Charity registration number 1079310 (England and Wales)
Company registration number 3871017
ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mr Steve Higgins
Mrs Pip Higgins
Secretary
Ms C M Perkins
Charity number (England and Wales)
1079310
Company number
3871017
Registered office
Elmcroft
Holly Way
Elmstead Market
Colchester
CO7 7YQ
Independent examiner
Rachel Skells BA FCA
c/o The Old Exchange
64 West Stockwell Street
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1HE
ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 2
Independent examiner's report
3
Statement of financial activities
4
Balance sheet
5
Notes to the accounts
6 - 11
ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 1 -

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Objectives and activities
We are committed to valuing every aspect of a child's education. We believe that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are all interrelated and a child who is self assured will have the confidence to try new things and therefore extend their learning.
It is our aim that every child will experience a broad and balanced curriculum, in an environment that is happy, caring and stimulating.
Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Activities
The main activities undertaken by the charity to further its charitable purposes for the public benefit was the provision of pre-school education in the form of a nursery.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
During the period under review the nursery was successful in developing the potential of the children at their own pace using a planned curriculum tailored to the needs of each child by means of developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level of adult input. The curriculum leads to nationally approved learning goals which prepares the children to progress with confidence to the National Curriculum when reaching school age.
Financial review

The nursery’s reserves at the start of 2024 were £63,263 (01/​01/​2024) and at the year-end £63,678 (31/​12/​2024). This represents a surplus of £415. The nursery is still seeing positive revenue in the bank account due to child sessions with the nursery being almost full all year. There are waiting lists being produced each term. The nursery has remained frugal with all expenditure and has always sought the best deals for the utilities they are responsible for. This year the Nursery has replaced and added new outdoor equipment to create a more fun and educational environment for all the children to explore.

 

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

 

Major risks

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
Structure, governance and management

The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 3 November 1999, as amended by special resolution on 17 January 2000. The charity was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

 

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law.

 

Elmstead Nursery is managed by a committee of Trustees and Board Members which includes a Nursery parent representative.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr Steve Higgins
Mrs Pip Higgins
Recruitment and appointment of trustees

New trustees are appointed if existing trustees retire. The Trustees are local representatives.

 

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr Steve Higgins
Mrs Pip Higgins
Trustee
Trustee
12 June 2025
ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
- 3 -

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Elmstead Nursery Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

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 that in any material respect:

1

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.

2

the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3

the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4

the financial statements 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 financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.

Rachel Skells BA FCA
c/o The Old Exchange
64 West Stockwell Street
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1HE
12 June 2025
ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 4 -
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Charitable activities
2
165,946
147,012
Other trading activities
3
622
532
Investments
4
27
20
Total income
166,595
147,564
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
166,180
145,961
Total expenditure
166,180
145,961
Net income and movement in funds
415
1,603
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
63,263
61,660
Fund balances at 31 December 2024
63,678
63,263

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 5 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Current assets
Stocks
10
160
214
Debtors
11
3,051
2,920
Cash at bank and in hand
66,856
66,133
70,067
69,267
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
12
(6,389)
(6,004)
Net current assets
63,678
63,263
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
14
63,678
63,263
63,678
63,263

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

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

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 12 June 2025
Mr Steve Higgins
Mrs Pip Higgins
Trustee
Trustee
Company registration number 3871017 (England and Wales)
ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 6 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Elmstead Nursery Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Elmcroft, Holly Way, Elmstead Market, Colchester, CO7 7YQ.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

 

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being 12 months from the date of signing the financial statements. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

1.4
Incoming resources
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount.

 

Grants from the government and other agencies have been included as incoming resources from charitable activities where these amount to a contract for services.

ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 7 -
1.5
Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

 

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay. Expenditure has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

 

Resources expended include attributable VAT, which cannot be recovered.

1.6
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

1.7
Financial instruments

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Financial assets comprise cash at bank and in hand, together with trade and other debtors. A specific provision is made for debts for which recoverability is in doubt. Cash at bank and in hand is defined as all cash held in instant access bank accounts and used as working capital. Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise all creditors except social security and other taxes, deferred income and provisions.

1.8
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

1.9
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Charitable Activities
Sales within charitable activities
159,619
141,004
Other income
6,327
6,008
165,946
147,012
ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 8 -
3
Income from other trading activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Fundraising events
622
532
4
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Interest receivable
27
20
5
Charitable activities

Charitable activities

Charitable activities

2024
2023
£
£
Staff costs
135,674
118,382

Rent & rates

4,998
5,162

Snacks for children

1,160
1,250

Insurance

1,078
1,026

Light & heat

1,995
3,024

Repairs & maintenance

6,163
4,815

Printing, postage & stationery

1,594
1,478
Telephone
1,333
868

Hot dinners

3,478
3,104

Subscriptions

212
146

Activity fees

3,672
2,232

Sundry expenses

1,385
1,228
162,742
142,715
Share of governance costs (see note 6)
3,438
3,246
166,180
145,961
ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 9 -
6
Governance costs
Governance costs
2024
2023
Basis of allocation
£
£
£
Accountancy
3,438
3,438
3,246
Governance
3,438
3,438
3,246
Analysed between
Charitable activities
3,438
3,438
3,246

The accountancy fees include £2,244 (2023: £2,166) for accounts production and independent examination fees and £1,194 (2023 £1,080) for other services provided.

7
Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration, benefits or expenses from the charity during the year.

8
Employees
Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
10
9
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
130,931
116,135
Social security costs
2,471
329
Other pension costs
2,272
1,918
135,674
118,382

No employees received total employee benefits of more than £60,000.

9
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 10 -
10
Stocks
2024
2023
£
£
Finished goods and goods for resale
160
214
11
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
1,547
1,428
Prepayments and accrued income
1,504
1,492
3,051
2,920
12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Other taxation and social security
2,778
705
Other creditors
3,611
5,299
6,389
6,004
13
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
2,272
1,918

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

ELMSTEAD NURSERY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 11 -
14
Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 January 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 December 2024
£
£
£
£
General funds
63,263
166,595
(166,180)
63,678
Previous year:
At 1 January 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 December 2023
£
£
£
£
General funds
61,660
147,564
(145,961)
63,263
15
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023- none).

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