CHARITY NUMBER: 801721
MARDEN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
MARDEN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Legal and Administrative Information | 1 |
| Report of the Trustees | 2 & 3 |
| Report of the Independent Examiner | 4 |
| Receipts & Payment Account | 5 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 6 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 7 |
MARDEN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The Marden Pre-School Playgroup is a registered charity (No. 801721) and affiliated to the Pre-School Learning Alliance whose model constitution it adopted. The model constitution was amended during 2011 and adopted by the charity on 8 October 2011.
The Charity is administered by a committee, who are the trustees and who are elected annually: those during the year being:
Mary Chapple (resigned during the year) Stephen Chapple Zoe Clarkson Lucy Kodua Hayley Schlosser
The Registered Office Address is:
Marden Memorial Hall Goudhurst Road Marden Kent TN12 9JX
Aims and Public Benefit
The aims of the Pre-School 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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(a) 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 for all children whatever their race, culture, religion, means or ability;
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(b) 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;
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(c) instigating and adhering to and furthering the aims and objects of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.
The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
The Independent Examiner is:
T Lane Director in M N Jenks & Co Limited 72 Commercial Road Paddock Wood TONBRIDGE Kent TN12 6DP
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MARDEN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 August 2025. Legal and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report.
RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES
In selecting persons to be appointed trustees, the trustees take into account the benefits of appointing a person who through residence, occupation, employment or otherwise has special knowledge of the area of benefit or who is otherwise able by virtue of his or her personal or professional qualifications to make a contribution to the pursuit of the objects or the management of the trust.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The total receipts for the year amounted to £234,280 (2024 - £199,971) and total payments amounted to £208,240 (2024 - £182,189) giving a net increase in cash and bank balances of £26,040. At the end of the year, cash and bank balances totalled £56,889 (2024 - £30,849).
RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees have a target cash level of £35,000 (2024 - £35,000) to cover future expenditure.
REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES
The 2024–2025 academic year has been a truly special one for Marden Pre-School — a year full of movement, pride, growth and some very big milestones. At the heart of it all has been our continued commitment to children, families and our community, supported by a team who give their whole selves to the job every single day.
One of the greatest highlights of the year was, without doubt, our Ofsted inspection. After ten years of steady development, hard work and ambition under Hayley’s leadership, we achieved the rating every early years setting hopes for OUTSTANDING . This wasn’t just a celebration of one day, but the result of a decade’s worth of commitment, reflection, and passion.
The report recognised the relationships we build, the inclusive practice we champion, and the strong curriculum shaped by a team who each bring something unique and valuable. Our staff are the backbone of the pre-school. What they do daily, whether supporting early communication, nurturing friendships, or helping children with big emotions; is what makes Marden Pre-School such a special place.
This year we supported 35 children in their transition to primary school; a huge milestone for them and for us. It’s been wonderful to hear back from the various schools they joined, with feedback full of praise for the children’s resilience, readiness, and confidence. Schools also shared how valuable our detailed transition information was, enabling them to understand each child’s strengths, needs and personality right from day one.
As we look ahead to September 2025, we do so with a full and thriving setting. Nineteen children will continue their journey with us, 25 new children will be joining in September, and a further 20 children will start gradually throughout the academic year. We continue to grow year on year, which speaks volumes about the trust our community places in us.
Operationally, we handled the huge mix of behind-the-scenes work that keeps the pre-school ticking. This includes all of the day-to-day IT, organising show rounds for new families, managing accounts and bookkeeping, processing funding, keeping on top of parent communication, marketing the setting, arranging rotas, dealing with bad weather, sickness, ordering resources, mending things, making do with creative solutions, and ensuring the building is safe and ready every morning. These tasks may not always be noticed, but they form the engine room of the Pre-School, allowing the children’s experience to stay calm, consistent and joyful.
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MARDEN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES (continued)
This year, we said goodbye to Dana, who, after a decade with us, moved into a specialist SEN provision; a natural next step for her skills and passion. We also wished farewell to Kristina, who has moved into a TA role supporting older primary-aged children. We were equally delighted to welcome Kelly, who joined us in February 2025, and Sarah, who began as a parent helper and will begin her apprenticeship in September 2025.
As we move forward, Hayley and the team will now focus on truly embedding our Outstanding practice, using this achievement as a springboard for even greater quality. With the introduction of the new statutory framework, we will continue strengthening staff knowledge and confidence, blending our existing curriculum with the curiosity approach, loose-parts play, and the ever-changing expectations of the early years sector.
We remain mindful of the uncertainties around the rollout of 30 funded hours for eligible 2-year-olds, particularly the challenges this may bring to long-term sustainability. However, with the support of our collaboration partners, trustees, stakeholders and volunteers, we are committed to staying financially viable while protecting the high standards, inclusive values and holistic ethos that define Marden Pre-School.
Marden Pre-School continues to grow; in numbers, in strength, in reputation, and in heart. We are incredibly proud of this year. Proud of the children, proud of the families, proud of our Outstanding achievement, and proud of the team who make it all possible.
RISK REVIEW
The Trustees have conducted their own review of the major risks to which the Charity is exposed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. The procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they still meet the needs of the Charity.
Charity Law requires the Trustees to prepare in respect of each financial year of the Charity a statement of accounts complying with such requirements as to its form and contents as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to:
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a) Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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b) Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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c) State whether the policies adopted are in accordance with applicable accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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d) Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. 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.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:
LUCY KODUA CHAIRPERSON
Dated: 9 June 2026
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
TO THE TRUSTEES OF MARDEN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
I have reported on the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages 5 to 7 which have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES AND INDEPENDENT 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(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act);
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS' REPORT
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given 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 the seeking of explanations from you as 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 EXAMINERS' STATEMENT
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) 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 s130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met, or
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(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
11 June 2026 72 Commercial Road Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent
T.Lane
Director in M N Jenks & Co Limited Chartered Accountants
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MARDEN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| RECEIPTS | £ | £ |
| Charitable Activities | ||
| Government Funding Received | 198,874 | 153,648 |
| Fees and Sales | 25,556 | 42,421 |
| Training Income | - | - |
| Voluntary Income | 224,430 | 196,069 |
| Donations | 5,526 | - |
| Grants Received | 1,990 | - |
| 7,516 | - | |
| Fundraising Income | 2,073 | 2,807 |
| Other Income | 239 | 1,071 |
| Income from Assets | ||
| Bank Interest | 22 | 24 |
| Total Receipts | 234,280 | 199,971 |
| PAYMENTS | ||
| Cost of Charitable Activities | ||
| Staff Costs | 163,175 | 145,618 |
| Consumables | 1,336 | 1,135 |
| Print, Post, Stationery and IT Costs | 2,164 | 1,614 |
| Premises Hire | 18,340 | 13,182 |
| Insurance | 1,786 | 1,479 |
| Equipment & Maintenance | 5,907 | 4,335 |
| Telephone | 1,324 | 1,300 |
| Food and Drink | 1,342 | 573 |
| Consultancy | 2,619 | 4,702 |
| Subscriptions | 551 | 651 |
| Training | 647 | 899 |
| Sundries | 2,920 | 2,126 |
| Pension Costs | 2,708 | 2,300 |
| Bad Debt | - | - |
| Recruitment Costs | 616 | 190 |
| Cleaning and Hygiene | 853 | 710 |
| Equipment Hire | 509 | 527 |
| 206,797 | 181,341 | |
| Fundraising Costs | - | 10 |
| Other Expenditure | ||
| Independent Examiner's Fees | 672 | - |
| Bookkeeping and Payroll Costs | 771 | 778 |
| 1,443 | 778 | |
| Total Payments | 208,240 | 182,129 |
| NET RECEIPTS (PAYMENTS) FOR THE YEAR | 26,040 | 17,842 |
| CASH & BANK BALANCES AT 31.8.2024 | 30,849 | 13,007 |
| CASH & BANK BALANCES AT 31.8.2025 | £ 56,889 | £ 30,849 |
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MARDEN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP CHARITY NUMBER: 1064838
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| MONETARY ASSETS | ||
| Bank and cash balances | ||
| Bank Current Accounts | 54,197 | 26,041 |
| Bank Reserve Accounts | 953 | 3,477 |
| PAYPAL Account | 30 | 44 |
| Cash Float | 1,709 | 1,287 |
| £ 56,889 | £ 30,849 | |
| NON-MONETARY ASSETS | ||
| FIXED ASSETS | ||
| Equipment and furniture – estimated value | £ 32,000 | £ 30,000 |
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||
| Parent Fees | 1,766 | 670 |
| Prepayments | - | - |
| £ 1,766 | £ 670 | |
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||
| Creditors | ||
| Independent examiner's fees | 1,440 | 1,374 |
| Staff Costs | 1,053 | 436 |
| Rent | - | - |
| Parent Fees in Advance | 1,100 | 1,100 |
| Other | 395 | 644 |
| Bookkeeping and Payroll | - | 374 |
| £ 3,988 | £ 3,928 |
HAYLEY SCHLOSSER TRUSTEE
Statements were approved on: 9 June 2026
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MARDEN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1. TRUSTEES RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Staff costs include £36,895 (2024 - £37,462) paid to one Trustee in respect of their role as employee of the playgroup, including employers national insurance and pension contributions. The employment was in place prior to the appointment as Trustee.
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