Charity number: 1193532
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD FROM 01 APRIL 2024 TO 31 AUGUST 2024
Whitings LLP George Court Bartholomew's Walk Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4JW
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 4 |
| Independent examiner's report | 5 - 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 14 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements: | |
| Charity Detailed income and expenditure account and summaries |
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Trustees | Mrs S Lindsay, Chair (appointed 1 January 2023) |
|---|---|
| Mrs A Collins, Trustee (appointed 4 October 2023) | |
| Mrs L Mullenger, Trustee (appointed 3 October 2023) | |
| Mrs A Parker, Trustee (appointed 3 October 2023) | |
| Mr P Ballard, Trustee (appointed 1 October 2022) | |
| Charity registered number 1193532 Independent Examiner Ian Piper of Whitings LLP George Court Bartholomew's Walk Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4JW Bankers Zempler Bank |
Page 1
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Stepping Stones PreSchool CIO for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 August 2024.
Stepping Stones Pre-School (registered charity number 1137396) took the decision to become formally recognised and registered with the Charity Commission on 15 February 2021 as a C.I.O. The old charity was formally closed on 31 March 2024 and all assets and liabilities totalling £61,288 were transferred to the new charity at 1 April 2024.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The aim of the pre-school is to enhance the development and education of children under statutory school age by encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups and by:
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Offering appropriate play facilities and training courses, 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, regardless of race, religion or means.
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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.
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Investigating and adhering to and furthering the aim of the Pre-School Playgroups Association.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
b. Main activities undertaken to further the Charity's purposes for the public benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have been referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity aims and objectives and setting the grant making policy for the year.
Achievements and performance
a. Review of activities
The committee are pleased to have seen the pre-school consolidate its position this year. The move to its new permanent home has seen a benefit when reviewing the Charity aims and objectives and setting the grant making policy for the year.
Financial review
Page 2
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
a. Reserves policy
Reserves are held in an interest bearing account, with the trustees holding the opinion that notwithstanding the low rates of interest available they should adopt a risk free approach.
The pre-school currently has a balance of £33,222 in an emergency fund to cover a minimum of 3 months expenditure.
b. Financial Review
The net income over expenditure for the period amount to £9,941. The Trustees are very pleased with the results brought about by the extraordinary hard work from the staff and committee.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
The pre-school began in 1998 and is governed by a standard pre-school constitution. This constitution was updated at the 2009 Annual General Meeting. The day to day running of the pre-school is undertaken by an elected management committee.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Constitution. Trustees are appointed by the members of the committee at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) if and when necessary.
Page 3
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
S Lindsay
................................................ Mrs S Lindsay (Chair of Trustees) Date:
Page 4
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Stepping Stones Pre-School CIO ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the period ended 31 August 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Page 5
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
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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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: I G C Piper F.C.A F.C.A. Whitings LLP George Court Bartholomew's Walk Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4JW
Page 6
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Note Income from: Grants 2 Other trading activities 3 Investments 4 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income Transfers between funds 11 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 74,305 5,342 105 79,752 69,811 69,811 9,941 61,288 71,229 71,229 71,229 |
Total funds 2024 £ 74,305 5,342 105 |
|---|---|---|
| 79,752 | ||
| 69,811 | ||
| 69,811 | ||
| 9,941 61,288 |
||
| 71,229 | ||
| 71,229 | ||
| 71,229 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period.
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 8 Current assets Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 11 Unrestricted funds 11 Total funds |
1,249 93,497 94,746 (27,812) |
2024 £ 4,295 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,295 66,934 |
||
| 71,229 | ||
| 71,229 | ||
| 71,229 | ||
| - 71,229 |
||
| 71,229 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
S Lindsay
................................................ Mrs S Lindsay (Chair of Trustees) Date:
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Stepping Stones Pre-School CIO meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
1.3 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 allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.4 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
Page 9
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £50 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
| Fixtures and fittings | - Straight line over 3 years |
|---|---|
| Computer equipment | - Straight line over 3 years |
| Other fixed assets | - Straight line over 10 years |
1.6 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.7 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.8 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation to the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised within interest payable and similar charges.
1.9 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 measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
1.10 Pensions
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the period.
Page 10
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.11 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
2. Income from grants
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Fixed assets transferred from the old charity 3,709 Grants 70,596 74,305 |
Total funds 2024 £ 3,709 70,596 |
|---|---|
| 74,305 |
3. Income from other trading activities
Income from fundraising events
| Unrestricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Fees and subscriptions | 5,342 | 5,342 |
Page 11
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
4. Investment income
| Unrestricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Interest received | 105 | 105 |
5. Independent examiner's remuneration
The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £933 ( 2024 - £ - ).
6. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the period was as follows: |
2024 £ 54,268 2,066 |
|---|---|
| 56,334 | |
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| No. | |
| Average number of employees | 10 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
7. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the period, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits.
During the period ended 31 August 2024, no Trustee expenses have been incurred £ .
Page 12
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| 8. Tangible fixed assets Cost or valuation Additions Transfers intra group At 31 August 2024 Depreciation Charge for the period At 31 August 2024 Net book value At 31 August 2024 9. Debtors Due within one year Other debtors 10. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Other taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income |
Other fixed assets £ 1,063 3,709 |
|---|---|
| 4,772 | |
| 477 | |
| 477 | |
| 4,295 | |
| 2024 £ 1,249 1,249 2024 £ 1,980 25,832 27,812 |
Page 13
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
11. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current period
| Unrestricted funds Designated reserve Emergency operating reserve General funds General Funds Total Unrestricted funds |
Income £ - 79,752 79,752 |
Expenditure £ - (69,811) (69,811) |
Transfers in/out £ 33,222 28,066 61,288 |
Balance at 31 August 2024 £ 33,222 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38,007 | ||||
| 71,229 |
12. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current period
| Designated funds General funds |
Income £ - 79,752 79,752 |
Expenditure £ - (69,811) (69,811) |
Transfers in/out £ 33,222 28,066 61,288 |
Balance at 31 August 2024 £ 33,222 38,007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71,229 |
13. Pension commitments
The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independent administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £2,066. Contributions are £2,066 were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
Page 14
STEPPING STONES PRE-SCHOOL CIO
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Income Grants from CCC Fees and subscriptions Bank interest receivable Fixed assets from the old charity Gross income in the reporting period Less: Expenditure Wages and salaries Pension costs Rent and utilities Training Sundries Stationery Play materials and resources Telephone, broadband and computer costs Bank charges Depreciation Accountancy fees Total expenditure Net income before taxation for the reporting period Net income for the reporting period Surplus for the reporting period Transfer from the previous charity Surplus carried forward at 31 August 2024 |
2024 £ 70,596 5,342 105 3,709 54,268 2,066 5,556 1,271 1,676 422 1,778 1,188 176 477 933 |
2024 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 79,752 | ||
| 79,752 | ||
| 69,811 | ||
| 69,811 | ||
| 9,941 | ||
| 9,941 | ||
| 9,941 61,288 |
||
| 71,229 |
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 15