REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1190798
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
CONTENTS
| Legal and administrative details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Report of the trustees | 2 - 4 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Statement of financial position | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 - 10 |
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Principal address
Trustees
Bankers
Independent Examiner
Cemetery Lane Wirksworth Derbyshire DE44FZ Mr M J Burns Mrs S Johnston Mrs H Elliff Mrs H Robinson Mrs J B M Booth
The Cooperative Bank Business Customer Services P O Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT
Stopfords (Mansfield) Limited Synergy House 7 Acorn Business Park Commercial Gate Mansfield Nottinghamshire NG18 1EX
1
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year to 31 August 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The aims of the Pre-school, in line with the Early Years Alliance model constitution, are to enhance the development and education of children primarily under statutory school age by encouraging parents and carers to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups and by:
(a) offering appropriate play, education and care facilities, family learning and extended hours groups, together with the right of parents to take responsibility for and to become involved in the activities of such groups, ensuring that such groups offer opportunities for all children whatever their race, culture, religion, means or ability;
(b) encouraging the study of the needs of such children and their families and promoting public interest in and recognition of such needs in the local areas;
(c) instigating and adhering to and furthering the aims and objectives of the Pre-school Learning Alliance (now Early Years Alliance)
Public benefit
Wirksworth Pre-School Playgroup provides quality care and education for children under statutory school age.
Each year the cost of Pre-school sessions is reviewed by the Pre-school Manager and Committee to ensure that the sessions are affordable for a wide range of family/carer budgets. As our Pre-school is registered with Derbyshire County Council as a key childcare provider for the area, parents and carers are also able to make use of government funded hours.
Wirksworth Pre-School Playgroup is a valued, community-focused organisation where the staff work hard to ensure children of all backgrounds are welcomed and given the opportunity to thrive in a caring and nurturing environment.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
The year 2024 has been marked by steady progress, collaborative planning, and strengthened community engagement for Wirksworth Pre-School Playgroup.
Balancing income and expenditure has been a key priority. Rising staff costs remain one of the most significant challenges, with an increase of approximately 8.57% between April 2023 and April 2024, contributing to a cumulative rise of 26.65% since April 2021. These substantial increases have placed considerable pressure on the Pre-School’s finances.
Operational improvements this year have focused on ensuring continuity and flexibility within the team. While formal recruitment for Level 3-qualified staff has not occurred, it is ongoing to ensure the Pre-School is well-prepared for any staffing needs. Maintenance issues, including plumbing repairs and pest control, have also been swiftly addressed, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for both children and staff.
Engaging with parents and the local community has remained a priority. This year saw a significant step forward in advertising efforts, with the creation and distribution of the Pre-School’s first-ever promotional leaflet. Thoughtfully designed to highlight the setting’s strengths, the leaflets were widely distributed across the community, including notice boards and key local locations. This initiative represents a proactive approach to increasing awareness and attracting new families.
Events have also played an important role in fostering community connections. Wizarding Day was a financial success, while the Parents’ BBQ saw disappointing results due to its clash with England’s semi-final match. Social media and word-of-mouth campaigns have been invaluable in boosting engagement and showcasing the high quality of care and education provided. These efforts contributed to a strong intake for the 2024/25 academic year.
For the year ending 31 August 2024, Wirksworth Pre-School Playgroup recorded a total income of £99,505, including government funding, donations, and fundraising activities. Total expenditure for the year was £101,432, resulting in a small deficit of £1,927.
2
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The financial results of the Pre-School Playgroup can be found on pages 5 and 6 of the financial statements.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of Wirksworth Pre-School Playgroup to retain a minimum of 3 months fixed cost as reserves. At current cost levels this is calculated to be in the region of £20,000. Therefore, cash reserves are maintained at a minimum of £20,000 in a separate business reserve account to ensure the Pre-school has the capacity to honour contracts and other cost commitments in the event of any interruption or delay to income.
FUTURE PLANS
The upcoming year will focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability and adaptability of Wirksworth Pre-School Playgroup.
Key priorities include further contingency planning, such as continuing discussions with Wirksworth Infant School regarding potential collaboration or relocation, and identifying suitable emergency backup locations like the Scout Hut, Mount Cook, and other venues in Wirksworth. These plans aim to ensure operational continuity in the event of unforeseen challenges.
Staffing remains a critical area, with ongoing efforts to formally recruit Level 3-qualified staff to address staffing needs and support the Pre-School's growth. Encouraging current staff to undertake further training will also be a focus to maintain high standards of care and education.
Infrastructure improvements are also planned, including researching funding opportunities to upgrade the aging boiler and exploring alternative heating solutions. These efforts aim to create a more stable and sustainable environment for children and staff.
Community engagement and fundraising will continue to play an essential role in the Pre-School’s strategy. Building on the success of events like Wizarding Day, the committee aims to increase participation and revenue from future activities.
Efforts to recruit new trustees with relevant expertise will also remain a priority. Outreach will include advertising through community notice boards, social media platforms, and word-of-mouth campaigns to attract skilled volunteers who can contribute to the governance and growth of the Pre-School.
By focusing on these key areas, Wirksworth Pre-School Playgroup aims to enhance its services, support its team, and remain a valued cornerstone of the local community.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Organisational structure
Wirksworth Pre-School Playgroup follows a model constitution provided by the Early Years Alliance. As per this governing document, the Pre-school has a Committee who meet regularly throughout the year and also hold an AGM at which new Committee members (Trustees) are elected. Parents and carers of children at Pre-school are invited to attend the AGM and asked to consider if they would like to join Pre-School as a Committee member. If additional skills are required, Pre-school also advertises more widely and welcomes interest from across the community.
3
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
Trustees of the charity
The trustees of the charity who have served during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Mr M J Burns Mrs S Johnston Mrs H Elliff Mrs H Robinson Mrs S Mitchell Mrs J B M Booth
{Resigned 21 November 2023) (Appointed 18 October 2023)
Approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:
Mr M J Burns - Trustee
Date:
4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Wirksworth Pre-School Playgroup
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Wirksworth Pre-School Playgroup (the Trust) for the year to 31 August 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
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 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set 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 matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr Phillip Nicholson Stopfords (Mansfield) Limited Synergy House 7 Acorn Business Park Commercial Gate Mansfield Nottinghamshire NG18 1EX
Date:
5
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies Other trading activities 2 Investment income 3 Total EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Childcare NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Transfers between funds Other recognised gains/(losses) Revaluation of fixed assets Net movements in funds Balances brought forward at 1 September 2023 Balances carried forward at 31 August 2024 |
Unrestricted fund Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 98,118 231 98,349 94,930 1,021 1,021 1,181 134 - 134 532 99,274 231 99,505 96,643 101,223 209 101,432 102,342 (1,949) 22 (1,927) (5,700) 74,158 74,158 72,209 22 72,231 (5,700) 100,107 105 100,211 105,911 172,315 127 172,442 100,211 |
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
6
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 6 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 7 Cash at bank and in hand 8 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES FUNDS Unrestricted funds 10 Restricted funds 10 TOTAL FUNDS |
Total funds 2024 £ 110,000 76 64,225 64,301 1,859 62,442 172,442 172,315 127 172,442 |
Total funds 2023 £ 35,842 5,330 64,087 69,417 5,047 64,369 100,211 100,107 105 100,211 |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Mrs H Robinson - Trustee
Mr M J Burns - Trustee
Date:
The notes form part of these financial statements
7
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
| Bags 2 School Fundraising 3. INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit account interest |
2024 £ 108 913 1,021 2024 £ 134 134 |
2023 £ 74 1,106 1,181 2023 £ 532 532 |
|---|---|---|
8
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
| Trustees' salaries Trustees' expenses There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 August 2024. 5. STAFF COSTS The average monthly number of employees during the period was: No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. |
2024 £ - - |
2023 £ - - |
|---|---|---|
6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 1 September 2023 Additions Eliminated on disposal At 31 August 2024 Depreciation At 1 September 2023 Charge for the year Eliminated on disposal At 31 August 2024 Net book value At 31 August 2024 At 31 August 2023 7. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments 8. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND Current account Reserve account Cash |
Freehold Property £ 35,842 74,158 - 110,000 - - - - 110,000 35,842 2024 £ - 76 - 76 2024 £ 31,444 32,781 - 64,225 |
Total £ 35,842 - 74,158 - 110,000 - - - - - 110,000 35,842 2023 £ 91 4,760 479 5,330 2023 £ 5,023 59,062 2 64,087 |
|---|---|---|
9
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade creditors Other creditors |
2024 £ - 1,859 1,859 |
2023 £ 555 4,492 5,047 |
|---|---|---|
10. ANALYSIS OF CHARITY FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General funds Revaluation reserve Designated fund - heating system replacement Restricted funds WRFU - Milk Fundraising |
Transfers 2023 Income Expenditure Revaluation 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 100,107 99,274 (101,223) (1,875) 96,282 74,158 74,158 1,875 1,875 100,107 99,274 101,223 - 74,158 172,315 82 231 (209) - 104 23 - 23 105 231 209 - - 127 100,211 99,505 101,432 - 74,158 172,442 |
|---|---|
11. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Total funds at 31 August 2024 |
Tangible Fixed Assets Net Current Assets Total £ £ £ 127 127 110,000 62,315 172,315 110,000 62,442 172,442 |
|---|---|
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the period ended 31 August 2024.
10
WIRKSWORTH PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Derbyshire County Council Fees and subscriptions Welfare fund reimbursement Donations Other trading activities Bags 2 School Easy fundraising Other fundraising Investment income Deposit account interest Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Trustees' salaries Staff costs Water Light and heat Insurance Telephone Postage and stationery Repairs and maintenance Cleaning and sundry expenses Staff training DBS checks Ofsted and Pre-School Alliance Refreshments and consumables Equipment Milk Fundraising expenses Subscriptions Support costs Finance Bank charges Interest paid Governance costs Professional fees Total resources expended Net expenditure |
2024 £ 77,327 19,221 231 1,571 98,349 108 913 1,021 134 99,505 - 90,008 1,078 1,345 1,573 682 229 794 633 481 256 514 1,223 286 209 306 99,616 13 128 1,675 101,432 (1,927) |
2023 £ 73,189 19,945 202 1,594 94,930 74 1,106 1,181 532 96,643 83,949 197 2,580 684 756 544 5,538 357 284 261 821 1,597 2,010 229 155 660 100,621 219 1,502 102,342 (5,700) |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
11