BETCHWORTH AND BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2024
1
BETCHWORTH AND BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY
SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION
Charity Number 1059883 Trustees: M. Fisher (Chair) A. Hedges A. Adams A. Forrest P. Teague A. Laidler
Bankers: HSBC plc 67 West Street Dorking Surrey RH4 1BW
Accountants: Reaveley Cooper Ltd The Atrium Business Centre Curtis Road Dorking Surrey RH4 1XA
Principal Address: The Betchworth and Buckland Children’s Nursery The Street Betchworth Surrey RH3 7DJ
2
BETCHWORTH AND BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
The Trustees present their Report and the accounts for the year ended 31[st] August 2024
Governing Document
The Nursery was governed by a trust deed dated 22[nd] September 1992. It was registered as a charity in 1996.
Trustees
Trustees are recruited on the basis of the skills required to administer the Nursery. Careful consideration is given to the appointment of Trustees so that all key areas of responsibility are adequately covered. Trustees are elected in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution. L. Newman retired from the board during that year, and A. Laidler was appointed Treasurer.
Objects
The object of the Nursery is to provide education for preschool-aged children and to serve as a potential recruiting area for North Downs Primary School. The Nursery is affiliated to the Early Years Alliance and is responsible to Ofsted.
Aims
The Nursery aims to provide an appropriate nursery experience for children up to 5 years old prior to entry into mainstream school.
Objectives and Significant Activities
The objective of the Nursery is to provide a high-quality pre-school experience for the children of Betchworth and Buckland, catering to all aspects of their diverse needs as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework.
We endeavour to provide a stimulating environment with opportunities that develop our children’s capabilities, competencies, and skills and where each individual can reach their potential. The last Ofsted inspection was in October 2018, and we received a ‘Good’ judgement. We continue to provide a highquality experience for the children in our care, ensuring that they leave us as confident and active learners. We are confident that we offer exciting, well-resourced learning environments both in the nursery classroom and outside.
The Nursery is open on Mondays and Fridays from 09:15 to 13:15 and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 09:15 to 14:45 for 38 weeks per year. The oldest children are invited to participate in a programme of more formal afternoon activities in the Summer Term in preparation for their next step on the ‘education’ ladder. Activities are planned to reflect the requirements of the Foundation Stage Curriculum.
Our local environment serves as a learning resource, and the children’s moral and spiritual education is enhanced through visits to the local Parish Church at significant times of the year. The children often enjoy taking walks and visiting our nearby farm. We enjoy visiting a local residential home for older people, where we join together for music and craft sessions. Children’s progress, development and achievements are recorded in individual records, which are shared with parents. These records are also used as a ‘transition’ tool when children are preparing to leave to join a mainstream school. The Nursery employs a team of qualified, experienced staff.
3
BETCHWORTH AND BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued)
BETCHWORTH & BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY
Annual General Meeting 2024
Chairperson’s Report
The Nursery experienced another eventful year, marked by several notable highlights. In September, we participated in a fundraiser for The Children’s Trust during Pyjama Week, raising over £130 by wearing pyjamas throughout the week. In October, we visited the church to deliver donations for the food bank.
November saw us engaging in Nursery Rhyme Week, during which we hosted a stay-and-play event for families, allowing them to spend quality time at the nursery with their children.
December was dedicated to Christmas celebrations, including a Robot Reg party for the children, who were thrilled to throw snowballs at the teachers. Additionally, we held our nativity singing at the church. In March, we celebrated World Book Day with another pyjama day, sharing our favourite bedtime stories. April was a month of professional development as Laura and Katrina participated in training to enhance the communication and attention skills of our preschoolers. The Early Talk Boost program was well-received by a group of enthusiastic children who eagerly participated in three Tizzy Time sessions each week.
July was particularly busy. We engaged in a cooking activity, making ice lollies. We also welcomed a new member to our team, as Katrina gave birth to Arthur in October 2024, and we have enjoyed his visits to the
nursery.
The final week of the term was exceptionally eventful. We hosted a leavers' party on Monday, with parents attending the certificate-giving ceremony for the first time. At the request of some school leavers, we held another pyjama day on Wednesday.
The term concluded with a family trip to Priory Farm, where we enjoyed lovely weather and the opportunity to explore and create lasting memories. The tractor rides were a particular highlight, bringing a wonderful year to a close.
Thank you to all Nursery staff and the Nursery committee who put their all into making every day count at BBCN. Laura and her dedicated team provide the children with a rich and generous environment where the children feel nurtured and supported to develop as unique individuals, learning to be independent, creative thinking, problem solvers who know how to take risks and learn from their mistakes.
Marnie Fisher Chair of the Management Committee
4
BETCHWORTH AND BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued)
Financial Activities
During the year, most of the income received was from fees and early years funding . The early years' funding was £95,640, which is 66% higher, representing a £38,011 increase over the previous year (2023: £57,629). Fees received were £26,866, a reduction of 36%, being £15,170 down on the last year (2023 £42,036). Expenditure was also increased, however, the major variable cost of staff wages was up by just under 10% giving a surplus of £16,801, in addition to this, interest received of £1,805 gave a final surplus of £18,606 (2023 £2,765) which when added to the surplus brought forward, gives a surplus of £102,792 to carry forward (2023 £84,186).
Reserves Policy
The Trustees aim to maintain sufficient free reserves to cover at least three months of normal expenditure. Additionally, they hope to build up reserves so as to be able to pay for any additional staff costs should these be necessary.
Risk Management
The Trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and systems have been designed and established to mitigate those risks. The Trustees review this policy annually.
Public Benefit
The Trustees have complied with the Charities Act 2011 to have regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charities Commission.
5
BETCHWORTH AND BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued)
Trustees' Responsibility for the Accounts
We acknowledge as Trustees our responsibility to prepare statements of account for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources for that period. In preparing those financial statements, we are required to:
-
a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
b) observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
c) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
d) state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
d) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
As Trustees we are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity, and to enable us to ensure that the statements of account comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. We are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and, hence, for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
.
Approved by the Trustees on …26[th] March 2025…. and signed on their behalf by:
M. Fisher ……………………………………………………... (Chair of Trustees)
6
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
BETCHWORTH AND BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 August 2024, which are set out on pages 8 to 9.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiners
As the charity’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, you consider that the audit requirement of section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) does not apply and an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
-
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
Follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An 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 any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently, I do not express an opinion as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below..
Independent examiner’s statement
No matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which give me reasonable cause to believe:
-
a) that in any material respect accounting records have not been kept in respect of the Charity in
-
accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
b) that the accounts do not agree with the records; or
-
c) that the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act.
No matters have come to my attention in connection with my examination to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr S Cooper, FCCA Date.......26[th] March 2025............... Reaveley Cooper Ltd The Atrium Business Centre Curtis Road Dorking Surrey RH4 1XA
7
BETCHWORTH AND BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2024
| GENERAL FUND | ||
|---|---|---|
| INCOMING RESOURCES | 2024 | 2023 |
| Early Years Funding | 95,640 | 57,629 |
| Fees | 26,866 | 42,036 |
| Donations | 4 | - |
| Registration fees | 75 | 275 |
| Sales of sweatshirts and photos | 416 | - |
| Sundry income and fundraising | - |
- |
| Bank interest (gross) | 1,805 | 901 |
| ———— | ———— | |
| 124,806 | 100,841 | |
| ———— | ———— | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||
| Direct Charitable Expenditure | ||
| Wages & National Insurance | 72,475 | 66,329 |
| Pension Contributions | 3,873 | 3,287 |
| Staff training and additional labour | 8,016 | 6,127 |
| Rent reserve | 1,500 | 1,440 |
| Rates | 549 | 563 |
| Water rates | 386 | 231 |
| Toys, equipment, & activities | 3,192 | 1,928 |
| Playground discovery area (Maintenance) | 1,760 | 1,723 |
| Purchases of sweatshirts and photos | - | - |
| Catering and domestic supplies | 515 | 1,129 |
| Office supplies, photocopying and paper | 222 | 149 |
| Computer costs | 2,071 | 829 |
| Insurance and Fire protection | 1,781 | 1,770 |
| Light & heat | 2,089 | 2,015 |
| Property maintenance | 3,803 | 7,234 |
| Subscriptions | 314 | 147 |
| Telephone | 941 | 893 |
| Advertising and promotion | 35 | - |
| Accountancy | 2,568 | 2,172 |
| Other professional services | 50 | 50 |
| Bank Charges | 60 | 60 |
| ———— | ———— | |
| £106,200 | £98,076 | |
| ———— | ———— | |
| NET INCOMING RESOURCES | £18,606 | £2,765 |
| TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD |
£84,186 | £81,421 |
| ———— | ———— | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | £102,792 | £84,186 |
| ———— | ———— |
The notes on page 10 form part of these accounts.
8
BETCHWORTH AND BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[st] AUGUST 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Cash at bank: Current account | Cash at bank: Current account | 36,153 | 17,762 | ||
| Deposit account | Deposit account | 94,224 | 92,419 | ||
| Petty Cash balance | - | - | |||
| ———— | ———— | ||||
| 130,377 | 110,181 | ||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||||
| Creditors: | |||||
| PAYE | PAYE | 474 | 460 | ||
| Accruals | 1,096 | 1,020 | |||
| Rent reserve | 26,015 | 24,515 | |||
| | | ||||
| 27,585 | 27,585 | 25,995 | |||
| | | ||||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 102,792 | 84,186 | |||
| | | ||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | £102,792 £84,186 | £102,792 £84,186 | £102,792 £84,186 | ||
| __ | _ | _ | |||
| _ | |||||
| CHARITY FUNDS | |||||
| General fund | £102,792 | £84,186 | |||
| ———— | ———— |
Approved by the trustees on ..........26[th ] March 2025............................... and signed on their behalf by:
M Fisher ......................................... Chair of Trustees
The notes on page 10 form part of these accounts.
9
BETCHWORTH AND BUCKLAND CHILDREN’S NURSERY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
31[st ] AUGUST 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and are in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting by Charities.
Income
Donations and fundraising are accounted for when received by the Nursery.
Grants and nursery fees are also accounted for when received.
2. GIFTS IN KIND
The Charity receives the benefit of work carried out by volunteers, and no value has been placed on this.
10