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← Aigburth Opportunities

2025-03-31-accounts

AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES

also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

for the year ended

31st March 2025

REGISTERED NUMBER: 2025421

CHARITY NUMBER: 700705

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

Contents Page
Company Information 1
Report of the Trustees 2
Independent Examiner’s Report 8
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) 9
Balance Sheet 10
Statement of Cash Flows 11
Notes to the Accounts 12

AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Company Information for the year ended 31st March 2025

Company number: 2025421
Charity number: 700705
Patrons: Dame Lorna E Muirhead DCVO DBE CStJ DL FRCOG
Colonel (Ret) J.A.Harkon MBE TD DL
Major (Ret) R.W. Bevan MBE
Trustees: Mr Ronald Basnett
Mrs Patricia Fearn
Ms Belinda Perez
Nursery Manager: Nicola Holding
Registered office: Future House
25 Pomona Street
Liverpool
L3 5TL
Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc
Liverpool Law Courts
Merchants Court
2 - 12 Lord Street
Liverpool
L2 1TS
Independent Examiner: Mr P L Griffiths FCA DchA
Mitchell Charlesworth
Accountants
Suites C,D,E,F, 14thFloor
The Plaza
Old Hall Street
Liverpool
Merseyside L3 9QJ
Solicitors: Brabners LLP
Horton House
Exchange Flags
Liverpool
L2 3YL

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) present their report together with the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and 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 (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Trustees

The trustees who served during the year are detailed on page 1.

Objectives and activities

The objectives of this Charity are always to provide the best possible childcare for local residents and visiting students, at an affordable price. Coupled with this is a genuine desire to see the ongoing development of not only the children, but of the staff we employ and the carers we encounter.

Our specific objectives through April 2024 to March 2025 were to:-

The overall objectives of the charity are set out in its mission statement:

To promote the value of learning by creating a purposeful learning environment that enables learners to meet and to exceed their aspirations.

To provide opportunities which enhance and develop the social and economic structure of the local communities that Aigburth Training Opportunities serves.

To support and develop staff, thereby ensuring that the learning environment we aim to create is conducive to the occupational area we offer.

The aim of the charity is to provide quality training and childcare facilities that enables people to realise their aspirations in being able to access employment and or further/higher education.

In 2024/25 the main objectives of the charity were:-

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

Public benefit statement

The trustees have had due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Strategic Report

Achievements and performance

2024/25 started in a subdued mood as we faced another year under the shadow of the last Ofsted report.

The continuous search for L3 qualified staff remained unfulfilled, and we were looking forward to existing L2 staff qualifying as L3s within the financial year. This was a source of pride for us, as it is consistent with our ethos of helping to better the lives of our staff as well as the children.

The year was one of putting heads down, gritting teeth and just getting on with the job.

The staff had to be kept motivated to maintain the high standards expected, and also, there was another Ofsted inspection scheduled for some time in December.

One senior member of staff was given more responsibility so as to ease the burden on the manager, and one of the trustees who has Early Years experience committed to regular visits to help and advise.

Our previous manager continued to have ties with the nursery, acting as consultant on a part time basis.

We also engaged a SEND specialist on a part time basis, to aid in the increasing number of children presenting with special educational needs.

The finances in the first part of the year were not so good, with projections showing a downward trend in reserves as expenses continued to outstrip income. Fees were increased in April, but so were wages, and hopes were placed on attracting more children in general, and on the new intake in September. This would include funded places for babies for which we could claim. A banner was ordered to advertise that we had places available.

In August, there were riots in Liverpool City Centre, after the awful events in Southport. The nursery has a car park and gates to secure it, but there was no lock other than a bicycle chain. The staff closed the gates hoping no trouble would reach them, which thankfully was the case.

However, this led to considerations of formulating a formal plan in case of emergencies. The thought exercise extended to a potential invasion of the nursery. Whistles were provided for all staff to raise the alarm, and drills practised with the children to ensure their safety. Plans were made to have an electronic lock fitted to the gates.

September came, and with it the hoped-for increase in children started. By October the finances had started to recover. Receiving the funding meant income was steadier.

In December, Ofsted came again. This time, we were released from our ignominy and given a “Good”. I’ll add that all the parents already thought we were more than good according to feedback surveys.

This opened the floodgates, as it now meant we could take all levels of funded children. By the end of the financial year we had made a small surplus, after two years of deficits.

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

Strategic Report

Financial review

In 2024/25 income from charitable activities increased from £325,414 to £ £375,171.

The number of invoices per week increased by about 30% throughout the year but the actual amount invoiced to paying carers remained stable, despite an increase in fees. This was because more people could take funded places. As a result, the funding paid increased from £58,200 in 2024 to £137,800 in 2025.

Donations consisted of £250 by the local masons, £510 by a local training association, and numerous occasions when parents were happy for the nursery to keep any surplus deposits after they had left.

We also received a grant in March 2025 of £3,136 from the local council to use for children with SEND.

Most expenses remained comparable to the previous year. Despite rising inflation, the expenditure on consumables (food, cleaning products, art supplies etc) was lower by £1,600 than in 2024. Having an efficient regular cook probably contributed to this, as well as excellent money management by the manager.

Expenditure on repairs also fell, but only in comparison with the previous year when the roller shutters, car park camera and kitchen water heater all failed and needed repairing or replacing.

The largest increase in expenditure was for wages. These needed to increase to stay ahead of the National Minimum Wage. There was a 20% increase in the wage bill amounting to £56K over 2024. The continued freeze on the tax threshold brings more employees into paying tax. We also had two members of staff on Maternity leave and needed to recruit to cover their duties. This was offset by the £5,000 Employer’s allowance and £23.9K in SMP recovered.

Due to the expansion of the age range eligible for funding, the increase in funded places meant that our income managed to exceed our expenses.

As a result, there was a surplus in this financial year of £1,837 (deficit of £7,847 in 2023/24).

The trustees aim to keep a reserve of unrestricted funds sufficient to ensure the smooth running of the charity for approximately three months. The unrestricted funds increased by 1.5%

The Statement of Financial Activities shows an increase in funds for the year of £1,837.

The Balance Sheet position indicates reserves, unrestricted as to purpose amounting to £120,451 and restricted reserves of £nil.

Policy on remuneration of key management personnel

The charity is committed to ensuring that we pay our staff fairly and in a way which ensures we attract and retain the right skills to have the greatest impact in delivering our charitable objectives.

The Board undertakes an annual review of salaries with the support of the nursery manager, although the nursery manager does not participate in the discussions around their own salary. All salary reviews take account of the financial position of the organisation.

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

Policy on remuneration of key management personnel

When carrying out its reviews, the Board has regard to:

It is the aim of this charity to work towards paying a “living wage” and the financial position is reviewed regularly with this aim in mind. A salary scale for all staff has been implemented depending on age, qualifications and experience.

Risk management

The trustees confirm that the major foreseeable risks to the charity are those of:

These are reviewed at each Board meeting and the nursery manager is responsible for ensuring that strategies are in place to counteract the effects of any changes.

Plans for future periods

As in every year since our enforced closure during Covid, our hope has been to expand the nursery so as to offer more people the chance of studying or working, whilst we look after and educate their children.

With staff qualifying, and the engagement of a SEND specialist, we are considering offering more places to children with special educational needs and disabilities. Our dream is for a new room with special facilities where all children can be helped to reach their full potential.

We continue to welcome people from all ethnicities, religions and customs. We provide a hub where all can meet and interact, with the children at the centre of it all. We believe this “ambassadorial” role is more important than ever in a time of rising conflict, and the message of peace and love for your fellow human being is hopefully one the children in particular will take with them.

Other plans:

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

Structure, governance and management

The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, and is therefore governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, which was amended in January 2007 to allow for current governance arrangements. It is also known by the names of "Aigburth Training Opportunities" and "ATO". The nursery is known as Little Explorers Day Nursery

There were three trustees during the period from 1 April 2024 to March 2025 and the same three from April 2025 to the date of signing this report as shown on page 1. New trustees are recruited and appointed by arrangement with the existing trustees. Each trustee's individual liability in the event of winding-up is limited to £1.

Organisation

The Board meets every twelve weeks and an Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held prior to the Reports and Financial Statements being submitted to Companies House and to the Charity Commission.

The CEO was appointed by the trustees to manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the charity.

To ensure effective working practice the CEO has full delegated authority approved by the trustees. This includes both strategic and operational concerns, including; finance, employment, management of training contracts, staff and business development.

Recruitment, appointment, induction and training of trustees

Both the trustees and the CEO have a responsibility to recruit suitable trustees to the Board. From time to time approaches are made to the charity by individuals and organisations who wish to support the charity in continuing or developing the support they afford their beneficiaries.

Potential trustees are then nominated by either current trustees or by the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO").

A discussion is held at either the quarterly planned Board meetings or at additional meetings held to nominate prospective members.

Once the nomination has been agreed by the trustees, an informal interview is undertaken by the Chair with the nominee.

During this interview the Chair will discuss the company history and working ethos, and explain what qualities are required of potential trustees.

When the Chair has satisfied him/herself that the nominee would be a suitable and supportive trustee, a Board meeting is called to officially appoint the new trustee.

New trustees undergo an induction day with the Chair and CEO at the company’s registered office. This is usually done within the first month of appointment at a time that is conducive to all parties, and consists of:

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

Recruitment, appointment, induction and training of trustees

The new trustee also completes any paperwork required for registering as a director with Companies House and receives a copy of "The Burden of Responsibility" by Stephan Drew together with Charity Commission publications booklet CC3,"The essential trustee".

As part of the company’s Safeguarding policy, all new and recently appointed trustees are subject to an enhanced DBS check prior to taking up their position.

Trustees are encouraged to attend meetings, as and when required, training events and information days that are pertinent to the company’s running and objectives.

Related parties

Other parties which the charity associates with are:-

Social Services NWTS (North West Training Services) Adult Learning Services Liverpool Community College Blackburne House Job Centres

All the above use the nursery’s resources and so contribute to our income.

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ascertain the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

By Order of the Trustees

Ron Baanette

R Basnett Trustee

18 December 2025

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Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited

Accountants

Suites C,D,E,F, 14th Floor, The Plaza, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 5RH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF

AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 9 to 19.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mikel hb onthe

P L Griffiths FCA DChA MITCHELL CHARLESWORTH Liverpool

18 December 2025

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES

also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31st March 2025

Notes
Unrestricted
Restricted
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
4,373
3,983
Charitable activities
3
366,815
-
Total income
371,188
3,983
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
369,351
3,983
Total expenditure
369,351
3,983
Net income/(expenditure)for the year
9
1,837
-
Total funds brought forward
118,614
-
Total funds carried forward
120,451
-
 Total
2025
£
8,356
366,815
375,171
373,334
373,334
1,837
118,614
120,451		 Total
2024
£
1,199
324,215
325,414
333,259
333,259
(7,845)
126,459
118,614

The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the year as set out above.

The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these accounts.

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES

also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Balance Sheet 31st March 2025

Notes 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 11 19,197 23,118
Current assets
Debtors 12 27,483 22,490
Cash at bank and in hand 121,089 120,394
148,572 142,884
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year 13 47,318 47,388
Net current assets 101,254 95,496
Net assets 120,451 118,614
Unrestricted funds
General funds 14 120,451 118,614
Total funds 16 120,451 118,614

For the year ended 31st March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

The accounts on pages 9 to 19 were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on 18 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:-

Ron Baanette

R Basnett Trustee

Company Registration Number: 2025421

The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these accounts.

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31st March 2025

Notes
Cash flow from operating activities
20
Cash flow from investing activities
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets
Net cash flow from investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the
year ending 31st March 2025
Cash and cash equivalents as at
1st April 2024
Cash and cash equivalents as at
31st March 2025
21		 2025
£
£
695
-
-
695
120,394
121,089		 2024
£
£
(1,659)
(420)
(420)

(2,079)
122,473

120,394

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Notes to the Accounts Year ended 31st March 2025

1. Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) General information and basis of preparation

Aigburth Opportunities is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity in the United Kingdom. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are set out in the Trustees’ Report on page 2.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

(b) Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

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 is charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

(c) Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Notes to the Accounts Year ended 31st March 2025

1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(c) Income recognition (continued)

Income from charitable activities includes income received under contract or where entitlement to grant funding is subject to special performance conditions and is recognised as earned as the related services are provided. Grant income included in this category provides funding to support performance activities and is recognised when there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amounts can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as bank deposits. It essentially includes interest which is recognised using the effective interest method.

(d) Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.

(e) Support costs allocation

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs and administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at the registered office. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.

The analysis of these costs is included in note 5.

(f) Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:

Nursery improvements - 33% per annum Plant, machinery and motor vehicles - 10% to 33% per annum Fixtures and fittings and equipment - 33% per annum

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Notes to the Accounts Year ended 31st March 2025

1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(g) Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

(h) Loans and borrowings

Loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the transaction price including transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less impairment. If an arrangement constitutes a finance transaction it is measured at present value.

(i) Impairment

Assets not measured at fair value are reviewed for any indication that the asset may be impaired at each balance sheet date. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, or the asset’s cash generating unit, is estimated and compared to the carrying amount. Where the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount where the impairment loss is a revaluation decrease.

(j) Leases

Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the SoFA on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

(k) Employee benefits

When employees have rendered service to the charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

(l) Tax

The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.

(m) Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES

also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Notes to the Accounts Year ended 31st March 2025

2.
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Donations
873
-
Other grants
3,500
3,983



4,373
3,983

3.
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Nursery income
366,815
-
Rents and other income
-
-

366,815
-

None of the above income for 2025 and 2024 was attributable to restricted funds.
4.
Analysis of expenditure on
charitable activities
Direct
costs
Support
costs
£
£
Direct charitable expenditure
Nursery
296,460
76,874		 Total
2025
£
873
7,483


8,356
Total
2025
£
366,815
-
366,815

Total
2025
£
373,334		 Total
2024
£
199
1,000

1,199
Total
2024
£
324,115
100
324,215
Total
2024
£
333,259

There were costs attributable to restricted funds of £3,983 in 2025 (2024 £Nil) and £369,351 (2024 £333,259) of the above costs were attributable to unrestricted funds.

Support costs
Salaries
Establishment expenses
Communications
Office costs
Other
Governance costs (see note 6)
Total support costs		 Total
2025
£
31,340
25,824
6,194
2,145
8,775
2,596
76,874		 Total
2024
£
28,531
28,711
7,060
1,817
7,298
2,646
76,063

5. Support costs

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Notes to the Accounts Year ended 31st March 2025

6.
Governance costs
Independent examination
Legal and professional
7.
Staff costs and numbers
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 Total
2025
£
2,100
496
2,596

Total
2025
£
313,781
14,380
5,125
333,286
 Total
2024
£
1,950
696
2,646
Total
2024
£
248,211
12,110
4,646
264,967

No employee received benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000 during the year.

The average weekly number of employees during the year, calculated on Number Number
the basis of full time equivalents, was as follows:- 2025 2024
Total 22
 15

8. Trustees’ and key management remuneration

One of the trustees, Ms Belinda Perez provides bookkeeping services to the charity. Fees for her services amounted to £5,190 (2024 £4,443).

The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel is £38,230 (2024 £48,454).

The charity considers its key management personnel to comprise the Nursery Manager and Assistant Manager.

9. Net income/(expenditure) for the year Total Total
2025 2024
This is stated after charging/(crediting): £ £
Depreciation 3,921 5,236
External examiner’s fees:
Independent examination 2,100 1,950
Operating lease payments:
Equipment 332 332
Land and buildings 15,000 15,000

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Notes to the Accounts Year ended 31st March 2025

10. Taxation

The company is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

11. Tangible fixed assets
Plant,
Fixtures,
Nursery
machinery and
fittings and
improvements
motor vehicles
equipment
£
£
£
Cost
At 1st April 2024
205,098
64,850
94,962

At 31st March 2025
205,098
64,850
94,962
Depreciation
At 1st April 2024
200,126
48,726
92,940
Charge for the year
1,642
1,612
667

At 31st March 2025
201,768
50,338
93,607
Net book value
At 31st March 2025
3,330
14,512
1,355


At 31st March 2024
4,972
16,124
2,022


12.
Debtors
2025
£
Trade debtors
19,177
Prepayments and accrued income
8,246
Other debtors
60
27,483
13.
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2025
£
Trade creditors
7,539
Taxation and social security
2,757
Accruals and deferred income
25,950
Other creditors
11,072
47,318		 Total
£
364,910
364,910
341,792
3,921
345,713
19,197
23,118
2024
£
14,853
7,637
-
22,490
2024
£
8,732
3,042
25,800
9,814

47,388

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AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Notes to the Accounts Year ended 31st March 2025

14.
Unrestricted funds
At
Incoming
Resources
01.04.24
Resources
Expended
£
£
£
General funds
118,614
371,188
373,334


Comparative information in respect of the preceding period is as follows:
At
Incoming
Resources
01.04.23
Resources
Expended
£
£
£
General funds
126,459
325,414
(333,259)


15.
Restricted funds
At
Incoming
Resources
01.04.24
Resources
Expended
£
£
£
Liverpool EAL funding
-
3,983
(3,983)

 At
31.03.25
£
116,468
At
31.03.24
£
118,614
At
31.03.25
£
-

Liverpool EAL funding - this was provided towards supporting English as a second language.

16.
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
£
Tangible fixed assets
19,197
Net current assets
101,254

120,451

Comparative information in respect of the preceding period is as follows:
Unrestricted
funds
£
Tangible fixed assets
23,118
Net current assets
95,496

118,614
 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-		 Total
£
19,197
101,254
120,451
Total
£
23,118
95,496
118,614

18 | P a g e

AIGBURTH OPPORTUNITIES also known as “ATO AND LITTLE EXPLORERS DAY NURSERY”

Notes to the Accounts Year ended 31st March 2025

17. Members’ liability

The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. Every member of the charity undertakes to contribute to the assets of the charity, in the event of it being wound up while he or she is a member or within one year of ceasing to be a member for debts and liabilities of the charity contracted before he or she ceases to be a member, such amount as may be required not exceeding £1.

18. Ultimate controlling party

In the opinion of the trustees, there is no ultimate controlling party.

19. Capital commitments

The charity had no capital commitments at 31st March 2025 (2024 £Nil).

20.
Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash flow from
operating activities
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
Depreciation charges
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Net cash flow from operating activities
21.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Cash at bank
Total of cash and cash equivalents		 Total
2025
£
1,837
3,921
(4,993)
(70)
695
Total
2025
£
706
120,383
121,089		 Total
2024
£
(7,845)
5,236
1,251
(301)
(1,659)
Total
2024
£
1,294
119,100
120,394

22. Analysis of net debt

Analysis of net debt
At 31 March
At 1 April 2024 Cash flows 2025
£ £ £
Cash in hand 1,294 (589) 705
Cash at bank 119,100
 1,284 120,384
120,394
 695 121,089

19 | P a g e