SUA Uniled Kingdom Date: 26 October 2025 Upton St Leonards Playgroup Profit and Loss Account Year ended 31 March 2025 2025 Note Turnover 162,169 147,276 22,120 Cost of sales 28,857 Gross profit Expenditure Premises costs 133,312 125.156 14,387 12.684 Staff costs 115.397 101.921 Off ice costs 437 Legaj and professional Repairs and maintenance General expenses Finance Charges 234 40,556 1,041 1361) 171 ,691 115,617