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2024-12-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

Charity registration number: 702691

The Learning Tree

Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Contents (continued)

Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustee' Report 2 to 3
Statement of Trustee' Responsibilities 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 15
Non-statutory pages 16 to 18

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Reference and Administrative Details

Mr R Bennington

Chairman Mr R Bennington
Trustees
Ms H Dean
Mrs L Gilbank (appointed 13 March 2025)
Ms J Anderson (appointed 13 March 2025)
Mrs W Downing (appointed 13 March 2025)
Mrs S Baker (resigned 30 September 2024)
Mr S Mosley (resigned 30 September 2024)
Committee Members for the Nursery and Kids Club in 2024
Mrs K Russell Secretary
Mrs E Raisbeck Member
Ms H Dean Treasurer
Mrs H Kershaw Member
Mr G Chapman Member (resigned 19 January 2024)
Mrs S Whelan Member
Principal Office Rear of Carlton Miniott Primary School
Carlton Miniott
Thirsk
North Yorkshire
YO7 4NJ
Charity Registration Number 702691
Independent Examiner Ian Smithson
Public Finance Accountant
3 Orchard Court
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL7 8DQ
Accountants Colin Hutson Accounting Limited
Chartered Accountants
74 High Street
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL7 8EG

Page 1

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Trustee' Report

The trustee present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Trustees

Ms H Dean Mrs L Gilbank (appointed 13 March 2025) Ms J Anderson (appointed 13 March 2025) Mrs W Downing (appointed 13 March 2025) Mrs S Baker (resigned 30 September 2024) Mr S Mosley (resigned 30 September 2024)

Objectives and activities

Objects and aims

The Learning Tree's objectives are to provide flexible and accessible child care on an "at cost" and "not for profit" basis. This is maintained by reviewing the hourly rate annually. This allows the Nursery to operate efficiently and effectively, being mindful of cost savings and necessary expenditure only.

Projects that require additional funding are met in the main by fundraising carried out by voluntary assistance.

Objectives, strategies and activities

The Learning Tree Nursery and Kids Club provide a choice of care for children aged between 2 years and 11 years on weekdays between 7:30am and 6:00pm throughout the year. The facilities are registered with local social services and the pre-school activities are subject to Ofsted inspections. The Learning Tree's last inspection by Ofsted was in March 2020, achieving a "Good" rating.

Public benefit

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commissions general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the nursery's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

The Learning Tree Nursery and Kids Club exists to provide pre-school childcare from ages 2-4 and after school club ages 4-11. This provision meets the needs of the local community and allows families to have both partners working where necessary. The hours of the nursery are from 7:30am till 6:00pm, Monday through to Friday. The Nursery also operates thoughout the year encompassing school holidays with closure only over the Christmas period.

The staffing of the nursery is met from the local community with all members being encouraged to follow Personal Development Programmes that meet the training and development plans governed by Ofsted and the local county council.

A close working relationship with the local community school is maintained and the nursery is the major feeder of primary age children starting at age 5.

Throughout the year the children receive a structured development plan of play and educational learning and enter the school at 5 with confidence in themselves and the ability to mix comfortably with children of their own age.

The trustee confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Page 2

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Trustee' Report (continued)

Financial review

Policy on reserves

Reserve funds are held to cover capital expenditure and cover any future emergency expense.

The trustees consider that approximately three months of operating costs are required to be held as free cash which equates to £60,000. The actual free cash at the year end equates to £93,681 and is therefore broadly in line with the policy which has been set.

Structure, governance and management

Recruitment and appointment of trustee

Trustees and committee members are appointed or re-elected annually in November at the Annual General Meeting.

All staff members and parents using the childcare facility are invited to attend and are given one month's notice.

There is a child protection policy in place. DBS checks are carried out prior to commencement of employment, trusteeship or committee activity. The trustees and committee are formed from parents with children attending the facility.

All trustees and committee members give their time voluntarily and do not receive any remuneration or benefits of any kind.

The annual report was approved by the trustee of the charity on 28 July 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

DocuSigned by: [tur ......................................... A9B395ED85194C9... Richard Buuington Mr R Bennington Chairman

Page 3

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Statement of Trustee' Responsibilities

The trustee are responsible for preparing the trustee' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.

The law applicable to charities requires the trustee to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustee are required to:

The trustee are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustee 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.

The trustee are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Approved by the trustee of the charity on 28 July 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... | MrA9B395ED85194C9...DocuSignedKidardby: Buuington Mr R Bennington Chairman (Hp. ......................................... BEOOC9C5C5FC463... by: Ms H Dean Trustee

Page 4

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of The Learning Tree

I report to the trustee on my examination of the accounts of The Learning Tree for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustee of The Learning Tree you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the The Learning Tree's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since The Learning Tree'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 Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 Learning Tree as required by section 130 of the Act; or

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

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

DocuSigned by: ...................................... [furCC8D3D52991843F...lav. Smitlsov Ian Smithson CPFA Public Finance Accountant Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

3 Orchard Court Northallerton North Yorkshire DL7 8DQ

28 July 2025

Page 5

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Note
Income and Endowments from:
Charitable activities
2
Investment income
3
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
Other expenditure
5
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
15
Unrestricted
£
259,548
184
259,732
(193,481)
(48,222)
(241,703)
18,029
127,020
145,049
Total
2024
£
259,548
184
259,732
(193,481)
(48,222)
(241,703)
18,029
127,020
145,049
Total
2023
£
262,484
115
262,599
(203,234)
(49,852)
(253,086)
9,513
117,507
127,020

All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2023 and 2024 is shown in note 15.

The notes on pages 8 to 15 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

(Registration number: 702691) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 11 19,221 17,038
Current assets
Debtors 12 25,144 27,370
Cash at bank and in hand 13 106,096 91,850
131,240 119,220
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 14 (5,412) (9,238)
Net current assets 125,828 109,982
Net assets 145,049 127,020
Funds of the charity:
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds 145,049 127,020
Total funds 15 145,049 127,020

The financial statements on pages 6 to 15 were approved by the trustee, and authorised for issue on 28 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by: DocuSigned by: ......................................... [turA9B395ED85194C9... Richard Buuington Mr R Bennington Chairman

The notes on pages 8 to 15 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting policies

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) (effective 1 January 2019 - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

Basis of preparation

The Learning Tree meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

Going concern

The trustee consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Income and endowments

Income including fees, government funding and other fundraising activities is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Investment income

Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.

Charitable 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 that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Governance costs

These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including accountancy, strategic management and trustees’s meetings and reimbursed expenses.

Page 8

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £100 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Asset class Depreciation method and rate Copier and computer equipment 25% straight line Portakabin 10% straight line Fixtures and fittings 20% reducing balance

Trade debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Trade creditors

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.

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustee discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Page 9

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Pensions and other post retirement obligations

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.

2 Income from charitable activities

Fees and funding
Total for 2024
Total for 2023
3
Investment income
Interest receivable and similar income;
Interest receivable on bank deposits
4
Expenditure on charitable activities
Direct costs
Staff costs
Governance costs
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
259,548
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
184
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
12,863
177,448
3,170
193,481
Total
2024
£
259,548
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
259,548
259,548
262,484
Total
2024
£
184
Total
2024
£
12,863
177,448
3,170
193,481
Total
2023
£
262,484
Total
funds
£
259,548
259,548
262,484
Total
2023
£
115
Total
2023
£
17,292
182,772
3,170
203,234

Page 10

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

5 Other expenditure

Note
Depreciation, amortisation and other similar
costs
Other resources expended
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
5,636
42,586
48,222
Total
2024
£
5,636
42,586
48,222
Total
2023
£
5,414
44,438
49,852

6 Analysis of governance and support costs

Governance costs

Independent examiner fees
Examination of the financial statements
Other governance costs
7
Net incoming/outgoing resources
Net incoming resources for the year include:
Depreciation of fixed assets
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
320
2,850
3,170
Total
2024
£
320
2,850
3,170
2024
£
5,636
Total
2023
£
320
2,850
3,170
2023
£
5,414

Page 11

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

8 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
£
164,401
7,942
3,234
1,871
177,448
2023
£
169,484
7,119
3,600
2,569
182,772

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:

2024
No
Nursery Staff
8
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year
9
Independent examiner's remuneration
2024
£
Examination of the financial statements
320
2023
No
8
2023
£
320

10 Taxation

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.

Page 12

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

11 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2024
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
12 Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
Other debtors
13 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank
Bank credit card
Cash and cash equivalents in statement of cash flows
Furniture and
equipment
£
60,145
7,819
67,964
43,107
5,636
48,743
19,221
17,038
2024
£
19,735
4,982
-
427
25,144
2024
£
106,096
-
106,096
Furniture and
equipment
£
60,145
7,819
67,964
43,107
5,636
48,743
19,221
17,038
2024
£
19,735
4,982
-
427
25,144
2024
£
106,096
-
106,096
Total
£
60,145
7,819
67,964
43,107
5,636
48,743
19,221
17,038
2023
£
934
4,971
20,877
588
67,964
43,107
5,636
48,743
19,221
17,038
2024
£
19,735
4,982
-
427
25,144
2024
£
106,096
-
106,096
27,370
2023
£
91,850
(1,061)
90,789

Page 13

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Bank credit card
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals
15 Funds
Unrestricted
General
Unrestricted
General
Balance at 1
January 2024
£
127,020
Balance at 1
January 2023
£
117,507
Incoming
resources
£
259,732
Incoming
resources
£
262,599
2024
£
-
1,582
-
(1)
3,831
5,412
Resources
expended
£
(241,703)
Resources
expended
£
(253,086)
2023
£
1,061
2,094
692
1,889
3,502
9,238
Balance at 31
December
2024
£
145,049
Balance at 31
December
2023
£
127,020

Page 14

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

16 Analysis of net assets between funds
2024
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets
2023
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets
Unrestricted
General
£
19,221
131,240
(5,412)
145,049
Unrestricted
General
£
17,038
119,220
(9,238)
127,020
Total funds
£
19,221
131,240
(5,412)
145,049
Total funds
£
17,038
119,220
(9,238)
127,020

17 Analysis of net funds

Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdraft
Net debt
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdraft
Net debt
At 1 January
2024
£
91,850
(1,062)
90,788
90,788
At 1 January
2023
£
89,404
(1,264)
88,140
88,140
Financing
cash flows
£
14,246
1,062
15,308
15,308
Financing
cash flows
£
2,446
202
2,648
2,648
At 31
December
2024
£
106,096
-
106,096
106,096
At 31
December
2023
£
91,850
(1,062)
90,788
90,788

Page 15

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Income and Endowments from:
Charitable activities (analysed below)
Investment income (analysed below)
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities (analysed below)
Other expenditure (analysed below)
Total expenditure
Net income
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Total
Unrestricted
2024
£
259,548
184
259,732
(193,481)
(48,222)
(241,703)
18,029
18,029
127,020
145,049
Total
Unrestricted
2023
£
262,484
115
262,599
(203,234)
(49,852)
(253,086)
9,513
9,513
117,507
127,020

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 16

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Charitable activities
North Yorkshire County Council
Fees received
Investment income
Interest on cash deposits
Charitable activities
Materials
School meals/food
Wages and salaries
Staff NIC (Employers)
Staff pensions (Defined contribution)
Staff training
Staff welfare
Accountancy fees
Independent examiner's fee
Total 2024
£
94,338
165,210
259,548
184
184
(3,626)
(9,237)
(164,401)
(7,942)
(3,234)
(1,077)
(794)
(2,850)
(320)
(193,481)
Total 2023
£
94,803
167,681
262,484
115
115
(8,188)
(9,104)
(169,484)
(7,119)
(3,600)
(1,366)
(1,203)
(2,850)
(320)
(203,234)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 17

Docusign Envelope ID: 62EFF727-A810-4852-85CB-E597D48F0CC6

The Learning Tree

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Other expenditure
Advertising
Software costs
Legal and professional fees
Rent
Water rates
Rates, heat & light
Insurance
Repairs and renewals
Telephone
Printing, postage and stationery
Trade subscriptions
Hire of photocopier
Miscellaneous small items
Cleaning
Depreciation of portakabin
Depreciation of F&F
Depreciation of computer and software
(188)
(402)
(5,664)
(10,125)
(1,252)
(5,325)
(3,752)
(3,276)
(1,489)
(988)
(3,104)
(209)
(102)
(6,710)
(5,103)
(474)
(59)
(48,222)
(49)
(303)
(7,889)
(10,197)
(833)
(2,521)
(3,498)
(1,626)
(1,212)
(799)
(2,716)
(307)
(302)
(12,186)
(5,103)
(252)
(59)
(49,852)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 18