Charity number: 1128Z88 Company number- 6403351 Steady Steps Pre-school Trustees, annual report and flnanclal statements For the year ended 31°, August 2025 Compass Accountants Venture House The Tannerles East Street Tltchfleld Hampshlre P0144AR
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL Contents Page Legal and administrative informatio Trtjstees, annual report Statemerit of Tru5tees' responsibilities Independent Examiner's Report Statement of financial activities Balance sheet Notes to the f6nancial statements 9-16
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL charlty number 1128288 Company number 6403351 Principal address Copse Lane G05port Hampshire P013 ODH Trustees Teresa Arnold Ireslgned 9 Janltary 20261 Michelle Aston Clarice Boilev Andrew 8rown (resigned 20 November 20251 Lauren Carpenter Michelle Gates lappointed 5 September 20251 Julie Pickthall Company secretary Clarice Bailev Management Early Years Practitioner Julie Pickthall Accountanls Compass Accountants Limited Venture House The Tanneries East street Titchfield Hampshire P014 4AR Independent examlner Kerry Lawrance FCA Bankers Lloyds Bank PLC 20- 24 High Street Gosport Hampshire P012 IDE Page I
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL Report of the trustees {intludlng the dlrectors, report) for the year ended 31" August 2025 The trustee5, 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. Alms and OFJjectlves Steady Steps Pre-s¢hool provides quality care and education to children aEed from 9 months to rising 5. Our aim is to enhance the learning and development of children under the statutory school age bv: Providing a warm gafe environment Providing appropriate play based educatlonal aclivities and care facilitiÈs based on the child's individual needs, interests and abilities Respecting diversity and promote equality Df opportunity to children to ensure each child can reach their full potential while in our care Working closely with parents and cirers Working closely wlth other agencies involved in the welfare of the child and or family Ensltre the practice manager remain5 UP to date with current practice and legislation Ensuing all staff have relevant qualifications and experlence to carry out their dutles to a hiEh standard and can evidence on-going continual professional development Adhering to the aims and objectives of the pYe-schoo5 Learnir)g Alliance Powers To pursuance of the objectives the pre-school shall have the followlng powèrg.. - To provide accommodation and èquipment To raise money to pay for the pre-school activitiÈs To make such payments as shall be necessary Flnancial position This yèar, our financial position demonstrates that the Charity remains fully operational and financially viable, de5Plte the 5i8nifit3nt increase in runninB Costs. The charity reported a surplus for the year of £15.12712024.. £7.8951. Last Vè3r's fee increase was accepted by fee payers without any conflict. The new invoicing system 15 working well and provides a full breakdown of costs, including the number of funded hours used per week, which we are now required to disclose. The Increase in Early Years Entitlement IEYEI funding remains below the level that the Government should be allocating for our 34-year-olds. However. the funding rate for children under two has been set at a more reallstlc level. Looking ahead, the increase in Employers, National Insurance contributions and staff wages is expected to have a significant impact on the Charity moving forward. Reserves pollcy To set aside funds for special purposes or as reserves against future expenditure. In accordance wlth the Pre-schools Articles of Association the settin2 is permitted to engage in lawful activity that shall further the Charitable objectives. Money not immediately required to meet objectives may be kept as reserves for the purpose of furthering the charitable objectives e.g. future sustainability and development. We aim to utilise income from restricled funds a5 500n as reasonably possible after receipt. Page 2
STEADY STEP5 PRE-SCHOOL Report of the trustees (including the dlrectors. report) for the year ended 31" August 2025 Family dynamics As an inclusive setting we continue to provide ¢are and education to a diverse range of families within our local community and surrounding areas. Fdmily dynamics this year include.. Vulnerable famllies Young parents Service familie5 Children with SEND Looked After children Ethic Minority Mental He3lth related illnesses At Steady Steps we aim lo ensure every child iegardles% of the family circumstance can reach their full potential durinE their time with us. To achleve thig, we value the importance of working in partnership with the rJarent/carers by offerin8 throughout the year.. Open door policy Informal and formal meetings Service family coffee mornlngs Family events Ifund raising fetes, children's performances, community walks) stay and play sessions Celebrate family members dav Working Wlth other agencies for support and guidanc In the Nur5eiy roc)m we had children attend who were In receipt of 2-year funding, and in the pre-school vulnerable children who were in reIpt of Early Years Pupil Premivm. The enrolment of children aged from 9 months has been a success and one that has been welcomed by the familles In our community. Achievements and performance Mrs Brown completed hei full degree and is antlClP3ted to achieve a pass with Distinction in October 2025. Charlotte Moxham is on track to complete hÈr level 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education in October 2025. lenna Hooper completed her SENCO training and will be appointèd the allocated SENCO in the Nursery rooin from September 2025. Mrs Duffield, Mrs Simmons and Mrs Westwood completed a Baby Yoga course, enabling us to offer children'5 voga sessions to all our chlldren. Fundraising has been very successful, the year ended wlth 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 famlly BBQ this was well received by all attendees and w3s a lovely way to celebrate the end of a very bLJSy school year. Development With the increased number of babies from 9 months, we had to havÈ work done in the nursery and quite room to create a space conducive to meeting the baby's needs. The removal of a partition wall enabled us to create the Dolphin room, a dedicated space for our non-mobile children. This took up the space used for small quiet activitie5 Wlth our children with SEND needs and our space used for lunch time. We replaced this spate with a beautiful garden room, 51tuated in the pre-school garden giving ourSENDCO and ELSA a purpose- Page 3
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL Report of the trustees Ilncluding the dlrettors. report) for the year ended 31" August 2025 built building to carry out their work with children. This space is also kjsed for our £hildren'5 Yo&a, a free extracurricular activity delivered by our qualified staff. We created addition31 space in the pre-school room for children to have their lunch by replacing the carpet area with non-slip vinyl plank flooring. Both these projects were within our financial capabilities. Structuiej governance and management This year wc have 5truEEled more than ever to recrult parent volunteers, we believe this to be due to parents returning to work and not having time to volunteer. We are therefor going to consider movine to a CIO next year. This will be discussed at our AGM SprinB term 2026. Our setting continues to be governed by it5 Metnorandum and Articles of Association, is a Limited Company by Guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006. In Bccordance with the Articles the Charity is managed by the Commlttee, the Trustees (Charities Act20061 15 made up of Affiliated and non-afliliated member5. The Trusteeg are appoinled based on their willingnes5 to meet the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee, complete a full induction and have an enhanced DBS certificate (this process is part of tlie induction requirèments). The committee meet termly, and decisions are made by a majority deci51on. We continue to employ a manaRÈr who is also a directorlTrustee in accordance with th6$ Memorandum and Articles of association. RefeTences and Administration details.. Please refer the Financlal Accounts for year endin8 August 2025 'The charity. its Members. Board of Trustees, Staff and Professional Advisors, The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission guidance on publlc benefit. Page 4
STEADY STEPS PRE.SCHOOL Statement of trustees. responslbllStles for the year ended 31" August 2025 The Board of Trustees (who are also Directors of Steady Steps Pre-school for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the flnanelal statements in accordance with applicablè law and Llnited Kingdom Accouiiting Standards (United Kingdom Genprally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law reqvires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. which give a true and fair view of the state af affairs of the charitable company 2nd of the incoming resources and 3ppli¢ation of resources, including the income and expenditure, ot the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial Statements, the Trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,. obscrvc the methods and principles in the Charitie5 SORP FRS 102120191,. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. prepare thè fin3ncial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inapproprlate to presume that the charitable company will Continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adèquate accounting recoi'ds that are 5ufficlent to show and explain the chaTltable company's transactions and discloso with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial positlon of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statement5 c(Jmply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safe8iJarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevehtion and detection of fraud and other iiregvlarlties. Julie Pickt On behalf of the Board of Trustees Date: 1¥10412L Page S
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL Independent Emaminer's Report to the Trustees of Steady Steps PrÈ4chool I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31" August 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 16. Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity's trustees you ère responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the chailty's accounts carried out under sèction 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission urider section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent examlner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attentlon in connèction with the examination giving me cause to believe that In any malerial respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by sÈction 130 of the Act,. or the accounts do not accord wlth those records,. or the accounts do not comply witli the applicable requirements conce¥nlng 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 consldered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have COMÈ across no other matters in ¢onnection with the èxamination to which attentk)n should be drawn in this report In order to enable a proper understandine of the accounts to be reached. Compass Accountants Llmited Venture House, The Tanneries East Street, Titchfield, Hants. P014 4AR Kerry Lawrance FCA Date: IVN AILIL 2oZts Page 6
STEADYSTEPS PRE.SCHOOL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Unrèstrlcted Restrlcted Funds Fund8 2025 Total Unrèstrlcted Restrlcted Funds 2024 Total Nottrs Income Charitabl8 acllvmles Olher trading aGtIlIeS Inve51menls 380,158 2,707 8,594 368,752 2.707 3fj4.287 4.337 11.246 325,533 4,337 186 Total Inm0 382.865 8,594 391,459 318.810 11,246 330 056 Expendlture Charliable acllvNi8S 367.738 8,594 376.332 306,81? 15,349 322,161 Tolal expÈndlture 367.738 8.594 376.332 306,812 15,349 322.181 Nèt lrtcomelèxpèndlture 15.127 15,127 11,998 14,1031 7,895 Transfers between luDd5 Net movemBnt In fndts f5,127 15,127 13,998 14,1031 7.895 Reconclllatlon of funds.. To185 funds broughl forward 1S7,406 157,406 145,408 4,103 149,S11 Total funds ¢arried foThvard 172.533 172,533 757,406 1S7,406 I Iran5&tlon$ arè derived from conlinuing aclivilies. I reGognised g8lns and10s&8S 8r6 ¢ncluded in the Statement ol Flnancial Atilvllles Thè not68 on pagos 9 to 16 forrn an integral part of these flnancial stalemBnts Pag8 7
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL BALANCE SHEET- COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 6403351 AS AT31 AUGUST 2025 2025 2024 Notes Flxed Assets Tangible Assels 80,464 82,226 Current Assets Slock Debtors C8sh at bank and h8nd 142 3,172 96,188 99,502 142 4,302 79,504 83,948 Credltors: amounts falllllg due wlthin one year 7,433 8,768 Net Current Assets 92,069 75,180 Nel Assets 2 172,533 £ 157,406 Funds Unreslricted Funds ReStrted Funds 172,533 157,406 £ 172.533 £ 157,408 The flnan¢l81 $latÉm8nts are pr8pared in 8ccordante wllh Ihe 8P8cial provislons of Pad 15 af the Companies Act 2006 relaling to small companies. The Ilnancial slalemenls were approve<l by the Board on and signed on its behall by.. Juli6 Pickthall On behalf of the Board of Truslees Date.. I%IoLI IIL The notes on pages 9 to 16 fomi an Integral part of Ihese flnan¢lal statements Page 8
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Accountlng Pollcl88 1.1 Charity Informatlon Steady Steps Pre-school is a company limiled by guarantee anEI not having a sh8r8 Capital and is a ¢ha¥ily registered under the Chaillies Acl 2011. 11 is managed by a Board of Tiusiees, the mernb8rs of which are directors and charSly trustees r8SP8CtiveW withln the meanlng ol the Cornpanles Act 2006 and the Charities Act2011. The objectives of Sle£dy Steps Pre-school gre to provide quality early years care and educattoTr to child and thelr families within th8 communiiy of Gosport and Ihe neighbourhood. 1.2 Nature atjd purpose of de$lgnated 8nd r8stri¢ted funds Restrlctod Eaylyyear pupll premlum fundlng Targeted funding forearly years eduG21ion for disadvan18ged chik1ren. Dlsablllly lundlng Taigeled addillonal support lor disabled Children. Speclal èducatlon need$ Targeted funding for early years edueatton lor special Tr8éd8 children. Income deprivatlon fundln9 Targeting funding for earlyyears educalion for low income household thildren. bllls. food and water bills. D18cretionary grant Funding to support and provide assistance lo vulnerable families who would othe1$e slwggle wth energy bills, food and walei bills. DWP grant Funding to help PUFchase equipm$nt for member of staff with hearing imp8lrmenl. gl Expert and mentors programma Funding lo ¢ov8r the cost ol expertlmentor lo provide supporl lo other settings. 1.3 Basis of preparatloll of fEnaftelal statements The financial stalements have been prepared in a¢¢ordance with A¢counling and Reportlng by Charilies.. Stslement of Recomrnended Praclice applicable to charilies prep&ring their accounts In accordsnce with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 lissued October 20191- Charitie5 SORP IFRS1021, Ihe Financial Reporting Sland8rd applicable in Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and th8 Companies Acl 2(K)6. 1.4 Golng Concgrn The Charity's financial slaternents have beèn prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe thèt no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have Consldered Ihfj levels ol furids held and th8 8xp6cled level of income and expendiluro for 12 month5 from 2Uthorising these financi81 slal$ments. The budgetèd incom8 and expenditure sufficl8nl wilh the level ol rgsfjrves foT Ihe Gharily to be ablg to continue as a going concern. Page 9
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Accountlng Policlès leontlnuedl 1.S Tanglble Fixed AssÈts and Depreciation Depreciation Ès provided al rates calculated to wrilg off the cost les5 residual value ol each asset over ils 8xpecled u5elul life, as follows-. Bulldlngs Furniture and Equlpment 5¢A Stralghl Llnè 25% R&ducing Balance 1.8 Stock Stock of clolhing and resources Ss valued al the lower ol etssl and net realisable valu8. 1.7 Debtors Debtors 8r8 slated at the amounts due to the Chairty at the balance sheel dale. Prepayrnents ar¢ recorded for the pioportion ol lime-basfjd gxp6ndiiures attributable lo ensulng yaar. 1.8 Cash and cash equh¥alent5 Amounts h8115 In bank a¢counls and cash 81 the bala[e Sheet dale. Tttls is helct to meot Ihe day to day running costs ol the charity 8$ they fall due. 1.9 Credilors Creditors are recognlsed as soon as an outftow of economlc benefit is considsrod nioTe Ilkefy than not to occur under a109al or conslwclive oblig(Ition commilting lh8 Charity lo pay out resources. Creditors that are current liabiliti6$ are recognised at the $elll8m8nt amount expÈcled lo be paid at the balsnce sh661 dale. 1.10 Taxatlon The ¢ompany Is a registered charity and. In the opinion of the Board. Is exempt from Corp(atIOn lax on its surpluses financial activities in accordance with S.486 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. 1.11 Grant Sncome recognltlon A grant that becotnes recelvabfe on the occurr8nc8 Df a certain specified future ev8nt is reeogni5ed In (he nanclal ac¢ounls when th8 spocified when ttte specified èvenl has occurred and all the grantovs requirements associated wilh it have b8en complied wlh. 1.12 Allocatlon and analysls of resources usèd Central expelldilures foT charilable support and adminislratson ar@ partly met through Core fundiTrg and partly from attributions ¢0 restrieted funds for ce4)Irally-borne support costs. Page 10
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Tanglble flxed assets Furnlture & Equlpmènt Bulldlngs Total Cost Al 1 September 2024 Addillons Dlsposals Al 31 August 2025 30.184 6,488 128.963 159,147 6,488 36,672 128.963 165.635 Depreciation Al 1 Septembei 2024 On Disposals Ch8rgè for the year Al 31 Augusl 2025 22.987 53,934 76.921 1,802 24.789 6,448 60,382 8,250 85.171 Net book values At 31 August 2025 Al 31 August 2024 11.883 7,197 68,581 75,029 80.464 82,226 D&btors 2025 2024 Prepayments Trade debtors Olher debtors 345 2,828 320 3,982 3.172 4,302 Credltors.. amounts lalling duè wlthln one year 2025 2024 Taxes and Social security Olher credllors Accrued charges 4.213 geo 2.260 7.433 5,841 707 2.220 8,768 Paga 11
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Movemenl on fund5 In the year q S8Ptemb8r 2024 31 August 2025 Income Expenditure Unrestrlcted General Fund 157,406 157,406 382,865 382,865 367.738 367.738 172,533 172,533 Restrlcted Early year pupil premium - Speelal educalion needs 4,250 4,344 14,2501 4,344 18,594 157,406 391,459 376,332 172,533 1 September 2023 31 August 2024 Incomè Expondlture Unrestrlcted Gener81 Fund 145.408 145.408 318,810 318,810 306,812 306,812 157,406 157,406 Restrlctèd Ea¥ly year pupil premiu Meal grants Disability funding Special education needs Discr8tiOn8ry gr8ni 3,132 30 3,644 {6,7761 130) 1648) 17,399 496 15,349 648 6,954 445 496 4,103 11.246 149.511 330.056 322,161 157,406 Page 12
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Analysls of net assets between funds Flxed Assels Nèt Current NÈt Ass6ts Assets Fund balancé$ at 31 Augusl 2024 as represented by.. Unrestrlcted Gen8ral Fund 82,226 75,180 157,406 82,226 75,180 157,406 Fixed Assots Net Curlènt Net Assets Assets Fund balances al 31 August 2023 as represented by.. Unreslrlcted General Fund 86,007 59,401 145,408 Rastrlcted Eaily yeai pupil premium Meal orarnls - Speul<il education needs Discrelionary orant 2,355 777 30 445 496 3.132 30 445 4g6 88,362 61,149 149.511 Page 13
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Income recelved from ¢harltablo acllvlties Unrestricted Restrlded 2025 Grants recelvabl8 Two-year old funding Early years educalion grant Early yeais pupil pr@mium Inding Special education n8eds funding 131,473 186,888 131,473 186,888 4,250 4,344 326,955 4,250 4.344 8,594 318.361 Fees and other INM User fees 61,797 61.797 61,797 61,797 380,158 8,594 388,752 Unrestrlcted Reslrlcted 2024 Grants receivable Two-ye8r old fundinu Early years education giant Edr5y years pupil premium fuRdlng Spec181 education needs funding Disabilily funding 48.569 2t5.864 48.569 215,864 3,644 6.954 648 275,679 3,644 6,954 648 11,246 264,433 Fèas and other Income User f88S 49,854 49,854 49,854 49,854 314,287 11.246 325,533 Other tradlng ac¢ivilie$ Unrestrlcted Re5trleted 2025 Fundralsing 2,707 2,707 2.707 2,707 Unrestrlcted Reslrlcted 2024 FundralsSng 4,337 4,337 4.337 4.337 Pago 14
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Expenditure on ¢harltsblè actlvltles Unrestricted Reslrl¢l¢d 2025 Payroll arid related costs W2ggs and salarles Training. welfare and hospilalily Rent Resources Repairs and maintenance Insurance Dcprccialion ol operatirhg equlpment Meal grant vouchers Telehone and inlernet Printing and stationery Memberships and subwiplions Depreciallon ol buildings Miscallat)¢ous expefts&s Accountancy fees Independent exarniners lee 308,452 1,418 18,862 14,640 3.928 4.079 1,802 1,255 973 600 2.824 6.448 197 1,220 1.040 367.738 8,294 316.746 1.418 18.862 14.640 3,928 4.Q179 1.802 1.555 973 600 2,824 6,448 197 1,220 1,040 376,332 300 8.594 Expendlture on Charltable a¢tlvlllo8 - ¢ontlnLEed Unrestrlcted Restrlcted 2024 Payroll and related c08t8 Wages and salaries Training, welfare and hospltallly Rent Resources Repairs and maintenence Cleaning and waste disposal Insurance Depreciation of operating equipmgnl Meal grant vouchers Telehone and inlernel Prinllng and stationery M8mb8rships 8nd subscriptions Depreciation of buildings Miscallaneaii* gxp&nses Accounlancy fees Ind8p8nd8nt ex•mlners fee 252.626 1.9ts8 14,488 10,794 9.391 120 977 2,405 1,684 1,048 193 1,865 6,448 645 1,620 600 306,812 15,049 267,675 1,908 14,488 10,7g4 9,391 120 977 2,405 1,984 1,048 193 1,865 6.448 645 1,620 600 322,161 3(Xl 15,349 10 Trartsfèrs No Iranslers have been made between funds during tke perlod. Page 15
STEADY STEPS PRE-SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 11 Payroll and stafflng 2025 2024 Staff cost$ Gross wages and salaries Employerfs national Insurance Pension contributions 267,194 35,556 12,437 315,187 224,188 33,950 9,537 267.676 Staff numbers Average number ol slafl 8mptOy8d No èmployèes received emoluments exce8ding £60,000 p.a.12024'. NIII. 23 20 12 TrLEStees' emoluments and expen$gs The lollowing direclor received a salary for tha[ services as slaff in accordance with their resperlive employment contract. No remuneration was paid to them in connecllon with their serv£ces as a charity liustee. 2025 36,693 959 37.652 2024 32.033 861 32.894 Julie Picklhall Pension contribution5 No trustees or anyone connected with them reiVed ieimbursement of 6xpens6s relating to their seNice8 as IIu5tees. 13 Related party transacllon Therè are no related party transactions Page 16