CHARIIY MM Trustees. Annual Report for the period Period start date Period end date 31 12 2024 2024 From Section A Reference and administration details Charity name Stepping Stones Preschool Other names charity is known by Registered charity number {if any) 1070081 Charity's principal address Stepping Stones Preschool Melbourne Road Blacon Postcode CH1 5JG Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity Dates acted if not for whole ear Trustee name Office {if any) Narne of person lor body) entitled toa oint trustee ifan Linda Jones Chair Sophie Thompson Heather Edwards Janette Trenholm 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Names of the trustees for the charity, if anyg (for example, any custodian trustees) Name Dates acted if not for whole ear TAR March 2012
Section E Financial review Brief statement of the charity's policy on reserves Details of any funds materially in deficit Further financial review details (Optional information) You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about.. the charity's principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)., how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity. investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted. Section F Other optional information Section G Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signature{s) Full name{s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Linda Jones Chair Date 30.9.25 TAR March 2012
Section D Achievements and performance Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year The preschool operates across two sites.. a classroom within the main school building for children aged 34 years, and a modular unit on the school grounds for children aged 2-3 years. Enrolment numbers have steadily increased throughout the year. Our staff remain committed to professional development, ensuring they are up to date with mandatory training and framework requirements. All team members have successfully completed safeguarding training, along with a range of online courses relevant to early years education and the curriculum. This year, we've experienced several staffing changes. A number of tea members have moved on to other Early Years settings, and we are delighted to welcome two new colleagues one already fully qualified at Level 3 and another who is currently working towards achieving her Level 3 qualification. Parent partnerships continue to be a priority. Families were invited to enjoy our preschool nativity in December and to take part in play-and- stay sessions in both age groups. These events were well attended and gave families the opportunity to share in their children's learning and activities. We also worked in collaboration with JH Godwin Primary School to host a literacy morning for preschool parents, offering valuable insight into the skills their children will develop in preparation for starting reception. In July, we held a successful sports day with excellent family participation, creating a lively and celebratory community atmosphere. We have also partnered with an Early Years Worker from Balcon Children's Centre to deliver termly Ready Steady Read sessions for our 2-3-year-olds. These interactive sessions encourage parental involvement in storytelling and related activities, while also providing families with access to additional advice and support if needed. TAR March 2012
The Gommittee operates on a voluntary basis, with all members generously giving their time. Parents are welcome to join at any stage. Special thanks go to Janette Trenholm, Manager of the Pre-school, and to all committee members for their dedication. We are also grateful for the invaluable support and guidance provided by the Early Years Advisory Service. You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about: policy on grantmaking., policy programme related investment., contribution made by volunteers. Section D Achievements and performance TAR March 2012
supportive environment. We are committed to working in partnership with parents and all stakeholders involved in the childcare profession. The Preschool is open Monday to Friday during term time, offering sessional day care in a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2 years up to statutory school age. Children are cared for and supported by a team of highly qualified and dedicated staff, committed to delivering the highest standards of early years education. We actively encourage parental involvement, both in the management of the Preschool and in SLJPPOrting their child's learning and development, within the setting and at home. Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit) The Preschool also provides advice and guidance on a wide range of issues relating to children's development and wellbeing. Opportunities such as literacy open mornings help to foster a love of reading, while stay-and-play sessions encourage parent-child engagement within the setting. Parents meet regularly with their child's key person to review progress and share updates. This partnership approach benefits both children and families, building confidence and deepening understanding of child development. Our setting warmly welcomes all families, regardless of background, ability, gender, faith, or ethnicity. Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information) TAR March 2012
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) e of adviser Name Address Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) Section B Structure, overnance and mana ement Description of the charity's trusts Type of governing document Pre School Alliance constitution How the charity is constituted Trust Trustee selection methods Parents are invited to AGM, trustees are invited to stand and then appointed by election and check procedures. Additional governance issues (Optional information) Stepping Stones Pre school is registered with OFSTED reg No 305344 and is a member of the Pre School Learning Allian. Stepping Stones Pre school offers child care and education to the local community and has been operating for in excess of 30 years. You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about: policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees., the charity's organisational structure and any wider network with which the Gharity works., relationship with any related parties., trustees, consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them. We are registered as Early Years Providers with OFSTED. Our average sessional number of children is approximately 60. The Pre school reviews all current policies and procedures on a regular basis. The review process is ongoing. The Pre school has a Child protection policy in place which includes safer recruitment procedures and statutory requirements. Staff DBS checks are carried out in line with recommended guidance (every 3 years). All committee members give there time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or benefits. The Pre school is led by an enthusiastic, committed and dedicated team of qualified staff. The group is supported by a voluntary management committee made u arents. Section C Ob"ectives and activities The Preschool receives support from the Cheshire West and Chester Early Years team. Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document We maintain strong links with the local primary school on site, ensuring good practice and smooth transitions for children moving from the preschool environment into full-time education. Our aim is to provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible childcare for children a ed2 earsu to statuto school a e, within a safe and TAR March 2012
Stepping Stones of Chester Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 3l.12.24 31.12.23 INCOME Grants Grants including NECJ Funding 233,295 215.007 Other trading activities Fce incomc Milk incomc 11,756 1,090 16,263 1,026 12,846 17,289 Investment income Deposit aCCoLt interest 178 134 Total incoming resourees 246,319 232,430 ExPED[TUXE Other trading aetivities ActivitlLS and materials Wages Consuinables (food) Milk cost CourseslmeetingJs Insurance Uniforni Premise5 cxpenscs Bank loan interesL 13,559 198,022 4.793 1,123 .130 869 220 11,961 47 14,414 189.695 5,034 I,146 871 829 501 5.696 151 231.724 218,337 InvestmeDt management costs Property rcpairs 2,623 2,147 Support costs Finance Administrdlion cxpcnscs Consuliants Other expenses 13,399 1,620 855 12.351 1,400 10,727 15.874 24,478 Total resources expcnded 250,221 244,962 Net expendlture (3,902) {12.532) This page does not fonn Pdrt of the stalutory financial statements Pagell
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1070081
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
for
Stepping Stones of Chester
DJH Wirral & Chester Limited Military House 24 Castle Street Chester Cheshire CH1 2DS
Stepping Stones of Chester
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 2 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 3 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 4 | ||
| Statement of Financial Position | 5 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 6 | to | 10 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 11 |
Stepping Stones of Chester
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The objective of the charity is the provision of childcare.
Public benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aim and objectives, and in planning future activities.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
As at 31 December 2024 there was cash at bank and in hand of £31,936 (2024 - £35,750). During the year there was a net of income/(expenditure) of (£12,666) (2023: £12,532).
Principal funding sources
The principal source of funding is grants. During the year grants totalling £233,295 (2023 £215,007) were received.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1070081
Principal address
J H Godwin CP School Melbourne Road Blacon Chester Cheshire CH1 5JG
Trustees
Mrs L S Jones Ms E Roper Ms L Evans Ms H Edwards Ms S Thompson (appointed 15.4.25)
Independent Examiner
Steven Mark Greensill FCA DJH Wirral & Chester Limited Military House 24 Castle Street Chester Cheshire CH1 2DS
Page 1
Stepping Stones of Chester
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ Mrs L S Jones - Trustee
Page 2
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Stepping Stones of Chester
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Stepping Stones of Chester
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Stepping Stones of Chester (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form 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 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.
Steven Mark Greensill FCA
DJH Wirral & Chester Limited Military House 24 Castle Street Chester Cheshire CH1 2DS
Date: .............................................
Page 3
Stepping Stones of Chester
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Designated fund - Unrestricted Building fund rental Notes £ £ INCOME FROM Grants 233,295 - Other trading activities 2 12,846 - Investment income 3 - 178 Total 246,141 178 EXPENDITURE ON Other trading activities 4 234,347 - Support costs 15,874 - Total 250,221 - NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (4,080) 178 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 16,289 15,462 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 12,209 15,640 |
31.12.24 31.12.23 Total Total funds funds £ £ 233,295 215,007 12,846 17,289 178 134 246,319 232,430 234,347 209,955 15,874 35,007 250,221 244,962 (3,902) (12,532) 31,751 44,283 27,849 31,751 |
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 4
Stepping Stones of Chester
Statement of Financial Position 31 December 2024
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designated | ||||||
| fund - | ||||||
| Unrestricted | Building | Total | Total | |||
| fund | rental | funds | funds | |||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 16,296 | 15,640 | 31,936 | 35,750 | ||
| CREDITORS | ||||||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 8 | (4,087) | - | (4,087) | (3,999) | |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 12,209 | 15,640 | 27,849 | 31,751 | ||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT | ||||||
| LIABILITIES | 12,209 | 15,640 | 27,849 | 31,751 | ||
| NET ASSETS | 12,209 | 15,640 | 27,849 | 31,751 | ||
| FUNDS | 10 | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 27,849 | 31,751 | ||||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 27,849 | 31,751 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. L S Jones - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 5
Stepping Stones of Chester
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the company, rounded to the nearest £1.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
| OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Fee income | 11,756 | 16,263 |
| Milk income | 1,090 | 1,026 |
| 12,846 | 17,289 |
Page 6
continued...
Stepping Stones of Chester
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
| INVESTMENT INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Deposit account interest | 178 | 134 |
| OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES | ||
| Investment management costs | ||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Property repairs | 2,623 | 2,147 |
4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
6. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Support staff | - | 10 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted fund £ INCOME FROM Grants 215,007 Other trading activities 17,289 Investment income - Total 232,296 EXPENDITURE ON Other trading activities 209,955 Support costs 35,007 Total 244,962 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (12,666) |
Designated fund - Building rental £ - - 134 134 - - - 134 |
Total funds £ 215,007 17,289 134 232,430 209,955 35,007 244,962 (12,532) |
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 7
Stepping Stones of Chester
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
| Designated | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fund - | |||||
| Unrestricted | Building | Total | |||
| fund | rental | funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 28,955 | 15,328 | 44,283 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 16,289 | 15,462 | 31,751 | ||
| 8. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 9) | 280 | - | |||
| Taxation and social security | 2,023 | 2,499 | |||
| Other creditors | 1,784 | 1,500 | |||
| 4,087 | 3,999 | ||||
| 9. | LOANS | ||||
| An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below: | |||||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Amounts falling due within one year on demand: | |||||
| Bank overdrafts | 280 | - | |||
| 10. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | ||||
| Net | |||||
| movement | At | ||||
| At 1.1.24 | in funds | 31.12.24 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General fund | 16,289 | (4,080) | 12,209 | ||
| Designated fund - Building rental | 15,462 | 178 | 15,640 | ||
| 31,751 | (3,902) | 27,849 | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 31,751 | (3,902) | 27,849 |
continued...
Page 8
Stepping Stones of Chester
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 246,141 Designated fund - Building rental 178 246,319 TOTAL FUNDS 246,319 Comparatives for movement in funds At 1.1.23 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 28,955 Designated fund - Building rental 15,328 44,283 TOTAL FUNDS 44,283 Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 232,296 Designated fund - Building rental 134 232,430 TOTAL FUNDS 232,430 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (250,221) (4,080) - 178 (250,221) (3,902) (250,221) (3,902) Net movement At in funds 31.12.23 £ £ (12,666) 16,289 134 15,462 (12,532) 31,751 (12,532) 31,751 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (244,962) (12,666) - 134 (244,962) (12,532) (244,962) (12,532) |
|---|---|
continued...
Page 9
Stepping Stones of Chester
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Net | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| movement | At | ||
| At 1.1.23 | in funds | 31.12.24 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 28,955 | (16,746) | 12,209 |
| Designated fund - Building rental | 15,328 | 312 | 15,640 |
| 44,283 | (16,434) | 27,849 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 44,283 | (16,434) | 27,849 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated fund - Building rental TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 478,437 312 478,749 478,749 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (495,183) (16,746) - 312 (495,183) (16,434) (495,183) (16,434) |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (495,183) (16,746) - 312 (495,183) (16,434) (495,183) (16,434) |
|---|---|---|---|
| (16,434) | |||
| (16,434) |
11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Page 10
Stepping Stones of Chester
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 | |||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| INCOME | |||
| Grants | |||
| Grants including NEG Funding | 233,295 | 215,007 | |
| Other trading activities | |||
| Fee income | 11,756 | 16,263 | |
| Milk income | 1,090 | 1,026 | |
| 12,846 | 17,289 | ||
| Investment income | |||
| Deposit account interest | 178 | 134 | |
| Total incoming resources | 246,319 | 232,430 | |
| EXPENDITURE | |||
| Other trading activities | |||
| Activities and materials | 13,559 | 14,414 | |
| Wages | 198,022 | 189,695 | |
| Consumables (food) | 4,793 | 5,034 | |
| Milk cost | 1,123 | 1,146 | |
| Courses/meetings | 1,130 | 871 | |
| Insurance | 869 | 829 | |
| Uniform | 220 | 501 | |
| Premises expenses | 11,961 | 5,696 | |
| Bank loan interest | 47 | 151 | |
| 231,724 | 218,337 | ||
| Investment management costs | |||
| Property repairs | 2,623 | 2,147 | |
| Support costs | |||
| Finance | |||
| Administration expenses | 13,399 | 12,351 | |
| Consultants | 1,620 | 1,400 | |
| Other expenses | 855 | 10,727 | |
| 15,874 | 24,478 | ||
| Total resources expended | 250,221 | 244,962 | |
| Net expenditure | (3,902) | (12,532) |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 11