Chair’s report - Bassingham Preschool & Treetops 2024-25
This has been a challenging year for the setting, largely due to significant staff changes, particularly within the management team. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff team for keeping the lights on and the cogs turning during what was an extremely unsettling period. Their commitment, resilience and professionalism have ensured that children and families continued to receive the high-quality care and education they expect from us.
Hopefully, we are now emerging from this period of uncertainty and can focus on the future, continuing to provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children from our local community can learn, play and grow.
The end of this reporting period sees a newly appointed management team in place, providing the consistency and leadership needed to take the setting forward with confidence and stability.
I think it is important to acknowledge the Committee at this point. Due to circumstances beyond our control, there has been a significant increase in Committee involvement this year. I would like to thank every Committee member for the time, energy and commitment they have given to ensure the setting remained open and continued to operate effectively throughout the challenges we have faced.
Child numbers within the Preschool have remained consistent throughout the year. However, current projections for the September intake are lower than expected, reflecting a trend being seen nationally across the early years sector. Whilst we have planned for this by reducing hours within new recruitment arrangements, this is an area we will continue to monitor closely over the coming year.
Attendance at our Holiday Club sessions has also remained lower than anticipated. In response, plans have been put in place to offer a more structured programme, including partnerships with external providers to enhance the children's experience. Over the coming year, the Committee and management team will continue to review attendance levels, explore ways to increase participation, and assess whether any changes to opening hours may be beneficial.
The setting is reporting an operating loss for the year. This has primarily been driven by unforeseen HRrelated expenditure, increased agency staffing costs and the ongoing impact of rising living costs. Despite this, the setting remains in a healthy financial position. Outstanding fees continue to be actively pursued, and a detailed financial update, including agreed actions, is reviewed at every Committee meeting.
The ongoing issues relating to the bank account remain unresolved, although progress continues to be made. We are currently updating the account details to include myself and Laura Allen, Treasurer, as authorised signatories.
Like many early years’ providers, we have faced challenges associated with recruitment and the wider cost-of-living pressures. However, through careful financial management and the collective efforts of staff and trustees, we have continued to develop and improve the setting. Achievements this year include:
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The successful renovation of the outdoor learning environment.
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The introduction of Tapestry, helping to strengthen communication and relationships with parents and carers.
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A successful new format for our leavers' celebration, replacing the traditional off-site trip with an inclusive event that enabled all families to participate.
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Enhanced enrichment opportunities through a wider range of visitors to the setting and increased opportunities for outdoor learning and adventures beyond the setting.
Looking Ahead
I would like to close this report with a significant update regarding the future of the organisation.
This year has demonstrated just how important it is to have a Committee that can step forward and support the setting when required. It has also highlighted how much the organisation has grown since its beginnings as a small playgroup many years ago.
In recent years, recruiting volunteers to join the Committee has become increasingly difficult. With this in mind and recognising our responsibility to protect this vital service for local children and families, the Committee has made the decision to begin the process of transferring the Preschool and Wraparound Care provision to the local school and, ultimately, closing the charity.
This decision has not been taken lightly. After careful consideration, we believe it represents the best opportunity to safeguard the long-term future and sustainability of the provision for the local community.
Despite the challenges we have faced, our priority has remained unchanged: to provide high-quality preschool and wraparound care for local families. We are proud of what has been achieved this year and are grateful to our staff, volunteers, families and supporters who have helped us navigate a difficult period.
As we move forward, we remain committed to ensuring that children continue to benefit from a safe, caring and enriching environment in which they can thrive.
Hayley Curtis
Chair of Bassingham Preschool and Treetops Committee.
Bassingham Preschool and Treetops 2024-25 Year end Treasurers report
The accounts for this AGM represent the 12-month period covering 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025.
The income for the period was £231,109.28.
This constitutes income from Grants, Preschool fees, Treetops fees, holiday club fees. Income is up vs 2023/24 due to an increase in all of the above. Although holiday club numbers still remain low.
The expenditure for the period was £258,369.81.
Expenditure has increased compared with 2023/24, primarily due to unforeseen HR-related costs, higher staffing expenses (including the April pay award), and rising operational costs such as utilities and food provisions.
The net income for the year is - £27,422.
This figure includes Treetops income, preschool grants and savings carried forward from previous years and the accounts receivable.
In summary, 2023/24 has seen our continued sound financial footing enabling us to remain resistant in an extraordinary year with financial pressures that were out of our direct control.
Profit and Loss
Bassingham Preschool and Treetops For the year ended 31 August 2025
| Profit and Loss Bassingham Preschool and Treetops For the year ended 31 August 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| 2025 | |
| Turnover | |
| Holiday Club Income | 11,885.29 |
| Hot lunches | 70.00 |
| Interest | 217.39 |
| Other Revenue | 4.99 |
| Preschool Grants | 141,424.48 |
| Preschool Income | 14,795.65 |
| Sale of uniform and book bags | 75.60 |
| Treetops Income | 62,635.88 |
| Total Turnover | 231,109.28 |
| Cost of Sales | |
| Direct Expenses | 162.00 |
| Total Cost of Sales | 162.00 |
| Gross Profit | 230,947.28 |
| Administrative Costs | |
| Administration costs | 193.80 |
| Christmas and other gifts | 911.82 |
| Cleaning | 868.96 |
| Electricity / Oil / Water | 3,960.94 |
| Employers National Insurance | 6,119.84 |
| Equipment | 2,064.82 |
| Fees - ofsted | 220.00 |
| Garden expenses | 13,911.00 |
| HR costs | 8,037.23 |
| Insurance | 1,000.87 |
| IT Software and Consumables | 86.49 |
| Legal Expenses | 463.88 |
| Pensions Costs | 3,575.49 |
| Photocopier | 1,061.04 |
| Printing & Stationery | 8.20 |
| Professional Fees | 3,246.00 |
| Recruitment costs | 32,134.95 |
| Refreshments | 7,744.40 |
| Rent | 2,000.00 |
| Repairs & Maintenance | 3,431.97 |
| Resources - admin | 634.61 |
| Resources - cleaning | 211.61 |
| Resources - crafts | 3,770.63 |
| Resources- teaching aids | 178.20 |
| Sage | 307.20 |
Profit and Loss Bassingham Preschool and Treetops
19 Jun 2026 Page 1 of 2
Profit and Loss
| 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Salaries | 159,820.22 |
| School trips | 86.75 |
| Staff Training | 221.60 |
| Telephone & Internet | 1,190.19 |
| Uniform costs | 416.90 |
| Xero accounting software | 490.20 |
| Total Administrative Costs | 258,369.81 |
| Operating Profit | (27,422.53) |
| Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation | (27,422.53) |
| Profit after Taxation | (27,422.53) |
Profit and Loss Bassingham Preschool and Treetops
19 Jun 2026 Page 2 of 2