Trustee Report for the Year Ended 31/08/2024
Newton Abbot Preschool
Overview
Newton Abbot Preschool is a charity-run preschool providing high-quality early years education for children aged 2 to 5. We aim to offer a nurturing, inclusive environment where children can thrive. The preschool is overseen by a board of volunteer trustees and staffed by qualified professionals.
Challenges Faced in 2023/2024
This year has brought significant operational and financial challenges.
One of the key difficulties has been managing the preschool's budget in the face of insufficient government funding. The rates received do not reflect the true cost of delivering quality early years education, especially given the increasing demands placed on staff and settings.
Staffing has presented a considerable challenge. We experienced the departure of two staff members during their probationary periods, as they were unable to meet the required standards. Despite extended advertising periods—sometimes over several months—we found it increasingly difficult to recruit suitable candidates. Due to this ongoing issue, we accepted a former trustee who has shown promise in the field onto the team as an apprentice; in line with governance requirements, she resigned from the trustee board before starting this role.
A nearby nursery closure resulted in an influx of children to our setting. While this was a welcome opportunity to support more families, we struggled to increase staffing in time to meet required ratios without relying on agency cover. The cost of agency staff has totalled £2,476 this year—a figure which is unsustainable for the long term.
Trustee recruitment is another area of concern. Despite outreach to current members and efforts to engage the wider community, we have struggled to recruit additional trustees. We are currently operating with the minimum legal number, and increasing trustee representation remains a priority.
Financial Overview
The preschool maintains four accounts: redundancy, savings, current, and fundraising.
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Redundancy Account : This has been reviewed and now holds £7,593 . These funds are reserved for final liabilities, including redundancy payments, should the preschool ever need to close.
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Savings Account : Our reserves stand at £9,114 . Trustees plan to review the function of this account over the coming year, with the aim of maintaining a
reserve equivalent to 3–6 months of operating costs. This approach will provide financial resilience and allow the funds to accrue interest.
-
Current Account : The current account balance is £20,206 . Given that we anticipate low attendance numbers in the first term of the next financial year, this balance will act as a buffer to retain staff while new enrolments are pursued.
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Fundraising Account : This account currently holds £574 . These funds have been raised by the trustees and are designated for enriching the children’s experience through trips and the purchase of additional learning resources.
Impact and Thanks
Despite the challenges, the preschool continues to deliver a high standard of care and education. A significant proportion of our children have special educational needs, and our team works tirelessly to ensure each child is supported to achieve their potential.
The trustees wish to extend their sincere thanks to the staff team for their commitment, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the children and families we serve.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the trustees are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability and improvement of the preschool. Key priorities for the coming year include:
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Investing in Outdoor Provision : We plan to enhance the outdoor learning environment, recognising the importance of nature-based play for children’s physical, social, and emotional development.
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Supporting Families : We are exploring the introduction of outreach programmes and parent courses to support families facing challenges in parenting, wellbeing, and life skills.
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Improving Staff Morale and Retention : The trustees recognise the critical importance of a happy, supported workforce. We aim to create a positive workplace culture through recognition, development opportunities, and clearer communication.
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Reducing Administrative Burden : To free up more time for direct work with children, we will be introducing Tapestry , a tablet-based digital observation and assessment tool. This will streamline administrative tasks and improve communication with families.
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Strengthening the Trustee Board : Recruitment of new trustees remains a high priority. We will continue to engage the community and explore new avenues to attract individuals with the skills and commitment needed to support and guide the preschool.
Newton Abbot Pre-school
Financial Statement Year Ended 31 August 2024
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| Newton Abbot Pre-school | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charity Informaton | ||
| As at 31st August 2024 | ||
| Charity name: | Newton Abbot Pre-School | |
| Registered charity number: | 1173779 | |
| Charity's principal address: | The Green Rooms | |
| Fisher Road | ||
| Newton Abbot | ||
| Devon | ||
| TQ12 2NB | ||
| Trustees: | Leah-Marie Jacqueline Lorraine James appointed 07/04/2023 | |
| Natasha Martn | appointed 30/03/2024 | |
| Chris Spurway | appointed 05/07/2023 | |
| Charity governing document: | Consttuton |
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Newton Abbot Pre-school Charity Informaton As at 31st August 2024
Responsibilities and Basis of Report:
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent Examiners Statement:
I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a member of ACPA.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination 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 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 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.
Signed:
Name:
Date:
Barney Donnellan ACPA[bar][ —] Rossmore Accountants Limited, 4 Windward Lane, Dawlish, EX7 0JQ 29th June 2025[By]
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Newton Abbot Pre-school Statement of Financial Actvites For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
| Incoming resources Outgoing resources Management and Administraton Early Years Grants Fees EYPP Bank interest Milk refund Social events and fundraising Other income Donaton Staf costs Agency staf Rent Utlites Equipment Supplies and consumables Ofsted Milk Printng, Postage & statonery PLA membership Insurance Consultng IT sofware and Consumables Accountancy Travel Excursions/trips Telephone Cleaning Advertsing Repairs Legal Expenses Sundry expenses Training Pension Costs Bank fees Computer, printng, postage & |
31/8/2024 |
|---|---|
| 68,731 68,731 - 61,727 |
|
| 45,831 2,476 3,950 2,289 2,503 2,076 35 - 59,171 679 - 182 1,593 318 - 25 371 652 - 234 - 67 644 735 27 45,831 46,320 2,476 1,614 3,950 3,600 2,289 2,330 2,503 237 2,076 2,843 35 35 - 14 11 11 164 59,171 - 57,157 679 648 - 24 182 121 1,593 1,956 318 494 - 53 25 1,260 371 615 652 556 - 98 234 810 - 96 67 - 644 - 735 804 27 5 |
|
| 5,527 5,527 - 7,540 |
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| Total outgoing resources | 64,698 | - | 64,698 | 64,697 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net incoming (outgoing) resources | 4,033 | - | 4,033 | - | 2,970 |
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Newton Abbot Pre-school Balance Sheet As at 31st August 2024
31/8/2024 31/8/2023 £
| Fixed Assets Current Assets Reserves Cash at Bank and in hand Current Account Savings Account Redundancy Account Fundraising Account Soldo Pety Cash Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds |
- 16,859 9,005 6,504 550 269 1,575 3 3 20,206 9,114 7,593 574 |
|---|---|
| 37,759 34,497 |
|
| 21,052 18,987 9,114 9,005 7,593 6,504 |
|
| 37,759 34,497 |
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Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 31st August 2024
Newton Abbot Pre-school
Note 1 - Accountng Policies
a) The group is a registered charity and as such is governed by the Charities Act 1993. Under this act the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2011 it is classed as a small charity since the gross income or expenditure do not exceed £250,000 per annum. As a result of this, the group has taken advantage of preparing the financial statements on the more simplified basis of receipts and payments. This is consistent with previous years.
b) All income, including grants is recorded when paid.
c) All expenditure is recorded when paid.
d) Grants or donations made with a designated purpose are accounted for as restricted funds.
e) A sum equivalent to an approximate amount that would be payable as redundancy to staff in the event of closure of the Pre-school is held in a separate bank account and is also accounted for as restricted funds.
Note 2 - Analysis of funds
| Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds £ The balance of Restricted Funds is made up as follows: The balance of Designated Funds is made up as follows: 21,052 9,114 Opening balance as at 01/09/2023 18,987 9,005 Net incoming / (outgoing) resources 2,065 109 Closing balance as at 31/08/2024 Redundancy (retained in a separate bank account) Contngency fund (retained in a separate bank account) |
Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds £ 18,987 9,005 2,065 109 |
Restricted Funds Total £ £ 6,504 34,497 - 1,089 3,263 |
|---|---|---|
| 21,052 9,114 |
7,593 37,760 |
|
| £ £ 7,593 9,114 7,593 9,114 |
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Newton Abbot Pre-school
Financial Statement Year Ended 31 August 2024
Page 1
| Newton Abbot Pre-school | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charity Informaton | ||
| As at 31st August 2024 | ||
| Charity name: | Newton Abbot Pre-School | |
| Registered charity number: | 1173779 | |
| Charity's principal address: | The Green Rooms | |
| Fisher Road | ||
| Newton Abbot | ||
| Devon | ||
| TQ12 2NB | ||
| Trustees: | Leah-Marie Jacqueline Lorraine James appointed 07/04/2023 | |
| Natasha Martn | appointed 30/03/2024 | |
| Chris Spurway | appointed 05/07/2023 | |
| Charity governing document: | Consttuton |
Page 1
Newton Abbot Pre-school Charity Informaton As at 31st August 2024
Responsibilities and Basis of Report:
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent Examiners Statement:
I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a member of ACPA.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination 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 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 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.
Signed:
Name:
Date:
Barney Donnellan ACPA[bar][ —] Rossmore Accountants Limited, 4 Windward Lane, Dawlish, EX7 0JQ 29th June 2025[By]
Page 1
Newton Abbot Pre-school Statement of Financial Actvites For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
| Incoming resources Outgoing resources Management and Administraton Early Years Grants Fees EYPP Bank interest Milk refund Social events and fundraising Other income Donaton Staf costs Agency staf Rent Utlites Equipment Supplies and consumables Ofsted Milk Printng, Postage & statonery PLA membership Insurance Consultng IT sofware and Consumables Accountancy Travel Excursions/trips Telephone Cleaning Advertsing Repairs Legal Expenses Sundry expenses Training Pension Costs Bank fees Computer, printng, postage & |
31/8/2024 |
|---|---|
| 68,731 68,731 - 61,727 |
|
| 45,831 2,476 3,950 2,289 2,503 2,076 35 - 59,171 679 - 182 1,593 318 - 25 371 652 - 234 - 67 644 735 27 45,831 46,320 2,476 1,614 3,950 3,600 2,289 2,330 2,503 237 2,076 2,843 35 35 - 14 11 11 164 59,171 - 57,157 679 648 - 24 182 121 1,593 1,956 318 494 - 53 25 1,260 371 615 652 556 - 98 234 810 - 96 67 - 644 - 735 804 27 5 |
|
| 5,527 5,527 - 7,540 |
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| Total outgoing resources | 64,698 | - | 64,698 | 64,697 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net incoming (outgoing) resources | 4,033 | - | 4,033 | - | 2,970 |
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Newton Abbot Pre-school Balance Sheet As at 31st August 2024
31/8/2024 31/8/2023 £
| Fixed Assets Current Assets Reserves Cash at Bank and in hand Current Account Savings Account Redundancy Account Fundraising Account Soldo Pety Cash Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds |
- 16,859 9,005 6,504 550 269 1,575 3 3 20,206 9,114 7,593 574 |
|---|---|
| 37,759 34,497 |
|
| 21,052 18,987 9,114 9,005 7,593 6,504 |
|
| 37,759 34,497 |
Page 1
Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 31st August 2024
Newton Abbot Pre-school
Note 1 - Accountng Policies
a) The group is a registered charity and as such is governed by the Charities Act 1993. Under this act the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2011 it is classed as a small charity since the gross income or expenditure do not exceed £250,000 per annum. As a result of this, the group has taken advantage of preparing the financial statements on the more simplified basis of receipts and payments. This is consistent with previous years.
b) All income, including grants is recorded when paid.
c) All expenditure is recorded when paid.
d) Grants or donations made with a designated purpose are accounted for as restricted funds.
e) A sum equivalent to an approximate amount that would be payable as redundancy to staff in the event of closure of the Pre-school is held in a separate bank account and is also accounted for as restricted funds.
Note 2 - Analysis of funds
| Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds £ The balance of Restricted Funds is made up as follows: The balance of Designated Funds is made up as follows: 21,052 9,114 Opening balance as at 01/09/2023 18,987 9,005 Net incoming / (outgoing) resources 2,065 109 Closing balance as at 31/08/2024 Redundancy (retained in a separate bank account) Contngency fund (retained in a separate bank account) |
Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds £ 18,987 9,005 2,065 109 |
Restricted Funds Total £ £ 6,504 34,497 - 1,089 3,263 |
|---|---|---|
| 21,052 9,114 |
7,593 37,760 |
|
| £ £ 7,593 9,114 7,593 9,114 |
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