Charity number: 1139360
LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
CONTENTS
| Legal and Administrative information | 1 |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 2 – 5 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 - 13 |
LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Trustees | Mr A Nailor |
|---|---|
| Mrs A Gilbert (Chair) | |
| Mrs F Harvey | |
| Mrs A Johnson | |
| Charity registered number | 1139360 |
| Principal office | The Camden Centre |
| Unit 2 | |
| Market Square | |
| Royal Victoria Place | |
| Tunbridge Wells | |
| TN1 2SW | |
| Independent examiner | J Mathieson FCA |
| Lindeyer Francis Ferguson Limited | |
| Chartered Accountants | |
| North House | |
| 198 High Street | |
| Tonbridge | |
| Kent | |
| TN9 1BE |
Page 1
LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of Little Pips Pre-School at The Camden Centre (the charity) for the year ended 31 August 2025. The Trustees confirm that the report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity’s governing document and 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)). The Legal and Administrative information on page 1 forms part of this report.
Structure, governance and management
Constitution
The Barna-Bus Pre School originally operated under the umbrella of the Church of England. Under a constitution adopted on 12 October 2010 and following its registration as a charity on 19 December 2010, from 1 January 2011 the Pre School commenced as a separate entity with Free Early Education Entitlement funds and a donation from the Parish Church of St Barnabas in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. An updated constitution was signed 30 September 2019. The charity relocated in January 2020 and changed its name to Little Pips Pre-School at The Camden Centre and the constitution was updated at that date.
Method of appointment or election of trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Constitution.
Objectives and activities
Policies and objectives
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the charity commission relating to public benefit.
The aims of the pre-school as set out in the Constitution are to enhance the development and education of children primarily under statutory school age by encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups and by:
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(a) offering appropriate play, education and care facilities, family learning and extended hours groups, together with the right of parents to take responsibility for and to become involved in the activities of such groups, ensuring that such groups offer opportunities for all children whatever their race, culture, religion, means or ability;
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(b) encouraging the study of the needs of such children and their families and promoting public interest in and recognition of such needs in the local areas;
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(c) instigating and adhering to and furthering the aims and objects of the Pre-school Learning Alliance.
Activities for achieving objectives
The Pre-School offers a learning environment which covers all areas of learning and development as set out in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which sets the standard for learning and development and care for children 0 to 5 years. We support the children and families for the transition to Reception Class and maintain close links with local primary schools.
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LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Achievements and performance
The uptake of pre-school places in term one was average compared to previous years. After school club (ASC) continued to be popular and we extended the maximum number of spaces per session to accommodate more children. We started the term with 7 ASC children. Unfortunately, a few months later, St James Primary School opened it ‘s own After School Club, and Little Pips lost the majority of the children.
Our AGM took place in November, and we continued with the Charity Commission’s application form to convert the charity into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
We agreed that pre-school was going to take children from aged 18 months from January 2025. OFSTED was notified about this new change. Committee members agreed that there was a need to promote the Preschool by putting in place marketing and advertising strategies and therefore new banner and flyers were designed.
During the Autumn term, staff absences /illnesses had an impact on the staff overall. During this period, Committee members had discussions around the rent charged by TWBC of £3,916.67 per month. Making the setting unsustainable. The number of children on the roll was healthy, but many children accessed completely free hours and all streams of funding were accessed. This now included 30 hours for 9 months + and 2 years old from September, decreasing income drastically.
During the Spring term there were discussions around closure. Reserves at this moment were adequate. The aim for savings was to have at least 3 months of rent in reserve plus enough for redundancies/paying suppliers contracts. During April, there were discussions regarding the financial situation of Little Pips. Committee members explored different options to remain open. During this time, we received lots of enquires to enrol more children in the setting. Talks took place with the staff regarding reducing working hours as a measure to save some money for the charity.
In June after several conversations with TWBC and Committee members, TWBC agreed on a reduction of the rent, this is allowed Little Pips to remain open for another year.
The academic year ended on a positive note with a Leavers ceremony in the main hall of the Camden Centre, with most families attending to say farewell to the 26 children leaving to go to school in September.
Looking ahead to next year Little Pips Committee, came to decision that the Pre-school needed to go through the Redundancy process as the charity was financially unviable in its current state. The process to convert Little Pips Pre-school to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation continued.
Children
The 2024/2025 academic year started with 39 children on roll and ended with 62. Of those 39, 13 were 2 years old. In terms 3 & 4 there were 16 2-year olds and in terms 5 & 6 there were 15.
For 3-4-year olds there were 25 at the start of the year, 35 in terms 3 & 4 and 39 in terms 5 & 6.
We only had 3 children over the course of the year that were fully chargeable, all the rest were in receipt of free entitlement funding of some kind.
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LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Staff
Two staff members handed their notice in during the summer and the rest of the team returned in September 2024. Despite these changes, Little Pips continued delivering a high-quality service.
Transitions
26 children left us to start Reception class in September 2025. The relevant paperwork, phone calls and visits by teachers to support these transitions to local schools took place as usual.
Financial
The beginning of the financial year was similar for the take up of spaces for the time of year.
SEND (Special Education Needs and Disability)
Support and intervention have continued across the year for those children identified with additional needs. This year we supported one child across the academic year.
Financial review
During the year under review the charity made a loss of £18,228 (2024: surplus £4,513).
Total income for the year was £201,650 (2024: £255,272) and included £737 (2024: £802) in donations and grants. Our income from SENIF payments (for supporting children with additional needs) was £958, which is much lower than the previous year at £11,130.
In term 5 we increased fees as follows:
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a. Hourly rate went from £8 to £10
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b. Lunch Club went from £6 to £7
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c. ASC went from £17 to £19
Total expenditure was £219,878 (2024: £250,759).
The increase of staff salaries, pension contributions, rising National Insurance and minimum wage have heavily impacted Little Pips’ finances. The free government entitlement hours fail to cover the true costs of care.
Reserves policy
The charity’s unrestricted free reserves at 31 August 2025 were £37,575 (2024: £55,803). The trustees consider that the charity needs to hold sufficient reserves to meet its running costs for 3 months.
The financial plan, drawn up last year, continued with the purpose of promoting the extended opening hours and wrap around care during holidays and after school for children up to the age of seven. The fees for all services have increased, along with funding rates, which will continue to generate additional income going forwards.
Little Pips went through difficult times, but the position improved further as the number of children enrolled this year has continued increasing. There was a waiting list in place for September 2025. This has resulted in a more stable financial position and the charity continues to build reserves.
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LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
This report was approved by the trustees on 18 June 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Mrs A Johnson Trustee
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LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Little Pips Pre-School at The Camden Centre
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Little Pips Pre-School at The Camden Centre (‘the Charity’) for the year ended 31 August 2025.
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 2011 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 confirm that there are no other matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
James Mathieson FCA Lindeyer Francis Ferguson Limited Chartered Accountants North House 198 High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1BE
Dated: 22 June 2026
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LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024
Note £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and grants 97 640 737 802
Charitable activities:
Fees, Local Authority funding and after-
school clubs 200,073 - 200,073 254,007
Other trading activities 273 - 273 -
Investments
Bank interest receivable 567 - 567 463
201,010 640 201,650 255,272
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 2 219,238 640 219,878 250,759
Net (expenditure) / income and net ( 18,228) - ( 18,228) 4,513
movement in funds
-
Total funds brought forward 55,803 55,803 51,290
Total funds carried forward 6 37,575 - 37,575 55,803
----- End of picture text -----
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LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
Note £ £ £ £
Current assets:
Debtors 4 1,813 2,406
Cash at bank and in hand 38,318 56,260
40,131 58,666
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year 5 ( 2,556) ( 2,863)
Net current assets 37,575 55,803
Total net assets 37,575 55,803
The funds of the charity: 6
Unrestricted funds 37,575 55,803
37,575 55,803
----- End of picture text -----
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 18 June 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Mrs A Johnson Trustee
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LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by 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) - ("Charities SORP FRS 102"), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland ("FRS 102") and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The accounts are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.
Although the charity has made a loss this year of £18,228, reducing reserves to £37,575, the trustees’ have taken appropriate action to ensure the charity can continue. This includes negotiations with TWBC to considerably reduce the rent payable for the year to 30 June 26 and also to reduce staffing costs to match demand. This has resulted in an improved cash flow position post year end and therefore the trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue and so the going concern basis of accounting has been adopted.
There are no significant areas of judgement or estimation uncertainty.
1.2 Income
Income in relation to fees and Local Authority funding is recognised in the period in which the places for which the fees are charged or the funding is received are attended by the children.
Donations and grants are recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, the receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured. For donations this is usually on receipt. For grants this is usually when a formal offer is made in writing, unless the grant contains terms and conditions which must be met before the charity is entitled to the funds. Income from uniform sales is recognised when title of the goods transfers to the purchaser. Income from fundraising events is recognised when the event takes place.
1.3 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 settlement will be required and the amount required to settle the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Irrecoverable VAT is included. Expenditure is classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. Support and governance costs have been allocated to the charity's one charitable activity.
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LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1 Accounting policies continued
1.4 Financial instruments
The charity only has financial instruments which are classified as basic financial instruments. Shortterm debtors and creditors are measured at the settlement value. Any losses from impairment are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
1.5 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds can only be used for a specific purpose as specified by the donor.
1.6 Status
Little Pips Pre-School at The Camden Centre is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales. Its registered address is The Camden Centre, Unit 2, Market Square, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SW.
2 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Activity: Pre-school education Staff costs (see note 3) Equipment and resources Redecoration and fixtures Hire of hall Ofsted registration Support costs: Administration Telephone and computer costs Utilities Insurance Advertising Payroll services Governance: Independent examination |
2025 £ 166,743 597 - 41,879 220 3,915 1,091 143 1,478 40 1,456 2,316 219,878 |
2024 £ 182,186 3,714 8,029 43,400 220 6,780 810 130 1,400 107 1,859 2,124 250,759 |
|---|---|---|
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LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
3 Staff costs and remuneration of key management personnel
| Wages and salaries Agency staff costs Employer's National Insurance Employer's pension contributions |
2025 £ 160,376 - 3,998 2,369 166,743 |
2024 £ 176,381 1,474 1,722 2,609 182,186 |
|---|---|---|
The average number of employees on a headcount basis was 14 (2024: 14). No employee received employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2024: £Nil).
The key management personnel are considered to be the trustees. During the year, no trustees received any remuneration or benefits nor were reimbursed for any expenses in their capacity as trustees (2024: £Nil). Mrs A Johnson and Mrs F Harvey, trustees, were remunerated for their roles as teachers in the pre-school. Their aggregate remuneration, including employer's National Insurance and employer's pension contributions, was £51,898 (2024: £49,100).
4 Debtors
| Fees receivable Prepayments Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income Other creditors |
2025 £ - 1,813 1,813 2025 £ 2,556 - 2,556 |
2024 £ 898 1,508 2,406 2024 £ 2,360 503 2,863 |
|---|---|---|
5 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
6 Movement in funds
| Current year Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
Brought forward £ 55,803 - 55,803 |
Income £ 201,010 640 201,650 |
£ ( 219,238) ( 640) ( 219,878) Expenditure |
Carried forward £ 37,575 - 37,575 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
During the year a grant of £640 was received for staff training and resources. This amount was fully spent.
| Prior year Brought forward £ Unrestricted funds 51,290 Restricted funds - 51,290 Analysis of net assets between funds 2025 £ Current assets 40,131 Creditors ( 2,556) 37,575 Unrestricted funds |
Income £ 254,550 722 254,550 Restricted funds 2025 £ - - - |
£ ( 250,037) ( 722) ( 250,037) Total funds 2025 £ 40,131 ( 2,556) 37,575 Expenditure |
Carried forward £ 55,803 - 55,803 Total funds 2024 £ 58,666 ( 2,863) 55,803 |
|---|---|---|---|
7 Analysis of net assets between funds
In the previous year, there were no net assets representing restricted funds.
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LITTLE PIPS PRE-SCHOOL AT THE CAMDEN CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
8 Operating lease commitments
At 31 August 2025 the charity was committed to making the following payments under noncancellable operating leases:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Buildings: | ||
| Payable not later than one year | 17,833 | 9,050 |
| Payable later than one year but not later than five years | 58,750 | - |
9 Related party transactions
The wife of Mr A Nailor, trustee, is employed by the charity as Deputy Manager and received remuneration, including employer's National Insurance and employer's pension contributions, of £19,660 during the year (2024: £17,960). There are no other related party transactions.
10 Post year end events
On 1 June 2026 the trustees approved the transfer of the activity to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The CIO is called Little Pips Pre-School at the Camden Centre CIO, and is registered number 1212361.
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