Charity number: 1128288 Company number: 6403351
Steady Steps Pre-School
Trustees’ annual report and financial statements
For the year ended 31[st] August 2024
Compass Accountants Venture House The Tanneries East Street Titchfield Hampshire PO14 4AR
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative information | 1 |
| Trustees' annual report | 2 - 4 |
| Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities | 5 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 16 |
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL
| Charity number | 1128288 |
|---|---|
| Company number | 6403351 |
| Principal address | Copse Lane |
| Gosport | |
| Hampshire | |
| PO13 0DH | |
| Trustees | Teresa Arnold |
| Michelle Aston | |
| Clarice Bailey | |
| Andrew Brown | |
| Lauren Carpenter | |
| Julie Pickthall | |
| Joseph Harris (resigned 29 December 2024) | |
| Company secretary | Clarice Bailey |
| Management | |
| Early Years Practitioner | Julie Pickthall |
| Accountants | Compass Accountants Limited |
| Venture House | |
| The Tanneries | |
| East Street | |
| Titchfield | |
| Hampshire | |
| PO14 4AR | |
| Independent examiner | Kerry Lawrance FCA |
| Bankers | Lloyds Bank PLC |
| 20 – 24 High Street | |
| Gosport | |
| Hampshire | |
| PO12 1DE |
Page 1
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL
Report of the trustees (including the directors’ report) for the year ended 31[st] August 2024
The trustees, who are also directors of the charity, present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024.
The Trustees have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on Public Benefit.
Aims and Objectives
Steady Steps Pre-School provides quality care and education to children aged from 2 years rising to 5. Our aim is to enhance the learning and development of children under the statutory school age by:
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Providing a warm safe environment
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Providing appropriate play based educational activities and care facilities based on the child’s individual needs, interests and abilities
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Respecting diversity and promote equality of opportunity to children to ensure each child can reach their full potential while in our care
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Working closely with parents and carers
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Working closely with other agencies involved in the welfare of the child and or family
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Ensure the practice manager remains up to date with current practice and legislation
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Ensuing all staff have relevant qualifications and experience to carry out their duties to a high standard and can evidence on-going continual professional development
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Adhering to the aims and objectives of the pre-school Learning Alliance
Powers
To pursuance of the objectives, the pre-school shall have the following powers:
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To provide accommodation and equipment
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To raise money to pay for the pre-school activities
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To make such payments as shall be necessary
Reserves policy
To set aside funds for special purposes or as reserves against future expenditure. In accordance with the preschools Articles of Association the setting is permitted to engage in lawful activity that shall further the Charitable objectives. Money not immediately required to meet objectives eg. future sustainability and development. We aim to utilise income from restricted funds as soon as reasonably possible after receipt.
Financial position
This year has seen a surplus of £7,895 (2023: deficit of £15,447).
Family dynamics
As an inclusive setting we continue to provide care and education to a diverse range of families within our local community and surrounding areas. Family dynamics this year include:
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Vulnerable families
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Young parents
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Service families
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Children with SEND
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Looked After children
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Ethic Minority
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Mental Health related illnesses
Page 2
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL
Report of the trustees (including the directors’ report) for the year ended 31[st] August 2024
At Steady Steps we aim to ensure every child regardless of the family circumstance can reach their full potential during their time with us. To achieve this we value the importance of working in partnership with the parent/carers by offering throughout the year:
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Open door policy
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Informal and formal meetings
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Service family coffee mornings
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Family events
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Stay and play sessions
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Celebrate family members day
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Working with other agencies for support and guidance
In the Nursery room we had children attend who were in receipt of 2-year funding, and in the pre-school vulnerable children who were in receipt of Early Years Pupil Premium. The enrolment of children aged from 18 months has been a success and one that has been welcomed by the families in our community.
Achievements and performance
Jessica Morby Bagley successfully completed her apprenticeship at the end of December 2023, we have now offered her a contract of employment as a newly qualified Early Years Educator.
Mrs Brown completed her Foundation degree and will start her final year of study with Portsmouth University in September 2024.
Charlotte Moxham completed her Level 2 award and will commence her level 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education in September 2024.
Jenna Hooper completed her SENDCO training in September, this is a big achievement and now means we have the benefit of a qualified Special Educational Needs Coordinator in the Nursery and Dolphin Room.
Fundraising has been very successful, the year ended with the children and families coming together to take part in a sponsored obstacle course and summer fair, this event was enjoyed by everyone who attended. Mrs Arnold continues to support our settings fundraising, coordinating sponsors and writing letters to local companies requesting donations to include in our raffle.
At the end of term, we organised a staff and family BBQ. This was well received by all attendees and was a lovely way to celebrate the end of a very busy school year.
Development plans for the future
The summer term saw us open up the Dolphin room to offer childcare and education to children aged 9 months to 18 months. Taking just one baby, we were able to make an informed decision moving forward in September where it was agreed that we would open up the Dolphin room to accommodate up to 8 babies. The intake would be a graduated intake starting with the enrolment of 4 babies from September 2024.
During the month of August, we had contractors in to open the quiet room to improve the space for the children in the Dolphin room from September. This however has taken away space for one-to-one teaching/care time and activities with our SENDCO, and ELSA. We are now looking into giving space back in the form of a Garden Room. We also managed to secure full funding from Hampshire County Council to have a completely new roof for the school building, securing the future and longevity of our modular building.
Page 3
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL
Report of the trustees (including the directors’ report) for the year ended 31[st] August 2024
In the future we would like to offer a broader curriculum for all children to include yoga sessions for the children. Mrs Duffield would like to run these sessions and has accessed Accredited Training to become a Qualified Children’s Yoga Instructor. We are hoping to be able to include this in the curriculum from September 2025.
The development plans over the next two years will continue to focus on the impact of the Government reforms and how they plan to address the childcare funding for working families.
The level of funding available is continually monitored and how we respond to the potential increase in demand for spaces with an emphasis on meeting the needs of children as young as 9 months. We need to closely monitor intake during 2024 - 2025 to ensure we are ready to accommodate the additional demands for session from September 2025 when the Government increases the entitlement of funded hours from 15 to 30 for children aged from 9 months, this will have a significant impact on how we manage our admissions and waiting list moving forward.
Structure, governance and management
Our setting continues to be governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, and is a company limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006. In accordance with the Articles the Charity is managed by the Committee. The Board of Trustee Directors is made up of affiliated and non-affiliated members. The Trustees are appointed on the basis of their willingness to meet the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee, complete a full induction and have an enhanced DBS certificate (this process is part of the induction requirements). The Committee meet termly and decisions are made by a majority decision.
The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.
We continue to employ a manager who is also a Trustee Director in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Page 4
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL
Statement of trustees’ responsibilities for the year ended 31[st] August 2024
The Board of Trustees (who are also Directors of Steady Steps Pre-School for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP FRS 102 (2019);
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
…………………………………………………………….. Julie Pickthall On behalf of the Board of Trustees
Date:
Page 5
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Steady Steps Pre-School
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31[st] August 2024 which are set out on pages 7 to 16.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
….……………………….. Kerry Lawrance FCA
Date:
Compass Accountants Limited Venture House, The Tanneries East Street, Titchfield, Hants. PO14 4AR
Page 6
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Funds Funds Total Notes £ £ £ Income Charitable activities 7 314,287 11,246 325,533 Other trading activities 8 4,337 - 4,337 Investments 186 - 186 Total Income 318,810 11,246 330,056 Expenditure Charitable activities 9 306,812 15,349 322,161 Total expenditure 306,812 15,349 322,161 Net income/expenditure 11,998 (4,103) 7,895 Transfers between funds - - - Net movement in funds 11,998 (4,103) 7,895 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 145,408 4,103 149,511 Total funds carried forward 157,406 - 157,406 |
Unrestricted Restricted 2023 Funds Funds Total £ £ £ 250,468 27,725 278,193 4,626 - 4,626 76 - 76 255,170 27,725 282,895 270,999 27,343 298,342 270,999 27,343 298,342 (15,829) 382 (15,447) - - - (15,829) 382 (15,447) 161,237 3,721 164,958 145,408 4,103 149,511 |
|---|---|
All transactions are derived from continuing activities.
All recognised gains and losses are included in the Statement of Financial Activities
The notes on pages 9 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements
Page 7
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL BALANCE SHEET - COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 6403351 AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024
| Notes Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 2 Current Assets Stock Debtors 3 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 4 Net Current Assets Net Assets Funds Unrestricted Funds 5,6 Restricted Funds 5,6 |
2024 £ 82,226 142 4,302 79,504 83,948 8,768 75,180 157,406 £ 157,406 - 157,406 £ |
2023 £ 88,362 308 6,567 63,910 70,785 9,636 61,149 149,511 £ 145,408 4,103 149,511 £ |
|---|---|---|
For the financial year in question the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts.
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The financial statements were approved by the Board on and signed on its behalf by:
Julie Pickthall On behalf of the Board of Trustees
Date:
The notes on pages 9 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements
Page 8
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1 Accounting Policies
1.1 Charity information
Steady Steps Pre-School is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital and is a charity registered under the Charities Act 2011. It is managed by a Board of Trustees, the members of which are directors and charity trustees respectively within the meaning of the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011.
The objectives of Steady Steps Pre-School are to provide quality early years care and education to children and their families within the community of Gosport and the neighbourhood.
1.2 Nature and purpose of designated and restricted funds
Restricted
a) Early year pupil premium funding
Targeted funding for early years education for disadvantaged children.
b) Meal grants Funding to support vulnerable households affected by COVID-19 that would meet the 'Free School Meals' criteria.
c) Disability funding
Targeted additional support for disabled children.
d) Special education needs
Targeted funding for early years education for special needs children.
e) Income deprivation funding
Targeting funding for early years education for low income household children. bills, food and water bills.
f) Discretionary grant
Funding to support and provide assistance to vulnerable families who would otherwise struggle with energy bills, food and water bills.
g) DWP grant
Funding to help purchase equipment for member of staff with hearing impairment.
h) Expert and mentors programme
Funding to cover the cost of expert/mentor to provide support to other settings.
1.3 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) (issued October 2019) - Charities SORP (FRS102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
1.4 Going Concern
The Charity's financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the levels of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
Page 9
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1 Accounting Policies (continued)
1.5 Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Buildings - 5% Straight Line Furniture and Equipment - 25% Reducing Balance
1.6 Stock
Stock of clothing and resources is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
1.7 Debtors
Debtors are stated at the amounts due to the Chairty at the balance sheet date. Prepayments are recorded for the proportion of time-based expenditures attributable to ensuing year.
1.8 Cash and cash equivalents
Amounts held in bank accounts and cash at the balance sheet date. This is held to meet the day to day running costs of the charity as they fall due.
1.9 Creditors
Creditors are recognised as soon as an outflow of economic benefit is considered more likely than not to occur under a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to pay out resources. Creditors that are current liabilities are recognised at the settlement amount expected to be paid at the balance sheet date.
1.10 Taxation
The company is a registered charity and, in the opinion of the Board, is exempt from corporation tax on its surpluses on financial activities in accordance with S.486 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010.
1.11 Grant income recognition
A grant that becomes receivable on the occurrence of a certain specified future event is recognised in the financial accounts when the specified when the specified event has occurred and all the grantor's requirements associated with it have been complied with.
1.12 Allocation and analysis of resources used
Central expenditures for charitable support and administration are partly met through core funding and partly from attributions to restricted funds for centrally-borne support costs.
Page 10
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| 2 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 September 2023 Additions Disposals At 31 August 2024 Depreciation At 1 September 2023 On Disposals Charge for the year At 31 August 2024 Net book values At 31 August 2024 At 31 August 2023 3 Debtors Prepayments Trade debtors Other debtors 4 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Taxes and social security Other creditors Accrued charges |
Furniture & Equipment £ 27,465 2,719 - 30,184 20,581 - 2,406 22,987 7,197 6,884 |
Buildings Total £ £ 128,963 156,428 - 2,719 - - 128,963 159,147 47,485 68,066 - - 6,449 8,855 53,934 76,921 75,029 82,226 81,478 88,362 2024 2023 £ £ 320 1,076 3,982 5,390 - 101 4,302 6,567 2024 2023 £ £ 5,841 2,519 707 3,334 2,220 3,783 8,768 9,636 |
|---|---|---|
Page 11
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| 5 Movement on funds in the year Unrestricted General Fund Restricted - Early year pupil premium - Meal grants - Disability funding - Special education needs - Discretionary grant Unrestricted General Fund Restricted - Early year pupil premium - Meal grants - Disability funding - Special education needs - Income deprivation funding - Discretionary grant - Expert and mentors programme |
1 September 31 August 2023 Income Expenditure 2024 £ £ £ 145,408 318,810 (306,812) 157,406 145,408 318,810 (306,812) 157,406 3,132 3,644 (6,776) - 30 - (30) - - 648 (648) - 445 6,954 (7,399) - 496 - (496) - 4,103 11,246 (15,349) - 149,511 330,056 (322,161) 157,406 1 September 31 August 2022 Income Expenditure 2023 £ £ £ 161,237 255,170 (270,999) 145,408 161,237 255,170 (270,999) 145,408 3,091 3,270 (3,229) 3,132 180 - (150) 30 - 1,656 (1,656) - 445 - - 445 - 3,739 (3,739) - 5 660 (169) 496 - 18,400 (18,400) - 3,721 27,725 (27,343) 4,103 164,958 282,895 (298,342) 149,511 |
|---|---|
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STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
6 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Fund balances at 31 August 2024 as represented by: Unrestricted General Fund Fund balances at 31 August 2023 as represented by: Unrestricted General Fund Restricted - Early year pupil premium - Meal grants - Special education needs - Discretionary grant |
Fixed Net Current Net Assets Assets Assets £ £ £ 82,226 75,180 157,406 82,226 75,180 157,406 Fixed Net Current Net Assets Assets Assets £ £ £ 86,007 59,401 145,408 2,355 777 3,132 - 30 30 - 445 445 - 496 496 88,362 61,149 149,511 |
|---|---|
Page 13
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
7 Income received from charitable activities
| Grants receivable Two-year old funding Early years education grant Early years pupil premium funding Special education needs funding Disability funding Fees and other income User fees Grants receivable Two-year old funding Early years education grant Early years pupil premium funding Income deprevation funding Disability funding Staff grant Discretionary grant Expert and mentors programme grant Fees and other income User fees Other operating income Other trading activities Fundraising Fundraising |
Unrestricted Restricted 2024 £ £ £ 48,569 - 48,569 215,864 - 215,864 - 3,644 3,644 - 6,954 6,954 - 648 648 264,433 11,246 275,679 49,854 - 49,854 49,854 - 49,854 314,287 11,246 325,533 Unrestricted Restricted 2023 £ £ £ 35,824 - 35,824 165,637 - 165,637 - 3,270 3,270 - 3,739 3,739 - 1,656 1,656 500 - 500 - 660 660 - 18,400 18,400 201,961 27,725 229,686 48,450 - 48,450 57 - 57 48,507 - 48,507 250,468 27,725 278,193 Unrestricted Restricted 2024 £ £ £ 4,337 - 4,337 4,337 - 4,337 Unrestricted Restricted 2023 £ £ £ 4,626 - 4,626 4,626 - 4,626 |
|---|---|
8 Other trading activities
Page 14
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
9 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Payroll and related costs Wages and salaries Training, welfare and hospitality Rent Resources Repairs and maintenance Cleaning and waste disposal Insurance Depreciation of operating equipment Meal grant vouchers Telehone and interent Printing and stationery Memberships and subscriptions Depreciation of buildings Miscallaneous expenses Accountancy fees Independent examiners fee |
Unrestricted Restricted 2024 £ £ £ 252,626 15,049 267,675 1,908 - 1,908 14,488 - 14,488 10,794 - 10,794 9,391 - 9,391 120 - 120 977 - 977 2,405 - 2,405 1,684 300 1,984 1,048 - 1,048 193 - 193 1,865 - 1,865 6,448 - 6,448 645 - 645 1,620 - 1,620 600 - 600 306,812 15,349 322,161 |
|---|---|
- 9 Expenditure on charitable activities - continued
| Payroll and related costs Wages and salaries Training, welfare and hospitality Subcontractor costs Rent Resources Repairs and maintenance Cleaning and waste disposal Insurance Depreciation of operating equipment Meal grant vouchers Telehone and interent Printing and stationery Memberships and subscriptions Depreciation of buildings Miscallaneous expenses Accountancy fees Independent examiners fee |
Unrestricted Restricted 2023 £ £ £ 221,054 6,884 227,938 3,581 - 3,581 - 18,400 18,400 16,741 624 17,365 8,793 1,285 10,078 2,942 - 2,942 618 - 618 786 - 786 2,289 - 2,289 - 150 150 1,037 - 1,037 86 - 86 2,680 - 2,680 6,448 - 6,448 704 - 704 2,430 - 2,430 810 - 810 270,999 27,343 298,342 |
|---|---|
10 Transfers
No transfers have been made between funds during the period.
Page 15
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
11 Payroll and staffing
| Staff costs Gross wages and salaries Employer's national insurance Pension contributions Staff numbers Average number of staff employed Number of full-time equivalent staff No employees received emoluments exceeding £60,000 p.a. (2023: £60,000). |
2024 2023 £ £ 224,188 218,313 33,950 6,186 9,537 3,439 267,675 227,938 20 20 7 7 |
|---|---|
12 Trustees' emoluments and expenses
The following director received a salary for their services as staff in accordance with their respective employment contract. No remuneration was paid to them in connection with their services as charity trustees.
| Julie Pickthall - Pension contributions |
2024 2023 32,033 31,390 861 771 32,894 32,161 |
|---|---|
No trustees or anyone connected with them received reimbursement of expenses relating to their services as trustees.
13 Related party transactions
Julie Picktall, a director, invoiced the charity £16,750 in relation to services provided, this related to work performed for the Expert and Mentors programme that the Charity received funding for.
Page 16