Company registration number CE024724 (England and Wales)
Charity registration number 1193284 (England and Wales)
LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER
CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO)
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees M Coombes O T Raharison H Tucker E Roche-Miller C Collins Charity number 1193284 Company number CE024724 Principal address 8 Chestnut Walk Groby Leicestershire LE6 9EU Registered office 8 Chestnut Walk Groby Leicestershire LE6 9EU Independent examiner Thomas Mayfield BA FCA Mayfield & Co (Accountants) Ltd 2 Merus Court Meridian Business Park Leicester LE19 1RJ
LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 14 |
LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's Constitution, the Companies Act 2006 and "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
The charity, La petite ecole de Leicester was granted charitable status on the 27 January 2021 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
Charitable objects
The aims and objectives of the CIO are for the public benefit, to advance the education of children and adults in the East Midlands community, by teaching them French, promoting the culture of French speaking countries and bilingualism.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.
La petite ecole de Leicester is a Saturday French school in Leicestershire, open to French-speaking children from pre-school onwards and beginners. We also offer adult classes. It seeks to advance the education of children and adults in the local community, by teaching them French as a native language, promoting the culture of French speaking countries and bilingualism. Classes are held in a primary school in Leicester. All our activities are designed to provide services for the public benefit of our service users.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
La petite ecole de Leicester opened its doors in September 2021, and now welcomes over 80 children split over five classes and a play group for the under-fours, as well as an adults class. The classes are run by qualified teachers and assistants who are all native French speakers. The lessons are adapted to the age and ability of the pupils, and cover a range of activities including reading, writing, spelling, arts and crafts. The play group involves singing, reading, arts and crafts, with a different weekly theme. La petite ecole de Leicester has set up a French library with books for all age groups and abilities.
La petite ecole de Leicester has organised a series of seasonal events to celebrate cultural traditions. For example, galette des rois (January 2025) and Mardi Gras (March 2025).
The children enjoy socialising with other Leicestershire French-speaking children from different schools in the area. From a governance perspective, we have a safeguarding and child protection policy and a risk assessment in place. DBS checks are obtained for all trustees, teachers and assistants.
All teachers have received safeguarding training. The school is member of the French umbrella association “Parapluie FLAM” that provides support and establishes cooperation between other similar schools in the UK.
Financial review
The statement of financial activities on page 5 shows a total income of £34,506 and expenditure of £26,683 across our unrestricted and restricted funds. Thus reporting a surplus for the year of £7,823.
The overall reserves carried forward as at the year end 31 August 2025 stands at £25,713, which is significantly up from last year's reserves of £17,890.
Going Concern
The charity has no known uncertainties as there is funding for the academic year ahead.
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for an alternative specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six months of normal expenditure. The trustees estimate normal ongoing annual costs to be between £25,000 and £50,000 per year. The reserves on the face of things look below what may normally be needed. In normal circumstances, the trustees estimate that reserves at a level of approximately £10,000 would ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they would be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)
The charity's principal source of funds are the school fees paid by the attending families. The school fees are determined every year at the lowest possible level to balance operational expenditure. La petite ecole de Leicester received a grant from the AEFE (Agency for French education abroad) in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 to aid the start up of the charity. The charity reserves are kept at a level that are adequate to fulfil our continuing obligations.
A description of the principal risks facing the charity
The trustees consider that a major risk is one, which if it materialised, would have a significant adverse impact on the charities ability to function and achieve its purposes as identified in its Constitution. The trustees recognise that risks can arise not only from the charity’s activities but also from failure to act or exploit opportunities. Our principal risk is lack of funding. The trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that they have established systems to mitigate any significant operational or business risks.
Structure, governance and management
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
M Coombes
O T Raharison H Tucker E Roche-Miller C Collins
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees
Trustees are appointed by the Board. Voting usually takes place during the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Trustees are eligible for reappointment every year at the AGM, until either their position is challenged, or they resign.
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees
DBS checks are obtained for all trustees, teachers and assistants. All trustees, teachers and assistants have to provide a Safeguarding training certificate and to familiarise themselves with the charity’s Safeguarding policy.
The charity also employs an administrator, five teachers, two teaching assistants and one coordinator for the play group.
A number of volunteers help us run the library and organise various events throughout the year.
The school is a member of the French umbrella association “Parapluie FLAM” that provides support and establishes cooperation between other similar schools in the UK.
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The charity also employs an administrator, four teachers, three teaching assistants and one coordinator for the play group.
A number of volunteers help us run the library and organise various events throughout the year.
The school is a member of the French umbrella association “Parapluie FLAM” that provides support and establishes cooperation between other similar schools in the UK.
The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
H Tucker
Trustee
30 April 2026
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of La Petite Ecole De Leicester (the Charity) for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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 financial statements to be reached.
Thomas Mayfield BA FCA
Mayfield & Co (Accountants) Ltd
2 Merus Court Meridian Business Park Leicester LE19 1RJ
30 April 2026
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 360 3,584 Other trading activities 4 30,562 - Total income 30,922 3,584 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 23,099 3,584 Total expenditure 23,099 3,584 Net income and movement in funds 7,823 - Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 September 2024 17,890 - Fund balances at 31 August 2025 25,713 - |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 3,944 - 4,948 30,562 29,105 - 34,506 29,105 4,948 26,683 20,718 4,948 26,683 20,718 4,948 7,823 8,387 - 17,890 9,503 - 25,713 17,890 - |
Total 2024 £ 4,948 29,105 |
|---|---|---|
| 34,053 25,666 |
||
| 25,666 | ||
| 8,387 9,503 |
||
| 17,890 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025
| Notes Current assets Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets The funds of the Charity Unrestricted funds 15 |
2025 £ 185 30,479 30,664 (4,951) |
£ 25,713 25,713 25,713 |
2024 £ - 24,704 24,704 (6,814) |
£ 17,890 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17,890 | ||||
| 17,890 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 August 2025.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 30 April 2026
M Coombes
Trustee
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The charity, La Petite de Ecole Leicester was granted charitable status on the 27 January 2021 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the Charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.7 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measures at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans, which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Donations and gifts 360 - Grants - 3,584 360 3,584 Donations and gifts Private Donations 360 - 360 - Grants AEFE Grant - 3,584 - 3,584 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 360 - - 3,584 - 4,948 3,944 - 4,948 360 - - 360 - - 3,584 - 4,948 3,584 - 4,948 |
Total 2024 £ - 4,948 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,948 | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| 4,948 | ||
| 4,948 |
4 Income from other trading activities
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Annual membership subscriptions | 2,800 | 2,240 |
| Fundraising events | 1,432 | 1,666 |
| Term fees | 25,258 | 24,535 |
| Stay and play fees | 1,072 | 664 |
| Other trading activities | 30,562 | 29,105 |
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| 5 Expenditure on charitable activities Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2025 2025 £ £ Direct costs Teaching materials and stationery - 202 Rent 4,700 820 Administration fees - 65 Insurance - 129 Staff expenses 18,399 - Stay and play expenses - 211 Computer running costs - 250 Training expenses - - Subscription fees - 35 Sundry expenses - 12 Telephone - 60 23,099 1,784 Share of support and governance costs (see note 6) Governance - 1,800 23,099 3,584 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds 23,099 - Restricted funds - 3,584 23,099 3,584 |
Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 202 - 513 5,520 3,584 1,821 65 - 148 129 - 371 18,399 16,545 - 211 - 374 250 - 75 - - 54 35 - 35 12 - 46 60 - 60 24,883 20,129 3,497 1,800 589 1,451 26,683 20,718 4,948 23,099 20,718 - 3,584 - 4,948 26,683 20,718 4,948 |
Total 2024 £ 513 5,405 148 371 16,545 374 75 54 35 46 60 |
|---|---|---|
| 23,626 2,040 |
||
| 25,666 | ||
| 20,718 4,948 |
||
| 25,666 |
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| 6 Support costs Support costs Governance costs £ £ Independent examiner fees - 1,800 Accountancy - - - 1,800 Analysed between Charitable activities - 1,800 |
2025 £ 1,800 - 1,800 1,800 |
2024 £ 1,740 300 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,040 | ||
| 2,040 |
Governance costs includes payments to the independent examiner of £1,800 (2024- £1,740) for examination fees.
| 7 | Net movement in funds | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||
| Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements | 1,800 | 1,740 |
8 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.
9 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| 11 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Prepayments and accrued income 12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Notes Deferred income 13 Accruals 13 Deferred income Other deferred income Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows: Deferred income is included within: Current liabilities Movements in the year: Deferred income at 1 September 2024 Released from previous periods Resources deferred in the year Deferred income at 31 August 2025 |
2025 2024 £ £ 185 - 2025 2024 £ £ 2,971 4,834 1,980 1,980 4,951 6,814 2025 2024 £ £ 2,971 4,834 2025 2024 £ £ 2,971 4,834 4,834 6,298 (4,834) (6,298) 2,971 4,834 2,971 4,834 |
|---|---|
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
14 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| At 1 September 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 £ £ £ AEFE Grant - 3,584 (3,584) Previous year: At 1 September 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 £ £ £ AEFE Grant - 4,948 (4,948) |
August 2025 £ - |
|---|---|
| August 2024 £ - |
15 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 September 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 £ £ £ General funds 17,890 30,922 (23,099) Previous year: At 1 September 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 £ £ £ General funds 9,503 29,105 (20,718) |
August 2025 £ 25,713 |
|---|---|
| August 2024 £ 17,890 |
16 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| funds | |
| 2025 | |
| £ | |
| At 31 August 2025: | |
| Current assets/(liabilities) | 25,713 |
| 25,713 |
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LA PETITE ECOLE DE LEICESTER CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| 16 | Analysis of net assets between funds | (Continued) |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | ||
| funds | ||
| 2024 | ||
| £ | ||
| At 31 August 2024: | ||
| Current assets/(liabilities) | 17,890 | |
| 17,890 |
17 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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