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2024-08-31-accounts

The Deering Centre Holy Trinity Primary School Longland Close Waltham Cross Herts EN8 8LU

Telephone: 01992 621357 Email: little-learners@holytrinity.herts.sch.uk Website: www.littlelearners.ik.org Registered charity number 1185936

Little Learners Pre-School Annual General Meeting

Date: Friday 27[th] June Time: 7 pm Venue: Zoom online

Present: Nikki Smith (Pre-School Leader)
Sara Wollaston-Smith (Deputy)
Carol Laycock
Holly Chubb
Apologies: Sarah Murphy

1. Apologies – Sarah Murphy – she has had all the information via email but no reply.

2. Notification of any other business – None

  1. AGM minutes – These were agreed to be representative of the meeting and it was noted that several issues still remain:

Lease still outstanding, with added complications of possibility of other considerations

4. Annual report

Staffing has been stable. It was decided to lower the number of children in each session as recruitment had become a real issue. By reducing numbers we have been

able to manage on the current staff. We have been concentrating on staff well-being to ensure retention remains high. Three of the staff do 4 days a week and the rest are part time so this gives us greater flexibility for cover, which means we haven’t been impacted quite so much by staff sickness issues.

With the new funding being introduced for working families this means there has been a healthy take up of places.

Sara and Nikki are both in ratio full time and this continues to put pressure on them as there is little time to complete office work especially with the continuing high level of SEN within the setting, this doesn’t look likely to change in the near future.

The lease is still a worry. There have been discussions which suggest it may not be offered and other options have been suggested. We have had visits from more surveyors but no recent updates. We continue to ensure we offer the best possible experience for our children and use the charities money to improve the environment and provide resources that support the plethora of need within the setting. Towards the end of the financial year we started providing a hot lunch option to try and improve the children’s diets, this has had varied take up but it is worthwhile. Parents can still provide a packed lunch option if they do not want to pay for a hot option.

5. Finance report- please see attached report from accountant

6. Elections

Lydia Williams a current parent has expressed an interest in becoming a trustee, the committee voted unanimously that Lydia should become a trustee. Holly will be stepping down as soon as Lydia is added as a trustee.

  1. Priorities for the next year –

The priority remains the same as the lease has still not been secured. And there is some uncertainty as to this will now be an option.

8. AOB – None

  1. Date and time of next meeting - TBC

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL ACCOUNTS for the YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2024


ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

PAGE CONTENTS
1 General information
2 & 3 Report of the trustees
4 Report of the independent examiner
5 Statement of financial activities
6 Balance sheet
7 - 9 Notes forming part of the accounts

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

GENERAL INFORMATION


TRUSTEES Nicola Smith Sarah Murphy Sara Wollaston-Smith Carol Laycock Holly Chubb COMPANY No. CE019283 CHARITY No. 1,185,936 ACCOUNTANTS John D Kilby & Co Chartered Accountants Mutfords Hare Street Buntingford Hertfordshire SG9 0ED BANKERS National Westminster Bank Cheshunt Branch Western Avenue Waterside Court Chatham Maritime Chatham Kent ME4 4RT

1

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT


The Trustees of the Little Learners Pre School present their annual report, together with the accounts for the year ended 31[st] August 2024 and confirm they comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the Trust Deed, and the Charities SORP (2015) as they apply to smaller charities.

Objectives and activities

The aims of the pre-school are to enhance the development and education of children primarily under statutory school age by encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups and by:

Trustees

The Trustees are responsible for the overall management and control of the Little Learners Pre School. All Trustees give their time freely and no remuneration was paid in the year. The trustees who held office during the year to 31[st] August 2024 were;

Nicola Smith - Chair Holly Chubb Carol Laycock Sarah Murphy Sara Wollaston-Smith

Financial Review

The income for the year has increased year on year due to the higher number of children registered to attend. As a result overall expenditure has increased but can mainly be attributed to increased staffing requirements to maintain the correct ratio of adults to children.

Governing Document

The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) governed by a written constitution adopted by its members. There are no restrictions in the governing document on the operation of the charity or its investment powers, other than those imposed by charity law.

Risk Management

The Trustees have assessed potential risks to the charity and taken action to put into place systems to mitigate those risks. Over the year the trustees will be reviewing and revising its policies regarding business risks, financial risks, health and safety risks and other identifiable risks.

2

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONT’D)


Risk Management

The Trustees have assessed potential risks to the charity and taken action to put into place systems to mitigate those risks. Over the year the trustees will be reviewing and revising its policies regarding business risks, financial risks, health and safety risks and other identifiable risks.

Achievements and performance

Little Learners Pre School continues to provide young children with excellent education opportunities in the local community. A high retention of staff has resulted in children making very good progress during their time at the pre-school.

Future plans

The Trustees intend to continue their current strategies of maintaining the pre-school’s position in a competitive market and to increase reserves in order to invest in their own premises. The Trustees will continue to review their aims and objectives to ensure that the education and services offered are appropriate, affordable and attractive to the community. The charity continues to work on securing the lease of the building they currently rent and are working on plans to improve the building for the benefit of the children.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees aim to keep sufficient reserves to meet the day to day expenditure of the Trust, and to keep sufficient restricted funds in order to see these funded projects to their conclusion.

In carrying out their duties the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners in the Charities Act 2011.

Approved by the Trustees on 26[th] June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Nicola Smith Chair of Trustees

3

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES


We report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31[st] August 2024, as set out on pages 5 to 9.

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 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is our responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charirties Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act) and to state whether any particular matters have come to our attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

Our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 consideration 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:

Mutfords Hare Street Buntingford Hertfordshire SG9 0ED

John D Kilby & Co Chartered Accountants

26[th] June 2025

4

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES incorporating the INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31[st ] AUGUST 2024


Note 2024 2023
------ -------
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
INCOME
Activities for generating funds 2 £ 171,378 £ 145,799
Donations 3 - 3,380
Investment income - -
---------- ----------
Total income £ 171,378 £ 149,179
----------- ----------
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities 4 141,370 140,492
Governance costs 5 4,034 2,945
---------- ----------
Total expenditure £ 145,404 £ 143,437
---------- ----------
Net movement in funds 25,974 5,742
Funds brought forward/tfd from previous charity 61,835 56,093
--------- ---------
Funds carried forward £ 87,809 £ 61,835
--------- ---------

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.

5

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

BALANCE SHEET 31[st ] AUGUST 2024

BALANCE SHEET
31stAUGUST 2024
________
Note 2024 2023
------ ------- -------
FIXED ASSETS
tangible 6 £ 383 £ 382
CURRENT ASSETS
debtors 7 1,064 1,062
cash at bank and in hand 91,768 63,382
--------- ---------
£ 92,832 £ 64,444
--------- ---------
LESS CREDITORS - amounts
falling due within one year 8 £ 5,406 £ 2,991
--------- --------
Net current assets 87,426 61,453
--------- ---------
NET ASSETS £ 87,809 £ 61,835
--------- ---------
Represented by:
CAPITAL & RESERVES
Unrestricted Funds 87,809 61,835
--------- ---------
£ 87,809 £ 61,835
--------- ---------

For the year ended 31[st] August 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Trustees’ Responsibilities:

The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

Approved by the Trustees on 26[th] June 2025 and signed on its behalf.

Nicola Smith - Chair

6

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31[st] August 2024


1. Accounting policies

b. Basis of preparation of accounts

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost accounting rules and in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Incoming resources are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

c. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost, less estimated residual values, of all fixed assets over their expected useful lives at the following annual rates:

Equipment

33% straight line

d. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objuectives of the charity.

2024 2023
------- -------
2. Activities for generating funds
HCC fees 158,129 136,182
Parents fees 13,249 9,617
---------- ----------
£ 171,378 £ 145,799
---------- ----------
3. Voluntary income
Donations £ - 3,380
-------- --------

7

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

Notes to the accounts (continued) for the year ended 31[st] August 2024


2024 2023
------- -------
4. Charitable activities
Staff salaries 106,384 96,032
Employers pensions 1,701 1,488
Recruitment and DBS checks 844 1,127
Staff training 499 329
Staff expenses 1,492 974
Rates and water 1,815 890
Light & heat 9,697 4,755
Repairs and renewals 305 13,573
Cleaning 650 631
School equipment 8,428 15,975
Food and consumables 2,983 1,391
Events and entertainers 220 148
Uniforms 588 -
Printing postage and stationery 272 108
Telephone 854 603
Computer software 4,237 2,205
Subscriptions 401 263
---------- ----------
£ 141,370 £ 140,492
---------- ----------
5. Governance Costs
Accountancy 1,020 960
Payroll and book-keeping fees 1,600 470
Professional fees - 506
Bank charges 65 -
Insurance 856 638
Depreciation 493 371
-------- --------
£ 4,034 £ 2,945
-------- --------

8

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

Notes to the accounts (continued) for the year ended 31[st] August 2024


6. Tangible fixed assets
equipment
Cost
as at 1stSeptember 2023 £ 1,124
additions 494
--------
as at 31stAugust 2024 £ 1,618
--------
Depreciation
as at 1stSeptember 2023 742
charge for the year 493
--------
as at 31stAugust 2024 £ 1,235
--------
Net Book Values
31stAugust 2024 £ 383
1stSeptember 2023 382
-------
2024 2023
------- -------
7. Debtors
Prepayments 1,064 1,062
PAYE credit - -
-------- -------
£ 1,064 £ 1,062
-------- -------
8. Creditors
Accruals 2,203 1,455
Other creditors 2,146 -
Pension 327 -
PAYE 730 1,536
-------- -------
£ 5,406 £ 2,991
-------- -------
9. Trustees

The trustees did not receive any remuneration nor were they paid any expenses.

9


LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL ACCOUNTS for the YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2024


ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

PAGE CONTENTS
1 General information
2 & 3 Report of the trustees
4 Report of the independent examiner
5 Statement of financial activities
6 Balance sheet
7 - 9 Notes forming part of the accounts

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

GENERAL INFORMATION


TRUSTEES Nicola Smith Sarah Murphy Sara Wollaston-Smith Carol Laycock Holly Chubb COMPANY No. CE019283 CHARITY No. 1,185,936 ACCOUNTANTS John D Kilby & Co Chartered Accountants Mutfords Hare Street Buntingford Hertfordshire SG9 0ED BANKERS National Westminster Bank Cheshunt Branch Western Avenue Waterside Court Chatham Maritime Chatham Kent ME4 4RT

1

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT


The Trustees of the Little Learners Pre School present their annual report, together with the accounts for the year ended 31[st] August 2024 and confirm they comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the Trust Deed, and the Charities SORP (2015) as they apply to smaller charities.

Objectives and activities

The aims of the pre-school are to enhance the development and education of children primarily under statutory school age by encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups and by:

Trustees

The Trustees are responsible for the overall management and control of the Little Learners Pre School. All Trustees give their time freely and no remuneration was paid in the year. The trustees who held office during the year to 31[st] August 2024 were;

Nicola Smith - Chair Holly Chubb Carol Laycock Sarah Murphy Sara Wollaston-Smith

Financial Review

The income for the year has increased year on year due to the higher number of children registered to attend. As a result overall expenditure has increased but can mainly be attributed to increased staffing requirements to maintain the correct ratio of adults to children.

Governing Document

The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) governed by a written constitution adopted by its members. There are no restrictions in the governing document on the operation of the charity or its investment powers, other than those imposed by charity law.

Risk Management

The Trustees have assessed potential risks to the charity and taken action to put into place systems to mitigate those risks. Over the year the trustees will be reviewing and revising its policies regarding business risks, financial risks, health and safety risks and other identifiable risks.

2

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONT’D)


Risk Management

The Trustees have assessed potential risks to the charity and taken action to put into place systems to mitigate those risks. Over the year the trustees will be reviewing and revising its policies regarding business risks, financial risks, health and safety risks and other identifiable risks.

Achievements and performance

Little Learners Pre School continues to provide young children with excellent education opportunities in the local community. A high retention of staff has resulted in children making very good progress during their time at the pre-school.

Future plans

The Trustees intend to continue their current strategies of maintaining the pre-school’s position in a competitive market and to increase reserves in order to invest in their own premises. The Trustees will continue to review their aims and objectives to ensure that the education and services offered are appropriate, affordable and attractive to the community. The charity continues to work on securing the lease of the building they currently rent and are working on plans to improve the building for the benefit of the children.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees aim to keep sufficient reserves to meet the day to day expenditure of the Trust, and to keep sufficient restricted funds in order to see these funded projects to their conclusion.

In carrying out their duties the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners in the Charities Act 2011.

Approved by the Trustees on 26[th] June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Nicola Smith Chair of Trustees

3

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES


We report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31[st] August 2024, as set out on pages 5 to 9.

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 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is our responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charirties Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act) and to state whether any particular matters have come to our attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

Our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 consideration 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:

Mutfords Hare Street Buntingford Hertfordshire SG9 0ED

John D Kilby & Co Chartered Accountants

26[th] June 2025

4

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES incorporating the INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31[st ] AUGUST 2024


Note 2024 2023
------ -------
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
INCOME
Activities for generating funds 2 £ 171,378 £ 145,799
Donations 3 - 3,380
Investment income - -
---------- ----------
Total income £ 171,378 £ 149,179
----------- ----------
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities 4 141,370 140,492
Governance costs 5 4,034 2,945
---------- ----------
Total expenditure £ 145,404 £ 143,437
---------- ----------
Net movement in funds 25,974 5,742
Funds brought forward/tfd from previous charity 61,835 56,093
--------- ---------
Funds carried forward £ 87,809 £ 61,835
--------- ---------

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.

5

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

BALANCE SHEET 31[st ] AUGUST 2024

BALANCE SHEET
31stAUGUST 2024
________
Note 2024 2023
------ ------- -------
FIXED ASSETS
tangible 6 £ 383 £ 382
CURRENT ASSETS
debtors 7 1,064 1,062
cash at bank and in hand 91,768 63,382
--------- ---------
£ 92,832 £ 64,444
--------- ---------
LESS CREDITORS - amounts
falling due within one year 8 £ 5,406 £ 2,991
--------- --------
Net current assets 87,426 61,453
--------- ---------
NET ASSETS £ 87,809 £ 61,835
--------- ---------
Represented by:
CAPITAL & RESERVES
Unrestricted Funds 87,809 61,835
--------- ---------
£ 87,809 £ 61,835
--------- ---------

For the year ended 31[st] August 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Trustees’ Responsibilities:

The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

Approved by the Trustees on 26[th] June 2025 and signed on its behalf.

Nicola Smith - Chair

6

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31[st] August 2024


1. Accounting policies

b. Basis of preparation of accounts

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost accounting rules and in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Incoming resources are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

c. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost, less estimated residual values, of all fixed assets over their expected useful lives at the following annual rates:

Equipment

33% straight line

d. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objuectives of the charity.

2024 2023
------- -------
2. Activities for generating funds
HCC fees 158,129 136,182
Parents fees 13,249 9,617
---------- ----------
£ 171,378 £ 145,799
---------- ----------
3. Voluntary income
Donations £ - 3,380
-------- --------

7

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

Notes to the accounts (continued) for the year ended 31[st] August 2024


2024 2023
------- -------
4. Charitable activities
Staff salaries 106,384 96,032
Employers pensions 1,701 1,488
Recruitment and DBS checks 844 1,127
Staff training 499 329
Staff expenses 1,492 974
Rates and water 1,815 890
Light & heat 9,697 4,755
Repairs and renewals 305 13,573
Cleaning 650 631
School equipment 8,428 15,975
Food and consumables 2,983 1,391
Events and entertainers 220 148
Uniforms 588 -
Printing postage and stationery 272 108
Telephone 854 603
Computer software 4,237 2,205
Subscriptions 401 263
---------- ----------
£ 141,370 £ 140,492
---------- ----------
5. Governance Costs
Accountancy 1,020 960
Payroll and book-keeping fees 1,600 470
Professional fees - 506
Bank charges 65 -
Insurance 856 638
Depreciation 493 371
-------- --------
£ 4,034 £ 2,945
-------- --------

8

LITTLE LEARNERS PRE SCHOOL

Notes to the accounts (continued) for the year ended 31[st] August 2024


6. Tangible fixed assets
equipment
Cost
as at 1stSeptember 2023 £ 1,124
additions 494
--------
as at 31stAugust 2024 £ 1,618
--------
Depreciation
as at 1stSeptember 2023 742
charge for the year 493
--------
as at 31stAugust 2024 £ 1,235
--------
Net Book Values
31stAugust 2024 £ 383
1stSeptember 2023 382
-------
2024 2023
------- -------
7. Debtors
Prepayments 1,064 1,062
PAYE credit - -
-------- -------
£ 1,064 £ 1,062
-------- -------
8. Creditors
Accruals 2,203 1,455
Other creditors 2,146 -
Pension 327 -
PAYE 730 1,536
-------- -------
£ 5,406 £ 2,991
-------- -------
9. Trustees

The trustees did not receive any remuneration nor were they paid any expenses.

9