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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07079369 (England and Wales)
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1136923





















REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

FOR

THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL

THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL






CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024




Page

Report of the Trustees 1 to 2

Independent Examiner's Report 3

Statement of Financial Activities 4

Balance Sheet 5 to 6

Notes to the Financial Statements 7 to 11

THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07079369)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024


The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
To enhance the development and education of children primarily under statutory school age in particular but not exclusively by:

i) offering appropriate play, education and care facilities and training courses and by

ii) creating a happy and caring and inclusive environment in which children can explore and develop and to nurture their self esteem and work alongside parents and prepare them for their transition to school.

Public benefit
In carrying out the Charity's objectives the Trustees have had due regard for the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
This charitable company was set up on 18 November 2009 and subsequently achieved registered charity status on 15 July 2010.

The charity has continued to strive to meet its objectives which have been assisted by fundraising activities, initiatives and staff training.

An Ofsted inspection was carried out in March 2023 and we were very proud to achieve the grading of 'Outstanding'. We continue to review our practices to ensure that we maintain our standards.

FINANCIAL REVIEW
Overview
The Little Ark has had another successful year and continues to maintain a good reputation in the local area, which has also been boosted by our Ofsted grading. The waiting list remains consistently healthy.

The figures for the year show a surplus of £23,093 (2023: £6,721).

We continue when possible to keep our sessions availability higher to maintain our income. Increases to fees were implemented from September 2023 and will also be increased again from September 2024 to keep fees in line with other local settings.

We employed a new Apprentice from June 2024, she had previously attended the Little Ark when she was young and had come in for work experience from her school.

Reserves policy
The charity monitors its funds and funding requirements informally on a regular basis and is still looking to adopt a more formal reserves policy which will be presented to the Committee in November 2024.

FUTURE PLANS
We continue to be part of a large collaboration of 23 settings in Ashford, and two of our staff continue to hold key roles within this group (Chair and Treasurer). The group is thriving by sharing good practice.

Next year: The Collaboration are giving each setting up to £900 to spend on items to benefit the children in the setting, this should be available from October. The focus this year is enabling environments and we are looking to focus on Physical Development including Music and Movement and involving Technique Soccer School.

Setting Improvements: We are replacing the carpets in the main hallway and the office area during August 2024.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.


THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07079369)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024


STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The policy of the charity is to appoint trustees from the following positions within the school: Head Teacher, School Governor, Office Manager.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Company number
07079369 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number
1136923

Registered office
The Little Ark
Wesley School Road
Cuckoo Lane
Ashford
Kent
TN23 5LW

Trustees
P G Spragg
Mrs C A Clark
Miss R S Harrington
Mrs P M Wood

Company Secretary
C Rae

Independent Examiner
McCabe Ford Williams
Chartered Accountants
Invicta Business Centre
Monument Way
Orbital Park
Ashford
Kent
TN24 0HB

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 28 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:





P G Spragg - Trustee

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Little Ark Preschool ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 July 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's 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 charity'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
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:

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.








Mark C Greenwood FCA

McCabe Ford Williams
Chartered Accountants
Invicta Business Centre
Monument Way
Orbital Park
Ashford
Kent
TN24 0HB

4 December 2024

THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
fund funds funds funds
Notes £    £    £    £   
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Charitable activities
Income from charitable activities 169,664 750 170,414 146,054
Operation of the preschool - 18,573 18,573 18,697

Other trading activities 2 1,450 - 1,450 1,189
Investment income 3 1,230 - 1,230 667
Total 172,344 19,323 191,667 166,607

EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Operation of the preschool 149,046 19,528 168,574 159,886

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 23,298 (205 ) 23,093 6,721


RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 161,687 668 162,355 155,634

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 184,985 463 185,448 162,355

THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07079369)

BALANCE SHEET
31 JULY 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
fund funds funds funds
Notes £    £    £    £   
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 9 1,909 446 2,355 1,417

CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks 10 671 - 671 993
Debtors 11 1,665 - 1,665 2,016
Cash at bank and in hand 185,964 17 185,981 161,405
188,300 17 188,317 164,414

CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 12 (5,224 ) - (5,224 ) (3,476 )

NET CURRENT ASSETS 183,076 17 183,093 160,938

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 184,985 463 185,448 162,355

NET ASSETS 184,985 463 185,448 162,355
FUNDS 13
Unrestricted funds 184,985 161,687
Restricted funds 463 668
TOTAL FUNDS 185,448 162,355

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 July 2024.


The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.


The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
(a)ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
(b)preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.


THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07079369)

BALANCE SHEET - continued
31 JULY 2024

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.


The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 28 November 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:





P G Spragg - Trustee





R S Harrington - Trustee

THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Statutory Information
The Little Ark Preschool is a charitable company, Limited by guarantee and registered in England. The charity's registered number, principal address and nature of operation can be found within the Report of the Trustees.

The accounts are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charitable company.

Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.


Fixtures, fittings & equipment - 20% on a straight line basis

It is the policy of the Charity to capitalise items that will be used for more than one year. These items are initially recognised at cost.

Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Debtors
Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

Creditors
The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
2024 2023
£    £   
Fundraising events 1,450 1,189

3. INVESTMENT INCOME
2024 2023
£    £   
Deposit account interest 1,230 667

4. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2024 2023
£    £   
Depreciation - owned assets 1,019 628

5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 July 2024 nor for the year ended 31 July 2023.


Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 July 2024 nor for the year ended 31 July 2023.


6. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2024 2023
All staff 9 10

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Restricted Total
fund funds funds
£    £    £   
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Charitable activities
Income from charitable activities 146,054 - 146,054
Operation of the preschool - 18,697 18,697

Other trading activities 1,189 - 1,189
Investment income 667 - 667
Total 147,910 18,697 166,607

EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Operation of the preschool 140,967 18,919 159,886

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 6,943 (222 ) 6,721


RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 154,744 890 155,634

THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted Restricted Total
fund funds funds
£    £    £   

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 161,687 668 162,355

8. INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REMUNERATION

During the year the following fees were incurred for the examination of the accounts.

2024 2023
£ £
Independent examiner’s fees 600 600
Accountancy services fees paid to the independent examiner 945 900


9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures,
fittings
& equipment
£   
COST
At 1 August 2023 6,475
Additions 1,957
Disposals (656 )
At 31 July 2024 7,776
DEPRECIATION
At 1 August 2023 5,058
Charge for year 1,019
Eliminated on disposal (656 )
At 31 July 2024 5,421
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 July 2024 2,355
At 31 July 2023 1,417

10. STOCKS
2024 2023
£    £   
Stocks 671 993

11. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2024 2023
£    £   
Trade debtors 193 1,416
Other debtors 1,472 600
1,665 2,016


THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

12. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2024 2023
£    £   
Trade creditors 1,986 103
Social security and other taxes 333 323
Other creditors 10 -
Accruals and deferred income 2,895 3,050
5,224 3,476

The deferred income is in relation to deposits received for the following school year.

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement At
At 1.8.23 in funds 31.7.24
£    £    £   
Unrestricted funds
General fund 161,687 23,298 184,985

Restricted funds
System Leadership Supplement - 17 17
Contain Outbreak Management Fund 668 (222 ) 446
668 (205 ) 463
TOTAL FUNDS 162,355 23,093 185,448

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£    £    £   
Unrestricted funds
General fund 172,344 (149,046 ) 23,298

Restricted funds
System Leadership Supplement 19,323 (19,306 ) 17
Contain Outbreak Management Fund - (222 ) (222 )
19,323 (19,528 ) (205 )
TOTAL FUNDS 191,667 (168,574 ) 23,093


Comparatives for movement in funds

Net
movement At
At 1.8.22 in funds 31.7.23
£    £    £   
Unrestricted funds
General fund 154,744 6,943 161,687

Restricted funds
Contain Outbreak Management Fund 890 (222 ) 668

TOTAL FUNDS 155,634 6,721 162,355

THE LITTLE ARK PRESCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£    £    £   
Unrestricted funds
General fund 147,910 (140,967 ) 6,943

Restricted funds
System Leadership Supplement 18,697 (18,697 ) -
Contain Outbreak Management Fund - (222 ) (222 )
18,697 (18,919 ) (222 )
TOTAL FUNDS 166,607 (159,886 ) 6,721

The System Leadership Supplement from Local Government was contributed to the Ashford Early Years Collaboration in accordance with the terms under which this supplement was awarded.

The Contain Outbreak Management Fund is funding from KCC for initiatives that support proactive containment and intervention measures in relation to COVID-19.

14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 July 2024.