The Aldershot Garrison Pre-School Settin - Charities report

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07916241 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1146542

Trustees' Report and

Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 August 2025

for

The Aldershot Garrison Pre-School

Settings

Page

Trustees' Report

1

to

8

Report of the Independent Auditors

9

to

12

Statement of Financial Activities

13

Statement of Financial Position

14

Statement of Cash Flows

15

Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows

16

Notes to the Financial Statements

17

to

24

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 August 2025. 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

The objectives of the charity as set out in the company's articles of association are to:

- provide non-public day nursery facilities and non-publicly funded early years education for children under five years of age of service personnel and qualifying civilian staff;

- enhance the development and education of children primarily under the statutory school age by working in partnership with parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children.

For the purposes of the above, service personnel shall mean serving uniformed personnel of the armed forces of the Crown and qualifying civilians shall mean personnel who are wholly or mainly engaged in activities which directly support the serving personnel of the Aldershot Garrison.

The charity operates under Ofsted regulation and delivers early years education through the operation of 1 nursery and 2 pre-schools settings in the vicinity of the Aldershot Garrison.

We aim to ensure that our military families are provided with outstanding nursery care at an affordable rate which competes strongly with the local market and to support children's development through structured learning and play. Children aged 9 months to 4 years are able to access free early years education through government funding.

Significant activities, achievement and performance

The key activities of the charity include:

- Early years education and care

- Safeguarding and child welfare

- SEND support provision

- Family engagement initiatives

- Workforce training and development

- Community partnership programmes

During the reporting period, the charity has:

- Maintained stable occupancy across all settings

- Delivered consistent early years education provision

- Expanded SEND and pastoral support services

- Strengthened staffing structures and recruitment pathways

- Improved financial processes, including debtor management

The total number of children on roll was 220 (2024: 233) of whom 77% (2024: 69%) have parents in the military.

The average staff headcount during the period was 60 (2024:60). There are ongoing recruitment challenges for full time, year round roles however there has been continued success through student placement pathways with 3 appointments from prior year placements. Professional development, including safeguarding and DSL training, remains ongoing.

Settings Performance

The performance by setting has been summarised below.

Toye Box (TB)

- Significant pastoral case management, including bereavement support

- Strong safeguarding co-ordination with external agencies

- Staff-wellbeing support initiatives implemented

- Continued enrichment and community engagement activities

Clocktower (CT)

- Stable staffing and positive team performance

- Behaviour management strategies reviewed and strengthened

- After school provision ceased following operational review

Queen Mary's Nursery (QMN)

- Strengthened leadership through deputy development

- Recognition achieved for baby unit provision

- Delivery of a strong enrichment programme (including BFBS engagement and themed events)

- Ongoing development of Military Covenant funding bid

Delivering public benefit

The charity provides public benefit through the provision and support of day care and early years education, in accordance with Ofsted regulations and standards, for children under 5 years of age, of serving uniformed members of HM forces and qualifying civilian staff employed in support of Aldershot Garrison. This is done in order to support and give confidence to parents by delivering high quality and totally reliable day care and early years education service. Military personnel are required to serve in operational circumstances at short notice and for prolonged periods and the services undertaken by the charity allows personnel to execute their duties. As a result, the charity provides support to their dependants and develops and maintains morale and community cohesion.

The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission of England and Wales guidance on public benefit when deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The charity remains financially stable with strengthened financial oversight during the reporting period.

Key financial highlights include:

- Improved debtor control and a reduction in outstanding arrears

- Majority of parent accounts now up to date

- Continued performance of the investment portfolio held with Rathbones Group Plc, providing a positive (though variable) return

- Review of audit costs in line with organisational growth (£15,600)

- Ongoing monitoring and management of consumables expenditure

Gross incoming resources for the year amounted to £1,593,004 (2024: £1,317,106). Income continues to be primarily derived from Early Years funding and parent contributions, in line with sector norms. £1,539,639 (2024: £1,293,291) were received in fees and Early Years Funding across the three settings.

Expenditure in the year amounted to £1,391,133 (2024: £1,201,054). Staff costs including staff salaries, pension and employers NI continue to be the main outgoings totalling £1,136,338 (2024: £1,012,447) representing 82% (2024: 84%) of total costs.

The charity occurs minimal administration costs and again in this period, did not incur any premises costs. There is a standing order with the Garrison for continued use of the buildings free of charge with relation to rent, rates, utilities and maintenance. The trustees have continued to ensure that all settings are fitted with modern furnishings and play aids that challenge and stimulate children's learning and development.

The net retained funds at the year-end were £1,085,945 (2024: £877,965), with a total of £417,641 (2024: £405,565) held in the designated fund representing the Rathbones portfolio which is held for capital growth for use in one-off costs or special projects.

Now that results have improved and reserves rebuilt, the trustees' aim going forward are of making a small surplus.

Principal sources of income

Local authority Early Years Education Grants account for 69% (2024: 58%) of all pre-school income. Only parents of the children that do not qualify for grants for those attending in excess of the funded hours are charged fees.

At Queen Marys Nursery, which cares for children aged between 3 months and pre-school age on a full time day care basis, the Early Years Education Grant accounts for 49% (2024: 32%) of income. Research shows that fees charged to parents are significantly lower than those charged by private nurseries in the local area and lower than nurseries in other garrison areas and therefore continue to offer value for money to parents.

At the discretion of the trustees, fees can be waived on the grounds of welfare needs.

Investment policy and performance

Investment activities are managed in line with the requirements of the Trustee Act 2000. The trustees have appointed Rathbones Plc as Investment Manager. The charity's investment policy is a low to medium-risk approach.

During the prior year the charity altered its investment strategy, opting to invest solely into a Rathbones managed collective investment fund to focus on capital growth. Income is reinvested back into the fund.

The investment portfolio is seen as a long-term investment. As at 31 August 2025, the portfolio was valued at £417,641 (2024: £405,565) with a total realised and unrealised gain of £6,109 (2024: £22,073) on the portfolio. The charity also received £9,635 (2024: £9,664) of investment income from the fund during the year.

Reserves policy

The trustees have reviewed the charity's reserves policy and have agreed a strengthened reserves approach to support financial resilience. The reserves policy has been updated to:

- Ensure continuity of service and staffing during periods of uncertainty

- Provide financial capacity to manage potential closure or restructuring scenarios if required

- Support ongoing commitments such as staff wages, utilities, and rent

- Future-proof the organisation against potential changes in property arrangements, including those relating to Ministry of Defence (military) estate decisions

The updated reserves policy is to have a level of reserves, equating to at least 6 months average operating costs (previously 3). Based on these financial statements, this is approximately £695,000.

Reserves are held across cash balances and the investment portfolio managed by Rathbones and currently stand at £1,085,945 (2024: £877,965). It is acknowledged that current charity reserves are above this but it is proposed that this is used to fund part of the future cost increases to limit fee increases and help cover the early years funding gap arising from the extension of free childcare.

The trustees review reserves regularly in line with financial forecasts and risk assessments.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

Strategic priorities for the coming period include:

- Strengthening workforce recruitment and retention

- Expanding family support and engagement initiatives

- Increasing marketing and digital presence (including virtual tours and prospectuses)

- Ongoing review of financial efficiency and audit processes

- Enhancing SEND provision and early intervention strategies

- Developing community and partnership opportunities

- Progressing installation of CCTV, subject to military estate approval

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The organisation is a limited company, limited by guarantee and holding charitable status.

The company 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.

The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance. Day-to-day operational management is delegated to the Chief Executive and senior leadership team across the three settings:

- Toye Box

- Clocktower

- Queen Mary's Nursery

Trustees meet regularly to review the following:

- Safeguarding

- Financial performance and budgets

- Staffing and recruitment

- Operational delivery

- Strategic planning and development

Recruitment and appointment trustees

The directors of the company as defined by company law are also the charity's trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as the trustees and are referred to as trustees only throughout these accounts.

The trustees of the company are found from the officers filing relevant posts on the staff of HQ Aldershot Garrison, along with trustee representation from parents and staff.

Under the requirements of the Articles of Association the trustees must comprise the following:

a) at least one member of the Garrison;

b) at least one parent trustee; and

c) such other individuals as are co-opted by the trustees.

Following confirmation from OFSTED, parent trustees are no longer being appointed at the Charity Commission and Companies House.

We introduced the following to ensure suitable candidates are given responsibilities for the running of the nursery settings:

-Personal Bio

-Interview by Chair/s

-Taken to trustee committee for approval

-DBS checks

-EY2 forms

-References

-Trustee Guides (Charity Commission guidance TOR)

In the event of the company being wound up, trustees are required to contribute an amount not greater than £10.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report, are set out on page 6.

All trustees give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity during the year for performance of their duties as trustees.

Decision making

The Chief Executive has overall financial authority and meets with the trustees once a term. The running of the nurseries has been delegated to the managers, with support and guidance from the Chief Executive.

The current Chief Executive appointed in October 2020, is Julie Mounfield.

Trustees are responsible for setting the pay of Key Management Personnel.

Risk management

The trustees have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. All staff members are required to comply with written policies that are common to all settings. Copies of policies are available to all parents. Policies are regularly reviewed to ensure that they reflect the latest legislation/guidance and current child care practices. Decisions on matters falling outside these policies are referred by supervisors to the Chief Executive and if necessary to the trustees. The Chief Executive meets regularly with the Nursery and Pre-Schools Managers where policies, problems, training and plans are discussed. These meetings also give the opportunity to identify and permeate best practice.

During the trustees' regular monitoring of key risks to the organisation, the following risks were identified this year:

- Recruitment and workforce shortages

- Increasing demand for SEND support

- Rising operational costs, including utilities and audit fees

- Variability in child numbers linked to demographic trends

- Increasing safeguarding complexity

In order to combat some of these risks, the trustees have come up with the following mitigation strategies:

- Strengthening recruitment pipelines and partnerships

- Continued use of student placement programmes

- Development of external funding opportunities

- Enhanced financial monitoring and controls

- Strong multi-agency safeguarding engagement

In addition, trustees are progressing plans to enhance site security through the installation of CCTV systems. This is currently under consultation with relevant military authorities to ensure compliance with estate requirements and regulations.

Ofsted regulation

All settings are subject to inspection by Ofsted. The latest reports can be viewed at www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports. The Chief Executive and Settings Managers have established good working relationships with Ofsted, and the departments at Hampshire County Council and Hart and Rushmoor Borough Council responsible for Early Years Education, child care provision, Early Years support staff, local children's centres and children's social care.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

07916241 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1146542

Registered office

27 Middle Hill

Aldershot

Hampshire

GU11 1PL

Trustees

K Bayliss - (appointed 22/11/18)

D A Betts - (appointed 27/11/20)

G P Bell (appointed 11/01/23)

J A Gaskin (appointed 11/01/23 - resigned 19/01/25)

D Nicholl (appointed 01/03/22)

S L Stephenson \previously Magee\ (appointed 19/03/20)

Auditors

Butt Miller

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

1 Minster Court

Tuscam Way

Camberley

Surrey

GU15 3YY

Bankers

Holt's Military Banking

200 Fowler Avenue

Fowler Business Park

Farnborough

Hampshire

GU14 7JP

Advisers

Investment Managers

Rathbones Investment Management

Port of Liverpool Building

Pier Head

Liverpool

L3 1NW

HR, employment law, and health & safety consultants

Peninsula Business Services

The Peninsula

Victoria Place

Manchester

M4 4FB

The charity also uses the following working names:

Toye Box Early Years Centre

Queen Mary Nursery

Clocktower House Pre-School

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of The Aldershot Garrison Pre-School Settings for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).

Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

-	select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

-	observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

-	make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

-	prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company 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 charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

-	there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and

-	the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

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 14 May 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

D Nicholl - Trustee

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Aldershot Garrison Pre-School Settings (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

-	give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 August 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;

-	have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

-	have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and the provisions available for small entities, in the circumstances set out in note 21 to the financial statements, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

-	the information given in the Trustees' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

-	the Trustees' Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

-	adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

-	the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

-	certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

-	we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

-	the trustees were not entitled to take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the trustees' Report.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

- The nature of the industry and sector the charity is in, its control environment and business performance including the design of the charities policies and staff remuneration;

- Results of our enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities;

- Any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the charity's documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:

- identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of noncompliance;

- detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;

- the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations; and

- The matters discussed among the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

- Enquiries of management and staff including concerning actual and potential litigation and claims and any instances of non-compliance with laws;

- Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud;

- Obtained an understanding of provisions and held discussions with management to understand the basis of recognition or non-recognition of provisions; and

- In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; checking internal controls are being followed are as per its policies and assessing suitability; assessing the judgements made in making accounting estimates; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Alison Elliott BFP ACA FCCA MAAT (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of Butt Miller

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

1 Minster Court

Tuscam Way

Camberley

Surrey

GU15 3YY

19 May 2026

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Total

funds

Notes

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

3

-

502

Charitable activities

6

Charitable activities

1,570,993

1,293,291

Other trading activities

4

771

1,444

Investment income

5

21,240

21,869

Total

1,593,004

1,317,106

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

7

3,669

2,604

Charitable activities

8

Charitable activities

1,387,464

1,198,450

Total

1,391,133

1,201,054

NET INCOME

201,871

116,052

Other recognised gains/(losses)

Gains on revaluation of fixed assets

6,109

22,073

Net movement in funds

207,980

138,125

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

877,965

739,840

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

1,085,945

877,965

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Total

funds

Notes

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

14

9,178

15,152

Investments

15

417,641

405,565

426,819

420,717

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

16

6,227

11,743

Cash at bank

709,901

481,111

716,128

492,854

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

17

(57,002

)

(35,606

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

659,126

457,248

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

1,085,945

877,965

NET ASSETS

1,085,945

877,965

FUNDS

19

Unrestricted funds

1,085,945

877,965

TOTAL FUNDS

1,085,945

877,965

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 14 May 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:

G P Bell - Trustee

D Nicholl - Trustee

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operations

1

214,398

120,207

Net cash provided by operating activities

214,398

120,207

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets

(881

)

(1,689

)

Purchase of fixed asset investments

(5,967

)

(432,699

)

Sale of fixed asset investments

-

356,857

Interest received

11,605

12,205

Share portfolio income

9,635

9,664

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

14,392

(55,662

)

Change in cash and cash equivalents in

the reporting period

228,790

64,545

Cash and cash equivalents at the

beginning of the reporting period

481,111

416,566

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of

the reporting period

709,901

481,111

1.	RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2025

2024

£

Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of

Financial Activities)

201,871

116,052

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges

6,855

11,555

Interest received

(11,605

)

(12,205

)

Share portfolio income

(9,635

)

(9,664

)

Decrease in debtors

5,516

8,816

Increase in creditors

21,396

5,653

Net cash provided by operations

214,398

120,207

2.	ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.9.24

Cash flow

At 31.8.25

£

Net cash

Cash at bank and in hand

481,111

228,790

709,901

481,111

228,790

709,901

Total

481,111

228,790

709,901

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, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

The Aldershot Garrison Pre-school Settings is a private limited company, limited by guarantee, and registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is set out in the Trustees report.

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).

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. Amounts received in advance relating to the following year are deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.

Donations and legacies are accounted for when when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources and are credited to unrestricted funds unless directed by the donor to do otherwise.

Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable. Investment gains and losses includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year using the valuation provided by the Investment Manager (Rathbones Plc).

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met.

The value of any services provided by volunteers are not incorporated into these financial statements. Further details of any contributions can be found in the trustees report.

Donated services and facilities are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the 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. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is inclusive of VAT. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings.

Tangible fixed assets

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

Property improvements

-

10% on cost

Fixtures and fittings

-

33.33% on cost

Fixed asset investments

Listed investments are included at closing market value at the statement of financial position date. Any gain or loss during the year is taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities to the extent that income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Fund accounting

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

The designated fund represents unrestricted funds held equal to the value of the Rathbones portfolio in Listed Investments totalling £417,641 (2024: £405,565).

Pension

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.

Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Provisions

Provisions (i.e. liabilities of uncertain timing or amount) are recognised when there is an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event, it is probable that economic benefit will be transferred to settle the obligation and the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Going concern

The charitable activities are entirely dependent on continuing pre-school fees and government funding. As a consequence, the going concern basis is dependent on the future flow of these funding streams. The trustees are satisfied that, at the time of approving the financial statements, it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. The trustees are not aware of any material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

2.	CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

Judgements in applying accounting policies

In the application of the charitable company’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees have made the following critical judgements:

To determine whether donated services and facilities can be reasonably measured and estimated so as to be recognised in the financial statements as described further in note 18.

Key sources of estimation uncertainties

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

There are no key estimation uncertainties.

3.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2025

2024

£

Donations

-

502

4.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

2025

2024

£

Photo/video/book commission

303

892

Income from fund raising

468

552

771

1,444

5.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2025

2024

£

Investment income

9,635

9,664

Bank interest receivable

11,605

12,205

21,240

21,869

6.	INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

2025

2024

Activity

£

EYE funding and fees

Charitable activities

1,539,639

1,293,291

Grants

Charitable activities

31,354

-

1,570,993

1,293,291

Income from government grants included within EYE funding and fees comprise of grants made by local authorities to fund early years education. The amount received in the year totalled £749,905 (2023: £750,019) Other grants comprise amounts received from the military and the local authority.

7.	RAISING FUNDS

Investment management costs

2025

2024

£

Management charges

3,669

2,604

8.	CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Support

Direct

costs (see

Costs

note 9)

Totals

£

Charitable activities

1,233,159

154,305

1,387,464

9.	SUPPORT COSTS

Information

Management

Finance

technology

£

Charitable activities

33,335

3,369

23,601

Governance

Other

costs

Totals

£

Charitable activities

78,400

15,600

154,305

10.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

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

2025

2024

£

Depreciation - owned assets

6,855

11,555

11.	AUDITORS' REMUNERATION

2025

2024

£

Fees payable to the charity's auditors for the preparation and audit of the

charity's statutory financial statements.

15,600

14,400

12.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

The trustees have not been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits in relation to their work for the charity during the period.

Any trustee with children attending a setting are charged on the same basis as other parents.

There is a policy, that for trustees that have served for longer than 1 year, they would receive a £50 gift on leaving, subject to trustees' agreement.

Trustees' expenses

During the year, 2 Trustees were reimbursed for expenses incurred for the charity totalling £58. (2024: 1 Trustee totalling £13)

13.	STAFF COSTS

2025

2024

£

Wages and salaries

1,039,395

945,099

Social security costs

74,752

53,242

Other pension costs

22,191

14,106

1,136,338

1,012,447

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

2025

2024

Employees

60

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

14.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures

Property

and

improvements

fittings

Totals

£

COST

At 1 September 2024

73,133

145,626

218,759

Additions

-

881

At 31 August 2025

73,133

146,507

219,640

DEPRECIATION

At 1 September 2024

61,383

142,224

203,607

Charge for year

4,331

2,524

6,855

At 31 August 2025

65,714

144,748

210,462

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 August 2025

7,419

1,759

9,178

At 31 August 2024

11,750

3,402

15,152

15.	FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Listed

investments

£

MARKET VALUE

At 1 September 2024

405,565

Revaluations

6,110

Income retained

9,635

Management fees

(3,669

)

At 31 August 2025

417,641

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 August 2025

417,641

At 31 August 2024

405,565

The investments represent holdings in the investment portfolio managed by Rathbone Investment Management.

The historical cost of the above investments was £409,190 (2024: 402,535).

16.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024

£

Trade debtors

5,536

10,821

Other debtors

691

922

6,227

11,743

17.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024

£

Trade creditors

13,860

7,028

Social security and other taxes

18,306

14,178

Other creditors

9,236

-

Accruals and deferred income

15,600

14,400

57,002

35,606

18.	LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

2025

2024

£

Within one year

3,206

Between one and five years

1,603

4,008

4,809

7,214

There is a standing order issued by the Garrison in place (previously a memorandum of understanding) to let the charity use the buildings the settings operate from, rent and maintenance free.

This also includes utilities plus general major refurbishment work as part of the building's maintenance cycle as and when it arises. During the period, refurbishments and major work were completed in two settings.

On the basis that the value of the use of these facilities cannot be reliably determined, as they are military owned assets and the specialist nature of what the charity requires, no income and equivalent expense have been recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

19.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

movement

At

At 1.9.24

in funds

31.8.25

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

472,400

195,904

668,304

Designated fund

405,565

12,076

417,641

877,965

207,980

1,085,945

TOTAL FUNDS

877,965

207,980

1,085,945

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

Incoming

Resources

Gains and

Movement

resources

expended

losses

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

1,583,368

(1,387,464

)

-

195,904

Designated fund

9,636

(3,669

)

6,109

12,076

1,593,004

(1,391,133

)

6,109

207,980

TOTAL FUNDS

1,593,004

(1,391,133

)

6,109

207,980

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net

Transfers

movement

between

At

At 1.9.23

in funds

funds

31.8.24

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

432,190

118,656

(78,446

)

472,400

Designated fund

307,650

19,469

78,446

405,565

739,840

138,125

-

877,965

TOTAL FUNDS

739,840

138,125

-

877,965

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

Incoming

Resources

Gains and

Movement

resources

expended

losses

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

1,317,106

(1,198,450

)

-

118,656

Designated fund

-

(2,604

)

22,073

19,469

1,317,106

(1,201,054

)

22,073

138,125

TOTAL FUNDS

1,317,106

(1,201,054

)

22,073

138,125

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Net

Transfers

movement

between

At

At 1.9.23

in funds

funds

31.8.25

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

432,190

314,560

(78,446

)

668,304

Designated fund

307,650

31,545

78,446

417,641

739,840

346,105

-

1,085,945

TOTAL FUNDS

739,840

346,105

-

1,085,945

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Gains and

Movement

resources

expended

losses

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

2,900,474

(2,585,914

)

-

314,560

Designated fund

9,636

(6,273

)

28,182

31,545

2,910,110

(2,592,187

)

28,182

346,105

TOTAL FUNDS

2,910,110

(2,592,187

)

28,182

346,105

20.	RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 August 2025.

21.	FRC ETHICAL STANDARD - PROVISIONS AVAILABLE FOR SMALL ENTITIES

In common with many other businesses of our size and nature we use our auditors to prepare and submit returns to the tax authorities and assist with the preparation of the financial statements.

22.	ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

The company is limited by guarantee and has no controlling party. The liability of each member is limited to £10 in the event of it being wound up.