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2025-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04102880 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1095582

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

Acorns Early Years Centre

Latham Lambourne Ltd 18 Woodlands Park Bexley Kent DA5 2EL

Acorns Early Years Centre

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Cash Flow Statement 8
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 16
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 17 to 18

Acorns Early Years Centre

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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 company's main activities are to advance the education of children in Bexley, Kent and the surrounding areas by providing safe and satisfying facilities for play; and to provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation for these children in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving their conditions of life, The company has the following statement of purpose:

Statement of Purpose

1 The provision of high quality affordable day care facilities for the daily care, recreation and education of pre-school children.

4 Training and employment opportunities of persons providing such care, education and recreation facilities.

The company is registered with Ofsted and all appropriate policies are in place.

Significant activities

The company provides day care facilities for the daily care, recreation and education of pre-school children, and provides out of school and holiday provision for school age children up to the age of 11.

Public benefit

The charity has had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and considers that it fully complies.

Volunteers

The company makes use of volunteers where possible, particularly in fund raising events.

STRATEGIC REPORT

Achievements and performance Charitable activities

The centre is fully subscribed, with a waiting list for places.

Fundraising activities

Whilst the majority of funding arises from fees and grants, the trustees are grateful for the assistance given in other fundraising activities in the year. These included Christmas fundraising.

Internal and external factors

Whilst there is some competition from other pre school facilities the trustees are confident that there will be a need for the full use of the company's facilities for the foreseeable future.

The trustees are acutely aware of the need to recruit and retain suitable qualified and motivated staff and are taking active steps to ensure job satisfaction.

Grants are applied for for specific projects which have included the building costs and the provision of equipment. The building is relatively new and it is not anticipated that any major costs will arise in this regard in the near future.

The premises are owned by Kent County Council (KCC) . The outcome of the rent review at at 2013 had resulted in a significant increase in the rent payable, backdated to the date of the rent review. An instalment plan has been agreed to clear the arrears by August 2025. Rent review are every five years, the next being due in 2028.

Page 1

Acorns Early Years Centre

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

STRATEGIC REPORT

Financial review

Financial position

After making full provision for an increase in rent costs, the charity has made a surplus for the year. The final outcome of the rent negotiations remains uncertain.

The charity's balance sheet remains strong.

Principal funding sources

The majority of the funding for the company comes through fees for places. Some of this is government funded. It is anticipated that this will continue in the future. Additionally grants are requested for major projects.

Investment policy and objectives

Surplus funds are retained in bank deposits until used. The trustees seek to maximise the interest gained without subjecting the funds to any risk.

Reserves policy

The trustees have forecast the level of free reserves (that is those funds not tied up in fixed assets and designated or restricted funds). The trustees consider that the most appropriate level of free reserves at 31st March 2023 would be equivalent to three months expenditure. Whilst the current level of reserves may prove sufficient, it is the trustees view that it is prudent to ensure that there are sufficient free reserves to provide financial flexibility.

A financial summary is presented to the Trustees for information and review. Financial arrangements are also reviewed as necessary..

Going concern

The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The principal risks continue to be the filling of the available nursery places. The latter is being mitigated by the employment of good staff and good training leading to the enhanced reputation of the centre. The latest Ofsted report (October 2021) concluded that the nursery was good in all areas,

Future plans

AEYC is the link nursery for Maypole Childrens' Centre. Our planned occupancy is 80% capacity in all rooms.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

New trustees are requested at each AGM, and by advertisement if vacancies arise sooner. Trustees are voted in at the AGM. Trustees are selected for the skills that can be brought to the charity.

The trustees exercise responsibilities at arms length with day to day activities delegated to the Management Committee and Management team. Trustees meet a minimum of three times a year and are joined by the Manager, Treasurer, and a representative from the Management Committee.

Training for the role has been given. The trustees are all from professional backgrounds with no business interests that conflict with their roles as trustees. They are keen to see the development and progress of AEYC and do not claim expenses.

Expressions of interest in the post are always welcome.

Page 2

Acorns Early Years Centre

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Report of the Trustees

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Organisational structure

The centre is run on a day to day basis under the control of the Manager together with her senior management team comprising a deputy and a business manager. The trustees are legally responsible for the overall management and control of the centre and trustees meet a minimum of three times a year.

Key management remuneration

Key management are paid at competitive rates to similar nurseries.

Wider network

The charity is not affiliated with any other charity.

Related parties

There are no related parties.

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The trustees have carried out a detailed review and produced a strategic plan setting out the major opportunities available to the charity and the risks to which it is exposed. The trustees monitor progress against the strategic objectives set out in the plan, As part of this process the trustees have implemented a risk management strategy that comprises:

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

04102880 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1095582

Registered office

Joy House Franklin Road Dartford Kent DA2 7UZ

Trustees

C Reid S Webber H E Clarke

Company Secretary

A Hemsley

Independent Examiner

Latham Lambourne Ltd 18 Woodlands Park Bexley Kent DA5 2EL

Page 3

Acorns Early Years Centre

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Report of the Trustees

Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on ............................................. and signed on the board's behalf by:

............................................................................... C Reid - Trustee

Page 4

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Acorns Early Years Centre

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Acorns Early Years Centre ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

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.

John Lambourne

Latham Lambourne Ltd 18 Woodlands Park Bexley Kent DA5 2EL

Date: .............................................

Page 5

Acorns Early Years Centre

Statement of Financial Activities

(Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Charitable activities
4
Fees for places
519,968
Fees - Government funded
336,075
Collaborative training
3,122
Other trading activities
2
3,019
Investment income
3
2,851
Total
865,035
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
5
258
Charitable activities
6
Fees for places
831,873
Total
832,131
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
32,904
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
173,280
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
206,184
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
31.3.25
31.3.24
Total
Total
funds
funds
£
£
519,968
554,984
336,075
174,035
3,122
1,219
3,019
3,712
2,851
2,865
865,035
736,815
258
317
831,873
763,953
832,131
764,270
32,904
(27,455)
173,280
200,735
206,184
173,280

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

Acorns Early Years Centre

Balance Sheet

31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
12
40,572
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
13
29,816
Cash at bank and in hand
204,191
234,007
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
14
(68,395)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
165,612
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
206,184
NET ASSETS
206,184
FUNDS
16
Unrestricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
31.3.25
Total
funds
£
40,572
29,816
204,191
234,007
(68,395)
165,612
206,184
206,184
206,184
206,184
31.3.24
Total
funds
£
54,045
20,319
178,330
198,649
(79,414)
119,235
173,280
173,280
173,280
173,280

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:

.............................................

C Reid - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

Acorns Early Years Centre

Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the
reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of
the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
reporting period
31.3.25
£
23,010
23,010
-
2,851
2,851
25,861
178,330
204,191
31.3.24
£
(30,992)
(30,992)
(3,360)
2,865
(495)
(31,487)
209,817
178,330

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

Acorns Early Years Centre

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the Statement of
Financial Activities) 32,904 (27,455)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges 13,473 13,548
Interest received (2,851) (2,865)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors (9,497) 7,492
Decrease in creditors (11,019) (21,712)
Net cash provided by/(used in) operations 23,010 (30,992)

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.4.24 Cash flow At 31.3.25
£ £ £
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand 178,330 25,861 204,191
178,330 25,861 204,191
Total 178,330 25,861 204,191

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 9

Acorns Early Years Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, 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 Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

These accounts are prepared under the Charities Act 2006 on the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 and the Statement of Recommended Practices on Accounting and Reporting by Charities: the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

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.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

All funds expended are related to nursery running costs.There are no restricted funds.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Long leasehold - in accordance with the property Fixtures and fittings - 25% on reducing balance

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation 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.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

continued...

Page 10

Acorns Early Years Centre

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Fundraising events
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Fees
Fees for places
Grants
Fees for places
Fees
Fees - Government funded
Collaboration funding
Collaborative training
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
RAISING FUNDS
Raising donations and legacies
Winter Wonderland
Movie night
31.3.25
£
3,019
31.3.25
£
2,851
31.3.25
£
519,968
-
336,075
3,122
859,165
31.3.25
£
31.3.25
£
258
-
258
31.3.24
£
3,712
31.3.24
£
2,865
31.3.24
£
554,705
279
174,035
1,219
31.3.24
£
3,712
31.3.24
£
2,865
31.3.24
£
554,705
279
174,035
1,219
730,238
31.3.24
£
31.3.24
£
299
18
317
317

3.

4.

5. RAISING FUNDS

continued...

Page 11

Acorns Early Years Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

7.

8.

9.

Fees for places
SUPPORT COSTS
Fees for places
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation - owned assets
Other operating leases
TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Direct
Costs
£
830,737
Support
costs (see
note 7)
Totals
£
£
1,136
831,873
Governance
costs
£
1,136
31.3.25
31.3.24
£
£
13,473
13,548
52,986
35,225

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

10. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Full & part time staff
31.3.25
£
609,456
36,970
11,094
657,520
31.3.25
35
31.3.24
£
563,510
34,604
9,942
608,056
31.3.24
36

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

continued...

Page 12

Acorns Early Years Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Charitable activities
Fees for places
Fees - Government funded
Collaborative training
Other trading activities
Investment income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Fees for places
Total
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
12.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024
Charge for year
At 31 March 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Unrestricted
funds
£
554,984
174,035
1,219
3,712
2,865
736,815
317
763,953
764,270
(27,455)
200,735
173,280
Long
leasehold
£
266,811
218,737
12,016
230,753
36,058
48,074
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
82,835
76,864
1,457
78,321
4,514
5,971
Total
funds
£
554,984
174,035
1,219
3,712
2,865
736,815
317
763,953
764,270
(27,455)
200,735
173,280
Totals
£
349,646
295,601
13,473
309,074
40,572
54,045

continued...

Page 13

Acorns Early Years Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

14.

DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Fees receivable 15,703 6,409
Prepayments 14,113 13,910
29,816 20,319
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Trade creditors 14,254 8,195
Fees paid in advance 9,367 5,308
Deposits received 21,667 21,281
Social security and other taxes 6,964 10,015
Other creditors 7,794 7,617
Accrued expenses 8,349 26,998
68,395 79,414

15. LEASING AGREEMENTS

The lease for the charity's premises with KCC was for 25 years from 2004. The current negotiated rent is £49,500 pa from the last review date in 2023, Reviews are five yearly.

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Fixed Assets Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.4.24
£
164,203
9,077
173,280
173,280
Incoming
resources
£
865,035
865,035
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.3.25
£
£
32,904
197,107
-
9,077
32,904
206,184
32,904
206,184
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(832,131)
32,904
(832,131)
32,904
At
31.3.25
£
197,107
9,077
206,184
206,184
32,904

continued...

Page 14

Acorns Early Years Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Fixed Assets Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.4.23
£
191,658
9,077
200,735
200,735
Net
movement
in funds
£
(27,455)
-
(27,455)
(27,455)
At
31.3.24
£
164,203
9,077
173,280
173,280

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
736,815
736,815
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(764,270)
(27,455
(764,270)
(27,455
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(764,270)
(27,455
(764,270)
(27,455
(27,455

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Fixed Assets Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.4.23
£
191,658
9,077
200,735
200,735
Net
movement
in funds
£
5,449
-
5,449
5,449
At
31.3.25
£
197,107
9,077
206,184
206,184

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 1,601,850 (1,596,401 ) 5,449
TOTAL FUNDS 1,601,850 (1,596,401 ) 5,449

Page 15

continued...

Acorns Early Years Centre

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Page 16

Acorns Early Years Centre

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Other trading activities
Fundraising events 3,019 3,712
Investment income
Deposit account interest 2,851 2,865
Charitable activities
Fees 856,043 728,740
Collaboration funding 3,122 1,219
Grants - 279
859,165 730,238
Total incoming resources 865,035 736,815
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Winter Wonderland 258 299
Movie night - 18
258 317
Charitable activities
Wages 609,456 563,510
Social security 36,970 34,604
Pensions 11,094 9,942
Rent 52,986 35,225
Rates and water 5,282 5,252
Insurance 4,601 7,689
Light and heat 11,088 10,501
Telephone 1,573 1,406
Postage and stationery 3,081 3,116
Advertising - 330
Sundries 3,440 1,568
Activity supplies 6,946 12,895
Training 1,855 1,477
Alarm system & maintenance 5,167 -
Catering 44,353 42,384
Cleaning 6,759 6,127
Repairs & maintenance 3,111 4,131
Subscriptions 852 543
Carried forward 808,614 740,700

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 17

Acorns Early Years Centre

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Charitable activities
Brought forward 808,614 740,700
Software support 8,650 7,564
Long leasehold 12,016 12,016
Fixtures and fittings 1,457 1,531
830,737 761,811
Support costs
Governance costs
Accountancy fees 960 996
Legal fees - 76
Bank charges 176 170
Professional fees - 900
1,136 2,142
Total resources expended 832,131 764,270
Net income/(expenditure) 32,904 (27,455)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 18