Sunflower Seed is a registered charity (no. 1177943) and is run by a group of volunteers called committee members which are made up of parents/carers and other members of the local community who have skills to offer. Sunflower Seed abides by a governing document or constitution which is a rulebook which sets out how the charity will run.
Aims and activities
To advance the education of children from families living/working within Northborough and surrounding area by providing childcare facilities for children aged 2-11. To assist in developing children’s mental, physical and moral capabilities through leisure time activities for 2-11yr through provision of pre-school, before and after school club, and holiday club.
Staff team
The staff have worked tirelessly to support the children and Charlotte in the running of Sunflowers. Charlotte has now been the manager at Sunflower Seed for 6 years and continues to do an amazing job of leading the team, communicating effectively with the committee and acting on any issues that arise within the setting.
Claire Curt has been in her role as Deputy for nearly two years however after briefly returning to do her KIT days after maternity, has found a new position elsewhere. We wish her the best with her new position. Heather has been stepping in as deputy for almost a year and has done a fantasic job. She has organised a range of fundraising events in addition to following the tasks required within her new role. She has completed her level 3 SENCO qualification.
Stacey remains as the setting administrator and Lauren has been acting Senior Nursery Nurse. They continue to support the setting brilliantly and Charlotte reports that the whole leadership team are working well and fulfilling their roles effectively.
Toni remains as the setting's cook and prepares lovely fresh meals daily at the setting which the children really enjoy.
Since the last AGM Claire Rayner joined us in September as a level 3, Deanna in May and Cara in June as support staff. They have made a great start and good additions to the team.
Committee members
I would like to thank the committee members for their hard work and commitment over the last year. For the most part of this year, we have been a very small committee and I recognise that this has meant more responsibilities for each member. Meetings have been more consistent over the past year which has been a great improvement and Ben starting the role of treasurer has had a huge impact on the committee and we are extremely grateful for his support of Sunflower Seed with all the necessary financial support. Sadly, Fiona Ram had to leave the committee due to other commitments.
Thankfully, we have recently had more volunteers willing to join the committee so that it can grow in numbers again and return to strength. We welcome officially welcome Ben and Johnathan to the committee.
I have offered to continue the role of chair until someone is able to take over.
Finances
See separate report
Fundraising
This year we have raised funds for Children in need and done a sponsored walk.
For Sunflower Seed we have raised money through our Halloween disco, a toddle waddle, a cake sale, an Easter trail and we have a winter bake sale arranged. Through this fundraising we were able to raise an amazing total of £1917.54.
Current building
Currently the building is in a poor state of repair and we hope that the new build project will commence in Summer 2025 if we recieve the grant that we have applied for.
The drains continue to cause issues for Sunflower Seed and are fixed with temporary fixes which are not sustainable long term. The issues are caused by large tree roots which need to be removed when the new build takes place. The school are currently looking into the tree situation as a matter of urgency and other trees surrounding the setting have been removed as a result of this so far.
There is also an issue with mould inside the building which requires a lot of maintenance, and the floor was fixed by a parent last year as the entrance area was rotten. Our outdoor area is also a risk as it is very uneven and not a cushioned landing for when the children fall. We have applied for funding through the tesco grant scheme to revamp the mud kitchen area and hope we will be able to sort this area soon too.
We have had new tables and chairs which were bought last year. We have also been donate a new sofa and are in the process of revamping our changing area. All of these things will have an amazing impact on the setting, staff and children.
New build
Sunflower Seed committee came to the realisation that a permanent new building as originally planned would not be possible due to funds. Therefore, a brand new temporary mobile building has been planned to replace the existing one. Plans have been drawn and costs continue to be looked at. The main stumbling block is the funding and cost. We estimate a cost in the region of £400,000 (and rising due to the cost of materials going up), and Sunflower Seed currently only has funds of approx. £150,000 that can be put towards the new build. We are hoping for some support from PCC. A range of purchase options were looked into. We will continue to consider these options when information regarding various grants has come through.
As a committee we recognise the importance of the new build in the sustainability of the setting long term however, we have found it a challenge to make serious progress due to a funding shortage.
Communications
The new website has now been up and running for over a year and seems to be working well.
Plans/objectives 2023/2024 and summary
The new build project remains the biggest challenge of the committee. We very much hope that this can go ahead during summer 2025.
I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in Sunflower Seed during the last year and most importantly the commitment of the staff in making Sunflower Seed a great place for children to learn and enjoy.
Lianne Desborough – Chair, Sunflower Seed Committee
Sunflower Seed Annual Report 2023/24
Contents:
-
Introduction
-
Financial Performance 2023/24
-
Income Analysis
-
Expenditure Analysis
-
Cash Reserves
-
Balance Sheet
Registered charity number: 1177943
1. Introduction:
-
Sunflower Seeds Preschool offers childcare provision for children age 2 – 11 in a form of following services:
-
Pre-School
-
After School Tea Club
-
Breakfast Club
-
Holiday Club
-
The setting is run from a cabin located on the Northborough Primary School.
-
Sunflower Seeds employs 16 members of staff on a full or part time basis.
2. Financial Performance: 2023/24 (Sept 23-Aug 24)
| INCOME Staff Costs Provision of Service Premises Office Other Expenditure EXPENDITURE TOTAL SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) |
2023/24 253,267 -188,144 -8,037 -7,524 -4,647 -8,137 -216,488 36,779 |
2022/23 206,980 -196,643 -10,901 -8,029 -6,065 -3,176 -224,813 -17,834 |
Movement 46,287 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,498 | |||
| 2,864 | |||
| 505 | |||
| 1,418 | |||
| -4,961 | |||
| 8,325 | |||
| 36,779 | -17,834 | 54,612 |
-
Sunflowers ended the Financial year with a £37k surplus this Financial Year. This represents a £55k improvement vs last year
-
The Sunflower Seed New Build project has seen no further progression and therefore no further project costs (or income) were incurred during the year 2023/24.
3. Income Analysis
| me Analysis | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Parents Fees PCC Funding PCC Sustainability Grant CJRS Claims Fundraising Voluntary Contributions Other TOTAL BAU INCOME |
2023/24 120,039 130,096 0 0 857 0 2,276 253,267 |
2022/23 114,029 83,636 7,500 0 1,013 0 802 206,980 |
Movement 6,011 46,460 |
| -7,500 | |||
| 0 | |||
| -157 | |||
| 0 | |||
| 1,473 | |||
| 253,267 | 206,980 | 46,287 |
-
Income has increased by £46k year to date vs the same period in the previous year2.
-
The majority of this is driven by an increase in PCC funding. The number of children attending their full allocated hours has increased.
4. Expenditure Analysis
| Staff Costs Net Wages PAYE Tax Pension Recruitment Sub Total Provision of Service Teaching Materials Staff Training Groceries/Catering Activities Uniform Sub Total Premises Rent Maintenance / Cleaning Utilities Sub Total Office Office Supplies Telephone Equipment IT Insurance Fees and Licenses Sub Total Other Expenditure Cost of Fundraising Marketing Misc. Expenditure Bank Charges Sub Total TOTAL BAU EXPENDITURE |
2023/24 | 2023/24 | 2022/23 | 2022/23 | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -161,156 | -161,015 | -141 | |||
| -13,948 | -22,792 | 8,844 | |||
| -12,627 | -12,642 | 15 | |||
| -413 | -193 | -220 | |||
| -188,144 | -196,643 | 8,498 | |||
| -814 | -1,293 | 479 | |||
| -894 | -1,402 | 508 | |||
| -6,244 | -7,528 | 1,284 | |||
| -36 | -132 | 96 | |||
| -48 | -545 | 497 | |||
| -8,037 | -10,901 | 2,864 | |||
| 0 | -670 | 670 | |||
| -6,774 | -6,609 | -165 | |||
| -750 | -750 | 0 | |||
| -7,524 | -8,029 | 505 | |||
| -801 | -1,003 | 202 | |||
| -740 | -594 | -146 | |||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 0 | -906 | 906 | |||
| -891 | -850 | -41 | |||
| -2,215 | -2,712 | 497 | |||
| -4,647 | -6,065 | 1,418 | |||
| 0 | -132 | 132 | |||
| -216 | -396 | 180 | |||
| -7,789 | -2,545 | -5,244 | |||
| -132 | -103 | -29 | |||
| -8,137 | -3,176 | -4,961 | |||
| -216,488 | -224,813 | 8,325 |
-
Total BAU expenditure reduced by £8k from the previous year.
-
Favourable variance driven by Paye and a staff member being on Matt leave.
-
Other favourable movements in Groceries/Catering & Maintenance and cleaning. A positive result amidst inflation and cost of living crisis.
-
Misc Expenditure showing the largest YoY adverse movement, this was largely driven by the purchase of additional tables and chairs and the fitting of a new Kitchen. All essential for the setting to provide a high standard of service.
5. Cash Reserves
| rves | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash Reserves (£) Barclays: Main Current Account New Barclays Current Barclays: New Building Account Barclays: Business Premium Account New Barclays Savings Virgin Money Account Total Cash Reserves |
31-Aug-24 | 31-Aug-23 | Movement | ||
| 698 40,216 |
5,094 0 11,651 |
-4,395 40,216 |
|||
| 11,651 | 0 | ||||
| 0 | 118,553 | -118,553 | |||
| 119,511 | 0 | 119,511 | |||
| 31,322 | 31,322 | 0 | |||
| 203,399 | 166,620 | 36,779 |
-
Sunflower Seed total cash reserves increased by £36,779 over the year 2023/24, standing at £203,399 at the financial year end. The majority of the increase driven by increased PCC funding.
-
During the FY Sunflower Seeds have transitioned to a new current and savings account, both with Barclays. The transition between accounts can be seen in the movement column above.
-
This is still a healthy cash position. However, a large proportion of these reserves will be required to fund the New Build project, ensuring the long-term viability of the Sunflower Seed setting.
-
Barclays Bank have placed the New Building Account into dormancy. Processes to reinstate the account are being followed.
6. Balance Sheet at 31 August 2024
Sunflower Seeds Balance Sheet
31-Aug-24
| £ Fixed Assets Current Assets Deposits and Cash 162,484 Bank Account 40,914 Total Current Liabilities Current Assets less Current Liabilities: Total Assets less Current Liabilities: Long Term Liabilities Total Assets less Total Liabilities: Capital & Reserves Reserves 166,620 P & L Account 36,779 Total |
£ | £ |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ||
| 162,484 | ||
| 40,914 | ||
| 203,399 | ||
| 0 | ||
| 203,399 | ||
| 203,399 | ||
| 0 | ||
| 203,399 | ||
| 166,620 | ||
| 36,779 | ||
| 203,399 |
Sunflower Seed Annual Report 2023/24
Contents:
-
Introduction
-
Financial Performance 2023/24
-
Income Analysis
-
Expenditure Analysis
-
Cash Reserves
-
Balance Sheet
Registered charity number: 1177943
1. Introduction:
-
Sunflower Seeds Preschool offers childcare provision for children age 2 – 11 in a form of following services:
-
Pre-School
-
After School Tea Club
-
Breakfast Club
-
Holiday Club
-
The setting is run from a cabin located on the Northborough Primary School.
-
Sunflower Seeds employs 16 members of staff on a full or part time basis.
2. Financial Performance: 2023/24 (Sept 23-Aug 24)
| INCOME Staff Costs Provision of Service Premises Office Other Expenditure EXPENDITURE TOTAL SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) |
2023/24 253,267 -188,144 -8,037 -7,524 -4,647 -8,137 -216,488 36,779 |
2022/23 206,980 -196,643 -10,901 -8,029 -6,065 -3,176 -224,813 -17,834 |
Movement 46,287 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,498 | |||
| 2,864 | |||
| 505 | |||
| 1,418 | |||
| -4,961 | |||
| 8,325 | |||
| 36,779 | -17,834 | 54,612 |
-
Sunflowers ended the Financial year with a £37k surplus this Financial Year. This represents a £55k improvement vs last year
-
The Sunflower Seed New Build project has seen no further progression and therefore no further project costs (or income) were incurred during the year 2023/24.
3. Income Analysis
| me Analysis | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Parents Fees PCC Funding PCC Sustainability Grant CJRS Claims Fundraising Voluntary Contributions Other TOTAL BAU INCOME |
2023/24 120,039 130,096 0 0 857 0 2,276 253,267 |
2022/23 114,029 83,636 7,500 0 1,013 0 802 206,980 |
Movement 6,011 46,460 |
| -7,500 | |||
| 0 | |||
| -157 | |||
| 0 | |||
| 1,473 | |||
| 253,267 | 206,980 | 46,287 |
-
Income has increased by £46k year to date vs the same period in the previous year2.
-
The majority of this is driven by an increase in PCC funding. The number of children attending their full allocated hours has increased.
4. Expenditure Analysis
| Staff Costs Net Wages PAYE Tax Pension Recruitment Sub Total Provision of Service Teaching Materials Staff Training Groceries/Catering Activities Uniform Sub Total Premises Rent Maintenance / Cleaning Utilities Sub Total Office Office Supplies Telephone Equipment IT Insurance Fees and Licenses Sub Total Other Expenditure Cost of Fundraising Marketing Misc. Expenditure Bank Charges Sub Total TOTAL BAU EXPENDITURE |
2023/24 | 2023/24 | 2022/23 | 2022/23 | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -161,156 | -161,015 | -141 | |||
| -13,948 | -22,792 | 8,844 | |||
| -12,627 | -12,642 | 15 | |||
| -413 | -193 | -220 | |||
| -188,144 | -196,643 | 8,498 | |||
| -814 | -1,293 | 479 | |||
| -894 | -1,402 | 508 | |||
| -6,244 | -7,528 | 1,284 | |||
| -36 | -132 | 96 | |||
| -48 | -545 | 497 | |||
| -8,037 | -10,901 | 2,864 | |||
| 0 | -670 | 670 | |||
| -6,774 | -6,609 | -165 | |||
| -750 | -750 | 0 | |||
| -7,524 | -8,029 | 505 | |||
| -801 | -1,003 | 202 | |||
| -740 | -594 | -146 | |||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 0 | -906 | 906 | |||
| -891 | -850 | -41 | |||
| -2,215 | -2,712 | 497 | |||
| -4,647 | -6,065 | 1,418 | |||
| 0 | -132 | 132 | |||
| -216 | -396 | 180 | |||
| -7,789 | -2,545 | -5,244 | |||
| -132 | -103 | -29 | |||
| -8,137 | -3,176 | -4,961 | |||
| -216,488 | -224,813 | 8,325 |
-
Total BAU expenditure reduced by £8k from the previous year.
-
Favourable variance driven by Paye and a staff member being on Matt leave.
-
Other favourable movements in Groceries/Catering & Maintenance and cleaning. A positive result amidst inflation and cost of living crisis.
-
Misc Expenditure showing the largest YoY adverse movement, this was largely driven by the purchase of additional tables and chairs and the fitting of a new Kitchen. All essential for the setting to provide a high standard of service.
5. Cash Reserves
| rves | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash Reserves (£) Barclays: Main Current Account New Barclays Current Barclays: New Building Account Barclays: Business Premium Account New Barclays Savings Virgin Money Account Total Cash Reserves |
31-Aug-24 | 31-Aug-23 | Movement | ||
| 698 40,216 |
5,094 0 11,651 |
-4,395 40,216 |
|||
| 11,651 | 0 | ||||
| 0 | 118,553 | -118,553 | |||
| 119,511 | 0 | 119,511 | |||
| 31,322 | 31,322 | 0 | |||
| 203,399 | 166,620 | 36,779 |
-
Sunflower Seed total cash reserves increased by £36,779 over the year 2023/24, standing at £203,399 at the financial year end. The majority of the increase driven by increased PCC funding.
-
During the FY Sunflower Seeds have transitioned to a new current and savings account, both with Barclays. The transition between accounts can be seen in the movement column above.
-
This is still a healthy cash position. However, a large proportion of these reserves will be required to fund the New Build project, ensuring the long-term viability of the Sunflower Seed setting.
-
Barclays Bank have placed the New Building Account into dormancy. Processes to reinstate the account are being followed.
6. Balance Sheet at 31 August 2024
Sunflower Seeds Balance Sheet
31-Aug-24
| £ Fixed Assets Current Assets Deposits and Cash 162,484 Bank Account 40,914 Total Current Liabilities Current Assets less Current Liabilities: Total Assets less Current Liabilities: Long Term Liabilities Total Assets less Total Liabilities: Capital & Reserves Reserves 166,620 P & L Account 36,779 Total |
£ | £ |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ||
| 162,484 | ||
| 40,914 | ||
| 203,399 | ||
| 0 | ||
| 203,399 | ||
| 203,399 | ||
| 0 | ||
| 203,399 | ||
| 166,620 | ||
| 36,779 | ||
| 203,399 |