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 appIl￿ble 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(ut￿n.
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 P￿school 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-Year￿Id$
£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 Serv￿0. 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 W￿eS 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 redecor*ed 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 ber*fit 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 serv￿8 included as part of the offer.
Office and Llbrary Improvements.. Both spaces were red￿orated 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 PU￿hOSed. 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 ach￿ved.
L•ase
The initial five-year lease ended in August 2024. Ailhough the IDcal aUth￿lty 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 ChIld￿re￿£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 ca￿fUl 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 liab￿ltieS, 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 Pr￿esS 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 v￿W 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 $￿tion 145(5}Ibl of the Act.
Indgpendent examinerfs statement
The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualified to undertake the examination by
being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales {ICAEW).
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come lo my attent￿ in
connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe that in any material respect-.
a￿oUntIng records were not kept in re5p¢d of the charty as required by sects.on 130 of the Act:
OT
2. th& accounts do not a¢¢ord with those records," or
3. th8 accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of
accounts sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulations 2008 other than any
requirement that the accounts give a'true and fair view, which is not a maller considered as part
of an independent examination.
Emphasis of matter- flnan¢ial statements pr¢pared on a basls oth•r than golng concem
I draw attention to the going concern policy on page 12 of the financial slalgments which explains that.
subsequent to the year end, the trustees have made the d￿lSIon to close the Preschcx)l and cease all
activf(ies and the Preschool is no kjnger consideied lo be a going concern. Accordingly the financial
statements have been prepared on a basis otherthan going concern as described in the going concem
policy.
Other than the emphasi$ 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 year*nd 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 d￿lSiOn 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 i￿luded in the Slalement of Financial Adivilies when the Charity ha5
entitlement lo the funds, after any perf0m￿nCe 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 r￿ed assets at r*es cakulated to write ¢)ff the cost of each
asset on a slraight-line basis over ts eX￿ted 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