Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 23/08/2022 Period start date To 31/01/2024 Period end date Charity name: Elmtree Preschool
Charity registration number: 1200160
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The primary aim of Elmtree Preschool is to enhance the development and education of children, primarily those under statutory school age, by supporting parents in understanding and meeting their children's needs through community-based groups. Specifically, our objectives include: 1. Providing Comprehensive Services: oOffering appropriate play, education, and care facilities tailored to the developmental needs of young children. oFacilitating family learning and extended hours groups that cater to the diverse schedules of families. 2. Parental Involvement: oEnsuring parents have the opportunity to take responsibility for and actively participate in the activities of the preschool. oEncouraging parental involvement in all aspects of the preschool's operations, recognising the crucial role families play in early childhood development. 3. Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity: oGuaranteeing that all groups and activities are inclusive, offering equal opportunities for all children regardless of race, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, or ability. 4. Advocacy and Awareness: oPromoting the study of the needs of young children and their families within the community. |
oRaising public interest in and recognition of these needs, advocating for greater support and resources within the local area. 5. Adherence to Educational Standards: oCommitting to the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring that all educational practices meet or exceed the required standards for early childhood education. |
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|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
September 2022 – January 2023: Setting Up and Initial Activities During this period, we focused on setting up our space at The Elmgrove Centre. This involved sourcing resources and equipment to create a safe and enabling environment for the children, their families, and our team. We initiated the process of registering with Ofsted and Bristol City Council, and after completing our final risk assessment, we opened to the public. Our first offering was a free and much- needed ‘stay and play’ group. This was particularly vital as many similar groups were still closed or offering restrictive service due to the ongoing strain of the pandemic. Our sessions were well-attended by a diverse group of families, including Ukrainian families who had fled their homes due to the war. We provided a welcoming environment, free refreshments, and a space for families to meet, play, socialise, and support each other during what was a very challenging time globally. March 2023: Ofsted Registration and Opening as a Preschool In March 2023, following our successful Ofsted inspection, we officially opened as a preschool in the Spring term. Since then, we have developed as an inclusive, enabling preschool environment, supporting the care and education of children aged 2-5 years. Affordable and Inclusive Services We successfully registered with Bristol Council to offer government-funded childcare hours, including being an approved setting to offer ‘disadvantaged 2-year-old’ places. We have ensured that our rates remain very affordable, inclusive of healthy breakfasts and snacks for all children, as well as free trips and enriching experiences. Our preschool adheres to the Early Years Foundation Stage and Birth to 5 Matters frameworks, providing high-quality education and care. Additionally, we have been able to offer free sessions to families in need |
outside of the standard funding entitlement, and have helped fund or source equipment and resources that benefit children and their families at home, particularly those with special educational needs. Caroline Marchant began her Level 3 Special Educational Needs Coordinator training. Developing knowledge and practice will further enable Elmtree Preschool to support children and families with special and additional needs. Community Engagement and Parental Involvement We are proud to be a multicultural and inclusive preschool. Throughout our first year, we kept salary outgoings to a minimum, thanks to our managers volunteering their time. Parents have played an active role in our preschool community. We have held regular events such as breakfast gatherings, stay and play sessions, and parents' evenings. We also invite parents to share their skills, occupations, or hobbies with the children. For instance, one parent helped us develop our courtyard garden, working alongside us and the children to create a beautiful space for relaxation and play. We are now supporting this parent as she completes her Level 3 early years training. We have provided valuable support and advice to families by building trusting and supportive relationships with them. Additionally, we have established positive working relationships with relevant external agencies, which has enabled us to access essential information and resources. These resources are used within the preschool and are also available to families through referrals. Building Local Connections As mentioned above, we have established positive links with relevant external agencies, and with the local primary schools, after-school clubs, and other preschools and nurseries in the area. We have also linked up with secondary schools and colleges, to offer work placements for students. These connections have been instrumental in creating a supportive network for our children and their families. Conclusion Overall, it has been a promising start for Elmtree Preschool. We have successfully laid the foundations for a nurturing, inclusive, and community-focused preschool that aligns with our charitable objectives and meets the needs of the families we serve. Para 1.18 Trustee Statement
Statement confirming
| whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
The trustees of Elmtree Preschool confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. In planning and carrying out the charity’s activities, the trustees have ensured that all activities undertaken contribute directly to the advancement of the charity’s objectives, as set out in its governing document, and that they are aimed at providing a clear public benefit. The trustees meet regularly to review the charity’s activities, projects, and services to ensure that they meet the public benefit requirement. This includes ensuring that our services are accessible to all applicable members of the community, and that we operate in a manner that promotes inclusivity, equality, and community welfare. |
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Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Elmtree Preschool was founded by Early Years Professionals, Rebecca Meacham and Caroline Marchant, in response to a need within the community, particularly after the pandemic and underfunding had forced the closure of many early years settings. For the first year, we operated entirely on a voluntary basis, dedicating our time and resources to building a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children and their families. While we now take a small salary for part of the work we do as early years managers, we continue to serve as voluntary trustees of the charity. Our board of trustees is further strengthened by three other dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of experience in early years education and charity work. In addition to the trustees, we are fortunate to have the support of a volunteer who helps with packing away at the end of each week. She has found her role incredibly rewarding and has shared that volunteering has had a positive impact on her mental health. We also actively support the development of future professionals in the field by offering workplacements andvolunteering |
| opportunities to students from our local secondary school. We are also planning on taking on an apprentice. These opportunities not only contribute to their professional growth but also enrich the preschool with fresh perspectives and energy. The contributions of our volunteers have been invaluable in helping us fulfil our mission, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication and commitment to the preschool and the wider community. |
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|---|---|---|
| Other | To help establish Elmtree Preschool, Caroline used personal savings, and Rebecca used some inheritance she received from her grandmother; a retired paediatrician who was very passionate about high-quality early years education and holistic family support being available and accessible within the community. What we have created at Elmtree Preschool is a very fitting legacy. |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Throughout the year, Elmtree Preschool has made significant strides in enhancing the development and well-being of the children and families we serve. By providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment, we have supported the early education and socialisation of young children, laying a strong foundation for their future learning and development. Our efforts to build trusting and supportive relationships with families have allowed us to offer tailored advice and assistance, addressing the unique needs of each family. This personalised support has been instrumental in helping families navigate challenges, particularly during a time when many were still feeling the effects of the pandemic. We have also fostered positive partnerships with external agencies, which has broadened our access to vital information and resources. These connections have enabled us to provide enriched learning experiences within the preschool and to refer families to additional services that enhance their well-being. In particular, our outreach to vulnerable families has highlighted our commitment to inclusivity and community support. Moreover, our collaborative efforts with parents have strengthened the sense of communitywithinthe preschool, |
empowering parents to take an active role in their children’s early education. This has not only benefited the children but has also created a supportive network for families, contributing to the overall well-being of our community. Overall, Elmtree Preschool has successfully fulfilled its mission to provide affordable, high-quality early education while making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. Our work has not only supported individual families but has also contributed to the broader goal of fostering a resilient and inclusive community.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | As this is the first set of accounts for Elmtree Preschool as a newly established charity, we have reviewed our financial position at the end of the financial year to assess our financial health and sustainability. The charity has successfully managed its initial operating expenses, with income generated from Bristol City Council funded education grants, fees and donations, which has been used to support the objectives of the charity. At the year-end, the charity's financial position is stable, with gross income of £25,797 and year end net income of £8,344. Elmtree Preschool does not yet hold any significant reserves, as we are in the early stages of our operations and have focused on meeting our immediate set up and operational needs. We anticipate that over the next financial year, we will begin to build up reserves to provide greater financial stability and security for future activities. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Elmtree Preschool reserves policy is to maintain sufficient unrestricted funds to ensure we can continue to meet our obligations and activities running as a not- for-profit preschool in the event of unexpected shortfalls in income or delays in funding. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | Zero |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | As a newly established charity, we do not currently hold significant reserves, as our focus has been on covering set up and operational costs and launching key services. However, we recognise the importance of building up reserves to safeguard Elmtree Preschool’s financial health and ensure long-term sustainability. The reserves policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains appropriate to the charity’s needs, taking into account factors such as cash flow, funding stability, and future expansion plans. It is Elmtree Preschool’s intention to gradually build reserves over the coming years, targeting a reserve level equivalent to 3-6 months of operating costs, in order to cover any unforeseen financial challenges and provide financial security for ongoing projects and activities. |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | As this is the first financial year for Elmtree Preschool, no funds are materially in deficit. The trustees have carefully managed the charity's income and expenditure to ensure financial sustainability, and no activities have been undertaken that would result in deficits |
| being incurred. Moving forward, the trustees will continue to monitor financial performance closely to avoid any future deficits. |
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|---|---|---|
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | Elmtree Preschool’s trustees have assessed the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and are confident that Elmtree Preschool can meet its financial obligations in the foreseeable future. While the charity is in its early stages, with some dependence on external funding, the trustees have identified no material uncertainties that would cast doubt on the charity’s ability to operate as a going concern. Funding streams, including Bristol City Council Education Funding grants and fees, are expected to continue, and cost-control measures are in place to ensure sustainability. Regular reviews of financial performance and cash flow will be conducted to address any potential risks promptly. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including Para 1.47 any fundraising) Investment policy and objectives including any Para 1.46 social investment policy adopted A description of the principal Para 1.46 risks facing the charity Other
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
The trustees of Elmtree Preschool have responsibilities and duties in managing the charity’s resources and delivering its objectives. They are bound by: • Charity Law: Ensuring that the preschool operates solely for its stated charitable purposes, as outlined in its constitution. • The Constitution: Adhering to the rules and framework set out in the governing document. • Trustees’ Legal Duties: Acting in the best interests of the charity, managing resources responsibly, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. • Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): Ensuring the preschool operates in line with statutory requirements for early years education and care, promoting the welfare and development of children. • Ofsted Registration: Maintaining compliance with regulatory standards set by Ofsted to ensure the preschool delivers high-quality early years provision and meets inspection criteria. |
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|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | As a CIO Elmtree Preschool’s Constitution is the primary governing document. Elmtree Preschool uses the ‘foundation model’, as the charity’s only voting members are its trustees. |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Elmtree Preschool is a not-for-profit CIO. |
| 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 |
Para 1.25 | The appointment and selection of trustees for Elmtree Preschool is conducted in accordance with the provisions outlined in the charity’s constitution. Trustees are appointed by standing the board of trustees, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills, experience, and commitment to fulfil their responsibilities. The constitution allows for the appointment of a minimum of five trustees, with appointments reviewed periodically to ensure the board remains effective and representative. Trustees are selected based on relevant expertise and experience in early years education and/or charity sector, finance, governance, as well as alignment with the charity’s values and ethos. Induction and training are provided tonewtrustees to |
help them understand their legal and operational duties, enabling them to contribute effectively to the charity’s objectives. We are members of Early Years Alliance, who have a wide range of trustee training and resources available.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charityname | ElmtreePreschool |
|---|---|
| Other name the charityuses | |
| Registered charity number | 1200160 |
| Charity’s principal address | The Elmgrove Centre, Elmgrove Road, Redland Bristol BS6 6AH |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Meacham | ||||
| Caroline Marchant | ||||
| Louise Minchin | ||||
| Birgit Smee | ||||
| Annette Miller | ||||
Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets The trustees of Elmtree Preschool confirm that the charity held in this capacity does not hold any funds or assets as a custodian trustee on behalf of other charities or organisations. Name and objects of the Not Applicable charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for Not Applicable safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| adviser |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Not applicable. All required key personnel details have been disclosed.
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signed on behalf of th Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
e charity’s trustees | |
| Rebecca Meacham | Caroline Marchant | |
Manager and Trustee |
Manager and Trustee | |
| 25/11/2024 | ||
| 25/11/2024 |
| Elmtree Preschool Charity Name |
Elmtree Preschool Charity Name |
Elmtree Preschool Charity Name |
1200160 No (if any) |
1200160 No (if any) |
1200160 No (if any) |
CC16a | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the period from |
23/08/2022 Period start date |
To | 31/01/2024 Period end date |
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| Section A Receipts and payments | |||||||
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 17,966 5,875 1,956 - - - - - 25,797 - - - 25,797 6,024 75 543 6,763 56 327 133 3,532 - 17,453 - - - 17,453 8,344 - - 8,344 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds to the nearest £ 17,966 5,875 1,956 - - - - - 25,797 - - - 25,797 6,024 75 543 6,763 56 327 133 3,532 - 17,453 - - - 17,453 8,344 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
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| Bristol CityCouncil FEEE | 17,966 | - | |||||
| Fees | 5,875 | - | |||||
| VoluntaryDonations | 1,956 | - | |||||
| - | - | ||||||
| - | - | ||||||
| - | - | ||||||
| - | - | ||||||
| - | - | ||||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
25,797 | - | |||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
|||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | - | ||||||
| Sub total | - | - | |||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
|||||||
| - | |||||||
Staffing |
6,024 | - | |||||
| Trips/Extra Curricular | 75 | - | |||||
| Materials/Resources | 543 | - | |||||
| Rent/Lease | 6,763 | - | |||||
| Utilities | 56 | - | |||||
| Membership/Subscriptions | 327 | - | |||||
| Website/Advertising | 133 | - | |||||
| Repayto council(overestimate) | 3,532 | - | |||||
| - | - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | 17,453 | - | |||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases (see table) |
|||||||
| , | - | ||||||
| - | |||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | |||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
|||||||
| - | |||||||
| 8,344 | - | - | 8,344 |
- | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| 8,344 | - | - | 8,344 | - |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
26/11/2024
1
| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Signature Details Details Bank balance year end Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 8,344 - - - - - 8,344 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name Rebecca Meacham Caroline Marchant |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval |
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| 30/11/2024 | |||
| 30/11/24 | |||
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
26/11/2024
2
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Indeppndent Examiner's Report RapDrtto the trustee mombvrsofl I A- on%cSCHJO L On accoun1¥ for the year Chaty lilanyl I l LOO 160 Set out on paye$ I reFM)rtto the tmst888 on my exarninalK)n of the arxounts of th8 ai tharity IlheTrusfifor the year end&Y JI O 1 2 02* Rosponslbllltl8s and As the ¢hanty trustees of Ihe you are responsibl& forlhe preparation basis of report ofth& accounts in acdanCe vAlh th& réquirernents of the Chanlies Act 2011 IW)e A(fl. I report in respect of my &xafflinatiM of Ihe Trust's accounts carried out under sedn 145 of the 2011 Act and In out my examination. I have fol the apphcabl8 DIredKK gi¥en by the Charity cornmissn undersection 14515llbl of the Act. I have rJ)Meted tny examination. I that no material mattars have o)me to tny atten 'yin c0nn8cti( with th8 exarninal whic gwe$ me cause to believe th8t in, any material reScl. accountirvJ re(x)rds were not kept in 8C(x)rdance with secticn 130 or the Act or the accwnls th not actord th the ac¢wing re(x)rd$ IndÈpendent examIne$ 51atemont I have no conceTns and have come acro&s no other m8tters in ojnnediun Ih the examination to whlch atte10 Shou be drw) in order lo Ènab proper understandlng lhe accounts lo be re8thd. ' Re&se d8l&t6 the wonls in the brackels rftheydo nofappty. Signed.. 0111121 Nama.. Rehvant professional quallficatlon(sl or body lif any1= £oiic I"ior ) r£isD l Fei th?_ ST 4F IER October 2018
Section B Disclosure Only Complete if the examiner needs 10 highlight matters of con¢crn (see CC32. 1ndfrp8rent examinetion ofcharity ac(x)unts'. (sirectn$ 8nd gUan for examiners). Give here brtef detsils tsf any Items that the &xaminerwishes tg di¥cio&e. IER October 2018