26 November 2024
Polstead Preschool Oxford
Chair Report for Academic Year 2023/2024
1. Overview
The academic year 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024 has been a challenging time at Polstead Preschool. The preschool has again this year faced significant difficulties with less demand for preschool places and in recruiting qualified staff. In addition, it is always a challenge to provide a safe, stimulating and fun environment for the children while at the same time meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and other relevant legislation. A challenge which the management committee and staff have excelled at over the year.
2. Financials
Polstead Preschool recorded a deficit for the 2023/2024 school year of £6,144 due to low children numbers. Increases to expenditure, most notably, staff salaries and rent, remain a challenge for the preschool.
3. Staff
Polstead Preschool prides itself on its staff and remains committed to recruiting and developing highly skilled and competent professionals to ensure children are given the best opportunity to thrive whilst at the setting. There have been minimal changes to staff over the year. A number of courses have been completed by the staff in the academic year in order to develop their skills and ensure compliance with legislation.
The supervisor is due to complete her studies towards a masters degree in the early new calendar year, the deputy supervisor is still studying towards a level 5 childcare qualification and an early years educator qualified at level 4. This training is being funded by the preschool.
4. Admissions
Over the past few years Polstead Preschool has struggled to start the school year with high numbers of children due to very low numbers on the waiting list. Numbers do pick up through the year but this does cause a disruption to staffing levels and provides challenges in the settling in processes. A target has been set for the next academic year to raise our profile in the community by circulating pamphlets and advertising on the relevant websites.
Charity number: 1114438, Ofsted URN: 133989
Chair Report 2023/2024
Page 1 of 3
26 November 2024
| Month | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children | Hours | Amount | Children | Hours | Amount | |
| Sep | 16 | 972 | £1,786 | 15 | 1,230 | £2,507 |
| Oct | 18 | 948 | £6,149 | 16 | 993 | £7,417 |
| Nov | 18 | 1,305 | £17,602 | 17 | 1,392 | £8,087 |
| Dec | 19 | 840 | £440 | 16 | 885 | £884 |
| Jan | 25 | 1,248 | £1,442 | 19 | 1,563 | £11,346 |
| Feb | 24 | 1,173 | £8,857 | 19 | 1,164 | £6,215 |
| Mar | 26 | 1,575 | £16,225 | 21 | 1,917 | £8,731 |
| Apr | 26 | 1,074 | £17,344 | 23 | 972 | £222 |
| May | 28 | 1,725 | £13,819 | 26 | 1,731 | £9,125 |
| Jun | 30 | 1,920 | £3,046 | 26 | 1,983 | £24,923 |
| Jul | 25 | 1,632 | £344 | 26 | 1,557 | £1,347 |
| Aug | 0 | 0 | £344 | 0 | 0 | £358 |
| Total | 21.25 | 14,412 | £87,398 | 18.67 | 15,387 | £81,162 |
5. Billing
Some changes made to the Cura system has helped with efficiencies in the admissions and billing processes. More system enhancements have been scheduled for the new school year.
6. Fundraising and Events
As in previous years, the year kicked off with a fantastic Nativity play. The event raised around £300 for the preschool and much enjoyment was had by all, especially the children.
Other events held were:
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Christmas party
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Sports day
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Summer party
7. Investments
In the year, Polstead Preschool has made minor investments in preschool resources, for example, toys, stationery items, arts and crafts resources and learning kits, and, in conjunction with the St Margaret's Institute, refurbished the outside space to be more enjoyable for the children.
Further funds were used to replace the broken outside storage boxes which has provided more much-needed storage area for the preschool.
Charity number: 1114438, Ofsted URN: 133989
Chair Report 2023/2024
Page 2 of 3
26 November 2024
8. Summary
In summary the 2024 academic year has been a challenging one but the work done over the school year will ensure that Polstead Preschool remains well-regarded in the local community and will continue to be known as an excellent provider of childcare services.
Lastly, I wish to formally thank the staff, my fellow committee members and our wonderful parents for their passion and energy in making Polstead Preschool a valued and respected childcare provider in the community. I wish to specifically thank Will for all his hard work as chair over the past few years as it has had such a positive impact on the preschool.
Anna Morris Chair
Charity number: 1114438, Ofsted URN: 133989
Chair Report 2023/2024
Page 3 of 3
Summary
Polstead Preschool Oxford
Income and Expenditure
| 1 Sep 2023 to 31 Aug 2024 Income Council Funding Direct Public Support – Gifts in Kind Fees Fundraising Registration Fees Sales Total Income Total Cost of Goods Sold Gross Income Operating Expenses Accumulated Depreciation Administration Bank Charges Computer and Internet Expenses Events Food Insurance Meals and Entertainment Office Supplies Staff costs Printing and Reproduction Professional fees Rent Repairs & Maintenance Subscriptions Telephone and Broadband Training Total Operating Expenses Surplus (Deficit) |
2024 2023 |
2024 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| £59,431 £35,569 £960 |
£44,665 £36,296 £760 |
|
| £95,960 £81,721 £0 £0 £95,960 £81,721 |
||
| £13,339 £60 £1,190 £919 £842 £145 £1,246 £63,929 £792 £12,838 £84 £417 £6,304 |
£12,747 £60 £654 £846 £803 £2,019 £64,125 £29 £6 £12,637 £100 £218 £317 £7,140 |
|
| £102,104 £101,702 -£6,144 -£19,981 |
Page 1
Summary
Balance Sheet
| Assets Cash and Bank POLSTEAD PL POLSTEAD PLA Total Cash and Bank Other Current Assets Total Other Current Assets Long-term Assets Machinery, equipment, furniture & fixtures Total Long-term Assets Total Assets Liabilities Current Liabilities Deposits Received Deposits Refunded Total Current Liabilities Long-term Liabilities Total Long-term Liabilities Total Liabilities Equity Retained Earnings Unrestricted funds Surplus for year Special Reserves Total Retained Earnings Total Equity |
31 Aug 2024 31 Aug 2023 |
31 Aug 2024 31 Aug 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| £70,765 £93,393 |
£77,509 £91,651 |
|
| £164,158 £169,160 £0 £0 |
||
| £0 | £0 | |
| £0 £0 £164,158 £169,160 |
||
| £13,100 -£11,000 |
£11,700 -£7,600 |
|
| £2,100 £4,100 £0 £0 £2,100 £4,100 |
||
| £127,185 -£6,144 £41,018 |
£145,766 -£19,981 £39,275 |
|
| £162,058 £165,060 £162,058 £165,060 |
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Summary
Notes to the accounts
For year ended 31 Aug 2024
1. Accounting policies.
1.1. Accounting convention.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS), the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), Accounting and Reporting by charities.
1.2. Taxation.
The preschool is exempt from tax on its charitable activities and therefore unable to claim back VAT on purchases. The preschool does pay tax on purchases, PAYE and NIC, on salaries.
1.3. Fund accounting.
Where there is a legal restriction on the purpose to which a fund may be put, the fund is classified either as a restricted fund or an endowment fund. Restricted funds are those where the donor has provided for the donation to be spent in furtherance of a specified charitable purpose. Polstead Preschool’s restricted funds tend to result from appeals for specified purposes.
2. Trustee benefits.
The following trustees received payments in the year for services delivered:
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Mr MJ Kovacevich (Treasurer) for administration services to the value of £12,739 and for web services through Canalside Technology Limited (UK company number 11817774) to the value of £615.
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Ms Klara Fergusson (Secretary) is also a paid employee in the role of Assistant Supervisor.
3. Income.
Income was again significantly lower for the year due to reduced numbers of attended hours. Hourly rates were kept at the same level as the previous year but will be increased in Jan 2025 to £5.95 per hour. Government increases to funding rates has enabled the preschool to keep operating. Sales reflect the sale of T-shirts and various articles produced by the children to parents. Efforts continue to be made to raise the awareness of the preschool in the local area by distributing pamphlets and advertising on local websites.
4. Staff costs.
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll – Salary & Wages | £54,814 | £54,210 |
| Payroll Employer Taxes & Deductions | £4,788 | £5,481 |
| Payroll – Employer's Share of Benefits | £4,327 | £4,433 |
| £63,929 | £64,125 |
Staff salaries were increased in April to cater for the increase to the minimum wage and living costs. Staff costs are slightly lower then the previous year as some hours worked were covered by temporary staff and accounted for under 'Professional Fees'.
Page 3
Summary
5. Rent.
The Preschool makes use of the St Margaret’s Institute (SMI) premises, mostly the hall. Rates for the 12 months were: Sep to Dec - £68 per day, Jan to Aug - £72 per day. SMI have notified the Preschool that rates will not be increased in the 2025 calendar year which is welcome news given the financial difficulties currently being experienced.
6. Training.
Funding of £1,408 was allocated to AL to complete an 18 month level 3 Diploma in Leadership for the Children and Young People's Workforce. Agreed payment schedule: £352 1 Oct 2022, £352 1 Apr 2023, £352 1 Oct 2023, £352 1 Apr 2024. The last payment was made in Apr 2024.
£11,090 (£90 application fee + £5,400 2022/2023 tuition fees, £5,600 2023/2024 tuition fees) UCL Masters course for AH. Last payment was made in Nov 2023. AH passed with merit.
7. Reserves.
The reserves of the preschool are represented by the unrestricted and restricted funds. The total funds held by the preschool at the end of the year are £162,058.
The following amounts have been set aside for planned initiatives over the next three years:
£24,000 – Upgrading of current IT systems.
£12,000 – Preschool resources.
The charity maintains a policy of retaining a minimum of £65,000 in reserves as this is the amount which would be required for an orderly wind up of the preschool if it was required to cease trading for any reason. This amount is reviewed annually. The trustees are conscious that there is a level of school roll below which the school is no longer financially viable and if the school roll falls below this level they will consider orderly wind up.
Page 4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF POLSTEAD PRESCHOOL, OXFORD (CHARITY No.
1114438) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act), as amended by s.28 of the Charities Act 2006) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts (under section 43 of the Act, as amended)
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 43(7)(b) of the Act, as amended), and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to:
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keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act; and
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prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act have not been met; or
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(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
M Watkinson
Michael Watkinson MBE Charity Financial Consultant
- 1 Cote House Farm Cottages
Cote, Oxon OX18 2EQ 27"June 2025