REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 01424489 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 278093
Report of the Trustees and
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
for
Gingerbread Corner
Gingerbread Corner
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details | 1 | ||
| Report of the trustees | 2 | to | 6 |
| Report of the independent auditors | 7 | to | 9 |
| Statement of financial activities | 10 | ||
| Balance sheet | 11 | ||
| Cash flow statement | 12 | ||
| Notes to the cash flow statement | 13 | ||
| Notes to the financial statements | 14 | to | 23 |
| Detailed statement of financial activities | 24 | to | 25 |
Gingerbread Corner
Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
| Trustees | E Dixon |
|---|---|
| F Dussard | |
| S Mckenzie | |
| T Nero | |
| S Tomkinson | |
| R W O'Neill | |
| M Martin | |
| Registered office | Gingerbread Corner |
| Grenaby Avenue | |
| Croydon | |
| Surrey | |
| CR0 2EG | |
| Registered company number | 01424489 (England and Wales) |
| Registered charity number | 278093 |
| Auditors | Barnes Noble Ltd |
| Chartered Accountant & Registered Auditor | |
| Unitec House | |
| 2 Albert Place | |
| London | |
| N3 1QB | |
| Bankers | National Westminster plc |
| 1 High Street | |
| Croydon | |
| CR9 1PD |
Page 1
Gingerbread Corner
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
The Trustees are pleased to present their Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.
In preparing the annual report and financial statements, the Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by (the Charities SORP) issued in 2019. The Trustees’ Report is also a Directors’ Report as required by S417 of the Companies Act 2006 and all the Trustees are also Directors.
Organisational Structure
The Trustees delegate the operational management to the Executive Leadership Team, comprising Leanne Jones (Chief Executive) and Paula Carter (Finance Director and Deputy Chief Executive).
The Out of School, Early Years and Catering Teams are managed by the Head of Childcare Services and the Facilities Team is managed by the Director of IT and Facilities; each of these posts reports to the Chief Executive.
The Trustees meet at least quarterly and are kept informed of relevant issues through regular written reports and other communications from the Executive Leadership Team. The Chief Executive’s report includes information on health and safety issues, changes to legislation, human resources, networking with other agencies, policy reviews, proposed new projects, changes in childcare practices, issues around our childcare centre provision and any complaints, praise or suggestions from clients. The Finance Director provides detailed quarterly information on Gingerbread Corner’s financial performance including income and expenditure budgets, cash flow projection and progress on fundraising.
Human Resources and Training
We are committed to the continued training and development of our staff. Between them, our staff members have many qualifications and certificates, from NVQs in Child-Care to qualifications in Food Hygiene, Makaton and Change Management. Many of our staff are qualified either in Full or in Paediatric First Aid, and almost all have at least Level 2 in Food Safety and Hygiene.
The Public Benefit Test
Gingerbread Corner’s Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the Public Benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission. Those of prime relevance to Gingerbread Corner can be seen as including the prevention or relief of poverty and the relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage, although clearly issues around human rights and equality and diversity are also of paramount importance. We also have regard to the advancement of culture and to environmental protection or improvement.
A further requirement of the Charities Act 2006 is that charity Trustees prepare a report of activities which further its charitable purposes for the public benefit, and these activities are detailed on the following pages.
Evaluation of Gingerbread Corner’s Charitable Activities, Achievements and Performance
Gingerbread Corner reduced its objects from seven to the following three to reflect the changes in society and in our client groups and activities since the previous Articles and Memorandum of Association were agreed.
First Object: improve the social and economic circumstances of disadvantaged families
We achieve this objective by subsidising our excellent childcare facilities for children aged three months to eleven years. We aim to provide best value for money and to be carers’ first choice childcare centre. From 2024, our fee structure has been in 4 bands, 3 of them are subsidised to carers with lower household incomes. However, particularly given the facilities we provide, even the highest band fees are still extremely competitive.
Unlike many nurseries and out of school schemes, Gingerbread Corner opens every week-day except bank holidays and one day per year for in-service training.
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Gingerbread Corner
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
We have a Special Fund, managed by our Family Support Panel, which provides additional financial help to families in need in the following ways: small grants or interest free loans to families in short-term financial difficulty; grants to carers whose college or university bursaries don’t cover the entire cost of their fees; where there is a special or additional need, such as a disability or a mental health issue, longer term assistance with families’ child care fees. In certain circumstances, the Panel is also able to provide funding for a brief course of Human Givens psychotherapy.
In addition, each member of our staff team works hard to provide a caring environment, not just for the children, but also for their carers. The senior staff in particular provide emotional and practical support to carers who are facing difficulties (such as being in debt, suffering domestic violence or facing homelessness), putting them in touch with those who may be able to help and, in some cases, acting as an advocate.
Second Object: preserve, protect and improve the good health (mental, emotional and physical) of children and their carers
We enhance children’s life chances by recording their development and making sure that we act on any concerns and ensuring that they have sufficient exercise. We make every effort to increase our children’s self-esteem and self-confidence, enhance their learning (through play and other activities) and motivate them through creativity and curiosity. Our lunch and snack menus are 75% “homemade” and provide a healthy, nutritious and varied diet, including foods from various cultures.
We seek to improve families’ knowledge and their emotional and mental health by keeping the carers up to date on relevant issues and legislation, via our informative and regularly updated website and Facebook page.
We are proactive in looking for opportunities to work with other agencies, to improve the life chances of carers, children and young people.
Third Object: prevent and relieve the suffering of children who have been the subject of cruelty and maltreatment
We take our Safeguarding and Child Protection responsibilities very seriously, ensuring that we are alert to any concerns about our children and that any issues are effectively dealt with (in-house or by referral to other agencies). We will work with other organisations and agencies which aim to make a safer world for children.
Risk Management
We believe we have captured all reasonable financial, operational and regulatory risks, recorded the control measures and put in place plans to manage, mitigate or eliminate the risks.
Page 3
Gingerbread Corner
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
Financial Review
Gingerbread Corner has suffered significant financial challenges and operational impacts in recent years. We have not received any voluntary sector funding from Croydon Council since 2012 and more recently have experienced decreases in child numbers resulting in a reduction in fee income. Additionally, changes in the working habits of parents and difficulties recruiting qualified staff have further compounded these challenges, we have nevertheless continued to offer good quality and affordable child-care provision.
As always, as a service provider, the vast majority of our income comes from clients’ fees. It has still contributed to increase in fee income, from £679,174 in 22-23 to £718,564 in the current financial year.
Overall, our income in 22-23 was £741,893 which has increased to £770,627 this year.
There was a increase in expenditure from £797,272 to £840,265
Whilst the deficit at year end has increased from £55,379 to £69,63 and it is essential to note that our reserves and contingency fund remains reduced.
Reserves Fund
In line with best practice and legislative requirement, our Reserves Policy is reviewed annually and covers why we hold reserves, the level of reserves held, the steps taken to maintain reserves at the agreed level, contingency fund levels and arrangements for monitoring and reviewing the Reserves Policy.
The Trustees aim is for our reserves to be sufficient to cover our commitments to staff redundancy pay and other contracts assuming a wind-down period of six months and that Gingerbread Corner is protected from insolvency.
Contingency and Designated Funds’ Policy
Under this policy, reviewed annually, funds are transferred, as per the budget, into a Contingency Fund, designated for general contingencies.
Investment Policy
Our Investment Policy, reviewed annually, ensures that our funds are properly protected, e.g. that the capital is not put at risk and will be protected against inflation, and that the best income is obtained from those funds with which to carry out our activities.
Trustees bear in mind that any decision to avoid certain investments or institutions must be centred on Gingerbread Corner’s interests. Thus they may decline to invest in a particular company if it carries out activities which are directly contrary to Gingerbread Corner’s purposes or if such an investment would directly impede the furtherance of Gingerbread Corner’s objects, e.g. causing a loss of financial support from subscribers.
Strategic report
Page 4
Gingerbread Corner
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
Structure, governance and management Formation and Constitution
The charity was formed in 1976 and registered under The Charities Act 1960 (registration number 278093), becoming a Company Limited by Guarantee (registration number 1424489) in 1979. As such, the liability of the Company Members is limited, where every Member of the Company undertakes to
contribute not more than £1 to the assets of the Company in the event that it is wound up while they are a Member or within a year after they cease to be a Member, for the payment of the debts and liabilities of the Company contracted before cessation of Membership, and for the costs, charges and expenses of winding up.
Gingerbread Corner is licensed under Section 19(1) of the Companies Act 1948 to dispense with the word “limited” after our name and, under Section 60 of the Companies Act 2006, this exemption continues. The Company is exempt from taxation. The income and property of the Company is applied solely towards our objects as set forth in the Memorandum of Association, and Company Members receive no money, directly or otherwise, by way of profit.
Board of Trustees
Gingerbread Corner is controlled by a Board of up to seven Trustees, each of whom is a Company Member.
All Trustees are required to provide two satisfactory references on appointment, as well as a satisfactory DBS certificate, Suitability Declaration and Trustee Eligibility Declaration, each of which must also be done annually thereafter. Trustees are also obliged to declare any potential conflicts of interest.
Our Trustees have Role Descriptions and new Trustees receive a verbal induction from the Chair and/or Chief Executive as well as a comprehensive Information Pack. We aim to run regular in-house Induction and Training Workshops, covering the Board’s legal responsibilities and other issues (such as human resources, equal opportunities, health and safety), as well as enabling team-building.
We believe that qualities such as enthusiasm, dedication and commitment are at least as important as the skills individuals Trustees can bring to the Committee. Trustees are encouraged to take up any external training offers (the costs of which Gingerbread Corner can cover) that may be of use to them.
The Board of Trustees, between 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024, comprised:
Elysia Dixon Felisha Dussard Maria Martin (Chair) Sarah Mckenzie Thalia-Mae Nero Richard O’Neill Sabiha Tomkinson Maria Patricia Martin
Page 5
Gingerbread Corner
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The Committee Members, who are Trustees and Directors of Gingerbread Corner, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Company law requires Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources including the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
b) observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
c) make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
d) state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
e) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities and for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website.
The Trustees confirm that, so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware. They have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as Trustees in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
Auditors
The auditors, Barnes Noble Ltd, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Report of the trustees, incorporating a Strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on ............................................. and signed on the board's behalf by:
.................................................................................
R W O'Neill - Trustee
Page 6
Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Gingerbread Corner
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Gingerbread Corner (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31st March 2024 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Cash flow statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31st March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the independent auditors thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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the information given in the Report of the trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the Report of the trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Page 7
Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Gingerbread Corner
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the trustees.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the independent auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities including fraud. The key laws and regulations we have considered in this context included the Companies Act 2006, pension and tax legislation. In addition, we have considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance
with which may be fundamental to the company’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
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Using our general commercial and sector experience and through discussions with the directors and management, we identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements as well as those arising from management’s own assessment of the risks that irregularities may occur either as a result of fraud or error.
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We examined the company's regulatory and legal correspondence and discussed with the directors and management any known or suspected instances of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations.
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We communicated identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
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In addressing the risk of management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries. We also challenged assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates and judgements.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentation, or through collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.
Page 8
Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Gingerbread Corner
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Romit Basu FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Barnes Noble Ltd Chartered Accountant & Registered Auditor Unitec House 2 Albert Place London N3 1QB Date: .............................................
Page 9
Gingerbread Corner
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
fund fund funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from
Charitable activities 4
Charitable activities 718,564 - 718,564 687,596
Other trading activities 2 7,874 - 7,874 7,671
Investment income 3 591 - 591 206
Other income 43,598 - 43,598 46,420
Total 770,627 - 770,627 741,893
Expenditure on
Raising funds 5 306 - 306 342
Charitable activities 6
Charitable activities 839,959 - 839,959 796,930
Total 840,265 - 840,265 797,272
-
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (69,638) (69,638) (55,379)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 243,016 5,856 248,872 304,251
Total funds carried forward 173,378 5,856 179,234 248,872
----- End of picture text -----
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 10
Gingerbread Corner
Balance Sheet
31st March 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
fund fund funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 560,110 - 560,110 578,503
Current assets
Debtors 13 4,025 - 4,025 5,567
Cash at bank and in hand 19,002 5,856 24,858 40,831
23,027 5,856 28,883 46,398
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year 14 (166,384) - (166,384) (120,185)
Net current assets (143,357) 5,856 (137,501) (73,787)
Total assets less current liabilities 416,753 5,856 422,609 504,716
Creditors
Amounts falling due after more than one year 15 (243,375) - (243,375) (255,844)
NET ASSETS 173,378 5,856 179,234 248,872
Funds 17
Unrestricted funds:
General fund 173,378 243,016
Restricted funds:
Restricted Funds 5,856 5,856
Total funds 179,234 248,872
----- End of picture text -----
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. R W O'Neill - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 11
Gingerbread Corner
Cash Flow Statement
for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
Notes £ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 1 6,225 (3,537)
Interest paid (20,758) (13,799)
Net cash used in operating activities (14,533) (17,336)
Cash flows from investing activities
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Purchase of tangible fixed assets (1,440)
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Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities (1,440)
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the
reporting period (15,973) (17,336)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the
reporting period 40,831 58,167
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
reporting period 24,858 40,831
----- End of picture text -----
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Gingerbread Corner
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
| 1. Reconciliation of net expenditure to net cash flow from operating activities Net expenditure for the reporting period (as per the Statement of financial activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Interest paid Decrease/(increase) in debtors Increase in creditors Net cash provided by/(used in) operations |
2024 £ (69,638) 19,833 20,758 1,542 33,730 6,225 |
2023 £ (55,379) 28,289 13,799 (39) 9,793 (3,537) |
|---|---|---|
2. Analysis of changes in net funds
| Net cash Cash at bank and in hand |
At 1/4/23 Cash flow At 31/3/24 £ £ £ 40,831 (15,973) 24,858 |
|---|---|
| 40,831 (15,973) 24,858 |
|
| Total | 40,831 (15,973) 24,858 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Gingerbread Corner
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
1. Accounting policies
Accounting policies
Charity status
The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in , and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £Nil towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.
The address of its registered office is: Grenaby Avenue Croydon Surrey CR0 2EG
The presentation currency of the financial statements is Pound Sterling (£) rounded to the nearest Pound.
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared 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)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
Gingerbread Corner 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 notes.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted general funds are available for use at the discretion of the Committee of Management in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity. The restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
• Core income relating to grants is accounted for on a receivable basis. Any grants restricted to future accounting periods are deferred and included in creditors and recognised in future accounting periods.
• Legacies are included when the charity is advised by the personal representatives of an estate that the payment will be made and the amount can be quantified.
• Gifts in kind are included at the value to the charity and are recognised as income when received.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Irrecoverable VAT is included with the item of expense to which it relates.
• Costs of generating funds are those costs incurred in attracting income from fundraising activities.
• Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs allocated directly and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
• Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of the charity and are primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements.
continued...
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Gingerbread Corner
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
1. Accounting policies - continued
Accounting policies
Operating leases
Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred.
Taxation
The company is a registered charity and is therefore entitled to the exemptions from corporation tax.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised at cost.
Tangible fixed assets held for the company’s own use are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives at the following rates
Asset class and Depreciation method and rate
Building conversion costs 25% straight line Motor vehicles 25% straight line Equipment 33.33% straight line Fixtures and fittings 20% straight line Freehold land and buildings 2% straight line Leasehold property 2% straight line Children’s equipment 25% straight line
Assets held under finance leases are depreciated in the same way as owned assets.
At each statement of financial position date, the company reviews the carrying amount of its tangible fixed assets to determine whether there is any indication that any items have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of the asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Status of Company
The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The maximum liability of each member in the event of a winding up is £1.
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Trade creditors
continued...
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Gingerbread Corner
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
1. Accounting policies - continued
Accounting policies
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at
least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
| 2. Other trading activities Activities for generating fund 3. Investment income Investment income 4. Income from charitable activities Activity Fees receivable Charitable activities Grants receivable Charitable activities 5. Raising funds Raising donations and legacies Fundraising costs |
2024 £ 7,874 2024 £ 591 2024 £ 718,564 - 718,564 2024 £ 306 |
2023 £ 7,671 2023 £ 206 2023 £ 679,174 8,422 687,596 2023 £ 342 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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Gingerbread Corner
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
6. Charitable activities costs
| Charitable activities 7. Direct costs of charitable activities Staff costs Rent, rates and insurance Legal and professional costs Light, heat and telephone Transport Administration Sundry expenses Bank charges and interest Staff training Books and subscriptions Catering Repairs and cleaning Children's activities Other staff costs Depreciation Interest payable and similar charges 8. Net income/(expenditure) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation - owned assets |
Direct Costs (see note 7) £ 839,959 2024 2023 £ £ 545,424 576,549 23,870 21,761 16,079 28,305 19,364 20,458 1,144 5,368 4,614 2,374 2,458 490 3,146 2,061 - 1,976 996 1,015 16,864 16,084 41,268 41,593 3,025 2,764 121,116 34,044 19,833 28,289 20,758 13,799 839,959 796,930 2024 2023 £ £ 19,833 28,290 |
|---|---|
9. Trustees' remuneration and benefits
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st March 2024 nor for the year ended 31st March 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st March 2024 nor for the year ended 31st March 2023.
continued...
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Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
10. Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
| Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Other staff costs |
2024 £ 498,825 36,075 10,524 121,116 666,540 |
2023 £ 534,668 31,291 10,590 34,044 610,593 |
|---|---|---|
| The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Childcare Support staff |
2024 18 6 24 |
2023 18 6 24 |
The members of the Committee of Management received no remuneration or reimbursed expenses during the year.
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.
Each member of the support staff, which include the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Finance Director and Administrator spend a significant proportion of their time on childcare
11. Comparatives for the statement of financial activities
| Unrestricted Restricted fund fund £ £ Income and endowments from Charitable activities Charitable activities 687,596 - Other trading activities 7,671 - Investment income 206 - Other income 46,420 - Total 741,893 - Expenditure on Raising funds 342 - Charitable activities Charitable activities 796,930 - Total 797,272 - NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (55,379) - |
Total funds £ 687,596 7,671 206 46,420 741,893 342 796,930 797,272 (55,379) |
|---|---|
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Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
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11. Comparatives for the statement of financial activities - continued
Unrestricted Restricted Total
fund fund funds
£ £ £
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 298,395 5,856 304,251
Total funds carried forward 243,016 5,856 248,872
12. Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures
Leasehold Children's and
Property Equipment fittings
£ £ £
Cost
At 1st April 2023 759,000 13,484 89,701
Additions - - 1,440
- - -
Disposals
At 31st March 2024 759,000 13,484 91,141
Depreciation
At 1st April 2023 187,220 13,484 85,165
-
Charge for year 15,180 2,466
- - -
Eliminated on disposal
At 31st March 2024 202,400 13,484 87,631
Net book value
At 31st March 2024 556,600 - 3,510
At 31st March 2023 571,780 - 4,536
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Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
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12. Tangible fixed assets - continued
Motor
vehicles Equipment Totals
£ £ £
Cost
At 1st April 2023 40,894 4,830 907,909
Additions - - 1,440
-
Disposals (22,915) (22,915)
At 31st March 2024 17,979 4,830 886,434
Depreciation
At 1st April 2023 38,707 4,830 329,406
-
Charge for year 2,187 19,833
-
Eliminated on disposal (22,915) (22,915)
At 31st March 2024 17,979 4,830 326,324
Net book value
At 31st March 2024 - - 560,110
At 31st March 2023 2,187 - 578,503
13. Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
2024 2023
£ £
Fee arrears 807 289
Other debtors and prepayments 3,218 5,278
4,025 5,567
14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 8,695 5,376
Social security and other taxes 27,827 23,304
Fees received in advance 18,130 28,007
Other creditors, accruals and deferred income 97,517 54,996
Loan from Future builders 14,215 8,502
166,384 120,185
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Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
15. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
| Loan from Future builders Between one to five years Loan from Future builders over five years |
2024 £ 85,863 157,512 243,375 |
2023 £ 88,116 167,728 255,844 |
|---|---|---|
In 2009-2010 Gingerbread Corner received an unsecured loan from Future Builders towards the capital costs of redevelopment of the building. The loan is for 25 years at 6% interest rate with a 20 month repayments holiday, with interest to be rolled up into the remaining years. Repayments of this loan began from March 2011, with interest only payments until April 2013.
16. Leasing agreements
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
| Within one year Between one and five years Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
2024 2023 £ £ - 590 - 737 - 1,327 Net movement At At 1/4/23 in funds 31/3/24 £ £ £ 243,016 (69,638) 173,378 5,856 - 5,856 248,872 (69,638) 179,234 Incoming Resources Movement resources expended in funds £ £ £ 770,627 (840,265) (69,638) 770,627 (840,265) (69,638) |
|---|---|
17. Movement in funds
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Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
17. Movement in funds - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| At 1/4/22 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 298,395 Restricted funds Restricted Funds 5,856 |
Net movement At in funds 31/3/23 £ £ (55,379) 243,016 - 5,856 |
|---|---|
| TOTAL FUNDS 304,251 |
(55,379) 248,872 |
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 741,893 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (797,272) (55,379) |
| TOTAL FUNDS 741,893 |
(797,272) (55,379) |
| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: At 1/4/22 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 298,395 Restricted funds Restricted Funds 5,856 |
Net movement At in funds 31/3/24 £ £ (125,017) 173,378 - 5,856 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 304,251 |
(125,017) 179,234 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund |
Incoming Resources resources expended £ £ 1,512,520 (1,637,537) |
Movement in funds £ (125,017) |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL FUNDS | 1,512,520 (1,637,537) |
(125,017) |
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Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
18. Related party disclosures
During the year no related party transactions transpired
During the year no expenses were incurred by the Executive Management Team on behalf of the charity.
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Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
| Income and endowments Other trading activities Activities for generating fund Investment income Investment income Charitable activities Fees receivable Grants receivable |
2024 £ 7,874 591 718,564 - |
2023 £ 7,671 206 679,174 8,422 |
|---|---|---|
| Other income Donations Received - Gift Aid Donations Received -Non Gift A High Needs Funding Other Income Sale of Assets |
718,564 495 20 - 33,083 10,000 |
687,596 970 10 8,343 17,847 19,250 |
| 43,598 | 46,420 | |
| Total incoming resources | 770,627 | 741,893 |
| Expenditure | ||
| Raising donations and legacies | ||
| Fundraising costs | 306 | 342 |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Wages and salaries | 498,825 | 534,668 |
| Staff NIC (Employers) | 36,075 | 31,291 |
| Staff pensions | 10,524 | 10,590 |
| Rent, rates and insurance | 23,870 | 21,761 |
| Legal and professional costs | 16,079 | 28,305 |
| Light, heat and telephone | 19,364 | 20,458 |
| Transport | 1,144 | 5,368 |
| Administration | 4,614 | 2,374 |
| Sundry expenses | 2,458 | 490 |
| Bank charges and interest | 3,146 | 2,061 |
| Staff training | - | 1,976 |
| Books and subscriptions | 996 | 1,015 |
| Catering | 16,864 | 16,084 |
| Repairs and cleaning | 41,268 | 41,593 |
| Children's activities | 3,025 | 2,764 |
| Other staff costs | 121,116 | 34,044 |
| Carried forward | 799,368 | 754,842 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
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2024 2023
£ £
Charitable activities
Brought forward 799,368 754,842
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 19,833 28,289
Loan interest 20,758 13,799
839,959 796,930
Total resources expended 840,265 797,272
Net expenditure (69,638) (55,379)
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This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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