OLD DALBY PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST JULY 2025
Principal Address:
Main Road Old Dalby Melton Mowbray LE14 3LR
Independent Examiner:
Nicci Hooper
21 Cherry Tree Close, Exeter, England, EX4 5AT
A charitable organisation registered in England and Wales Registered Charity no: 503727
OFSTED Unique Reference no: EY414047
Old Dalby Preschool Playgroup - Draft Trustees Report 2024/25
Charity’s Trustees and senior management during the period of the accounts and to date:
Trustees
Chairperson: Current – Shane Cooke (appointed 13/8/21, voted Chair 31/12/25)
Previous – Linzi Drury (appointed 10/11/21, resigned 31/12/25)
Treasurer: Current – Adam Walker (appointed 7/8/25)
Previous – Phil Watson (appointed 06/02/19, resigned 7/8/25)
Secretary: Current – Elisabeth Walker (appointed 6/1/25, voted Secretary 31/12/25)
Previous - Shane Cooke (appointed 26/05/21, resigned 31/12/25)
Current Trustees:
Sarah Wiles (appointed 21/5/25)
Georgina Snodin (appointed 16/7/25)
James Snodin (appointed 7/8/25)
Former Trustees:
Jack Rodgers (appointed 26/6/25, resigned 13/2/26)
Carly Steel (resigned 18/10/24)
Victoria Kane (resigned 26/6/25)
Emily Steel, formally Christopher Steel (resigned 31/12/25)
Senior management
Preschool Manager: Leonie Miller-Pounder
Preschool Deputy Manager: Kimberley Cooke
Advisors
Bank: HSBC Bank
Charity’s structure
The Old Dalby Pre-school Playgroup is formed as an unincorporated charity, which adopted the Pre-school Learning Alliance Model Pre-School Constitution 2011, in 2015. Trustees are appointed at an AGM after people with an interest in the charity (eg. parents of children at the setting) complete a self-nomination form and join the committee following appropriate suitability checks (e.g. DBS).
Charitable objectives and main activities
Old Dalby Preschool Playgroup - Draft Trustees Report 2024/25
The aims of the Preschool are to enhance the development and education of children primarily 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, education and care facilities, family learning and extended hours groups, 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 and inclusion for all children.
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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; and
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Instigating and adhering to and furthering the aims and objectives of The Early Years Alliance, Department for Education, Ofsted and Leicestershire County Council.
The Activities of the Preschool are carried out in a purpose-built building, which was financed from a grant received in 2010. This building is used by the Preschool to meet its main activities and charitable objectives which are:
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The Preschool aims to provide a school time childcare facility for families in the village and surrounding areas with the aim of preparing the children to progress to primary school with a smooth transition.
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The Preschool aims to make enough money to allow it to pay competitive wages and employ committed, highly qualified staff and allow it to buy new equipment to introduce new experiences to the children.
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The Preschool aims to hold at least a Good grade from Ofsted to allow it to be a very attractive childcare provider and refill its child places each year.
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The Preschool aims to be at the forefront of childcare innovation and therefore keep developing and improving in order to provide a high-quality childcare setting.
Old Dalby Preschool Playgroup - Draft Trustees Report 2024/25
Annual review of achievements and performance during the 12 months to 31 July 2025
Summary
During the 2024/25 academic year, the preschool continued to provide high-quality childcare and early years education within a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment for children and families in the local community. The setting operated Monday to Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 9:00am to 3:30pm.
The preschool maintained strong attendance throughout the year, with approximately 40 children on roll. The setting continued to offer places for children aged 18 months to 4 years within the main preschool provision, supporting children’s learning and development through a broad range of play-based experiences and activities.
The Summer Club provision was again extremely popular during 2024/25 and operated at full capacity. The holiday provision catered for children aged 18 months to 8 years and provided a wide range of enriching activities designed to promote creativity, physical activity, social interaction and wellbeing in a fun and engaging environment.
The setting also continued to demonstrate its commitment to promoting children’s health and wellbeing through maintaining recognised accreditations and programmes including Healthy Tots, Sun Safe and the Funky Feet Programme. These initiatives have supported the preschool’s ongoing focus on healthy lifestyles, outdoor play and physical development.
Staffing
The Trustees continued to recognise that the quality, experience and stability of the staff team remain central to the success of the Preschool and the delivery of high-quality care and education. The Preschool continued to meet its obligations under the staff pension scheme and fulfilled all auto-enrolment requirements throughout the year.
Staff wages remained the Preschool’s largest area of expenditure during 2024/25, reflecting the ongoing commitment to attracting, supporting and retaining a skilled and dedicated staff team within the early years sector.
In April 2025, staff pay was increased in line with the rise in the National Living Wage. In addition, individual staff salaries were reviewed and adjusted in recognition of qualifications achieved, levels of experience and individual job responsibilities within the setting. The Trustees were also pleased to provide staff with a Christmas bonus in recognition of their continued hard work, commitment and contribution throughout the year.
The Preschool continued to invest in staff development and training throughout the year. One member of staff successfully achieved a Level 3 Forest School qualification, supporting the setting’s commitment to outdoor learning and nature-based experiences for children. In addition, the Preschool Manager completed ELKLAN training, further strengthening the setting’s ability to support children’s speech, language and communication development.
Trustees
The Preschool Manager continued to work alongside the Trustees to provide updates and seek guidance on the running of the setting. This is achieved through her attendance at Committee meetings, where updates on child numbers, policies and operational matters are shared. The Trustees also continued to carry out regular supervisions with the manager.
Old Dalby Preschool Playgroup - Draft Trustees Report 2024/25
The Preschool’s policy and procedure documents continued to be reviewed, with safeguarding policies and procedures reviewed every six months. Trustees continued to access relevant training to ensure they were up to date on safeguarding, prevent duty and best practice policies and procedures.
The Preschool’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and annual policy review/sign-off took place on 13 March 2025. Trustees continued to work closely with the Preschool Manager and staff team to support the effective governance and ongoing development of the setting.
Throughout the year, Trustees remained committed to ensuring the Preschool operated in line with its legal and regulatory responsibilities, regularly reviewing policies, procedures and financial information to support the continued sustainability and quality of the provision.
Marketing and General
The Preschool continued to market its services in the local area. The Facebook page and website continued to be used to communicate with existing parents, prospective parents and the wider community, and the Preschool continued to promote itself locally.
Property
The Preschool has a leasehold interest in the land on which it operates, which is owned by Old Dalby Primary School. The setting continued to carry out maintenance and invest in equipment and resources for the children throughout the year to ensure a safe, stimulating and age-appropriate learning environment.
During Summer 2025, significant improvements were made to both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. The garden area was renovated and thoughtfully redesigned to create separate outdoor spaces for children aged 18 months to 3 years and for children aged 3 years and above. This has enabled staff to provide more tailored outdoor learning opportunities appropriate to the developmental stages and needs of the children.
Internally, the cloakroom area was converted into a dedicated room specifically for children aged 18 months to 2 years, creating a calm and nurturing environment for the youngest children attending the setting. In addition, the main preschool room was reorganised and divided into two sections: one for children aged 2 to 3 years and a separate area for the older cohort preparing to transition to primary school. These changes have supported more focused learning experiences and age-appropriate activities across the setting.
Improvements and Initiatives
Staff continued to use the Tapestry online journal system for each child, enabling regular communication with parents and carers and sharing children’s learning, development and achievements throughout the year.
Forest School and outdoor learning continued to play an important role within the Preschool’s curriculum offer, supporting children’s confidence, independence, physical development and understanding of the natural environment. The setting remained committed to providing a broad range of play-based experiences tailored to the needs and interests of the children.
During 2024/25, the Preschool introduced several new initiatives to further support children’s health, wellbeing and physical development. A supervised toothbrushing programme was introduced within the setting to encourage positive oral health habits from an early age. The Preschool also continued to deliver the Funky Feet Programme, promoting physical activity, coordination and healthy lifestyles through structured movement activities.
Old Dalby Preschool Playgroup - Draft Trustees Report 2024/25
To further enhance opportunities for physical development, the Preschool hired the local village hall on a weekly basis, providing children with access to a larger space for movement-based activities and gross motor skill development. This additional space enabled staff to deliver a wider variety of physical activities and games to support children’s balance, coordination and confidence.
Fundraising
Fundraising activities generated £1,017.02 during the 2024/25 financial year, with fundraising expenses totalling £32.60. These funds supported the Preschool’s charitable activities and contributed towards investment in resources, equipment and experiences for the children.
The main fundraising event during the year was the Preschool’s annual Christmas Fair, which once again proved to be a successful and well-supported community event. The fair included a Santa’s Grotto, festive activities for families and visits from a professional photographer, helping to create an enjoyable experience for children and parents while raising valuable funds for the setting.
Money raised throughout the year contributed towards improvements to the learning environment, resources and activities for the children, including enhancements to the indoor and outdoor provision and supporting wider opportunities for children’s development and wellbeing.
Public Benefit
The Trustees are aware of the guidance issued by the Charity Commission concerning public benefit and are satisfied that the information given in this report demonstrates that the requirements to identify public benefit have been met.
Financial review
Overall, the Preschool remains in a healthy position at the end of the 2024/25 financial year. For the period of the accounts, total turnover was £171,505.47 with administrative costs of £149694, resulting in a surplus/profit after taxation of £21,811.09. This was an increase compared with the surplus of £14,126.82 reported for 2023/24.
The largest sources of income were LCC FEEE funding of £132,541.16 and fee income of £37,266.17. Interest income was £942.49 and fundraising activities generated £1,017.02. Wages remained the largest cost at £118,344.55, followed by equipment of £7,980.40, pension costs of £5,600.85, maintenance of £2,918.19, utilities of £2,504.62 and CPD costs of £2,087.66.
The Preschool continued to manage costs carefully while investing in the staff team, equipment, maintenance and resources necessary to provide a high-quality childcare setting. The Trustees remain mindful that income can fluctuate depending on enrolment levels and funding arrangements, while costs such as wages, utilities, maintenance and insurance can continue to rise.
Total unrestricted reserves held by the Preschool at 31 July 2024 were £52,677, with no restricted reserves. Based on the 2024/25 surplus shown in the profit and loss report, indicative reserves would increase to £74,291 before any further adjustments or balance sheet items. This figure should be checked against the final examined receipts and payments accounts and the statement of assets and liabilities for 2024/25 before submission.
The Trustees aim to hold sufficient financial reserves to sustain the Preschool if its income falls below expected levels, or in the event of continued rises in costs. The intention would be to continue functioning as a Preschool if at all possible and to cover the payment of staff redundancies in the unlikely event that the Preschool had to close. The amount held in reserve is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains within the required range and actions will be taken by the Trustees if this is not the case.
Old Dalby Preschool Playgroup - Draft Trustees Report 2024/25
Risk Management
The Trustees are aware of the main risks to which the charity is exposed, including fluctuations in child numbers, rising salary costs, inflationary pressures, changes to funding arrangements, and ongoing increases in operational costs. They are satisfied that reserves are currently sufficient, but recognise that income and expenditure will require careful monitoring to ensure the charity can continue in business for the foreseeable future.
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Full name: ……Adam Walker…………………………………………………………………….
Date: …30.5.2026……………………………………………………………………………….
Position held: …Treasurer ………………………………………………………………….
Old Dalby Preschool Playgroup - Draft Trustees Report 2024/25
Old Dalby Preschool Playgroup - Draft Trustees Report 2024/25
| Old DalbyPre-school Profit and loss and balance sheet 1st August 2024- 31st July2025 | Old DalbyPre-school Profit and loss and balance sheet 1st August 2024- 31st July2025 | Old DalbyPre-school Profit and loss and balance sheet 1st August 2024- 31st July2025 | Old DalbyPre-school Profit and loss and balance sheet 1st August 2024- 31st July2025 | Old DalbyPre-school Profit and loss and balance sheet 1st August 2024- 31st July2025 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROFIT AND LOSS | ||||||||||
| INCOME | EXPENDITURE | |||||||||
| Fees | 37,266.17 £ |
Wages | 118,344.55 £ |
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| funding | 132,541.16 £ |
Rent | 2,097.00 £ |
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| fundraising | 1,017.02 £ |
Utilities | 2,504.62 £ |
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| SEND funding | 63.00 -£ |
Food | 2,153.40 £ |
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| Donations | 0.08 £ |
CPD costs | 2,087.66 £ |
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| Interest | 942.49 £ |
Equipment | 7,980.40 £ |
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| School Dinners | 198.45 -£ |
Insurance | 1,464.49 £ |
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| TOTAL INCOME | 171,505.47 £ |
Maintaintance | 2,918.19 £ |
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| Payroll and accoun | 1,251.07 £ |
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| Pension | 5,600.85 £ |
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| Other | 3,292.15 £ |
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| - £ |
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| - £ |
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| INCOME | 171,505.47 £ |
TOTAL EXPENSES | 149,694.38 £ |
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| SURPLUS | 21,811.09 £ |
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| BALANCE SHEET | ||||||||||
| OPENING BALANCE | 52,677.23 £ |
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| SURPLUS | 21,811.09 £ |
1.20 £ |
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| CLOSING BALANCE | 74,488.32 £ |
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| 197.32 -£ |
accountspayable | |||||||||
| 0.60 £ |
accounts receivable | |||||||||
| 74,290.40 £ |
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| BANK | ||||||||||
| Current | 21,466.44 £ |
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| Saving | 52,825.16 £ |
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| 74,291.60 £ |
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1
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Old Dalby Pre-school members of
On accounts for the year 31[st] July 2025 Charity no 503727 ended (if any) Set out on pages 2 2 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed. [The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [named body]]. Delete [ ] if not applicable.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given examiner’s statement by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention examiner's statement (other than that disclosed below *)
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
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have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Signed: Nicola Hooper
Date: 25/05/2026
1
IER
Name: NICOLA HOOPER
Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):
FMAAT
Address: 21 CHERRY TREE CLOSE EXETER DEVON EX4 5AT
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems.(E.g. accounting records have not been kept in accordance with s132 of the Charities’ Act 2011 and those accounts do not comply with the requirements of the 2008 Regulations setting out the form and content of charity accounts; any material expenditure or action which appears not to be in accordance with the trusts of the charity; any failure to be provided with information and explanations by any past or present trustee, officer or employee; and any material consistency between the accounts and the trustees’ annual report.)
2
IER
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
A significant number of receipts are missing, the charity has been advised of the need to keep adequate records. The Chair has confirmed that all items without a receipt have been bought for, and used within the charity.
3
IER