## **Chair's Report**
## **Introduction**
St Mary's Nursery has continued to go from strength to strength throughout 2025/2026. The nursery remains focused on providing a caring, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, develop and thrive. This success is only possible because of the dedication of our staff team, the support of our families, and the commitment shown by our trustees and wider community.
The nursery has continued to enjoy strong levels of demand for places during the year, and it is encouraging to see so many local families choosing St Mary's for their children's early years education. We are still committed to investing in the nursery environment and resources to ensure children receive the absolute best start to their educational journey.
Fundraising activities have once again been well supported by parents, families, staff and members of the local community. These efforts have enabled us to make further investments in resources and equipment that directly benefit the children.
## **Staff**
Our dedicated staff team, led by Nursery Manager Laura Rudrum, continues to provide exceptional care and education for every child attending the nursery. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment create a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued and supported.
The positive feedback we continue to receive from families reflects the hard work and care shown by all members of the team on a daily basis. The trustees are extremely grateful for everything they do and the difference they make to the lives of the children and families who attend the nursery.
Training and professional development remain a key focus, ensuring staff have opportunities to continue developing their skills and knowledge. This ongoing investment helps maintain the high standards of care and education that St Mary's Nursery is known for.
On behalf of the trustees, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Laura and the entire staff team for their continued hard work, dedication and commitment throughout the year.
## **Trustee Board**
The Board of Trustees continues to provide oversight and strategic direction for the nursery. Trustees meet regularly throughout the year to review performance, discuss priorities and support the Nursery Manager in ensuring the charity operates effectively and sustainably.
The board remains committed to maintaining strong governance and robust financial controls. Regular financial reviews and clear decision-making processes help ensure that resources are used appropriately and in the best interests of the children and the charity.
As always, the trustees volunteer their time alongside their own personal and professional commitments, and I would like to thank each of them for their continued support and contribution during the year.
## **Financial Results**
The nursery delivered another strong financial performance during 2025. Total income increased to approximately **£120,000** , compared with **£101,000** in the previous year, reflecting continued demand for nursery places and stable funding streams.
The nursery recorded a surplus of approximately **£14,300** during the year, a significant improvement on the previous year's deficit of approximately **£5,100** . Fund balance increased from £21,200 to £35,500 by year end, strengthening the nursery's financial position and providing a solid foundation for future investment.
These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our financial management, the continued support of our families and the hard work of the staff team. The trustees remain committed to maintaining a sustainable financial position while continuing to invest in the nursery's facilities, equipment and learning environment.
## **Fundraising and Investment**
Fundraising remains an important part of supporting the nursery and helping bridge the gap between funding received and the true cost of providing high-quality early years education.
During 2025/2026 we were delighted to run and support several successful fundraising initiatives, including:
- A quiz night;
- Participation in the Albrighton Fayre;
- The annual Spooky Walk
These events were well supported and provided valuable opportunities to bring together families, staff and members of the local community while raising additional funds for the nursery.
The funds raised, enabled the nursery to invest in several important improvements during the year, including but not limited to:
- A new gazebo to enhance outdoor learning and play opportunities
- New iPads to support children's learning and staff administration
- New toys and play kitchen
These additions will continue to benefit the nursery and help create an engaging and enriching environment for the children.
## **Conclusion**
I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who contributes to the success of St Mary's Nursery. The dedication of our staff, the commitment of our trustees, the support of our families and the generosity of our local community all play an important part in helping the nursery thrive.
The strong financial performance during 2025, combined with continued investment in facilities and resources, leaves the nursery in a positive position for the future. We look forward to
building on this success in the years ahead and continuing to provide outstanding early years education for the children and families of Albrighton.
## **Faye Willies**
Chair
St Mary's Nursery Group (Albrighton)
ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON) Registered Charity 1088584
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS year ended 31ST DECEMBER 2025
ST MARY’S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON) ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO 31ST DECEMBER 2024
Organisation
St Mary’s Nursery Group (Albrighton) is governed in accordance with the Pre-School Learning Alliance Pre-School Constitution (2011), adopted on 17th November 2015 and is a registered charity (Number 1088584). The charity's address is: The Bungalow, St Mary's C E Primary School, Shaw Lane, Albrighton, Wolverhampton WV7 3DS.
The Charity Trustees appointed by the Annual General Meeting held on 15th July 2025 were Faye Willies (Chair), Lauren Littleton (Secretary & Nominated Person), Rebecca Cooper (Treasurer), Kara Goodfellow and Nicola Summers. Millie Edwards was appointed as a trustee on 19th February 2026
Charity/ Management Trustees are appointed at General Meetings, unless co-opted.
Jonathan Nelson served as Custodian Trustees throughout the year.
Mrs Laura Rudrum continues in her role as manager.
The setting's latest Ofsted assessment is "Good".
Aim
The aim of the Group continued to be the provision of excellent pre-school education.
Advisers
Accountants: Miss J S Slater FCA (independent examiner) Solicitors: Ellipse HR Ltd
Finances
The charity is dependent on fee income, mostly in the form of local authority funding, for nursery places.
The Charity Trustees agreed to hold the Annual General Meeting on 16th July 2026 when these accounts will be presented.
The charity banks with TSB Bank Plc.
The attached financial statements show the state of the charity’s finances at the end of the year.
On behalf of the Trustees
Faye Willies
Chair 14th July 2026
- 1 -
## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON) ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st December 2025 set out on pages 3 - 6.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
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 that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act and to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, 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 Commission. 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 audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- (a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:-
(i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- (ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements set out in the
- Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
have not been met; or
- (b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
J. S. Slater Chartered Accountant
28 Bradford Street Shifnal TF11 8AU
14th July 2026
- 2 -
## ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON)
## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
|Income
Donations (none specific)
School fees
Shropshire County Council
Other
Fundraising
Interest received
Total income
Direct charitable expenditure
Provision of nursery schooling
Rent and rates
Insurance
Light, heat and water
Teaching wages and ancillary costs
Activities and meals
Telephone and broadband
Stationery and postage
Advertising and website
Repairs
Cleaning
Sundries
Depreciation and loss on scrapping
Buildings insurance
Amortisation of play area, kitchen and fencing
Accountancy
Total expenditure
Net surplus/(deficit) for the year
Fund balance brought forward
Fund balance carried forward|Note
2025
2024
£
£
80
315
92,730
83,133
25,566
15,914
1,441
1,385
175
164
-------
-------
119,992
100,911
-------
-------
2
1,000
1,000
793
740
1,927
2,147
2
82,816
83,284
10,603
9,876
762
684
344
864
540 240
1,140
1,924
2
1,211
1,365
1,174
1,200
1
2,122
1,492
-
-
644
644
600
600
-------
-------
105,676
106,060
-------
-------
14,316
( 5,149)
21,209
26,358
-------
-------
35,525
21,209
-------
-------|
|---|---|
- 3 -
## ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON)
## BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2025
|Tangible assets
Property refurbishment
Equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Current assets
Debtors and prepaid expenditure
Cash at bank
Creditors - amounts falling due within one year
Creditors
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Represented by:-
General purpose fund
Repairs fund
EYPP and DLA funds|Note
2025
2024
£
£
3
2,457
3,101
3
8,148
8,568
1
1
------
------
10,606
11,670
------
------
1,082
1,194
36,628
27,251
------
------
37,710
28,445
4
10,291
15,633
------
------
27,419
12,812
------ ------
38,025
24,482
------
------
35,525
21,209
5 2,500
2,500
6
-
773
------
------
38,025
24,482
------
------|
|---|---|
For and on behalf of the trustees Faye Willies 14th July 2026
- 4 -
ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
## 1. Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention and the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting by Charities.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on the cost of tangible assets in order to write off those assets over their anticipated lives. The rates used are as follows:-
Property - 10 years Equipment - 10 years
2. Expenditure on nursery schooling
Rent and rates
The school premises are held on a twelve year lease from Shropshire Council commencing in 2011. The group has been granted exemption from rates.
Employees remuneration
There were an average of 7 part-time teaching staff employed – during the year (2024 an average of 7 part time).
Costs in respect of these employees:-
||2025|2024|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|Wages and salaries|78,625|79,948|
|Social security cost|-|-|
|Pension cost|2,211|2,224|
||------|------|
||80,836|82,172|
||------|------|
Remuneration of £493.00 was paid to a trustee for teaching services (2024 - £1,088). No other renumeration was paid or payable either directly or indirectly to any trustee or person known to be connected with any of the them (2024 - Nil).
No reimbursement of expenses has been made or is due to be made to any of the trustees in respect of the year.
- 5 -
## ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON)
## NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025 (continued)
|3.
|Tangible assets
Cost
At 1st January 2025
Additions
Disposals
Donation
Grant
Depreciation
At 1st January 2025
Charge for the year
Disposals
Net book value
At 31st December 2025
At 31st December 2024|Property
Refurbishment
£
19,307
-
-
-
-
------
19,307
------
16,206
644
-
------
16,850
------
2,457
------
3,101
------
|Equipment
Total
£
£
21,849
41,156
1,823
1,823
( 3,200) ( 3,200)
( 121)
( 121)
-
-
------
------
20,351
39,658
------
------
13,281
29,487
1,446
2,090
( 2,524)
( 2,524)
------
------
12,203
29,053
------
------
8,148
10,605
------
------
8,568
11,669
------
------|
|---|---|---|---|
Additions are stated at cost or at valuation where gifted.
## 4. Creditors - amounts falling due within one year
Creditors include £6,320 received in the year from Shropshire County Council relating to the year ending 31st December 2026 (2024 - £12,835).
## 5. Repairs fund
No transfer was made to the fund in 2025 (2024 - Nil).
## 6. EYPP and DLA funds
- There are no funds in hand at 31st December 2025. (2024 £773.00).
- 6 -
ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON) Registered Charity 1088584
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS year ended 31ST DECEMBER 2025
ST MARY’S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON) ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO 31ST DECEMBER 2024
Organisation
St Mary’s Nursery Group (Albrighton) is governed in accordance with the Pre-School Learning Alliance Pre-School Constitution (2011), adopted on 17th November 2015 and is a registered charity (Number 1088584). The charity's address is: The Bungalow, St Mary's C E Primary School, Shaw Lane, Albrighton, Wolverhampton WV7 3DS.
The Charity Trustees appointed by the Annual General Meeting held on 15th July 2025 were Faye Willies (Chair), Lauren Littleton (Secretary & Nominated Person), Rebecca Cooper (Treasurer), Kara Goodfellow and Nicola Summers. Millie Edwards was appointed as a trustee on 19th February 2026
Charity/ Management Trustees are appointed at General Meetings, unless co-opted.
Jonathan Nelson served as Custodian Trustees throughout the year.
Mrs Laura Rudrum continues in her role as manager.
The setting's latest Ofsted assessment is "Good".
Aim
The aim of the Group continued to be the provision of excellent pre-school education.
Advisers
Accountants: Miss J S Slater FCA (independent examiner) Solicitors: Ellipse HR Ltd
Finances
The charity is dependent on fee income, mostly in the form of local authority funding, for nursery places.
The Charity Trustees agreed to hold the Annual General Meeting on 16th July 2026 when these accounts will be presented.
The charity banks with TSB Bank Plc.
The attached financial statements show the state of the charity’s finances at the end of the year.
On behalf of the Trustees
Faye Willies
Chair 14th July 2026
- 1 -
## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON) ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st December 2025 set out on pages 3 - 6.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
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 that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act and to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, 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 Commission. 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 audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- (a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:-
(i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- (ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements set out in the
- Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
have not been met; or
- (b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
J. S. Slater Chartered Accountant
28 Bradford Street Shifnal TF11 8AU
14th July 2026
- 2 -
## ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON)
## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
|Income
Donations (none specific)
School fees
Shropshire County Council
Other
Fundraising
Interest received
Total income
Direct charitable expenditure
Provision of nursery schooling
Rent and rates
Insurance
Light, heat and water
Teaching wages and ancillary costs
Activities and meals
Telephone and broadband
Stationery and postage
Advertising and website
Repairs
Cleaning
Sundries
Depreciation and loss on scrapping
Buildings insurance
Amortisation of play area, kitchen and fencing
Accountancy
Total expenditure
Net surplus/(deficit) for the year
Fund balance brought forward
Fund balance carried forward|Note
2025
2024
£
£
80
315
92,730
83,133
25,566
15,914
1,441
1,385
175
164
-------
-------
119,992
100,911
-------
-------
2
1,000
1,000
793
740
1,927
2,147
2
82,816
83,284
10,603
9,876
762
684
344
864
540 240
1,140
1,924
2
1,211
1,365
1,174
1,200
1
2,122
1,492
-
-
644
644
600
600
-------
-------
105,676
106,060
-------
-------
14,316
( 5,149)
21,209
26,358
-------
-------
35,525
21,209
-------
-------|
|---|---|
- 3 -
## ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON)
## BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2025
|Tangible assets
Property refurbishment
Equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Current assets
Debtors and prepaid expenditure
Cash at bank
Creditors - amounts falling due within one year
Creditors
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Represented by:-
General purpose fund
Repairs fund
EYPP and DLA funds|Note
2025
2024
£
£
3
2,457
3,101
3
8,148
8,568
1
1
------
------
10,606
11,670
------
------
1,082
1,194
36,628
27,251
------
------
37,710
28,445
4
10,291
15,633
------
------
27,419
12,812
------ ------
38,025
24,482
------
------
35,525
21,209
5 2,500
2,500
6
-
773
------
------
38,025
24,482
------
------|
|---|---|
For and on behalf of the trustees Faye Willies 14th July 2026
- 4 -
ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
## 1. Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention and the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting by Charities.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on the cost of tangible assets in order to write off those assets over their anticipated lives. The rates used are as follows:-
Property - 10 years Equipment - 10 years
2. Expenditure on nursery schooling
Rent and rates
The school premises are held on a twelve year lease from Shropshire Council commencing in 2011. The group has been granted exemption from rates.
Employees remuneration
There were an average of 7 part-time teaching staff employed – during the year (2024 an average of 7 part time).
Costs in respect of these employees:-
||2025|2024|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|Wages and salaries|78,625|79,948|
|Social security cost|-|-|
|Pension cost|2,211|2,224|
||------|------|
||80,836|82,172|
||------|------|
Remuneration of £493.00 was paid to a trustee for teaching services (2024 - £1,088). No other renumeration was paid or payable either directly or indirectly to any trustee or person known to be connected with any of the them (2024 - Nil).
No reimbursement of expenses has been made or is due to be made to any of the trustees in respect of the year.
- 5 -
## ST MARY'S NURSERY GROUP (ALBRIGHTON)
## NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025 (continued)
|3.
|Tangible assets
Cost
At 1st January 2025
Additions
Disposals
Donation
Grant
Depreciation
At 1st January 2025
Charge for the year
Disposals
Net book value
At 31st December 2025
At 31st December 2024|Property
Refurbishment
£
19,307
-
-
-
-
------
19,307
------
16,206
644
-
------
16,850
------
2,457
------
3,101
------
|Equipment
Total
£
£
21,849
41,156
1,823
1,823
( 3,200) ( 3,200)
( 121)
( 121)
-
-
------
------
20,351
39,658
------
------
13,281
29,487
1,446
2,090
( 2,524)
( 2,524)
------
------
12,203
29,053
------
------
8,148
10,605
------
------
8,568
11,669
------
------|
|---|---|---|---|
Additions are stated at cost or at valuation where gifted.
## 4. Creditors - amounts falling due within one year
Creditors include £6,320 received in the year from Shropshire County Council relating to the year ending 31st December 2026 (2024 - £12,835).
## 5. Repairs fund
No transfer was made to the fund in 2025 (2024 - Nil).
## 6. EYPP and DLA funds
- There are no funds in hand at 31st December 2025. (2024 £773.00).
- 6 -