CAREY CHILDCARE CENTRE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30th September 2022. The trustees have adopted 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).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims. As a Registered Day Nursery, we work in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, published by the government in 2012.
During the reporting period the Nursery provided a full time service (07:45 to 17:45, five days a week) to children and parents, from our premises at Carey Baptist Church, Pole Street Preston. This facility comprised 4 play rooms, a dining/recreation hall, outdoor playground, offices, kitchen and toilets. We accommodated some 30 children (aged between 6 months and 4years) each week, with generally 20 in the Nursery at any one time. The children were tutored by 6 qualified full-time staff, assisted by a cook, and cleaners. We retain a five star rating for our kitchen. Significant activities. We tracked the progress of each child against the EYFS learning objectives, and adjusted our activities to develop areas where children exceled, or needed further help. We provided parents with support in the education and behaviour of their children as well as providing information on health issues. The progress of each child was monitored by means of a 'Learning Journey' file, which was reviewed with parents. We continuously updated our play equipment and facilities.
We have opportunities for the children to participate in simple Christian Education. We continuously monitor the effectiveness of our educational programme, our staff performance, and the health and safety and fire safety of our premises.
Some staff turnover has occurred, and we have recruited replacements during the year. In July our manager resigned, and has been replaced by two senior staff acting together. There was a small fire in the baby room in November 2021, which did not affect children or the staff. However, significant redecoration was required and replacement of old light fittings, and smoke damaged equipment
Our last OFSTED inspection was held on 18[th] June 2018, and we were rated a ‘Good’
Nursery.
Public benefit. The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission guidance regarding public benefit and are content that the Charity has met the requirements by the means described above.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Investment policy and objectives. The Trustees regularly review the level of cash funds held. Any amounts held in excess of that required for day-to-day use are deposited in order to earn additional interest where possible.
Reserves policy. The Trustees have reviewed the financial requirements of the charity and consider that the charity should normally hold free reserves equivalent to approximately three months' total expenditure. Such a reserve is required to enable the charity to run smoothly should there be any decrease or delay in income and cash-flow timing. Based on the average total costs of the charity this is equivalent to approximately £55,000.
Our financial reserves have been used up due to the disruption caused by COVID, requiring the employment of Agency staff to compensate for illness. Margins have further reduced because of increases in National Living Wage and Minimum Wage rates without any significant increase in government fees (see attached accounts).
We will seek to restore our reserves as conditions stabilise post COVID.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
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Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The Trustees of the charity are elected from among the Deacons of Carey Baptist Church. The Trustees form the Management Committee. The Nursery Manager, and her Deputy, are ex officio members of the Committee, which meets regularly, usually monthly.
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