Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From September 2024 To August 2025
Charity name: St Winefrides Preschool
Charity registration number: 1179493
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The charity’s purpose is to provide high quality early years education and care for preschool children in a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment. The preschool aims to support the learning, development and wellbeing of children through play- based activities that promote social, emotional, physical and educational growth. The charity also seeks to work in partnership with parents and carers to help children develop confidence, independence and readiness for school. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
During the year, the preschool continued to provide accessible early years education and childcare for children within the local community. Activities included the delivery of structured and free-play learning opportunities in line with the curriculum for Wales framework. The preschool provided a range of activities and experiences designed to encourage learning through play, including indoor and outdoor learning, creative activities, physical play, storytelling, music and social interaction. Support was provided for children with additional needs where appropriate, ensuring an inclusive environment for all families. The preschool also worked closely with parents, carers and external professionals to support children’s development and wellbeing. Fundraising and community engagement activities helped maintain and improve resources, equipment and learning opportunities for the benefit of the children attending the setting. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance |
Para 1.18 | The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing |
issued by the Charity the charity’s aims and objectives and in Commission on public planning future activities. The trustees benefit consider that the activities undertaken during the year have provided clear public benefit through the advancement of education and support for young children and their families within the local community.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | During the year, the preschool continued to provide a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment in which children could learn and develop through play. The charity successfully supported children’s early learning and development. Children attending the preschool benefited from opportunities to develop confidence, independence, communication skills and positive relationships with others. Staff supported children in making progress across all areas of learning, helping to prepare them socially, emotionally and academically for the transition to primary school. Particular focus was placed on supporting children’s personal, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and physical wellbeing. The preschool maintained strong partnerships with parents and carers, encouraging regular communication and |
involvement in children’s learning and development. Additional support was provided where needed to help ensure that all children, including those with additional needs or requiring extra support, were able to access activities and reach their potential in a supportive environment. The charity’s work also provided wider benefits to the local community by offering affordable early years provision that supported families and enabled parents and carers to access employment, training and other opportunities. Through community engagement, fundraising and collaborative working with local organisations and professionals, the preschool continued to strengthen its role as a valued community resource for local families.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The charity remained in a strong financial position at the end of the financial year. Total income for the year was £145,936.41 against expenditure of £121,988.01, resulting in a net surplus of £23,948.40. The charity's total funds increased from £20,551.34 at the start of the year to £44,499.74 at 31 August 2025. The increase in funds reflects careful financial management and continued support through government-funded childcare schemes, local authority grants and self-funded childcare provision |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The trustees maintain reserves to ensure the continued operation of the preschool and to protect the charity against unexpected reductions in income or increases in expenditure. Reserves are held to meet staffing commitments, cover operational costs, manage cashflow fluctuations associated with grant-funded childcare provision, and ensure continuity of service for children and families. The trustees review reserve levels regularly as part of their financial oversight responsibilities |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | At 31 August 2025, the charity held total funds of £44,499.74 comprising: Main HSBC Account: £34,689.04 Reserves Account: £6,163.05 Fundraising Account: £3,647.65 Total reserves and unrestricted funds amounted to £44,499.74 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | Not applicable. The charity does not hold zero reserves and had total funds of £44,499.74 at the year end. |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | No funds were materially in deficit during the reporting period. The charity reported a net surplus of £23,948.40 and all fund balances remained positive at the year end. |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | The trustees have assessed the charity's financial position and consider that it remains a going concern. The charity generated a surplus during the year and ended the period with sufficient cash reserves to meet its current obligations. While the trustees continue to monitor risks associated with staffing costs, |
funding changes and wider economic pressures, they are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties that would cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue operating for the foreseeable future.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 |
The charity's principal sources of income are funding received through the Welsh Government Childcare Offer and Early Entitlement schemes, Flintshire Flying Start funding, and grants from Flintshire County Council. Additional income is generated through self-funded childcare sessions, fundraising activities, donations, and interest earned on funds held in the charity's bank accounts. These funding streams are essential in enabling the preschool to provide accessible, high-quality early years education and childcare within the local community. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | The charity's funds are held in bank accounts with the primary objective of maintaining liquidity, protecting capital, and ensuring funds are readily available to support operational requirements. The trustees do not currently operate a formal investment portfolio or social investment policy. Any surplus funds are retained as reserves to support the continued delivery of childcare services, meet future liabilities, and safeguard the charity against financial uncertainty. Interest earned on reserve funds provides a modest contribution to income. |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The trustees regularly review the risks facing the charity and have identified the following principal risks: Changes to government-funded childcare schemes and local authority funding arrangements which could affect income levels. Recruitment and retention of suitably qualified staff, together with increases in staffing costs and pension contributions. Safeguarding and regulatory compliance requirements, including maintaining appropriate policies, procedures, and staff training. Cost-of-living pressures and inflation, which may impact |
| operating costs and financial sustainability. Maintaining adequate reserves and cash flow to support ongoing operations and manage potential fluctuations in funding receipts. The trustees mitigate these risks through regular financial monitoring, maintaining appropriate reserves, reviewing policies and procedures, and ensuring effective governance and oversight. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Other | During the year, the preschool continued to provide high-quality early years education and childcare to local families, delivering funded childcare places through a range of Welsh Government and local authority schemes. The charity invested in new equipment, learning resources, and improvements to the outdoor eco area to enhance children's learning experiences. The preschool maintained compliance with safeguarding and regulatory requirements and strengthened its financial position by generating a surplus during the year and increasing its reserves. Trustees remain committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the preschool and the continued delivery of services that provide significant public benefit to children and families in the community. |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
The preschool is established as a charitable organisation governed by a constitution and managed by a voluntary committee of trustees. The trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, ensuring that it operates in accordance with its charitable objectives and relevant legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are elected or appointed in accordance with the governing document and are supported by the preschool manager and staff team in the day-to-day running of the setting. The charity operates for the benefit of the local community and applies all income solely towards the furtherance of its charitable purposes. |
|
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | The charity advertises its Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year and encourages all parents and carers of attending children to participate. During the AGM, parents are invited to nominate themselves to become members of the management committee/trustee board. The roles and responsibilities of each committee position are discussed during the meeting to ensure that nominees understand the duties involved. Trustees and officers are then elected by vote, with appointments confirmed by a minimum of two votes from those attending the AGM. Members of staff attend the AGM to meet the newly elected committee members, who act as the preschool’s employers and are responsible for the governance of the charity. Parents may also join the committee in non-officer roles to support the work of the preschool and contribute to decision-making and fundraising activities. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction Para 1.51 and training of trustees The charity’s organisational Para 1.51
| structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
||
|---|---|---|
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | St Winefrides Preschool |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | St Winefirdes Playgroup |
| Registered charity number | 1179493 |
| Charity’s principal address | St Winefrides Catholic Primary School, Whitford Street, Holywell. CH8 7NJ |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowri Evans | Dates same as the report | |||
| Anastasia Williams | ||||
| Maria Keogh | ||||
| Sian Jones-Evans | ||||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
|---|---|---|
| Sian Jone-Evans | ||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
The charity holds funds, equipment and resources solely for the purpose of operating the preschool and supporting the delivery of early years education and care. Assets include cash held in the charity’s bank account, learning resources, toys, furniture, outdoor play equipment and other items used in the day-to-day running of the preschool. |
|---|---|
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
The assets are held on behalf of the preschool charity itself and are applied only towards achieving the charity’s objectives of providing accessible, high quality early years education and care for children within the local community. The use of these assets directly supports the charity’s aims of advancing education and promoting the wellbeing and development of preschool children. |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
The charity maintains appropriate financial controls to safeguard its assets. Funds are held in a bank account in the name of the charity and are managed by authorised signatories in accordance with the charity’s financial procedures. Financial records are maintained and monitored regularly by the committee. Physical assets such as equipment and learning resources are stored securely on the preschool premises and are used solely for charitable purposes. The charity does not hold assets on behalf of any other organisation, and all assets are clearly identified as belonging to the preschool charity. |
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| adviser |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date
St Winefride's Preschool Income & Expenditure: Sep 24 - Aug 25
Income
Welsh Government Childcare Offer £ 48,580.00 Flintshire Flying Start £ 71,464.95 Flintshire County Council Maintenance Grant (Rent) £ 3,000.00 Grant 30/01/2025 £ 1,000.00 Flintshire County Council Small Capital Grant £ 9,960.00 Flintshire County Council Resources Grant £ 463.58 Self Funders £ 2,188.00 Fundraising £ 10.00 Commission £ 18.93 Bank Interest on Reserves Account £ 162.03 Bank Interest on Fundraising Account £ 63.92 Bank Transfer £ 9,000.00 £9,000 transferred from reserves account 19/09 to cover staff wages Other £ 25.00
| Sub Total Opening balance (Main HSBC A/C) as at 01.09.24 Cash in hand Deposit account balance (reserves) as at 01.09.24 Fundraising account balance as at 01.09.24 Total Opening Balance across all account as at 01.09.24 |
£ 145,936.41 |
|---|---|
| £ 1,966.59 £ - £ 15,001.02 £ 3,583.73 |
|
| £ 20,551.34 |
| Expenditure Rent NEST Staf Pension Contributons Croner Cleaning and First Aid Equipment Eco Area Maintenance DBS Checks Safeguarding Courses Equipment & Resources Insurance Wages Pety Cash (Snack) Bank Charges Aquarium Rental & Service Accountancy Fees Bank Transfer £9,000 transferred from reserves account 19/09 to cover staff wages GDPR Licencing Fee Sub Total Closing balance (Main HSBC A/C) as at 31.08.24 Cash in hand Deposit account balance (reserves) Fundraising account balance Total Closing Balance across all account as at 31.08.24 |
£ 3,000.00 £ 4,291.00 £ 2,075.04 £ 476.75 £ 9,960.00 £ 53.70 £ 75.00 £ 754.42 £ 780.47 £ 89,778.63 £ 815.00 £ 60.00 £ 420.00 £ 408.00 £ 9,000.00 £ 40.00 |
|---|---|
| £ 121,988.01 | |
| £ 34,689.04 £ - £ 6,163.05 £ 3,647.65 |
|
| £ 44,499.74 |
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ members of
Charity Name
St Winefrides Preschool
On accounts for the year ended
31/08/2025
Charity no (if any)
Set out on pages
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
Responsibilities and basis of report
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 / 08 / 2025 .
As the charity trustees of the Trust, 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 the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. * Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Signed:
MBostock
Date:
26/03/2026
Name:
Mark Bostock
Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):
1
October 2018
IER
ACCA
Address:
P&L Accountancy
Unit 8, Daniel Owen Centre
Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1AP
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
October 2018
IER