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2021-08-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 09140875 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1158321

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

for

Sherwood Preschool Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 6
Independent Examiner's Report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9 to 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11 to 16
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 17 to 18

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

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 31 August 2021. 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).

Page 1

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY OF MULBERRY PRE-SCHOOL AT HOWARD

Mulberry Pre-School at Howard was established on 21st July 2014 as a company for the purpose of running an independent pre-school. This followed the decision by an existing pre-school, The Mulberry Bush, to cease trading at Howard Primary School.

Following detailed discussion and negotiation, supported by legal and professional advisers, the trustees, with some start-up funding from The Hive, Croydon, formally took over the premises and resources at the site, previously occupied by The Mulberry Bush on 27th March 2015. They managed the successful transfer of all the staff, through TUPE, to ensure as smooth a change-over as possible, with the minimum of disruption to the children and their families using the facility.

Since then, Mulberry Pre-School at Howard has continued to provide an excellent, early-years learning environment for children aged 2 to 4, for local families.

The primary activity of the trustees, in the period covered by this report, was to ensure that the routine operation of the pre-school was maintained to a high standard with financial stability and sustainability guaranteed. This was complicated by the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed by Government on opening and social interaction. However, despite these pressures, the pre-school continued to provide a welcome for local families who adapted willingly to new routines and environment.

FINANCES

Trustees monitored the financial profile of the pre-school during this period to ensure that running costs were predictable and providing value for money. The trustees worked on the principle that it was prudent to ensure a cushion, equating to six months’ expenditure, was maintained.

It remained the case that opening on a normal basis was not going to be possible while active measures were in force to contain the spread of Covid-19. Nevertheless, staff continued to be paid their average salaries even when they were obliged to self-isolate or their hours were reduced for other reasons outside their control. Fees for the Lunch-Club were waived as staff had to use the period between morning and afternoon sessions to deep-clean. This inevitably meant it was impossible to operate with a profit during this period. Costs were cut as far as possible but an average monthly loss has meant drawing on reserves. It was only towards the summer months that strong signs emerged that most parents were keen to resume their former pattern of hours for their children. Applications for September exceeded vacancies. Trustees became increasingly confident that, during the next reporting period, the pre-school’s finances would once again be buoyant making investment in resources and the environment, on hold during the pandemic, possible.

The systematic arrangement with Howard Primary School regarding the metering and regular payment of utilities’ bills has continued.

The accountant continues to be invited to attend all trustees’ meetings as a matter of routine so that the financial situation is closely monitored on a half-termly basis.

POLICIES

Page 2

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

During this period, policies were not routinely reviewed as the manager was focussed entirely on maintaining a stable environment for the children when staff absenteeism, due to catching Covid or self-isolating because of exposure to the virus, was a significant disruption.

Practices changed on occasion, in response to ever-changing Government guidelines.

The pre-school continued to operate, on a day to day basis, in accordance with its policies and Covid-19 measures. In this way, the trustees were able to provide a high quality service to local children and their families and fulfil their responsibilities in terms of the well-being of their staff.

STAFFING

Throughout this period, the trustees ensured that the pre-school remained fully staffed with appropriately qualified practitioners appointed. Provision was made to support staff who needed to shield because of their own or dependents’ vulnerabilities.

It became aware, as the reporting period continued, that many staff were under considerable emotional pressure not only because of having to cover for absentee colleagues but also because of the drain on their own emotional energy caused by the effects of Covid. Trustees recognized the need to support staff through these difficult times by investing resources in staff-wellbeing.

There was no part-time administrative assistant employed during this period. One childcare practitioner worked additional hours, often from home, to provide administrative support.

A handy-person continued to be employed during this period on an ad hoc basis, by the hour. However, there was little call for his skills during the lock-down period.

The annual appraisal scheme for pre-school practitioners, now well established, was adapted appropriately with targets for staff modified to reflect the lockdown. Targets focussing on development work and planning that could be done from home, replaced the targets, in line with the current development plan, which had been set.

The compulsory pension scheme continued to run efficiently with the employer’s contribution at 5% to match the statutory increase imposed on employees.

Regrettably, regular visits to the pre-school by the Chair of Trustees and other trustees ceased during this period to avoid the risk of spreading infection. Trustees meetings were all conducted via Zoom and three trustees, including the Chair, moved away from the local area.

PREMISES

There was no significant work on the premises during this period. Repairs to the fabric of the building, the responsibility of Howard School, took longer to effect.

INCOME GENERATION

The generation of income, other than through the receipt of fees and Council funding, was not addressed during this period. Focus was given, once the pandemic had struck, of monitoring the financial situation made precarious by the drop in income.

Page 3

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

Trustees were aware that income generation would be an area where time and resources needed to be channelled in the future, in the light of the national and local situation if the pandemic persisted or once it had passed.

MEMBERSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS

Trustees continued to subscribe to local professional networks to ensure that the staff are aware of current developments.

The manager continued to work closely with Croydon Local Authority, particularly as far as children with special educational needs or disabilities were concerned, and to keep informed about appropriate work-practices during the pandemic.

The relationship with Howard Primary School was sound. Issues relating to the management of the site by the school and the costs of refurbishment were addressed professionally.

The manager and other senior staff continued to invest time, when a need arose, in supporting parents and carers both in their parenting skills and in other matters including applying to primary schools and acquiring passports. Support was also given relating to the experience of bereavement which affected a number of families as a result of Covid deaths. It was clear that many local families regarded the pre-school staff as a reliable source of advice and guidance. Particular attention was given, during this period, in raising parental awareness about the dangers of unsupervised access to the internet. During the pandemic, the manager and deputy manager maintained an on-line service to all families, encouraging exercise and other stimulating activities which parents could do with their children. The preschool also set up a bank for donations of food and essential toiletries. Donations went to families in need, most affected by the pandemic.

Communication with parents for whom English was not their first language continued to be monitored. Support was always given to the parents for whom English was their second language, in applying for either their 2 years old funding, 30 hrs or child-care vouchers. A ‘Translator App’ for the staff to be able to communicate with parents who did not speak English was used.

The trustees recognised that a successful pre-school was likely to be rooted in the local community. They were therefore pleased that the partnerships forged to date proved to be positive, helping to develop a sense of a wider community. It was this sense of being within an active community that many families found supportive especially during an extremely challenging second half to the reporting period.

DEVELOPMENT

At the start of this reporting period, trustees considered taking advantage of an opportunity to open a workplace nursery at the nearby former St Andrew’s School, which was to be developed as multiple work units for artists. However, doing so when the situation was so volatile would have proved too risky.

There was therefore negligible development during this reporting period. A considerable amount of time and energy were expended responding to the restrictions and disruptions caused by the pandemic. This left insufficient capacity to focus on any development even had it been clear what the future environment would have been like.

Page 4

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

However, it was clear by August 2021 that the staff had held together and that the pre-school was in reasonable shape to rebound after the pandemic had eased to begin planning.

SUMMARY

This reporting period was one of consolidation, coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic and ensuring that standards were not lowered. This was achieved through the hard work and determination of the staff team to put the well-being of the children first, despite having to cope with their own increased domestic pressures.

Ratified by trustees on-line, on 11TH May 2022, and signed on their behalf by the Chair of Trustees.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

09140875 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1158321

Registered office

7 Nottingham Road South Croydon Surrey CR2 6LN

Trustees

Ms M M C Jackson Teaching Assistant D N Matthews Headteacher Mrs R Ramakrishnan Teacher Mrs M G Roberts Clerk D B C Tooze Charity Administrator

Company Secretary

Independent Examiner

Maddox & Maddox Limited 9 Commercial Yard Barnard Castle Co. Durham CR6 9LW

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 11 May 2022 and signed on its behalf by:

Page 5

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

D N Matthews - Trustee

Page 6

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Sherwood Preschool Limited

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sherwood Preschool Limited ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 August 2021.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

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.

Simon Maddox FCCA Maddox & Maddox Limited 9 Commercial Yard Barnard Castle Co. Durham CR6 9LW

12 May 2022

Page 7

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

Year Ended
31.8.21
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
203,810
Other trading activities
2
45,486
Total
249,296
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
245,053
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
4,243
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
202,818
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
207,061		 Period
1.8.19
to
31.8.20
Total
funds
£
207,579
54,082
261,661
268,344
(6,683)
209,501
202,818

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Balance Sheet

31 August 2021

31.8.21
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
638
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
1,837
Cash at bank
225,348
227,185
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
9
(20,762)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
206,423
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
207,061
NET ASSETS
207,061
FUNDS
10
Unrestricted funds
207,061
TOTAL FUNDS
207,061		 31.8.20
Total
funds
£
1,925
1,070
203,786
204,856
(3,963)
200,893
202,818
202,818
202,818
202,818

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 August 2021.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2021 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 9

continued...

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Balance Sheet - continued

31 August 2021

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 11 May 2022 and were signed on its behalf by:

D N Matthews - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 10

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

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 a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Plant and machinery - 25% on cost Computer equipment - 25% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Page 11

continued...

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Year Ended
31.8.21
£
After school fees
34,214
Top up fees
11,272
45,486		 Period
1.8.19
to
31.8.20
£
33,652
20,430
54,082

3. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

Period
1.8.19
Year Ended to
31.8.21 31.8.20
£ £
Depreciation - owned assets 1,287 3,225
Other operating leases 15,000 13,750

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2021 nor for the period ended 31 August 2020.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 August 2021 nor for the period ended 31 August 2020.

Page 12

continued...

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

5. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Period
1.8.19
Year Ended to
31.8.21 31.8.20
Staff 15 14
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
fund
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 207,579
Other trading activities 54,082
Total 261,661
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds 268,344
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (6,683)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 209,501
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 202,818

6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Page 13

continued...

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

7.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Plant and
Computer
machinery
equipment
£
£
COST
At 1 September 2020 and
31 August 2021
4,650
500
DEPRECIATION
At 1 September 2020
3,100
125
Charge for year
1,162
125
At 31 August 2021
4,262
250
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 August 2021
388
250
At 31 August 2020
1,550
375
8.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.8.21
£
Other debtors
1,837
9.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.8.21
£
Social security and other taxes
13,871
Other creditors
641
Accrued expenses
6,250
20,762		 Totals
£
5,150
3,225
1,287
4,512
638
1,925
31.8.20
£
1,070
31.8.20
£
2,171
542
1,250		 Totals
£
5,150
3,225
1,287
4,512
638
1,925
3,963

Page 14

continued...

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

10.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
At 1.9.20
in funds
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
202,818
4,243
TOTAL FUNDS
202,818
4,243
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
249,296
(245,053)
TOTAL FUNDS
249,296
(245,053)
Comparatives for movement in funds
Net
movement
At 1.8.19
in funds
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
209,501
(6,683)
TOTAL FUNDS
209,501
(6,683)
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
261,661
(268,344)
TOTAL FUNDS
261,661
(268,344)		 At
31.8.21
£
207,061
207,061
Movement
in funds
£
4,243
4,243
At
31.8.20
£
202,818
202,818
Movement
in funds
£
(6,683)
(6,683)

Page 15

continued...

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 August 2021.

Page 16

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 August 2021
Year Ended
31.8.21
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Local authority funding
203,810
Other trading activities
After school fees
34,214
Top up fees
11,272
45,486
Total incoming resources
249,296
EXPENDITURE
Other trading activities
Resources
5,420
Food
3,413
8,833
Support costs
Management
Wages
189,563
Social security
4,053
Pensions
5,026
Advertising
149
198,791
Other
Rent
15,000
Insurance
1,278
Light and heat
2,367
Telephone
810
Postage and stationery
777
Carried forward
20,232		 Period
1.8.19
to
31.8.20
£
207,579
33,652
20,430
54,082
261,661
4,196
4,045
8,241
207,140
2,602
5,040
-
214,782
13,750
1,386
4,080
653
608
20,477

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 17

Sherwood Preschool Limited

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2021

Year Ended
31.8.21
£
Other
Brought forward
20,232
Repairs and renewals
3,548
Cleaning
5,521
Professional fees
983
Staff Training
377
Sundries
400
Accountancy
2,880
Computer and IT costs
786
Uniforms
1,149
Charitable donations
40
Travel
34
Plant and machinery
1,162
Computer equipment
125
Interest on late payment
192
37,429
Total resources expended
245,053
Net income/(expenditure)
4,243		 Period
1.8.19
to
31.8.20
£
20,477
9,160
3,739
327
320
880
3,180
2,050
1,961
-
2
3,100
125
-
45,321
268,344
(6,683)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 18