## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** Charity number: 1163992 # **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **CONTENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** ||Page| |---|---| |Trustee Annual Report|1 - 4| |Independent Examiners Report|5| |Statement of Financial Activities|6| |Balance Sheet|7| |Notes to the Financial Statements|8 - 10| ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** **Charity Name:** Laurel Farm Steiner Kindergarten **Charity Number:** 1163992 **Charity address:** 17 Carlingcott Peasedown St John Bath BA2 8AN ## **1. Introduction** This report outlines the activities, achievements, challenges, and financial performance of Laurel Farm Steiner Kindergarten (LFSK) during the year from September 2023 to August 2024. ## **2. Structure** LSSK operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with a board of trustees. LFSK is an early years setting for children aged between 2.5 - 7 and is guided by Steiner Waldorf principles in alignment with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. ## **Trustees (during the period)** Tania Orgil _(resigned July 20, 2024)_ Jessie Kazak _(resigned as trustee in February 2024)_ Maysa Marques Claire Peeters Elodie Rummage ## **Staffing** The Kindergarten employs: Two Lead Teachers (job share) Two Teaching Assistants One Operations Manager Operations Manager Jessie Kazak resigned from her staff role in August 2024 following a two month handover period. She was succeeded by Sally Cook, a former parent and active member of the community. The transition was carefully managed to ensure continuity and a smooth leadership shift. ## **3. Activities and Objectives** LFSK continues to provide a rich early childhood education that integrates all seven areas of the EYFS learning and development framework: ## **Prime Areas** 1) Communication and Language 2) Physical Development 3) Personal, Social and Emotional Development **1** ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** ## **Specific Areas** - 4) Literacy - 5) Mathematics - 6) Understanding the World - 7) Expressive Arts and Design ## **Pedagogical Approach** The kindergarten seeks to nurture the whole child — physically, socially, academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Activities include storytelling and puppet plays, craft, cooking, baking, seasonal celebrations, and daily rhythms aligned with Steiner principles. ## **4. Curriculum and Daily Rhythm** A significant development this year was the introduction of a revised daily rhythm designed to support the children’s transitions and natural energy flow. The new structure introduced a clear “inbreath and out-breath” pattern: - **Morning** : The day begins with a snack at the Ark. - **Mid Morning** : Children move into the inside kindergarten for play, lunch, and a rest period. - **Afternoon** : The group goes to the Magic Glade for outdoor play and closing activities. Staff observed increased calm and flow throughout the day, with improved transitions and engagement among the children. ## **5. Achievements and Community Engagement** ## **Festivals and Events** LFSK continued its strong tradition of celebrating the changing seasons and natural cycles. Festivals held this year included: - Lantern Festival - Advent Spiral - Candlemas - May Day - Summer Fair Attendance at community events increased, supported by proactive engagement from Lead Teacher Elodie Rummage. The Summer Fair raised £1,800, the highest total to date, with £400 raised online prior to the event. ## **Green Sprouts Group** The Green Sprouts toddler group was led this year by assistant and teacher-in-training, Emma. Attendance was lower than previous years, but a committed group returned each week. Suggestions for improvement included better advertising and a review of pricing. Despite its small size, the group remains an essential feeder into the main Kindergarten. ## **6. Ofsted and Compliance** This year, Elodie Rummage successfully re-registered LFSK with the appropriate Ofsted registration status, becoming a trustee in the process. A follow-up inspection confirmed the new status; a full rated inspection is expected in the next two years. **2** ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** ## **7. Financial Review** LFSK ended the financial year with a strong balance of £18,996 ## **Income** - Income increased from both government funding and higher attendance, with local funding rising in May 2024 - The Summer Fair and donations also contributed to overall income. ## **Expenditure** - Salary costs rose, enabling long overdue pay increases and the introduction of pension contributions. - Food costs continued to rise, in line with inflation and the Kindergarten’s ongoing commitment to 100% organic lunches and snacks. ## **Outstanding Matters** - The board still needs to claim historic Gift Aid donations going back four years. - Expert advice is needed to review commercial rent rates and lease terms. ## **8. Enrolment and Outreach** Three Open Days were held during the year and were well attended. Having all teaching staff present helped foster interest and trust among prospective families, leading to several new signups. ## **9. Challenges and Opportunities** ## **Challenges** - Ongoing pressure due to rising rent - Gaps in trustee expertise, especially regarding fundraising and lease negotiations - Still awaiting historic Gift Aid claim processing ## **Opportunities** - Continued strong leadership and staff collaboration - Higher levels of parent engagement and fundraising - Smoother rhythm and improved transitions for children - New Operations Manager with energy and experience ## **10. Looking Ahead** The board and leadership team plan to: - Review the format and marketing of the Green Sprouts group - Strengthen trustee recruitment, particularly with legal or property experience - Continue efforts to secure rent advice and long-term lease clarity - Process historic Gift Aid claims - Deepen community and fundraising engagement through expanded event offerings **3** ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** This report has been approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Signature: Date: Name: **4** ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** I report on the accounts of Laurel Farm Steiner Kindergarten for the year ended 31 August 2024 which are set out on pages 6 to 10. ## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (The Act) but that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: - Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, - To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and - To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of independent examiner’s Statement** My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considerations of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In the course of my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or - the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or - the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the 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 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. David Courtier FMAAT AATQB for and on behalf of: Community360 Winsley’s House, High Street, Colchester, Essex Date 24th June 2025 **5** ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** |**Note**
**Incoming resources**
Donations
Charitable activities
**2**
**Total incoming resources**
**Resources expended**
Charitable activities
**3**
**Total resources expended**
**Net incoming resources**
**Funds at 1 September 2023**
**Funds at 31 August 2024**|**2024**
**Total**
**£**
1,755
94,834
**96,589**
92,846
**92,846**
**3,743**
17,060
**20,803**|**2023**
**Total**
**£**
1,686
78,865| |---|---|---| |||**80,551**
71,385| |||**71,385**
**9,166**
7,894| |||**17,060**| Notes on pages 8 to 10 form part of these financial statements **6** ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024** |**Note**
**Fixed Assets**
Tangible fixed assets
**5**
**Current Assets**
Cash at bank and in hand
Debtors
**6**
**Current Liabilities**
Creditors
**7**
**Net current assets**
**Net assets**
**Funds**
Unrestricted funds|**2024**
**Total**
**£**
499
**499**
21,564
1,638
**23,202**
2,898
**2,898**
**20,304**
**20,803**
20,803
**20,803**|**2023**
**Total**
**£**
-| |---|---|---| |||**-**
16,702
4,376| |||**21,078**
4,018| |||**4,018**| |||**17,060**| |||**17,060**| |||17,060| |||**17,060**| The trustees declare that they have approved the accounts above. Signed Date Claire Peeters Trustee **7** ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** ## **1. Accounting Policies** ## **Basis of the preparation of the accounts** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement on Recommended Practise 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 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Rebulic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. ## **Cash flow statement** The directors have taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard 1 (revised) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the company is small. ## **Income** Income from donations and grants, including capital grants, is included in incoming resources when these are receivable, except as follows: When donors specify that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods. When donors impose conditions, which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the pre-conditions have been met. When donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants, are for particular restricted purposes, which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in the incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable. ## **Expenditure** Expenditure on projects is treated as direct charitable expenditure. All expenditure is unrestricted. ## **Going concern** These accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. **8** ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** |**2. Incoming resources from**
**charitable activities**
Funding
Fees
**3. Costs of charitable activities**
Salaries
Advertising
Computer costs
Professional fees
Dues and subscriptions
Repairs and maintenance
Food, supplies, etc
Insurances
Printing, postage and stationery
Rent or lease of buildings
Telephone
Training
Depreciation
Sundry expense
**4. Staff**
An average of 4 (2023:4) staff were employed during the year.
No employee earned over £60,000 during the year.
**5. Fixed Assets**
Cost as at 1 September 2023
Additions
Cost as at 31 August 2024
Depreciation as at 1 September 2023
Charge for year
Depreciation as at 31 August 2024
Net Book Value as at 31 August 2024
Net Book Value as at 31 August 2023|**2024**
**£**
51,884
42,950|**2023**
**£**
41,734
37,131| |---|---|---| ||**94,834**|**78,865**| ||**2024**
**£**
66,032
44
542
1,217
1,524
4,967
4,136
534
23
12,365
129
750
166
417|**2023**
**£**
53,516
25
-
490
469
-
2,635
1,090
721
11,549
87
545
-
258| ||**92,846**|**71,385**| ||**Fixtures &**
**Fittings**
**2024**
**£**
-
665|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
-
665| ||**665**|**665**| ||-
166|-
166| ||**166**|**166**| |||| ||**499**|**499**| |||| ||**-**|**-**| **9** ## **LAUREL FARM STEINER KINDERGARTEN** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** |**6. Debtors**
Debtors
**7. Creditors**
Creditors & accruals
Income in advance
PAYE|**2024**
**£**
1,638|**2023**
**£**
4,376| |---|---|---| ||**1,638**|**4,376**| ||**2024**
**£**
1,983
101
814|**2023**
**£**
1,175
-
2,843| ||**2,898**|**4,018**| **10**