Charity number: 1186340 DUCKUNGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO Unaudited annual report Yoar 8nded 31 August 2025
DUCKLINGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO CONTENTS Pag Reference and adminislrative details of the Charty Report of the Trustees Independent Examiner's Report statement of Financial Adivities 10 8alance Shegt 11 Notes to the Financial Statements 12
DUCKLINGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO Rolerence and administratlve detalls of the Charlty for the flnancial year endod 31 Augusl 2025 Trust••s Mrs H Mercer Mr M Dando Mrs H Smith (appointed 9 O¢lober 20251 Mrs F Perrin Reglsterèd office Du¢klings Preschool Creaton CIO 18 Welford Road Ciealon Northampton NN6 8NH Reglst•rfjd charity number 1186340 Bankers HSBC 22 Abington Street Northampton NN1 2AN Indepgnd•nt Examiner Glen Bott FCA
DUCKUNGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES TheTruslees present their report together with the financial ststements of Duckling$ Preschool Crealon CIO Ilho'Charity"I for the y9ar lo 31 August 2025. Tha Tru$tee8 confirfn that the report and financial statements of the Charty comply wth the Charbties Act 2011, the requirements of the Foundation's governing documents and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice I'SORP'I "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" appli¢able to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wrth the Financial Reporting Stsndard appIlble in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. Slructure. goyemance. and managernent The Charity is a Charilablg Incorporated Organisation, govemed by a Trust Deed dated 14 November 2019. Method of appointment or olection of Trustees The setting is regulated by Ofsted and governed by a board of trustees. The trustees oversee the work of the setting manager and officer manager. who are responsible for the day to day running of the setting. Trustee5 are appointed by resolution al a properiy convened meeting and are subject to suitabilty checks and confidentiality agregments. They follow the foundation model constr(utn. Objectives Ducklings Preschool provides child-led, early years education and holiday club services for children aged 2 10 11 years. We work collaboratively with families to foster an environment where children can thrive. Our setting is regulated by Otsted and governed by a board of trustees. The trustees ensure that the setting manager and officer manager. who handle the daily operations, are supported and monitored. Trustaes are appointed Ihrough resolutions in property convened meetings, subject to 8Ult8bility checks and ¢onfidèntialrty agreements. and fol the foundation model constf(ution. Closure of the Proschool Subsequentlo the yearond the Iruslees took the decision lo close thé Preschool with immediate effect on 15 January 2026. The Prgs¢hool received a wdfare requirements notice from Otsled in late 2025 and despite the best efforts of all at the Preschool the welfare requirements were nol able to be met in a way that allowed the Pschool to continue operating. Therefore the trustees made the difficult decision to cease operating the Preschool. Achlevoments and perfom)anc• Review of activilÈs and Financial Review Pupil Numbern and Fe9$ The academic year beg8n with 60 children registered, attending a lolal of 1.137 hours per week. By year*nd, this had increased to 93 children lincluding those attending th& primary after-school ¢lubl, with weekly attendance rising lo 1,737 hours. Houdy rates frem Septomber 2024 were as follows: Age Group 202412025 Rate 2-YearId$ £5.60 3+ year-olds £5.40 Breakfast Club & After School Club {all agesl £4.00 Holiday Club (all age81 £4.00
DUCKLINGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Hourfy rates We last reviewed and Ghanged in Septembgr2024. Income Total reported income for the year was £435.671, an increase of 50.14% over the budget. The main sources of income were: o Presch<)ol Funding.. 43°h Preschool Invoices: 12Q Holiday Club Funding and Invoices.. 160 Breakfast and After Sch¢)ol Clyb Funding and Invoicg$'. 11 Y PAYG (Pay As You Go) Fijnding and Invoicgs: 2°A Hot meal provision 5% Wraparoun¢J Grant Funding 5% Pres¢h¢)ol Funding continues to grow following the govemment's extension of funded hours. Wrapaiound care, holiday club, and meal income also show yearaon-year grwth. We also $ured EHCP lunding for a child with SEND, which funded a Level 2 Apprenticeship for 1..1 care. Wraparound Childcare Programmo In Novèmber 2024. we applted for gcant funding under tha National Wraparound Childcare Programme (WAPI and were awarded £35.975. The first instalment of £23,830 was receNed in February 2025, wf(h the balance due in the next finarbcial year. This funding will support staff recruitment, training. and inttial operating costs while demand builds. Following the a¢quisition of a minibus, w8 partnered wrth Spratton Primary Sch[ to provide their aftei-school club provision, including a school collection Serv0. The club began in January 2025 wth 5 children and grew to 29 by yeai*nd. wrth 18 on recurrÈng bwkings and 11 attending ad hoc. Expendlturè Totsl expenditure for the year was £444,608 - 11.16% over budget. Key expense ¢ategorie8: Employmont Costs.. 660 Utilitiès= 131A Play Equipment- 7Vo This includes accessible playground equipment scheduled for installation in October 2025, funded through a combination of DAF, EYPP, SEND budget. and opefaling profil. A donation of £2,500 has been requested from Cieaton Relief in Need lo support the addrtion of an inclusNe ramp and bridge. RtseNe Spend Icross category): £93,257 Competitive WeS continue to support staff retention. contributing to a stable and nurturing envkronment and in¢reased registrations.
DUCKUNGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Investment li and rformance TheTwst Deed pemiits the Trustees. intheirab$olule di5crelK)n, or any appointad investment advisors, to invest in any investment. securities or property, as li thinks fil. At 31 Au9U$t 2025, no money had been invested by the Charity. ReseNe Policy Ducklings Preschool maintains reserves equivalent lo three months, Nnning wyts and redundancy pay for qualfying staff. At the start of the year, £94,IJOO wa$ allocated from the aceumulate(J fund lo support a programme of capital improvements- Repairs and Maintsnance= Upgrades included boiler repairs, replacement lighting, installation of an access control systgm with VDU entry, and outdoor security lighting. ICT.. A new interactive touch tsble was purchasod to support digital learnirvJ. Hygge Room: Designed to Create a calm, nurturing space that supports emotional wellbeing. Improvements included new flooring. decorating, blinds, and Iho purchase of soft fumishings and resources. This space was used for quyèl play, small group work, and emotional regulation activittes. Sensory Room.. Folbwing clearance. the space was redecored and fitted with new flooring and lighting. Specialist resources- including bubb lights. a dark tent. and a range of lighl-up materials - were introduced lo create a calming. immersNe environment. This dedicated room played a vitsl role in 5UPPOrting the wellbein9 and devebpmenl of children who berfit from a ore tailored sensory approaGh. Minibu$ Acquisition.. A new minibus was purchased to support off-site a¢lwihes and also enabled us lo extend our after-school club provision to local primary schools, with a school collection serv8 included as part of the offer. Office and Llbrary Improvements.. Both spaces were redorated and equipped wrth new blinds. furniture, and digital systems lo support stsff sign in and visitor management. As these were the first areas seen by anyone entering the setting, the overall welcome was noticeabty moro inviting. INhile the library had benefrtted from new flooring and lay(1 improvements. shefving was PUhOSed. prior to the setting closure, lo complete the space. Kit¢h•n Upgrad¢'. Signrfi¢anl investment was made in installing a new kitchen, including staff k)ckers, to improve facilities for food preparation and staff welfare. Cloakroom Reg8n•rntlon The fvnds originally allocated to cloakroom regeneration were not used for their intended purpose, as the anlieipated level of disruption during such a busy period Proved too drfficuh to manage. Instead, the budget was redistributed aeross other aieas of improvement where immediate benefit coukj be achved. L•ase The initial five-year lease ended in August 2024. Ailhough the IDcal aUthlty confirmed a >7 year extension via email in May 2024. a fomal agreement has yet to be IssL despite folbw-up. Accruals have been made in anticipation of the rent remaining unchanged.
DUCKLINGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Relnvestment Proposals for the coming year At year-end, total equity stood at £295,747.66. Reserve Spend in 2024-2025 was funded from operating profit, with no savings utilised. Of this, £151.000 is held in reserve in accordance with our policy, and £50,000 is retained for unexpected costs. We propose reinvesting approximalety £50,1)00 in the coming year, with grant funding sought where possible. Planned improvements include.. Flat Roof Repla¢em?nt1£8,8751'. The STEM room rc¥Jf continues to lea< despite repairs. Replacement look pla¢e in mKI-October. Repairs and Maintsnance1£325)' Wot1(s include fitting a magna le¢k to the front door for improved security. Klt¢hen and Staff Room {£1,000I'. Painting throughout and naw flooring in the staff room. Play Therapy1£1 $01: Full details of this gquity allocallon have been withheld fn)m the published report lo proteGt the privacy and safeguarding of the children and family invofvad. Free of Charye ChIldre£3,000l. Full details ol this equty allocat have been withheld fmm the published report to prolecl the privacy and safeguarding of the children and family involved. Trauma-lnfomed Tralnlng for Staff I£SOOI: To strengthen our capacty lo support children affected by trauma, we propose investing in specialist training through Jogo Behaviour Support. This will equip staff wrth practical strategies for responding lo childien's emotional needs, while also addressing the personal impact such disclosures can have on practitioners. Llbrary Fuinitur81£7501- Purchase of shelving and a cheLk4nloul table to support children's access to books and reading records. Lookln9 Ahgad In light of the Preschwl's closure, the trustees ha furthor resolved that the charity will be fomalty wound up by 31 July 2026. This decision was tsken after cafUl consideration of the charity's ongoing purpose. rts ability lo operate safely and sustainably followng the Ofsted welfare quirementS nolu, and the absence of any viable roule lo resume provision. The trustees are now implementing a wind-down plan lo ensure full compliance with the charty's goveming document. This in¢ludes settling all OLtstanding liabltieS, concluding employment and contractual obligations, managing the secure r&l8nlion of records, and ensuring that any remaining assets are applied solely for chantabk purposes. The trustees will keep the Charty Commission infomed IhroughoLrt the PresS and will submit all required documentation ahead of th& final dissolutson date Trustees Responslbllltles Trustees are responsible for preparing a Trustees, Annual Report and financral $lalements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdorn Accounting Standards {Unf(ed Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Pra¢li¢el- The law applicabk lo charities in England and Vvales requires chaiity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair vW of th8 Stat@ of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charty for that period. In piep8ring the financial ststements, the trustees are required lo..
DUCKUNGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES select suitab accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent- state whether applicable accounting standaids have been followed. subject to any material departures that must be disclosed and explained in the financial statamenls., and prepare the financial statements on the going ¢oncem basi8 unless tt is inappropriate to presume that the charty will continue in business. Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that dis¢lo$e with reasonable a¢¢uracy al any time the financial posi(ion of the Foundation and to enable them to ensufe that th8 financial statements eomply with the Charities Ad 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provision$ ofthe Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Foundation and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. This report was reviewed and approved by the Trustees on behalf by.. 2026 and signed on thèir Trustee
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF DUCKUNGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO I raport lo the charity trustees t)n my examination of the COuntS of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025 which are set out on pages 10 to 16. R9sponslb115ties and basis of report As the charty's trustees you are responsible for the preparalion of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'lhe Act'l. I report in respeet of my examination of the charty's accounts carried out under wtion 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charty Commission under $tion 145(5}Ibl of the Act. Indgpendent examinerfs statement The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales {ICAEW). I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come lo my attent in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe that in any material respect-. aoUntIng records were not kept in re5p¢d of the charty as required by sects.on 130 of the Act: OT 2. th& accounts do not a¢¢ord with those records," or 3. th8 accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a'true and fair view, which is not a maller considered as part of an independent examination. Emphasis of matter- flnan¢ial statements pr¢pared on a basls oth•r than golng concem I draw attention to the going concern policy on page 12 of the financial slalgments which explains that. subsequent to the year end, the trustees have made the dlSIon to close the Preschcx)l and cease all activf(ies and the Preschool is no kjnger consideied lo be a going concern. Accordingly the financial statements have been prepared on a basis otherthan going concern as described in the going concem policy. Other than the emphasi$ of matter noted above, I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enabte a proper understsnding of the a¢¢ounts to be reached. Glen Bott FCA 5 Pond Spinney Ov8rstone Northampton NN6 OGJ Date.. 19 March 2026
DUCKUNGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO Statement of Flnanclal Activlties For the ygar ènded 31 August 2025 2025 2024 Notes INCOME FROM Charitable aetivilies 435,671 298,900 TOTAL INCOME 435.671 298.900 EXPENDITURE ON Charltabl• actlvltles 444,608 248.861 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 444,608 248.861 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (8,937) 50,039 TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS as at 1 Seplomber 2024 292,423 242.384 TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS a$ at 31 August 2025 283,486 292,423 Tho notes on palle$ 12 to 16 fomi part of the$8 financial statsments. io
DUCKLINGS PRESCHC>OL CREATON CIO Balance Sheet As at 31 August 2025 2025 2024 Note FIXED ASSETS 24.522 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 1,752 2,676 Cash at bank 291,980 316,754 CURRENT UABIUTIES Creditors 34,768 27,007 NET ASSETS 283,486 292,423 CHARITY FUNDS Unrestricted funds 283,486 292,423 TOTAL FUNDS 283,486 292,423 The financial stslements were approved by the Tru$tee8 on behalf by.. IZ 2026 and signed on their ndo Trustee The notes on pages 12 to 16 form part of these financial statements. li
DUCKLINGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO Notss to the Flnancial Ststements For the year end¢d 31 August 2025 1. ACCOUNTING POUCIES Basis of preparation of flnancial statement The financial slalements have been prepared in COrdanCe with the Statement of Recommended Practice {SORPI"Accounling and Reporting by Charities,. applicab lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard appli¢abk in the United Kingdom arKI Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021, the Charit$ Act 2011 and applicable rogulations. The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention wrth items recognised as cost or transaction value unless othen#i88 stalgd in the relevant notelsl to the accounts. The Charity consif(utes a public benefit entity a5 d&fin&d by FRS 102. Golng conc•m Subsequentto the yearnd thetrustees made the decision to closè the Preschool with immediate effe¢l on 1S January 2026. The Preschool received a wellare requirements notice from Ofsted in late 2025 and despite the best efforts of all at the Preschool the welfare requirements were not ablè to be met in way that allowed the Preschool lo continue operatsng. Therefore the Iruslee$ rnade the drfficult decision lo cease operating the Preschool. Due to the decision to close the Preschool, all activTties will se and the Preschool ig no longer considered lo be a going concern.11 is therefore appropriae for the financial slalements to be prepared on a basis other than 90ing concern. There are no changes lo the valuation of assets and Ik?biltties in these financial statements as a resuk of the dlSiOn lo propare thern on a basis other than going coneèm. Fund aecountlng Goneral funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of Ihe Trustees in frJrtheran¢& of the general objedives of the Charty and which have not been designated for other purposes. Incoming resourcos All inwming resources are iluded in the Slalement of Financial Adivilies when the Charity ha5 entitlement lo the funds, after any perf0mnCe conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliabty, and il is probable the income will be received. Resourcos expended Expgnditur8 is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities. they have been allocate(l on a basis con515tenl with the use of the resources. Flxgd assets Assets costing £1,000.or more are cawlalised as tangible fixed assets and are carried at cost, nel of depreciation and any provision for impaimient. Depreciation is provided on all tsngible red assets at res cakulated to write ¢)ff the cost of each asset on a slraight-line basis over ts eXted useful lives, as follcAv¥-. otor vehi¢les- 3 years 12
DUCKLINGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO Notes to thè Flnancial Statgments IcontSnued} For tho year ended 31 August 2025 2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestrlcted funds 2025 Unrestrided funds 2024 Preschool Fees PAYG OAF EHCP Preschool Funding EYPP TSF Ifomially HNFI Breakfast and After School Club Holiday Club Meals NMRU-Milk Children's Uniform Room Hire 50.892 6.899 6.426 7.027 187,650 41.783 6,022 135,522 387 2.389 33.493 56,312 15.164 716 21 591 4.433 1,067 I,o(x) 3.325 49,851 71,356 19,679 765 324 Interest 4.278 767 500 23,830 58 Fundraising INC Educational Skills Fundlng Grants Donations 435,671 298.900 13
DUCKLINGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO Notes to the Financial Statements {contlnuedl For thg year ended 31 August 2025 3. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted funds Unrgstrictad funds 2025 2024 7,350 732 5,999 771 Milk Children's Unifomi Employment costs Utilities Rent and Rates Insurance Registration and Licensing Finance Health and Safety Office SALT, SEND and EYPP Curriculum Enhancement Play Equipment Consumablo$ Icraftl Transport Costs DAF EHCP Hygiene and Cleaning other Setting Costs Other Staff Costs Other Costs D8PTecialion 284,040 54,289 3,297 1.727 439 429 4.867 7.282 7.473 2.225 31,907 2.250 1,581 6,426 7,027 2,467 1,855 3.018 1,666 12,261 199,953 14,685 3.127 1,288 400 432 9,386 1,860 1,524 3,028 756 1,390 1,477 529 910 1,346 444,608 248,861 NET INCOMING RESOURCES During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration. During the year. no Trustees received any benefts in kind. During the year, no Trustees rec*ved any reimbursement of expenses. 14
DUCKUNGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO Notes to the Financlal Statements {¢ontinued) For thè year anded 31 August 2025 FIXED ASSETS Motor vohicles 2025 Total 202S C¢st Brought foNard al 1 September 2024 Addth'ons in the year 36.783 36,783 Carried foTrv8rd al 31 August 2025 36.783 36,783 Depreciatlon Brought forward at 1 September 2024 Charge in the year 12,261 12,261 Catried forward at 31 August 2025 12,261 12,261 Ngt bookvalue Al 31 August 2025 24.522 24,522 Al 31 August 2024 CREDITORS Unro5trirted funds Unrestri¢tsd funds 2025 2024 Social security and other tsxes Other ¢redf(L¥S Accruals and deferred in¢¢ 6,820 34.768 20.187 34,768 27,007 FUNDS Brought Forward In¢omlng resources Resources Expended Carrled Forward Unrestricted funds General funds 15
DUCKLINGS PRESCHOOL CREATON CIO Notes to the Financial Statements (continuedl For the year ended 31 August 2025 RELATED PARTIES There were no related party transxtions during the year. EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE YEAR END Subsequent to the year-end the trustees madethe decision to close Ihe Presch¢301 with immediate effec* on 15 January 2026. The Preschool received a welfare requirements notice from Ofsted in late 2025 and desp(ie the best efforts of all at the Preschool the welfare requirements were not able lo be met in a way that allowed the Pwsclv)ol lo ntinUe operaling. Therefore the Iruslees made the difficult deGi5ion to cease operating the Preschool. 16