PEMBURY PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1107370 REPORT AI%W FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202)
PEMBURY PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 CONTENTS Page Legal and adtninistrative infomiation Trustees report Independent Examiner's Report io StatellLent of fanCIaL activities Balance sheet 12 Notes to the financial statetnents 13
PEMBURY PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Charity Number: 1107370 Trustees: Carol Ann Ross Patricia MaTgaret Hooper Yirga Berhane (resigned 10 June 2025) Louise Wojcicki Michelle Kelly Sharon Adams Charlotte Rit¢hie (appointed 23 June 2025) Principal.. Louise Wojcicki Operating Service from: Pembury Pre-school 16 Atkins Square Dalston IAne London E8 IFA Phone: 020 8985 4484 Email- carol.sin¢laIriiL mbu res¢hool.co.uk A¢¢oulltant: largaret Trotter FCCA 205 Well Street London E9 6QU Bankers: HSBC London PEMBURY PRE-SCHOOL is a registered charity The Charities governing instrument is its Pre-sctLooI Learning Alliance Model Constitution 2011
PEMBURY PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP TRUSTEES AND DtREcfoRS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Pembury Pre-school was registered as a charit), number on l 107370 on 21 December 2004. The Charities governing instrument was updated to the Pre-school learning AIliance Model Constitution 2011 adopted by the Committee of Trustc¢s on 17 November 2016 The members of the Trustees Committee present their reports and the fmancial statemellts for thc y¢ar ended 31 St March 2025 structure, Governance And Management The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees, who oversee the strategic direction and overalI compliance of the charity. The day-to-day management is delegated to a combination of appointed management officers and company staff, including a full-time Manager. Trustee Recruitment and Support Trnstees are drawn from both the parent conynunity and local professionals. Trustees remain in post until a new nomination is made by a parent or local representative. All new trustees are required to sign a Charity Commission Trustee Declarntion and receive internal support to lfIl their duties. Occasional training is also offered through Hackney Educatioo particularly ill relation to Ofsted requirements and charity governance. Current Trustees CaroI Ross - Chair Michelle Kelly - Trustee I Staff Member Louise Wojcieki - Manager / Trustee / Staff Member Pat Hooper - Treasurer Sharon Adams - Parent Represenlativc Yirga Berhane - Secretary (resigned 10 June 2025) Charlotte Ritchie 4appointed 23 June 2025) Please note: Louise Wojcicki, Michelle Kelly and Pat Hooper were also paid members of staff. All trustees have signed a wTitten agreement confirn]ing they receive no Iemuneration for theii" role as trustees. Insurance and Legal Compliance The charity holds comprehensiv¢ insurance covcr includillg". Employer Liability: £ l O mtllion Public Liability: £5 million Tnistee Indemnity and Loss of Revenue." Covered This ensures the organisation remains protected across all operational and governance areas.
Ke}, Regulatory Relationships l. Ofsted The pieschool is registered with Ofsted (Registration No. EY554421), which allows us to operate sessiolls longer than two hours per day. Our most iecent inspection, on 5th September 2024, rated us as Good. Wc operatc from 8..00 am to 5:00 pm, term-time only, and CUiTently offer breakfast and after- school clubs, which support working parents. We are working towards becoming a 52-week-a- year provision. 2. Hackney Education Hackney Learning Trnst is our rnain fundtng partner. providing early years funding for children aged 9 months to school age. We receive funding under the following schemes: DisadvantAged 2-Ycar-Old Funding: 15 hours free entitlement New 2-Year-Old Offer for Working Parents (introduced April 2024): 15 hours Universal 15 Hours for 3- and 4-Year-Olds 30 Hours Extended Entitlement for eligible working parents In addition, we may rec¢iv¢: EYPP (Earty Years Pupil Premium) DAF (Disability Access Fund) Two core grants per term: Subsidised Childcare Programme {SCP) SEND Worker Crant (due to be phased out frorn January 2026) FurLding schemes come with both quality and fmancial criteria. For example. under the SCP, at least 400/0 of famili¢s must have household incomes under £25,000. Compliance also requires a Good Ofsted rating, stafftraining, and cngagcmcnt in profcssional networks. Whilc govcrnment funding has increased, these gains have been significantly offset by rises in National Insurance contributions, rent, staffLng costs. and geller infiatio Staffing All staff are: Fully qualified DBS-checked every three years Trained in all requiTed statutory areas: safeguarding, child protection, fst aid, and food hygienc Wc continue to face recruitment clMllenges, which reflect a national shortage of early years practitioners. Despite this, our manager continues to explore multiple i"ecruitment strategies to ensure we inaintain quality and ratios.
Objects The principal object of the Charity is to advance the education and development of children beIow compulsory school age, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We aim to provide high-quality early education and care, including working in partllership with external agencies such as children's social care, speech and language therapy services, and specialist teachers for chil(Iren with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Objectives and Activities The Charity is committed to advancing the education, devclopment, and wellbeing of children under the age of five, particularly focusing on the most vulnerable ID our community. OUT key objectives and activities include: Delivering inclusive, high-quality early education and childcare to all children under five, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, children eligible for the two-year-old fundcd entitlcmcnt, and children with SEND. Supporting working families by offertng places to children from 9 months old, enabling access to education, employmenL and trdining. Providing flcxiblc childcare options, including support for pents in education or training, and offering respite care when needed. Ensuring the safety, wellbeing. and holistic development of every child is prioritised through our practice. Following the Early Years Foundation Stage fiatnework to provide a rich, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment. Collaborating with a range of externat professionals and agencies-such as speech and language therapists, social workers, and specialist teachers-to ensure that each child receives the support they need to thrive. Public Benefit Statement Our charity exists to advancc the cducation and development of young children, particularly those under the age of five. and we operate in a way that demonstrates clear public benefit in line with the Charity Commission's guidance. We support working families by offering childcare from as early as 9 months old. providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where babies can thrive. We work closely with parents to ensure the holistic development of each child across all areas of l&qrning and care. We offer targeted support to two-year-old children eligible for government-fimded places. This includes children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who benefit greatly from access to rich experiences they may otherwuse not encounter-such as outings to the coast or countsysidc, cooking sessions, story days (where children receive a free book), and "dough days to suppoit fine motor development. These experiences are offered at no cost to famtIies, and we actively encourage parental involvement to strengthen family bonds and engagement with &qrly education. Our educational approach follows the Earlv Years Foundation Stage (EITS), fociisiiig on learning through play and each child's individual interests. We monitor and track cliildren's development
caiefully to ensure they are meeting age-appropriate milestones and provide early intervei)tioi) where needed. We work collaboratively with extenial professionals and agencies-including Speech and Language Therapists (SALT), Social Care, and SEND specialists-to provide Ivraparound support to children and families. Where appropriate, we signpost fatnilics to external services or welcomc visiting professionals into the setting to deliver support directly. Our trained staff language enrichment groups, which are particularly beneficial for children with speech and language delays and those who speak English as an additionat language. Our setting is fully inclusive. We are Ied bj, a dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), and where appropriate, provide one-to-one support for childrcn with complcx n¢cds. We have supported many children and families through the process of the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), to secure support once they transition to school. In response to reduced external support from the local authority (HLT), we have invested in our own Level 3 Qualified Special Educational Needs Practitioner, which has significantly enhanced our capacity to meet children's needs. However, we a]E preparing for changes in fimding, as current support is expected to be phased out starting in January 2026. Achievements and Performance The past year has been one of growth and continucd success for our setting, with key developments that have strengthened both our early education provision and the support we offer to families. Ofsted Illspection One of our major achievements was receiving a Good rating from Ofsted in our most recent inspection, held on 5th September 2024. This positive outcome reflects the dedication and hard work of our team and thc high standards of care and education we provide. xpansion to Care for Babies (9 Months +) From April 2025, we began welcoming children frorn 9 months old, in line with the govemment's expansÈon of funded childcare. Our manager led the process to meet all regulatory alld environmental requirements for under-2s, ensuring a safe, nurturing space for our youngest chtldren. This has already supported several parents to return to work earlier than planned. These children are now eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare, rising to 30 hours from September 2025. Support for Working Families We continue to offer 30 hours of free chiIdcare for 3- and 4-year-olds of eligible workiiig parents, which remains a vital service for local families. We woi'k closely with parents to ensure they can access this entitlement effectively and flexibly. Health and Development Support We support early health intervention by hosting the 27-rnonth health checks on our premises, with the support of a named Health Visitor. This close collaboration enables elY identification of healtli and developrnental concerns and ensures families are well-supported in accessing appropriate services.
Safeguarding and Multi-Agency Work With the expansion of our space, we now, regularly host reviews for children in need ]d child protection meetings, led by children's social workers. This provides a familiar and supportive environtllent for families and prof¢ssionals. Our safeguarding officers actively participate in child protection and children in need conferences, reintorcing our committnent to safeguarding the welfare of every child. Health and Nvellbeing We are proud to have an accredited Iead practitioner in hcalth within our team. She providcs guidance to families on a range of topics including oral health. nutrition, hea]thy eating. and overall wellbeing. We opeiate a seasonal menu, promoting balanced diets and variety, and also support parents with healthy packed lunch ideas, which has received very positive feedback In recognition of our efforts, we were awarded the Bronze 'Healthy Early Years, Award, a Mayor of London initiative, which acknowledges our conllnitment to improving children's health and reducing health inequalities from an early age. Financial Review Income and Expenditure for the Year Ended 31 Marcb 202). The financial results for the year are as follows: Total Income." £249,997 (2024: £244,717) Total Expenditure: £256,094 (?024: £241.312) Deficit (Surpjus) for the Year." _£6,097 (2024: £2,405) Inconie increased by £5,280 compared to the previous year. This r¢flects an illCT¢as¢ in grant funding from the Hackney Leaming Trnst, while fee income from parents dropped significantly. Expenditure increased by £14,782, mainly due to rent rise and increase in children's services and equipment costs. All income and expenditure during the year was U[eStrICted. The charity generated a deficit of £6,097 for the year. Reserves Policy As at 31 March 2025, the charity held reserves of £122.143 (2024: £128,240). all of which are ieStrICted. The TrLlStees have agreed to set aside a designated reserve of £60,000, equiva]ent to approximately three months of core operating costs, to ensure continued financial stability and the ability to respond to unforeseen events. Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, our primary aim is to maintain aiid build Upon our ciirrent Ofsled 'Good' iatiiig by continuing to deliver high-quaLity, inclusive earli, years education and care. We will remain conunitted to supporting as many childreii as possible, regardless of their background, ability, or level of need. Key priorities for the coming year include". Expanding our provAsion for under-2s, ensuring we meet the increasing demand from working families as the new funded hours become availabl¢ Kn September 2025. Enhancing support for children Jvith SEND, particularly in light of expected funding changes from January 2026. We will continue to invest in our internal capacity to rnaintain specialist support. Sustaining strong partnerships with external agencies such as speech and language services, health visitors, and social care to ensure our children and farnilies receive comprehensive, 'aparound support. Improvillg health and wellbeing outcomes by building on our success with the Mayor of London's Healthy F.arly Years programme and working toward achieving the Silver Award. Continuillg staff development and training to ensure our team is confident, up to date, and well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of our childTcn aud ralI1¢s. Preparing ehildren for school transitions, with a focus on language, independence, and emotional ieadin¢ss. Risk Management The TnteeS acknowledge their responsibility for identifying and managing the risks facing the charity. Although a formal, documented risk assessment has yet to be completed, the Trustees regularly review key operational and financial risks during committee meetings. The charity is planning to return to achieving an annual surplus from next year. As of the reporting datc, the charity holds reserves of £122.143. supporting the Trtees, &8sessment that the charity is a going concern. Key risks cUentlY identified include: Staff Recruitment: While the number of children attending the setting is increasing, there is an ongoing national shortage of qualified &qrlJ' years practitioners, which poses a risk to staffing levels and continuity of care. Funding Uncertainty: With the planned phasing out of SEND funding from January 2026. the charity is reviewing how to sustain specialist support for children with additional needs. Cost Increases: Rising operntional costs, such as national insurance contributions, rent, and wages, continue to place pressure on the budget despite increased government fLding. The Trustees are conllnitted to strengthening forn]al risk management procedures, including the development of a risk register and documented risk mitigation plans, to ensure the charity i.e&]llS financially and operationally resilient. vents Since the End of the Year to Date
In June 2025, we held our Annual General Meeting (AGM), during which we reviewed the past year's achievements, discussed future plans. and engaged with trustees and stakeholders to strengthen our shared vision. We are excited to announce that we have a new, year-long initiative: the 'Edible Garden, project, which began in September 2024. A specialist company will visit our setting once a week for a full year, d¢liv6ring interactive sessions that teach children how to grow their own food-from seed to harvest. The project will promote hands-on learntng. healthy eating, and enviromnental awareness. This initiative will be offered to aIl children, with pallts and carcTS warnily invited to participate and observe their child's learning journey. We believe this wtll provide a valuable and memorable experience for our families and further Ieijjforce our commitment to healdL wellbeing, and outdoor learntng. Trustees, Responsibilities Ststement The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicabl¢ law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 and the CEHrities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice). The Trustees must ensure that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the olwity, as well as of the incoming Tesources and application of those resources for the financial In preparing the fmancial statements, the Trnstees are required to: Sclext suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP" Make judgements and accounting estimates that are re&sonable and prudent. Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, unt¢ss it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and dctcction of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Trustees on: i O Signed on behalfof Pembury Preschool by: LOL4 xse wbJcrcL i 10 Trustee Signature: Trustee Name: c(.
PEMBURY PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP IIYDEPENDENT EXAMINA TORS REI PORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Independent Examiners Report to the TrusÉees Pembury Pre-school I report on the fllwicial statements olthe charity for the year ended 31 March 202). This report is made solelj to the Trnstees, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charitie5 Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that l rnight state to the Trustees, those matter5 1 am required to state to thetn in thi5 report and foi. no other puryose. To the fulIest extent pennitted by law, I do not accq)t or assurne responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the Trustees as a body, for my worL for this report, or for the opinions I have foTmed. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charitys trustees are responsible for the prepardtion of financial statements. The tntee5 consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section the Charities Act and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the ¢harity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to.. -examine the fmancial statements uDder Section 145 of the 2011 Act: -to follow the procedures laid down in the Gen¢ral Directions given by the Charity ComFlli5sion under section 145(5) of the 2011 Act. and -to slate where particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination w&s carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the ChaTity Commission. An examination includes a revlew of the accounting records kept by the charity and a Comparison of the financial stateEnents presented with those records. It also include5 consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the fanCIal staternents and seeLing explanations from you &% Trttstees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertakell do not provide all Ihe evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a 'true and fa view, and the report is limited to thos¢ matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with rny examination, no matter has come to my attention". l ) which gives me reasonable cause to belTeve that in any material respect the requtrements: - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act. and - to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and cornply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met. or 2) to which, in my Opinio attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Signed 9.311 D /oxJ23" MARGARET TROTTER FCCA 205 WELL STREET. LONDON E9 6QU io
Pembury Pre-school Playgroup Statement of Financial Activites For the year ended 31 March 2025 Unrestricted Fund.. Restricted Funds 2024/25 2024125 Total 2024125 Total 2023124 Incoming resources Playgroup Fees LB Hackney Other income and recharges 23297 224989 1711 23297 224989 1711 36282 203498 3937 Total incoming resources 249997 249997 243717 Resources expended Charitable expenditure: Premise5 Staff Supplies and services 26009 209848 20237 26009 209848 20237 21560 208446 11306 Total resources expended 256094 256094 241312 Net movement in funds -6097 -6097 2405 B rought forward funds 128240 128240 125835 Fund balances carried forward 122143 122143 128240
Pembury Pre-school Playgrovp Balance Sheet As At 31 March 2025 2024/25 2023/24 FIXED ASSETS CURRENT AssFrs Debtors & Prepayments Balance at bank 2622 124501 6705 129575 127123 136280 CREDITORS . amounts falling due within one year HMRC + creditors 4979 8040 NET CURRENT ASSETS 122144 128240 NET ASSETS 122144 128240 FUNDS Restricted funds Designated fvnds Unrestricted funds 60000 62144 60000 68240 TOTAL FUNDS 122144 128240 Approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by". lollo/Ja. Tru ee signature Trustee name LOL4 J-se LUO, c_rcb i
PEMBURY PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS OR I'HE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTIING POLICIES l. Basis of preparation of financial ststements The fInancial statements are prepared under the histOTÈcal cost convention and include the results of the charity's operations which aTe described in the Trustees Report and all of which are continuinE. Fixed assets are only to be capitalised when they cost over £1,000 a[ will be depreciated at the rate of 25 % per aDnum. The accounts have been pi'epared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" with applicable accounting standards on the accrual basis. Fund A¢¢ouJ]ting* Risk and Reserves Policy Unrestricted fid5 comprise accumulated surpluses and deficits on general funds. They are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in firtherance of the general charitable objectives. Designated funds are amounts that hav¢ been set aside at the di5¢t10n of the Executive Commitfre. Restricted funds are fidS that are spent in aordance with specific r¢stri¢t7on imposed by the donors or which have been raised by the charity for specific purpose. The cost of raising and administrating such funds is chaiged against the specific fun Incomlng resources Incoming resources represents the total incorne recetvable during the year comprising grants and placement fees from the Leaming TrusL and fees from parents. Resources expended Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an aCcnlS basis. Charitable expenditure comprises costs of staff and resources in fintherance of the charity's objects. Reserves at 11412024 Incoming Outgoing at 3113025 Unrestricted £1128240 £249,997 £256.094 £122,143 Unrestricted fidS are £ l22,143 and we have designated £60,000 of these fimds towards building a ftind toward to 3 Ingnths nllillg costs of the charity amounting to £64.000. Related Party Transactftons Ihe Boaid of Trustees consist of patetLts notniEOted froTtt the paiellts advisory gioup and other local childcare professiona]s. Parent Trustees of children who use the nursery do so on similar lerms as non-cominittee members. No TTUStee received Temuneration for betng a Trustee. Three Trustees were remuneraknl niembers of staff in the year, Pat Hoop and Michelle Kelly and Louise Woj¢i¢ki.