REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 09140875 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1158321
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
for
Sherwood Preschool Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Sherwood Preschool Limited
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 to 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 2023
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 2023. 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 2023
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 changeover 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 in the wake of the pandemic. During this period, the trustees were pleased to see the pre-school returning to normal, high standard of provision.
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.
Income during this period only gradually returned to pre-pandemic levels. Uncertainty regarding rent and staffing costs meant that planned investment in the pre-school’s facilities had to be adjusted to ensure financially stability. Outstanding debts, dating from the non-payment of fees around the pandemic period, were chased and managed sympathetically, recognising the families’ hardship. By the end of the reporting period, trustees were confident that, with prudent management, the pre-school remained secure financially.
The systematic arrangement with Howard Primary School regarding the metering and regular payment of utilities’ bills has continued. However, a proposed substantial rent increase over a five-year lease period was raised during this period with on-going discussions.
During this reporting period, the senior member of staff who had been dismissed from 1st September sought damages over an alleged breach of data. After taking advice from HR and legal professionals, trustees were advised to negotiate a final settlement to frustrate any subsequent claims; this was agreed and paid.
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
During this period, policies were routinely reviewed following and up-dated with different trustees taking responsibility for re-drafting linked policies.
The pre-school continued to operate, on a day to day basis, in accordance with its policies. These served the staff well, enabling them to continue to provide a high-quality service to local children and their families under a fresh management team. Trustees followed policies scrupulously to inform their actions when dealing with the disciplinary matter and fulfilling their responsibilities in terms of the well-being of their staff.
Measures were taken to improve security with all staff and all visitors being issued with a colour-coded lanyard for easy identification.
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
Two trustees were appointed with joint responsibility for overseeing safeguarding and monitoring the pre-school’s response to the annual up-dating of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
STAFFING
Throughout this period, the trustees ensured that the pre-school remained fully staffed with appropriately qualified practitioners appointed.
During this reporting period, the pre-school was managed by an Acting Manager and deputy. An Acting Assistant Manager was appointed to ensure that there were three members on the leadership team. By the end of this reporting period, all three posts had been made permanent after appropriate advertising and interviewing.
Trustees reviewed the workload of the SENCo and appointed a Deputy SENCo who also had responsibility for co-ordinating the children’s well-being. This new arrangement worked effectively. As a result of staff not receiving their customary Christmas gift in December 2021, trustees donated the equivalent sum to a staff Christmas meal in 2022.
Despite advertising, no suitable applicants applied for the post of administrative assistant. Once the new management team was established, it was found that administrative duties could be effectively shared across the management team.
The annual appraisal scheme for pre-school practitioners, now well established, continued under the auspices of the Acting Manager. Targets focussing on development work in line with the current development plan.
The compulsory pension scheme continued to run efficiently with the employer’s contribution at 5% to match the statutory increase imposed on employees.
With a number of trustees now living away from the area, the majority of trustee meetings were conducted via Zoom.
PREMISES
There was no significant work on the premises during this period. However, the spaces within the pre-school building were reorganised for greater efficiency. A foxes’ den was removed from under the manager’s office.The trustees reviewed the operating of the pre-school’s kitchen and ensured that staff were up-to-date on all training. The pre-school kitchen passed an informal inspection by Bromley Council.
INCOME GENERATION
The generation of income, other than through the receipt of fees and Council funding, was not addressed during this period.
Trustees were aware that income generation would be an area where time and resources needed to be channelled in the future.
MEMBERSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS
Trustees continued to subscribe to local professional networks to ensure that the staff are aware of current developments.
The new management team 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 terms of a new lease were addressed professionally.
The preschool continued to run a bank for donations of food and essential toiletries. Donations went to families in need, most affected by the pandemic.
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
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 the pre-school’s continued success was due to the strong links it had in the local community and the positive relationships staff developed with families attending. The time spent by the newly appointed manager and her team, at the end of this reporting period, Carrying out home visits for all children due to start in September 2023 was an indication of how seriously the staff took forging these positive, supportive relationships.
DEVELOPMENT
As a result of the disruption, during the previous reporting period, caused by the aftermath of the pandemic and a disciplinary issue with a senior member of staff, the review of management structures and the consolidation of good practice was trustees’ focus. Under the Acting Manager and her team, staff confidence was rapidly re-established and the day-to-day business of the pre-school was palpably buoyant. Trustees appointed a new Chair on 1st September 2022 and explored a system whereby they shared oversight of the pre-school through four committees: Education and Welfare; Estates and Governance; Staffing and Personnel; and Finance.
SUMMARY
This reporting period fell in two halves: continued consolidation after the pandemic, and then, from March, disturbance caused by the disciplinary process that followed expressions of concern voiced by a majority of the staff. It was a measure of the solidarity presented by the staff, despite the turbulence caused by the pandemic, that during the second half of the reporting period the provision offered to the children and their families remained unaffected.
Ratified by trustees on-line, on 28th May 2024, and signed on their behalf by the Acting Chair of Trustees, appointed 24th July 2023.
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 Croydon Surrey CR2 6LN
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
Trustees
S Amichund Teacher (appointed 18.10.22) K S Baker Chef De Partie, Caterham School C George Civil Servant (resigned 24.7.23) M M C Jackson Teacher D N Matthews Retired R Ramakrishnan Teacher M G Roberts Civil Servant (resigned 22.1.23) D B C Tooze Charity Administrator (resigned 24.7.23)
Company Secretary
Independent Examiner
Simon Maddox FCCA Maddox & Maddox Limited 9 Commercial Yard Barnard Castle Co. Durham DL12 8FE
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 28 May 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
D N Matthews - Trustee
Page 5
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 2023.
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.
Page 6
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Sherwood Preschool Limited
Independent examiner's statement
Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 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 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
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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 The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Maddox & Maddox Limited 9 Commercial Yard Barnard Castle Co. Durham DL12 8FE
28 May 2024
Page 7
Sherwood Preschool Limited
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies Other trading activities 2 Total EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
31.8.23 Unrestricted fund £ 196,156 83,608 279,764 348,066 (68,302) 169,138 100,836 |
31.8.22 Total funds £ 199,438 69,677 269,115 307,038 (37,923) 207,061 169,138 |
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 8
Sherwood Preschool Limited
Balance Sheet
31 August 2023
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 7 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 Cash at bank CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
31.8.23 Unrestricted fund £ 3,064 2,016 100,316 102,332 (4,560) 97,772 100,836 100,836 100,836 100,836 |
31.8.22 Total funds £ 3,518 3,116 167,776 170,892 (5,272) 165,620 169,138 169,138 169,138 169,138 |
|---|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 August 2023.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
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(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
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(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
Balance Sheet - continued
31 August 2023
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 28 May 2024 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 2023
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.
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
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
| After school fees Top up fees Events |
31.8.23 £ 55,654 27,438 516 83,608 |
31.8.22 £ 49,024 20,653 - |
|---|---|---|
| 69,677 |
3. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| 31.8.23 | 31.8.22 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation - owned assets | 1,686 | 1,406 |
| Other operating leases | 19,583 | 15,152 |
4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2023 nor for the year ended 31 August 2022.
Trustees' expenses
David Matthews was paid £60.90 travel expenses on 28 March 2022. There were no trustee expenses for the year ended 31 August 2021.
5. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| 31.8.23 | 31.8.22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Staff | 18 | 20 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fund | ||||
| £ | ||||
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | ||||
| Donations and legacies | 199,438 | |||
| Other trading activities | 69,677 | |||
| Total | 269,115 | |||
| EXPENDITURE ON | ||||
| Raising funds | 307,038 | |||
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | (37,923) | |||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | ||||
| Total funds brought forward | 207,061 | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED | ||||
| FORWARD | 169,138 | |||
| 7. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | |||
| Plant and | Computer | |||
| machinery | equipment | Totals | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| COST | ||||
| At 1 September 2022 | 7,891 | 1,545 | 9,436 | |
| Additions | 653 | 579 | 1,232 | |
| At 31 August 2023 | 8,544 | 2,124 | 10,668 | |
| DEPRECIATION | ||||
| At 1 September 2022 | 5,281 | 637 | 5,918 | |
| Charge for year | 1,154 | 532 | 1,686 | |
| At 31 August 2023 | 6,435 | 1,169 | 7,604 | |
| NET BOOK VALUE | ||||
| At 31 August 2023 | 2,109 | 955 | 3,064 | |
| At 31 August 2022 | 2,610 | 908 | 3,518 |
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
| 8. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other debtors 9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Other creditors Accrued expenses 10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At 1.9.22 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 169,138 TOTAL FUNDS 169,138 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 279,764 TOTAL FUNDS 279,764 |
31.8.23 £ 2,016 31.8.23 £ - 3,240 1,320 - 4,560 Net movement in funds £ (68,302) (68,302) Resources expended £ (348,066) (348,066) |
31.8.22 £ 3,116 31.8.22 £ 300 2,740 982 1,250 5,272 At 31.8.23 £ 100,836 100,836 Movement in funds £ (68,302) (68,302) |
|---|---|---|
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Net | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| movement | At | |||
| At 1.9.21 | in funds | 31.8.22 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 207,061 | (37,923) | 169,138 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 207,061 | (37,923) | 169,138 | |
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | ||||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | ||
| resources | expended | in funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 269,115 | (307,038) | (37,923) | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 269,115 | (307,038) | (37,923) | |
| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: | ||||
| Net | ||||
| movement | At | |||
| At 1.9.21 | in funds | 31.8.23 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 207,061 | (106,225) | 100,836 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 207,061 | (106,225) | 100,836 | |
| A current year 12 months and prior year | 12 months combined net movement in fund | |||
| included in the above are as follows: | ||||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | ||
| resources | expended | in funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 548,879 | (655,104) | (106,225) | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 548,879 | (655,104) | (106,225) |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 August 2023.
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Subscriptions Other trading activities After school fees Top up fees Events Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Other trading activities Resources Food Support costs Management Wages Social security Pensions Advertising Other Other operating leases Insurance Light and heat Telephone Postage and stationery Repairs and renewals Cleaning Professional fees Staff training Sundries Carried forward |
31.8.23 £ 196,156 55,654 27,438 516 83,608 279,764 11,631 7,226 18,857 255,494 9,945 7,555 - 272,994 19,583 1,351 2,706 1,352 972 7,831 5,883 1,371 2,201 1,435 44,685 |
31.8.22 £ 199,438 49,024 20,653 - |
|---|---|---|
| 69,677 | ||
| 269,115 13,445 5,482 |
||
| 18,927 219,466 4,534 5,290 72 |
||
| 229,362 15,152 1,303 1,678 1,010 1,132 16,530 5,154 4,978 1,309 82 48,328 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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Sherwood Preschool Limited
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2023
| Other Brought forward Accountancy Computer and IT costs Uniforms Travel and motor Staff counselling Staff welfare Legal fees Plant and machinery Computer equipment Governance costs Bank interest Total resources expended Net expenditure |
31.8.23 £ 44,685 3,264 3,879 1,283 484 390 359 183 1,154 532 56,213 2 348,066 (68,302) |
31.8.22 £ 48,328 3,180 2,057 2,299 310 1,170 - - 1,018 387 58,749 - 307,038 (37,923) |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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