Trustees’ Annual Report
Stow-on-the-Wold Early Years SupportFor the year ending: 04/2025
1. Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Name: Stow-on-the-Wold Early years Support Charity Registration Number: EY1205933 Principal Address: Stow-on-the-Wold Nursery St Edwards Drive Stow-on-the-Wold Cheltenham GL54 1AW
Trustees during the year:
-
Heather Keets (Chair)
-
Heather Bushe (Treasurer)
-
Lynn French (Trustee)
-
-Meghan Kelly (Nominated Individual)
-
-Rebecca Scutt (Trustee)
-
-Clare Stubbs (Trustee)
-
-Amy Johnson (Trustee)
Nursery Manager: Meghan Kelly Designated Safeguarding Lead: Meghan Kelly
2. Structure, Governance and Management
Stow-on-the-Wold Nursery is a registered charity governed by a board of volunteer trustees who are responsible for the strategic direction, financial oversight and governance of the organisation.
Trustees meet regularly throughout the year to review the nursery’s financial position, policies, safeguarding arrangements and long-term development.
The day-to-day management of the nursery is delegated to the Nursery Manager and the staff team. The team ensures the nursery operates in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, maintaining high standards of care, learning and safeguarding.
Trustees are recruited from the local community and bring a range of professional experience to support the nursery. New trustees receive guidance and induction to ensure they understand their responsibilities regarding charity governance, safeguarding and financial accountability.
3. Objectives and Public Benefit
The charity’s objective is to provide high-quality early years education and care for children aged 2– 4 years within the Stow-on-the-Wold community and surrounding areas.
The nursery aims to:
-
Provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for young children
-
Support children’s emotional wellbeing, independence and confidence
-
Promote curiosity, creativity and a love of learning
-
Work closely with families to support each child’s development
-
Provide inclusive and accessible early years education within the local community
Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit when planning activities and setting objectives for the nursery.
4. Activities
The nursery delivers a broad and balanced curriculum based on the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, supporting children’s development across all areas of learning through play-based experiences and meaningful interactions.
Learning opportunities are carefully planned to encourage exploration, independence and social development. Activities include practical life skills, creative expression, outdoor learning, role play and early literacy and numeracy experiences.
The nursery’s curriculum is underpinned by its ethos of:
Care of Self Care of Others Care of the Environment
These values are embedded throughout the daily routines and learning experiences offered to children.
5. Achievements and Performance
During the reporting period the nursery continued to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for children and families within the local community.
The nursery successfully supported children’s development through a range of engaging learning experiences including:
-
Cultural exploration activities
-
Practical life learning opportunities
-
Seasonal learning including planting and growth
-
Early introductions to life cycles and the natural world
-
Creative play and role play experiences
Strong relationships with families remain central to the nursery’s approach. Parent meetings, community fundraising events and regular communication help to build a collaborative and supportive environment for children’s learning.
The nursery continues to maintain a strong reputation within the community as a trusted and nurturing early years setting.
6. Staffing
The nursery is supported by a dedicated and experienced team of early years practitioners led by the Nursery Manager.
Leadership responsibilities within the team have been strengthened through internal progression, ensuring continuity of care and support for children and families.
The nursery continues to be supported by a dedicated and passionate team of early years practitioners led by the Nursery Manager.
During the summer term there were some changes within the staff team, with two members of staff leaving the nursery due to relocation and to pursue different career opportunities. We thank them for their contributions during their time at the setting.
In September the nursery strengthened its leadership structure by recruiting a Third in Charge and promoting an existing staff member into the role of SENCo
Lead, supporting the development of inclusive practice across the setting. These changes have provided staff with opportunities to grow in knowledge, responsibility and professional experience.
In January we welcomed a new member of staff to the team, further strengthening our provision and ensuring continuity of high-quality care and education for the children.
Through these developments the nursery has continued to build a strong, supportive and highly committed team, focused on providing the best possible environment for children’s learning and wellbeing.
Trustees would like to express their sincere thanks to all staff for their continued dedication, professionalism and commitment to providing high-quality care and education.
7. Safeguarding and Child Welfare
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children remains the nursery’s highest priority.
The nursery operates robust safeguarding procedures in line with statutory guidance and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. All staff receive safeguarding training and understand their responsibility to identify and report any concerns relating to a child’s welfare.
The Nursery Manager acts as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and ensures safeguarding policies are regularly reviewed and that staff receive ongoing training and support.
The trustees maintain oversight of safeguarding practices to ensure the nursery continues to provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment where children feel protected, valued and supported.
8. Community Engagement and Public Benefit
Stow-on-the-Wold Nursery plays an important role within the local community by providing accessible early years education and care for families in the area.
The nursery actively works in partnership with parents and carers, encouraging open communication and involvement in nursery life through meetings, events and fundraising activities.
Community events such as seasonal celebrations and fundraising initiatives help strengthen relationships with families and local businesses while supporting the sustainability of the nursery.
Through its provision, the nursery provides clear public benefit by supporting children’s early development, helping families access childcare and contributing positively to the wellbeing of the local community.
9. Financial Review
The nursery’s income is derived from a combination of:
-
Government funded early years education entitlements
-
Parent fees for additional hours and sessions (Breakfast Club and Afterschool Club)
-
Fundraising activities
-
Community donations
The trustees closely monitor the charity’s financial position to ensure funds are used effectively and responsibly in support of the nursery’s charitable aims.
Financial resources are used to maintain high-quality staffing, educational resources and safe facilities for children.
The trustees maintain an appropriate level of reserves to ensure the nursery remains financially sustainable and able to respond to future developments.
10. Plans for the Future
The trustees remain committed to continuing the development of the nursery environment and strengthening the educational experiences offered to children.
A key focus for the coming year is the extension of the nursery building, which will create additional learning space and enable the nursery to further enrich its curriculum.
This additional space will allow the nursery to introduce a wider range of focused learning opportunities including:
-
Music sessions
-
Physical education activities
-
Library and storytelling sessions
-
Small group phonics teaching
Delivering these experiences in smaller groups will allow practitioners to provide more individualised support, ensuring each child receives the attention they need to develop confidence, strengthen early literacy skills and progress within a supportive learning environment.
The trustees believe this development will significantly enhance the quality of provision and allow the nursery to continue meeting the evolving needs of children and families in the local community.
11. Trustee Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and ensuring that the charity’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable law and charity accounting standards.
Trustees are also responsible for maintaining proper accounting records, safeguarding the charity’s assets and ensuring funds are used appropriately in support of the charity’s objectives.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Name: _____ Position: ____ Date: ___
| Stow on the Wold Early Years | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | ||||||||
| Year End Financial Statement | ||||||||
| Income and Expenditure Account | ||||||||
| Income | Expenditure | Surplus/Deficit | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Funding GCC Nursery Fees Parents Croner Educ Supplies Salaries Gas Electric Water Buildings Misc Sky Insurance Snack Items Supply Staff Photocopier NEST HMRC Donation PATA Cleaning Supplies Ofsted Deficit DBS |
57704.81 0.00 9611.00 0.00 0.00 1495.30 0.00 528.68 0.00 39404.81 0.00 1018.56 0.00 972.51 0.00 274.18 0.00 3686.23 0.00 454.25 0.00 143.39 0.00 926.22 0.00 164.93 0.00 108.00 0.00 82.45 0.00 1156.55 0.00 2431.64 50.00 51.39 0.00 417.70 0.00 328.57 0.00 50.00 33088.50 33088.50 0.00 203.52 100454.31 86987.38 |
57704.81 9611.00 -1495.30 -528.68 -39404.81 -1018.56 -972.51 -274.18 -3686.23 -454.25 -143.39 -926.22 -164.93 -108.00 -82.45 -1156.55 -2431.64 -1.39 -417.70 -328.57 -50.00 0.00 -203.52 13466.93 |
||||||
| Total | ||||||||
| Balance Sheet as at 1st September 2024 | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Fund balance b/f as at 1st September 2024 | 11910.57 | 11910.57 | ||||||
| Total in-year Income/Expenditure | 100454.31 86987.38 |
13466.93 | ||||||
| Fund balance to c/f as at 1st September 2024 | 112364.88 86987.38 |
25377.50 * |
Balance should agree | |||||
| Reconciliation | ||||||||
| PiggyBank PLC Account reconciled to 12th April 2022 | 0.00 | |||||||
| less unpresented cheques:- | ||||||||
| 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 |
||||||||
| 0 0.00 0.00 |
||||||||
| plus unpresented receipts:- | ||||||||
| 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 |
||||||||
| 0 0.00 0.00 |
||||||||
| Balance as at 31st march 2025 | 0.00 * |
Balance should agree | ||||||
| Auditor/Independent Examiners Statement | ||||||||
| I have examined the above accounts together with relevant books and vouchers and have obtained all necessaryinformation and explanations. | ||||||||
| I certifythat the accountspresent a true and fair view of the financialposition of the above fund for the specified accounting period | ||||||||
| Signed:Sheila Wills | ||||||||
| Date: 26/03/26 |
| Stow on the Wold Early Years | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | ||||||||
| Year End Financial Statement | ||||||||
| Income and Expenditure Account | ||||||||
| Income | Expenditure | Surplus/Deficit | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Funding GCC Nursery Fees Parents Croner Educ Supplies Salaries Gas Electric Water Buildings Misc Sky Insurance Snack Items Supply Staff Photocopier NEST HMRC Donation PATA Cleaning Supplies Ofsted Deficit DBS |
57704.81 0.00 9611.00 0.00 0.00 1495.30 0.00 528.68 0.00 39404.81 0.00 1018.56 0.00 972.51 0.00 274.18 0.00 3686.23 0.00 454.25 0.00 143.39 0.00 926.22 0.00 164.93 0.00 108.00 0.00 82.45 0.00 1156.55 0.00 2431.64 50.00 51.39 0.00 417.70 0.00 328.57 0.00 50.00 33088.50 33088.50 0.00 203.52 100454.31 86987.38 |
57704.81 9611.00 -1495.30 -528.68 -39404.81 -1018.56 -972.51 -274.18 -3686.23 -454.25 -143.39 -926.22 -164.93 -108.00 -82.45 -1156.55 -2431.64 -1.39 -417.70 -328.57 -50.00 0.00 -203.52 13466.93 |
||||||
| Total | ||||||||
| Balance Sheet as at 1st September 2024 | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Fund balance b/f as at 1st September 2024 | 11910.57 | 11910.57 | ||||||
| Total in-year Income/Expenditure | 100454.31 86987.38 |
13466.93 | ||||||
| Fund balance to c/f as at 1st September 2024 | 112364.88 86987.38 |
25377.50 * |
Balance should agree | |||||
| Reconciliation | ||||||||
| PiggyBank PLC Account reconciled to 12th April 2022 | 0.00 | |||||||
| less unpresented cheques:- | ||||||||
| 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 |
||||||||
| 0 0.00 0.00 |
||||||||
| plus unpresented receipts:- | ||||||||
| 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 |
||||||||
| 0 0.00 0.00 |
||||||||
| Balance as at 31st march 2025 | 0.00 * |
Balance should agree | ||||||
| Auditor/Independent Examiners Statement | ||||||||
| I have examined the above accounts together with relevant books and vouchers and have obtained all necessaryinformation and explanations. | ||||||||
| I certifythat the accountspresent a true and fair view of the financialposition of the above fund for the specified accounting period | ||||||||
| Signed:Sheila Wills | ||||||||
| Date: 26/03/26 |
Unofficial Fund Monitoring: Appendix 2(yearend)
| Stow on the Wold Early Years | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | ||||||||
| Year End Financial Statement | ||||||||
| Income and Expenditure Account | ||||||||
| Income | Expenditure | Surplus/Deficit | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Funding GCC Nursery Fees Parents Croner Educ Supplies Salaries Gas Electric Water Buildings Misc Sky Insurance Snack Items Supply Staff Photocopier NEST HMRC Donation PATA Cleaning Supplies Ofsted Deficit DBS |
57704.81 0.00 9611.00 0.00 0.00 1495.30 0.00 528.68 0.00 39404.81 0.00 1018.56 0.00 972.51 0.00 274.18 0.00 3686.23 0.00 454.25 0.00 143.39 0.00 926.22 0.00 164.93 0.00 108.00 0.00 82.45 0.00 1156.55 0.00 2431.64 50.00 51.39 0.00 417.70 0.00 328.57 0.00 50.00 33088.50 33088.50 0.00 203.52 100454.31 86987.38 |
57704.81 9611.00 -1495.30 -528.68 -39404.81 -1018.56 -972.51 -274.18 -3686.23 -454.25 -143.39 -926.22 -164.93 -108.00 -82.45 -1156.55 -2431.64 -1.39 -417.70 -328.57 -50.00 0.00 -203.52 13466.93 |
||||||
| Total | ||||||||
| Balance Sheet as at 1st September 2024 | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Fund balance b/f as at 1st September 2024 | 11910.57 | 11910.57 | ||||||
| Total in-year Income/Expenditure | 100454.31 86987.38 |
13466.93 | ||||||
| Fund balance to c/f as at 1st September 2024 | 112364.88 86987.38 |
25377.50 * |
Balance should agree | |||||
| Reconciliation | ||||||||
| PiggyBank PLC Account reconciled to 12th April 2022 | 0.00 | |||||||
| less unpresented cheques:- | ||||||||
| 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 |
||||||||
| 0 0.00 0.00 |
||||||||
| plus unpresented receipts:- | ||||||||
| 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 |
||||||||
| 0 0.00 0.00 |
||||||||
| Balance as at 31st march 2025 | 0.00 * |
Balance should agree | ||||||
| Auditor/Independent Examiners Statement | ||||||||
| I have examined the above accounts together with relevant books and vouchers and have obtained all necessaryinformation and explanations. | ||||||||
| I certifythat the accountspresent a true and fair view of the financialposition of the above fund for the specified accounting period | ||||||||
| Signed:Sheila Wills | ||||||||
| Date: 26/03/26 |
| Stow on the Wold Early Years | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | ||||||||
| Year End Financial Statement | ||||||||
| Income and Expenditure Account | ||||||||
| Income | Expenditure | Surplus/Deficit | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Funding GCC Nursery Fees Parents Croner Educ Supplies Salaries Gas Electric Water Buildings Misc Sky Insurance Snack Items Supply Staff Photocopier NEST HMRC Donation PATA Cleaning Supplies Ofsted Deficit DBS |
57704.81 0.00 9611.00 0.00 0.00 1495.30 0.00 528.68 0.00 39404.81 0.00 1018.56 0.00 972.51 0.00 274.18 0.00 3686.23 0.00 454.25 0.00 143.39 0.00 926.22 0.00 164.93 0.00 108.00 0.00 82.45 0.00 1156.55 0.00 2431.64 50.00 51.39 0.00 417.70 0.00 328.57 0.00 50.00 33088.50 33088.50 0.00 203.52 100454.31 86987.38 |
57704.81 9611.00 -1495.30 -528.68 -39404.81 -1018.56 -972.51 -274.18 -3686.23 -454.25 -143.39 -926.22 -164.93 -108.00 -82.45 -1156.55 -2431.64 -1.39 -417.70 -328.57 -50.00 0.00 -203.52 13466.93 |
||||||
| Total | ||||||||
| Balance Sheet as at 1st September 2024 | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Fund balance b/f as at 1st September 2024 | 11910.57 | 11910.57 | ||||||
| Total in-year Income/Expenditure | 100454.31 86987.38 |
13466.93 | ||||||
| Fund balance to c/f as at 1st September 2024 | 112364.88 86987.38 |
25377.50 * |
Balance should agree | |||||
| Reconciliation | ||||||||
| PiggyBank PLC Account reconciled to 12th April 2022 | 0.00 | |||||||
| less unpresented cheques:- | ||||||||
| 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 |
||||||||
| 0 0.00 0.00 |
||||||||
| plus unpresented receipts:- | ||||||||
| 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 |
||||||||
| 0 0.00 0.00 |
||||||||
| Balance as at 31st march 2025 | 0.00 * |
Balance should agree | ||||||
| Auditor/Independent Examiners Statement | ||||||||
| I have examined the above accounts together with relevant books and vouchers and have obtained all necessaryinformation and explanations. | ||||||||
| I certifythat the accountspresent a true and fair view of the financialposition of the above fund for the specified accounting period | ||||||||
| Signed:Sheila Wills | ||||||||
| Date: 26/03/26 |
Unofficial Fund Monitoring: Appendix 2(yearend)