Ir Company registratl•)n number 2412455 {England and Wales) St George's Community Children's Project Limited StG ge's CHILDCARE DIRECTORS. REPORT AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 AUGUST 2023 KENT éwhitehead COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Chafitable F￿ndatIon Monckton• *ACHXF02Q" 1212023 COWANIES H¢JJSE A13 LOIIEPI COL FERGUSSON LOTTERY FUNDED CMARITABLE TRUST ST GEORGE'S COMMUNITYCHIiDREN'S PROJEcfuMITED CONTENTS Pagelsl 1-12 Oirectors. report 13- 16 Independent Auditorfs 17 Statement of financial artivities 18 Balance sheet 19 Statement of cash flows 20- 30 Notes to the accounts STGEORGE'S COMMUNificHILDREWS PROJECT UMrrED DIREcfoRS' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 The directors, who are also trustees for the purposes of the CharitTres Act 2011. present their annual report and the audited financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 August 2023. This directors. report. prepared in accordance with Section 415 of the Companies Act 2006. is also the trustees, report required by the Charities Act 2011. The trustees confimi that the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current. statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of "Accounting and Reporting by Charitie5-. 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 IFRS 1021" Icharities SORP IFRS 10211. Reference and Adminlstratlve Information CHARITY NAME St George's Community Children's Project Limited. Also krtown as St George's Childcare COMPANY NUMBER 2412455 (registered in Englandl CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 802017 REGISTERED OFFICE AND PRINCIPAL ADDRESS 7 Chilston Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9LP INDEPENDENT AUOThORS ndeyer Francis Ferguson Limited Chartered Accountants North House 198 High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 IBE 8ANKERS National We5tmin5ter Bank plc 89 Mount Pleasant Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TNI IPX CIF.8ank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue. Kin85 Hill. West Mallin& Kent ME19 4JQ The Charity Bank Ltd Fosse House, 182 High Street Tonbridge TN9 IBE srGÉORGE'S COMMUNITYCHILDREN'S PROJEcf UMrrED DIREcfoRS' REPORT l¢ontinued} FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 DIREcfoRS Adrian Crouch (Chairl Jason Fisher Lindsey Grant Julie Hughes Cenydd Milne Pauline Parker Steven Whittle Anna Youngson . Vijay Ray Iresigned 2519n0231 {appointed 2519120231 8VSINESS MANAGER Morgane Glew structure. G¢y4ernance and Mana8ement Companystatus St George's Community Children's Project Limited is a charitable Company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event of a winding up, each member and those that have ceased bein8 a mernber within the previous twelve months, are limited to a liability of £1. The Company was incorporated on 10 August 1989 and is govemed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Governance The Board of Directors is responsible for selecting and recruiting suitable directors to office at the Annual General Meeting. In order to recruit new trustees. the board advertise on Do.it.or& the website and do posts on social media. The maximum number of directors that may be elected to the board is twelve and the minimum 15 three. Eight directors seNed in office during the year. The direttors may from time to time appoint any member of the company as a dirertor. either to fill a casual vacancy or by way of addition to the Board. provided that the prescribed maximum number of directors is not exceeded. Any member so appointed shall retain offKe until the next Annual General Meeting and is then eligible for re-election. Inductltyn oJdlrertors Individuals who are interested in becoming directors are invited to join a meeting where they are introduced to all the other members. They are asked to submit a CV and to complete the necessary forms for clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service IDBSI. Each new director is given a Charity Commission b1￿klet explaining director5, responsibilitie5 and dates of available training relating to directors, responsibilities. Copies of the previou$ 12 month's meeting minutes are supplied, together with a pack containing the history of St George's. a list and CV of other dirertors, a copy of the charity's Memorandum and Artitles of Association, and the latest accounts from the preceding month. The charity's website and the prospectus are available to all new members to gain more information about the management and seNbces of the charity. STGEORGE'S COMMUNITY CHILDREWS PROJECT LIMITED DIREcfoRS' REPORT Itontwbuedl FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 Organisationalstwcture The management of the charity is run by the Executive Committee. which consists of the serving dirertors and the Business Manager. The Board of Directors meet Month￿ with the Business Manager where any issue5 or escalations are raised for discussion and resolution. The Executive Committee oversee the rest of the administrative team which comprises th￿e Childcare Managers, a Deputy Childcare manager. a Staff Development Lead, a Finance Manager. a Fundraising Manager. an Office Manager and an Administrative AssistanVReceptTronist. The remuneration of the charl￿5 key management personnel is decided by the directors based on performance and achievement of agreed objectives for the year. It is communicated by the Chair after discussion with the Business Manager and the other directors. Objectives and Activities The overall aim of St George's IS to prowde a high standard of ¢hildcare for the local community. This encompasses.. the promotion of the mental. physical and spiritual wellbeing of children and young people, especially those in poor circumstances. those suffering from disability and incapacity of any kind and those who are deprived,. and the relief of children in need of care and protection by the Provision of day care facilities and fa¢ilits"es for such children outside of school hours and during school holidays. The nursery offers three categories of activity: A full day care Nursery Comprised of five afeas narnely Squirrels (babies- 1.5 years), Hedgehogs11.S- 2 years), Mole$12-3 years). and Badgers and Otters13-5 yearsl,. Little Dragons term time only preschool group {2.5-5 yearsl- and An Out of Hours facility incorporating After School Club for primary school children up to year 6 and Holiday Clubs. These artivities are run from the charl￿5 freehold property at 7 Chilston Road, Tunbridge Wells. The ¢hildcare service is offered to all sections of the community irrespertrve of ethnic, social and cultural differences and thereby encourages children to mix with and respect one another. In order to accomplish this, St George's uses social media. word of mouth and sometimes marketing advert15ernents placetl in targeted local publications. When providing assisted childcare places St George'5 aims to also gwe consideration to land in no order of preferencel:_ l. Children who have a parent suffering from either mental or physical disability. 2. Children who have been referred to St George's through another agency. 3. Children from families who are experiencing financial hardship. STGEORGE'S COMMUNITY CHILDRE￿$ PROJEcf UMITED DIRE￿oR5. REPORT lcontlnued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 4. Children from families experiencing emotionallstressful circumstances temporarily or lon8-term. 5. Children whose social or intellectual development is known to be delayed. 6. Children from homes where there is inadequate play space. In order to do this the tharity offers 5ubsidised places for childcare services. Special consideration 15 given to individual families as and when the need arises within all areas of the childcare. The Executive Committee reviews the number of a55iSted place5 offered each year and the Childcare managers review them on a case- by-case basis every 6 months if they need to be extended. in which case a form is sent to the family and criteria are assessed once again, forexample- where does the referral comesfrom. housing and employment situation, benefits being ￿(eived. child special educational needs, detailed Circumstances etc. Subsidised places are made possible through the charl￿$ programme of fundraising. In order to meet the overall aim of providing high quality childcare St George's has categorised its aims in five ways= Communtynnks to provide a¢cess to all visitors to view our ser¥ices and facilities. to open orjoin communication links with other agencies. to share information and experiences with other agencie5. to open or join communication links with statutory a8encies. to provide optimum standards of Health and Safety for all indNiduals involved at St George's. to have sufficient expertise amongst the staff to cope with the minor medical problems of children and to deal confidently with emergency situation5. to be aware of the nutritional requirements of the growing child and how these needs can be met. to provide a good quality day care nufsery seThice for children from babies to five years old. to provide a good quality term time only preschool for children from two and a half years to school age. to prowde good quality Out of School Clubs for primary school children up to year 6. io provide subsidised places for disadvantaged children a5 predetermined. to provide a combination of excellent day care. after school and holiday care that can provide a continuous ser¥ice from babies up to year 6. Familysupport to provide a secure and carin8 environment in which parents will feel confident to leave their child. to offer a team of professional staff who are available for confidential discussion of each individual hild's needs. to maximise fvndraising potential in order to provide sub5idised places. to offer advice and support for parents of children with special needs. to offer opportunities for parental involvement in social, board management and fundraisinB activities. STGEORGE'S COMMUNrrYcHILDREN'S PROJEcf UMITED DIREcfoRS' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 to promote a positive ima8e of St George's and the e¥tellent childcare tt offers through social media such as our website. our Faobook, and our Instsgram page. St George'5 short-term airn5 are- Make sure St George's has sufficient subsidised places. Achieve the forecasted fundraising objective. Deliver consistent outcomes for all children across the setting. Creatively develop each chrld's potential. Deliver a personal learning and development plan for each staff member that achieves best practice within their roles. Review pay scales and benefits package to maintain competitive advantage. Involve our teams in the delivery of our plan. Maintain an operational bud8et. Mitigate and control risk. Maintain our operational assets (equipment. resources and pmpertyl. Develop a plan for an investment surplus. Develop innovative solutions across the setting. Develop a community network to raise the profile of St George's. Ensure our charity offering is relevant based on existing and changing local needs. Develop and encourage Eco-friendly ways across the setting . St George's long-term aims are= Maintain our'Outstandin8' OFSTED rating. Maintain or increase the occupancy. Retain staff by making sure our training and benefits package 15 competitrve. Provide a Clear pipeline and personal development plan for staff from apprentices to fully qualified ¢hildcare professionals. Consistently deliver outstandin8 childcare. Continue to develop and motivate our highly skilled team who are passionate working for St Georges. Deliver a surplus in order to maintain required working capital, to ensure funds are available in the event of unbudgeted expenditure and to reinvest into the setting. Successfully create an innovatwe and eco-friendly childcare setting. Maximise opportunities to support our community. The Executive Committee measures its success in a number of way5. but there a number of key indicators as follows.. The occupancy rates within each activity. A 6-month forecast is prepa￿￿ monthly. which is reviewed by the board and the Business Manager. The number of assisted places it has been able to offer to parents who need support. Result5 of OFSTED inspertions. We are governed by OFSTED and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage IEYFSI.. the government framework that sets standards for care and learning in the early years. STGEORGE'S COMMUNITYCHILDREN'S PROJEcf UMITED DIRECTORS. REPORT {contlnuedl FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 Feedback from parents or ¢arer5. Childcare managers meet with social workers and health visitor5, and regularly organise interviewswith family members so thatthechildcare managers can be informed about the behawour of their children and how their life is improving. Retention of permanerbt staff members. Monthly analysis of our management accounts for budget tracking purposes. Yearly parents and staff 5urvev In setting the objectives and planning the activities of St George's the directors have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and to its supplementary public benefit guidance on advancing education and on fee charging. Review of achievernents During the year, St GetsrgÈ's experiènced a very good level of occupancy. and now we have a waiting list for places. This meant that we had to recruit more staff and we reviewed and updated OLsr staff benefits package. Throughout 2022123 we have had the windows replaced in the whole building. to ensure we are more ener efficient and refufbished our ground floor and basernent toilets. We installed a lockdown system and carried out an up8rade of our electrical circuits following an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). The exterior of the main building was decorated, and the main roof was repaired. During early summer months we applied and received a grant to update our allotments. The work has been completed and we now offer the children a larger. safer area for learning about planting and growing. The last OFSTED inspection was in November 2019 and the St George's received an outstanding rating which shows the quality of childcare provided in the setting. Chlldren Nursery The nursery occupancy rates were good from September 2022. Occupancy rates for the year were 86% 12022: 88.6%). The Little Dra8ons' occupancy rates for the year were 87% {2022'. 83%). Aftersc1￿01 C14 The club has been consistently well occupied with occupancy rates for the year of 81%12022: 84%). The Holiday Clubs has seen good numbers with occupancy rates for the year of 87%12022.- 81%). We have received many compliments from pa￿ntS abo¥Jt how much their children enjoy coming to the club. STGEORGE'S COMMUNITYCHIiDREN'S PROJEcf UMITED DIRE￿oR$. REPORT Icontinued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 The children are still fed from the marvellous kitchen and then have the opportunity to play both in and out of the building. Duringthe year. results of interviews and questionnaireswith parents were positive and showed the difference that St George's makes to children and their families. Results showed that 98.9% of parents are happy with the setting. which we are very proud about. Communication. caterin& buildin& and gardening improvements were a few areas that were highlighted. At the centre of the service, is the Senior Childcare Leader who is a high￿ experieneed and qualified childcare professional. supported by Keyworkers who complete planning and next steps for the children including observations and assessments. Iconnect. an interartive tool, is used by the setting and parents. This enables the Key Person to create an Online Journal which parents can read and contribute to, to document the children's progress. Be5ide5 observations on learning and progress. this tool will include things like photos and videos. This investment ha5 enabled better sharing of information and feedback on each child which has helped develop consistent care both at nursery and at home. 5toff Recruitment within the sector has been challen8ing but we have been successful in recruiting and retaining talented staff through our practises and staff benefits. Our staff are bright. caring individuals who are a credit to the St George's team. In addition. they are mostly erther qualified orworking towards a qualification. A total of 4 staff either qualified or gained higher qualification thi5 year. The management team continues to work with each employee with a view to be a great place to work as well as a fantastic childcare establishment. This includes en5urin8 411 staff receive the necessary trainin& have supervision meetings every 6-8 weeks and a vearly appraisal where th￿r personal development plan and objertives are reviewed. The appraisal process was done in February and March 2023 and was followed by a Payscale exercise and pay int￿a$e in April 2023. Staff benefits package include.. 3 months. fully paid maternity leave. free childcare when staff are workin& holiday given between Christmas and New Year. pension scheme, Social events, 3¢¢ess to over 2fy) exclusive perks and discounts (discounted cinema tickets, money off meals OUL reduced membership fees1. free lunch, free flu jab. free uniforms. funded trainin& Cycle to work scheme etc. Fundraising ond Ivssistedpluces Although St George's runs a full time Nursery. term time only preschool. Afterschool and Holiday Club. it a150 undertakes Significant fundraising activities with the objective of being able to provide subsidised places for children in need. The 2022123 year saw St George's provide 17 children with such wbsidised places, at a cost of £15.372 for the year. St George's overachieved its fundraising targets in 20221231121%). mainly due to the Eenerous grants and donations we have received, our very 5ucce55ful Christrnas and Surnmer fairs, fundraising events like our Quiz Night and the London Marathon sponsored event. ST GEORGE'S COMMUNITYCHILDREN'S PROJECT UMITED DIREcfoRS' REPORT {continuedl FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 St George's would like to thank the following individuals. grant bodies and organisations who have supported the charity during the year with significant fundraising activrties and donations: É2,250 Whitehead Monckton Charitable Foundation & Sir Brandon Gough Memorial Fund £2,500 Kent County Council Combirted Members Scheme £5,000 Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust £8,500 Wards Emergency Support Fund- Arun Estates £io.tIOO The National Lottery. Awards for All £500 South East Watercommunity Fund £7.795 Norman Birch Legacy Gift £500 Cripps Sustainability Funding £2,000 Gatwick Airport Community Trust £5.000 Barretts Charitable Fund £1.494 Donation by parents £640 Donation from Little Owls Nursery £250 Donation from Handelsbanken The setting is sincerely grateful to each and every iftdividual. company. club. churth. trust and group that ha5 donated or volunteered their services. Without this help, St George's could not hope to help a5 many children as It does. In addition, St George's continues to be involved with The Mayorfs Toy Appeal. helping a large number of children each year to enjoy a better Christmas. The majority of St George's fundraising income is obtained through grant and trust applications and the support from those in our community. We do not carry out any fundraising activities where a professional fundraising agency is paid or where external fundraisers are atting on our behalf. Any fundraising activities that are undertaken are done so voluntarily and under the guidance of the Fundraising and Development Manager wherever p055ible. 8uildinq The building is close to 200 years old and. as such. requires a significant amount of work and upkeep to maintain a safe and comfortable environment a5 well as rÈtain its appealing nature for children. In order to ensure the setting provides a high standard forthe children. a number of building works have taken place in the year= New windows Decorating the outside of the building Upgrading the allotment area Lockdown system installed New toilets on ground floor and basement STGEORGE'S COMMUNITYCHILDREWS PROJEcf UMITED DIRE￿OR5. REPORT Itontinued) FOR THE YEAR ENOEO 31 AUGUST 2013 It is hoped that in the 2023n4 financial year, St George's will be able to secure some additional fundraisin& so that it can undertake some significant improvements throughout setting and the playground. Pension Staff who meet the legislative criteria are automatically opted in to the People'5 Pension and can pay 5% of their salary12% prior to April 20191 with St George's paying 3%. Staff can then opt out of pension payments rf they do not wish to utili5e it. Risk Management The board reviewthe risk register on a monthly basis and take appropriate actions Whe￿ necessary. Currently. principal risks are considered to be.. The board could benefit in relevant skills in HR. employment law etc. Key staff absence. GDPR Compliance. Business continuity and planning. Retention of Staff. Building destruction by fire. L05s of IT equipment. Lockdown situation (building intrusion). Building maintenance. Public Perception. Running out of funding. Special diet compliance. Health and Safety. Loss of revenue following closure due to lockdown for pandemic. Exceptional building or grounds maintenance issue5. Pandemic Illness. Building security The board and the 8usiness Manager have identified these risks and put relevant measures in place to control them. for example, a recruitment plan for new board members. a review of the constitution, the creation of a continuity plan and cover plan for key Staff, the appointment of a Data Protection Officer and lock down drills and the reinforcement of the buildin) 119,0811 18,969 Total fund5 1.138,667 1.653.777 123,4811 1.180,997 Ati *t thcomh 2021 At31 Aug Prlor year Transfrr Unrestricted funds General fund 778.831 1.610.609 { 1.389,6291 9.039 1.008.850 Oesignated fund5 Building fund 130.167 14.4001 125,767 908.998 1.610.609 14.4001 9,039 1,134,617 Restricted funds Assisted places ￿nd Equipment fund 1,463 3.736 19,640 9,704 120,7891 16651 19.039.Wl 314 3.736 5,199 29.344 121.4541 19,0391 4,050 Total funds 914.197 1,639.953 125,8541 1,138.667 28 ST GEORGE'S COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S PROJEcf UMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2023 14 MOVEMENT ON FUNDS {continuedl Buildin8 fund The building fund represent5 a lottery grant which wa5 set aside by the trustees and utilised to purchase the freehold premise5. Part of the depreciation char8e is charged to the building fund each year. Assisted places fund The assisted places fund5 represents grant5 and donations received that were erther restricted to, or have been allocated to. the provision of sub5idised places. Equipment fund This fund represents specific Brants and donations received for the purchase of equipment and/or toys. Garden fund This fund repfesents grants and donations received to make improvements to the playground. It will be used towards resurfacing the concrete. adding a sensory trail and sail shades, removing existing wooden polls to open up the space. and installing a new climbing frame. IS ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS fvnds 2023 Totolfvnds 2023 Current year 2023 Tangible fixed assets Net current a55Èts 742.$90 419.438 742,590 438.407 18.969 1,162.028 18,969 1,180,997 fvnds 2022 fvftds Totalfvnds 2022 2022 Prlor year Tangible fixed assets Net current assets 688,022 446.595 688.022 450,645 4,050 1.134.617 4.050 1.138.667 29 ST GEORGE'S commi1N￿ CHILDREN'S PROJECT UMITEO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2023 16 OPERAnNG LEASE COMMITMENTS At 31 August 2023, the charitable company is committed to future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows: 2023 Due not later than one year Due later than one year but not later than five years 8.973 14,709 10,665 23,681 23.682 34.346 17 RELATED PARTY TRANSA￿loN$ The charity's key management personnel for the year ended 31 Au8USt 2023 are considered to be the Trustees and the 8usiness Manager. Total emoluments, including employer's pension contribution5 and employer's NIC. paid in respect of key management personnel were £87.241 12022.. £58,430). In aggregate. trustee donations were £Nil12022.. £1501. 30