2025-08-31-accounts - St Monica's Nursery and Forest School

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator. This document is also available as Markdown.

==> picture [83 x 86] intentionally omitted <==

ST. MONICA’S NURSERY Trustees' Annual Re ort p

For the Period start date Period end date period 01 09 2024 31 08 2025

Charity name St Monica’s Nursery

Other names the charity is known by St Monica’s Nursery

Registered charity number (if any) 1152590

Charity's principal address St. Monica’s Close A leton pp Warrin ton g

Postcode WA4 3AW

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
	Clare Wadsworth	Chairperson
	Liam Mannion	Treasurer
	Stephen Hare	Parent Member
	Martin Ashcroft	School Link Governor

Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Name Address

Type of adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Mrs Emma Lightfoot - Nursery Leader Mrs Helena Burnett- Nursery Deputy

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods (eg. appointed by, elected by)	Constitution.
	Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
	The Nursery is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is managed by a committee of charity trustees. The trustees are appointed for a term of three years. There are not fewer than 3 or more than 7 appointed trustees at any given time. Committee meetings are held at least once per term to monitor the nursery's effectiveness, ensure that it complies with its statutory obligations, and discuss and agree on matters relating to its day-to-day management and ongoing development. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits. The Committee must include a parent representative and a member of St. Monica’s Catholic Primary School'sgoverningbody. The NurseryLeader is a

Type of governing document
(eg. trust deed, constitution)
How the charity is constituted
(eg. trust, association, company)
Trustee selection methods
(eg. appointed by, elected by)

Constitution.

Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

The Nursery is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
(CIO) and is managed by a committee of charity
trustees.
The trustees are appointed for a term of three
years.
There are not fewer than 3 or more than 7
appointed trustees at any given time.
Committee meetings are held at least once per term
to monitor the nursery's effectiveness, ensure that it
complies with its statutory obligations, and discuss and
agree on matters relating to its day-to-day
management and ongoing development. All trustees give
their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or
other benefits.
The Committee must include a parent representative
and a member of St. Monica’s Catholic Primary
School'sgoverningbody. The NurseryLeader is a

trustee and has voting rights on all matters, except those related to the leader's role.

Individuals are appointed trustees based on their skills, knowledge and experience.

Each newly appointed trustee receives a copy of the constitution, which clearly states the nursery's aims and objectives, as well as a copy of the latest Trustees’ Annual Report and Statement of Accounts.

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
relationship with any related parties;
trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.

We adhere to our recruitment and employment policy for all employment and/or trusteeship. Rigorous recruitment procedures ensure that we employ the highest-quality staff.

We follow Ofsted guidance on obtaining references and completing Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all staff and volunteers with unsupervised access to the children.

We provide a staffing ratio in line with the EYFS statutory framework to ensure that the children have sufficient individual attention and to guarantee quality care and education for all the children.

New staff members complete induction training during the first two weeks of employment, where the individual must demonstrate understanding of and compliance with our policies, procedures, daily tasks and routines, and they receive ongoing training following the EYFS statutory framework. Regular supervision by the Nursery Leader, continuing professional development (CPD) and support of individual career aths maintain ositive staff attitudes p p

to work. The team also conducts regular peer observations.

During the financial year, the staff employed within the nursery included a Leader (full-time member of staff), a Deputy Leader (full-time member of staff), one full-time Key Worker and 2 part-time Key Workers. A nominated SENCO liaises with parents and the Early Years Advisor and Children’s Services on any children requiring additional support.

All staff receive regular training following the EYFS statutory framework. The Leader has completed an HND in early years working with children and families in education (level 5). The Deputy Leader has also started a foundation degree in the early years (level 5). Two of our Key workers hold a level 3 and our newest member of staff is currently unqualified but is keen to start her Level 3 qualification in Early Years.

This year, as well as refresher courses in core training such as Safeguarding, First Aid and Prevent, staff have also undertaken CPD for specific areas such as PEEP training for parent partnership and engagement. Physical Development training through the Liverpool Training HUB. Both Our Leader and Deputy completed Talk Boost Training, which will enhance teh children's communication and language skills.

A Risk Assessment policy in operation within the nursery is continually reviewed and updated accordingly. A staff member carries out daily risk assessments and health and safety checks to ensure the setting is safe and healthy for children, parents, staff, visitors and volunteers. We also encourage the children to carry out their own risk assessment indoors and outdoors to understand the need to stay safe at all times.

The nursery is within St Monica’s Catholic Primary School, a suburban area in the south of Warrington. It falls within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury and is part of Warrington Borough Local Education Authority.

It is a term-time only setting and is open from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, for children from 2 years. We are registered with OFSTED and are advised by the EYFS Team at Warrington Borough Council.

The nursery is authorised to take in a maximum of 28 children per session.

Section C Objectives and activities

To advance the education of children attending St Monica’s Nursery by providing and assisting in providing Summary of the objectives of the charity set out in its facilities for the daily care, recreation and education governing document of such children.

Summary of the main
activities undertaken for the
public benefit in relation to
these objects (include within
this section the statutory
declaration that trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit)

The nursery has a dedicated room which is situated
within the main school building near the reception class.
The rear access to the room is suitable for disabled
access, with access also available through the
school. There is also a well-resourced outdoor
learning area, which benefits from a sunshade canopy,
meaning the children can access the EYFS curriculum
both indoors and outdoors throughout the year.
Our children are encouraged to become involved in the
extra-curricular activities organised by the Friends of
St Monica’s Primary School and the Parish Community
so that they become an integral part of the broader
community from an early age. These include regular
fundraising events.
Nursery children also have use of the school’s dining
hall, which is used for the provision of school lunches
and also for extracurricular activities such as music,
sports and movement.
The nursery operates a Healthy Snack policy. Staff
act as positive role models to encourage the children
to adopt healthy lifestyles in the setting by actively
involving the children in making 'good choices' about the
food they eat. Discussions help to develop the
children's understanding of the types of food which
keep our bodies healthy. Snacks are available for the
children to enjoy during each session. Cold milk and
water are also available. Any allergies and/or cultural
issues are considered in providing snacks. Alongside
our healthy snack policy, we promote a healthy
lifestyle by participating in a ‘daily mile’ each morning,
walkingor runningtwo laps around the school field.

During the autumn and spring terms, all our children enjoy eating their lunch in the nursery room. There is a choice each day of a home-packed lunch or a cooked school meal prepared by the school cook at St Monica’s Catholic Primary (prepared by the school’s cook following Warrington WBC guidelines for the preparation of healthy school lunches). At the start of the summer term, our older children who will be moving to reception will move to the dining hall.. Our open Admissions policy makes the setting available to all. Although the nursery is predominantly Englishspeaking and reflects the catholic faith, children from all faiths and cultures are warmly welcome. We currently have English, Japanese, Black-African and Italian children at the nursery. We use various multicultural resources, posters and picture books to promote and encourage an awareness and acceptance of cultural diversity, and we actively encourage all children to develop a positive self-image, including their heritage arising from their race, ethnicity, language, religion, cultural traditions and home background. Our children’s cultural needs and beliefs are incorporated within the setting by celebrating multicultural festivals and food-tasting activities. Throughout the year, staff have been involved in fundraising activities, some of which were undertaken with the Friends of St Monica’s. A total of £201 was raised this year through fundraisin activities. g

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

Youmay chooseto include
further statements, where
relevant, about:
●policy on grantmaking;
●policy programme related
investment;
●contribution made by
volunteers.

The nursery's curriculum provision aligns with the
EYFS statutory framework.
Each child is allocated a key worker upon entry into
the nursery to ensure consistency and establish good
working relationships between staff, children and
parents. This allows the key worker to develop a good
understanding of the child’s needs and to plan
effectively for them to be met in collaboration with
their parents and other nursery staff.
Planning is child-centred and is significantly influenced
by the children's current interests in the setting and
their homes. Weekly staff briefing meetings are held
to discuss, evaluate and amend the plans accordingly.
Children’s tracking documents are regularly annotated,
and each learning journal is completed weekly.
Tapestry (an On-Line Learning Journal) allows families
to secure access to their child’s learning journal
throughout the academic year.
The whole staff team works together to provide a
stimulating environment in which children learn and
develop. Through a broad, balanced curriculum, children
are encouraged to develop a positive self-identity,
taking on roles within their key worker groups to
increase their independence and self-esteem.
All staff model and promote the characteristics of
effective learning, understanding the importance of
each child’s learning method. Key workers
differentiate activities to suit the needs of children in
their key groups.
Provision is monitored and audited using the Early
Excellence audits. This allows staff to ensure we have
the very best resources to offer to the children to
fullyenhance their learningand development.

Evidence is collected through regular observations of the children’s play and learning and through photographic evidence. The Nursery Leader collates the tracking information from Famly and submits it to the Local Authority. Tracking data is used to assess children's progress and staff's professional development. This enables informed planning decisions for children’s next learning development opportunities and agendas for staff supervision meetings. The nursery acknowledges that continued communication with parents is essential and is committed to forming effective partnerships with them to enable each child to develop to his/her full potential. We operate an ‘open-door’ policy whereby parents can make contact with a team member at any time of the nursery day. We also encourage parents to observe their children at home and report their findings by completing a “Star Moment”, which is then shared and displayed within the nursery room, or by uploading evidence directly onto their child’s learning record on Tapestry. Parents are keen to be involved in their child’s learning. We host a number of events throughout the year to allow parents to be involved. These events include Parent Partnership Evenings during each term and the joint EYFS Evening with the Reception class during the Summer term. A comprehensive newsletter is issued to parents monthly. We have our own section within St Monica’s Catholic Primary website. We utilise a secure social media a e, which we also use as a means of p g

communication with parents. We also have a public social media page, which is used for advertising purposes. We held regular Stay & Play Sessions where existing and prospective new families were invited to come along and spend some time with their children in our setting. This not only gives parents an insight into the kind of activities on offer for their children, but it also provides another opportunity for them to get to know their key workers better and to interact with other families within their cohort. All who come into contact with the nursery comment positively about the setting, staff and exemplary behaviour of the children. Nursery staff act as positive role models at all times, and behaviour is managed in a calm, consistent and positive manner. This ensures that boundaries and routines are set in an environment in which the children feel secure, happy and valued. We have a positive attendance record, which demonstrates that children feel safe and secure in the setting and are happy and confident to leave their parents and access their independent play.

Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

Delivering Forest School sessions has allowed our children to experience a broader range of activities and experiences, and has helped our children and families develop empathy for the environment, which has encouraged our families to spend family time together in our local nature spaces, including ‘The Dingle’. Welcoming a new Deputy Leader to our team was a huge change, but one which has had such a positive impact on the nursery setting and staff team. Mrs Burnett has brought with her a wealth of SEND knowledge and has been amazing in taking over the role of SENDCo. The Trustees have also invested in staff by paying for our new Key Worker to complete her level 3 training. This was a significant cost of £2500. The trustees value the qualities that staff bring and are committed to investing in their CPD. Building a strong relationship with the Head Teacher of St Monica’s Catholic Primary School. Allowing better communication and collaboration between ourselves and the school.

Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves	An amount of £17,000 has been ring-fenced to fund the estimated exit costs, including staff redundancy costs, in the unlikely event of closure. This is reviewed annually. In addition to this, we aim to hold unrestricted cash reserves of at least £10,000. These funds are held to

meet one month’s financial obligations and any unforeseen expenditure that may occur.

Any surplus monies are used to purchase further resources for the children and/or fund our ongoing maintenance plan, which covers both our dedicated room and our outdoor play area.

Details of any funds materially in deficit

Not applicable.

Further financial review details (Optional information)

Youmay chooseto include
additional information, where
relevant about:
●the charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising);
●how expenditure has
supported the key objectives
of the charity;
●investment policy and
objectives including any
ethical investment policy
adopted.

The nursery’s main source of income is the Early Years
Funding provided by the Local Authority.
This funding is available to all children from the school
term after their third birthday and currently equates
to 15 hours per week up to a maximum of 570 hours
per annum; some children are eligible for up to 30 hours
per week up to a maximum of 1,140 hours per annum.
The nursery offers full-time funded places (ie 30 hours
per week) to all eligible parents across all sessions.
The nursery also receives income from non-funded
sessions (i.e. additional sessions attended in excess of
the 15/30 hours per week), which are optional and are
invoiced termly and paid for by parents.
The funding covers the cost of running the setting. The
main costs are staffing, rent, insurance, professional
services (including an external payroll provider), training
and resources.
The nursery relies on fundraising, organised by staff
and parent volunteers, to fund all other enrichment
activities.
The nursery has opted to prepare accounts on a
Receipts and Payments basis. The financial year end is
31stAugust.

The accounts disclosed for the period ending 31/08/25 include all financial transactions from 01/09/24 to 31/08/25. During this period, the nursery made a profit of £3027. This was a fantastic achievement as it demonstrates the hard work that staff have put into the setting during the past 12 months. This total comes from a combination of children increasing sessions and new children in the setting that were not originally included in the year's financial budget.

As a reward for all their hard work, the trustees agreed that some of teh profit would be used for staff end-of-year bonuses. Whilst the rest would be used for enhancing our nursery provision and purchasing new resources.

Section F Other optional information

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) C Wadsworth

Full name(s) Clare Wadsworth

Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Chairperson

Date 09/10/2025

1152590

==> picture [39 x 41] intentionally omitted <==

ST. MONICA'S NURSERY

Receipts and Payments Accounts

For the period 01/09/2024 to 31/08/2025 from

Section A Receipts and Payments

Section A Receipts and Payments
A1 Receipts	Total funds to the nearest 91,883 35,113 512 127,508 90,489 8,314 1,374 4,594 - 3,270 76 14,995 1,368 124,480 3,028	Last year to the nearest
Funded fees	91,883	89,937
Non-funded fees	35,113	28,253
Other	512	846
**Sub total **	127,508	118,667
A2 Payments
Staffing	90,489	74,323
Premisis	8,314	13,879
Insurance	1,374	1,517
Professional services	4,594	5,572
Advertising	-	-
Staff Training	3,270	943
Fundraisingactivities	76	7
Toys, equipment, activities & consumables	14,995	11,181
Building Work **Sub total **	1,368	-
	124,480	107,422
*Net of receipts/(payments)*
	3,028	11,615

Section B Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31/08/2025

B1 Cash	Total funds to the nearest	Last year to the nearest
Cash at bank	59,785	56,787
PettyCash in Office	-	84
**Sub total **	59,785	56,871
B2 Liabilities
Pension Creditor	438	587
		-
*Sub total*		-
*Net of assets/(liabilities)*
	59,311	56,283

Prepared by: NurseryLeader Signed by Treasurer Signature Print Name Mrs Emma Lightfoot Print Name Liam Mannion Signature	Prepared by: NurseryLeader Signed by Treasurer Signature Print Name Mrs Emma Lightfoot Print Name Liam Mannion Signature	Date

		Date
Treasurer	Liam Mannion

Independent examlnerfs report on the accounts R•port to th• trust••sl m•mb•rs of ST V,ONICAE WRSERY On •¢Thts for th• y••r •nd•d 31 ft)V2025 Cha no 1152590 S•t out on pag•3 R•$p•¢tfv• r••poMlbllltl•• The Lwtys knstees or• r8$ponsiblo for ts prvparntth of Lhe •C¢xuntJ. Th• of trustsm •rKI •x•mln•f Y'l truJts•g (XYIder that an •udll i• Thot rn]uif•d ft thh y•ar urid•r Kllon 144 tho Chariti•s Act 2011 (th• Charti8• Act) WKI that an •xamin8tion1g ne•ded. X * nry r•y¥thbty to: • the •cu>unts und8r 8•ckn 145 of kl, • tt) thè procodur•J l•id down in th• Prnf•l DIrIk8 given by th• Chty Ctynmisslon (und•r 1495Kb) ol t Ch•rttl•$ A¢L •nd ) Ila wh•thof P•rtJcul8r matt•rn h•v• com• to nyy all•nt. Ba•1• ol Ind•p•nthnt Kty •xnfftakn wag rTI•d oul In •c<Kd rth T•¢lIOnS giv•n •x.amln•r'• •latsm•nt by th• Clwtty C(xnm lon. An •x•rnkn4#on Indurt•• • r•vl•w 01 th• •¢¢wnkng r•ctyd• k•pl by th• ch•fty and a ol lh• •crAnt• •ni•d Iho•• rKThd•. It •l•o dUd0 )nhr#t10n ol any unu8ll X•nN ty dffjclo•uf•• •¢¢Axmi•, •nd knoking •xplM•ttong Irom th any w¢h m•tt•r•. Th• prr•I und•rtak•n do nol ov1(1• 81 th• •¥en¢• kntluld b• r•quif•d m •n oudit, •nd Gon¥tyu•ntty r4J l• gi%wi # to tth•f th• *<nI8 pr•••nt a 'tru• Ind l•it' vl•w •nd lh• mrtod to ItK)•• mott•rn Mt oul In th• t lom•nl b•l¢M. Ind p•nd•nt •xamln•rf• In ¢a)ftnodK With my •x•min8Lion M maiior tt)m• lo my ait•ntson •tatam•nt 1: wv•• m• t•Sabl• clum to b•fMv• thal In, any m•t•nal ro8p•¢i, . . lh• r•qulr•fn•nll: lo k••p •ccwnting in •¢wd•n with wlK)n 130 01 th• Ch•Ats8s •nd to PfQP8r• •ccount• whlch K¢ord wlth th• accounting r•colll• •nd rnY lh• •c¢oundng raqUtr•nnIS of th• Charits•• Act hava nol b•en m•( or 2, to w£tt, tn my opfftn, att•ntl(Xl Should b• drown In ord•r to •n•bl• PfOF>Or undorn18ndirw ol tha a¢u>unts kn bo r•ach•d, 8lqn•d; Dat•: IER

Name: Liam Mannion Relevant professlonal quallflcatlon(s) or body (If any): Address: "IL) wcerrnill IER