Caseware UK (AP4) 2025.0.111 2025.0.111 2025-07-312025-07-312025-07-31Running of pre school nurseriesfalse2024-08-01false205199falsefalse 04424281 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 2023-08-01 2024-07-31 04424281 2025-07-31 04424281 2024-07-31 04424281 2023-08-01 04424281 c:Director1 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:Director2 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:Director2 2025-07-31 04424281 c:Director3 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:Director3 2025-07-31 04424281 c:Director4 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:Director4 2025-07-31 04424281 c:Director5 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:Director5 2025-07-31 04424281 c:RegisteredOffice 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Buildings 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Buildings 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Buildings 2024-07-31 04424281 d:Buildings d:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Buildings d:LongLeaseholdAssets 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:MotorVehicles 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:MotorVehicles 2025-07-31 04424281 d:MotorVehicles 2024-07-31 04424281 d:MotorVehicles d:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:FurnitureFittings 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:FurnitureFittings 2025-07-31 04424281 d:FurnitureFittings 2024-07-31 04424281 d:FurnitureFittings d:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:ComputerEquipment 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:ComputerEquipment 2025-07-31 04424281 d:ComputerEquipment 2024-07-31 04424281 d:ComputerEquipment d:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment 2025-07-31 04424281 d:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment 2024-07-31 04424281 d:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment d:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Goodwill 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2025-07-31 04424281 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2024-07-31 04424281 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 3 2025-07-31 04424281 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 3 2024-07-31 04424281 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2024-07-31 04424281 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments d:WithinOneYear 2025-07-31 04424281 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments d:WithinOneYear 2024-07-31 04424281 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments d:AfterOneYear 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments d:AfterOneYear 2024-07-31 04424281 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments d:BetweenOneTwoYears 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments d:BetweenOneTwoYears 2024-07-31 04424281 d:ShareCapital 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:ShareCapital 2025-07-31 04424281 d:ShareCapital 2023-08-01 2024-07-31 04424281 d:ShareCapital 2024-07-31 04424281 d:ShareCapital 2023-08-01 04424281 d:RevaluationReserve 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:RevaluationReserve 2025-07-31 04424281 d:RevaluationReserve 2023-08-01 2024-07-31 04424281 d:RevaluationReserve 2024-07-31 04424281 d:RevaluationReserve 2023-08-01 04424281 d:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2025-07-31 04424281 d:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-08-01 2024-07-31 04424281 d:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-07-31 04424281 d:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-08-01 04424281 d:FinancialAssetsDesignatedFairValueThroughProfitOrLoss 2025-07-31 04424281 d:FinancialAssetsDesignatedFairValueThroughProfitOrLoss 2024-07-31 04424281 d:FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueThroughProfitOrLoss d:UnlistedNon-exchangeTraded 2025-07-31 04424281 d:FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueThroughProfitOrLoss d:UnlistedNon-exchangeTraded 2024-07-31 04424281 d:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax 2025-07-31 04424281 d:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax 2024-07-31 04424281 d:OtherDeferredTax 2025-07-31 04424281 d:OtherDeferredTax 2024-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass1 2025-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass2 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass2 2025-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass2 2024-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass3 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass3 2025-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass3 2024-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass4 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass4 2025-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass4 2024-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass5 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass5 2025-07-31 04424281 c:OrdinaryShareClass5 2024-07-31 04424281 c:FRS102 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:Audited 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:FullAccounts 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 c:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Subsidiary1 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Subsidiary1 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Subsidiary1 1 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Subsidiary2 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Subsidiary2 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:Subsidiary2 1 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:WithinOneYear 2025-07-31 04424281 d:WithinOneYear 2024-07-31 04424281 d:BetweenOneFiveYears 2025-07-31 04424281 d:BetweenOneFiveYears 2024-07-31 04424281 d:HirePurchaseContracts d:WithinOneYear 2025-07-31 04424281 d:HirePurchaseContracts d:WithinOneYear 2024-07-31 04424281 d:HirePurchaseContracts d:BetweenOneFiveYears 2025-07-31 04424281 d:HirePurchaseContracts d:BetweenOneFiveYears 2024-07-31 04424281 c:Consolidated 2025-07-31 04424281 c:ConsolidatedGroupCompanyAccounts 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 2 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 5 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 6 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 f:PoundSterling 2024-08-01 2025-07-31 04424281 d:PreviouslyStatedAmount 2024-07-31 04424281 d:Buildings d:PreviouslyStatedAmount 2024-07-31 04424281 d:FurnitureFittings d:PreviouslyStatedAmount 2024-07-31 04424281 d:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment d:PreviouslyStatedAmount 2024-07-31 xbrli:shares iso4217:GBP xbrli:pure

Registered number: 04424281










CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED










ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
Karen Broughton 
Kristofer Hammar (appointed 18 June 2026)
Jonas Jacobsson (appointed 18 June 2026)
Steven Davies (resigned 18 June 2026)
David Saunders (resigned 18 June 2026)




Registered number
04424281



Registered office
177 Earlham Grove
London

Greater London

England

E7 9AP




Independent auditors
Price Bailey LLP
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors

Causeway House

1 Dane Street

Bishop's Stortford

Hertfordshire

CM23 3BT




Accountants
aa Chartered Accountants
6 Blenheim Court

Peppercorn CLose

Peterborough

United Kingdom

PE1 2DU





 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

CONTENTS



Page
Group Strategic Report
1 - 4
Directors' Report
5 - 6
Independent Auditors' Report
7 - 10
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
11
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
12 - 13
Company Statement of Financial Position
14
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
15 - 16
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
17 - 18
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
19
Consolidated Analysis of Net Debt
20
Notes to the Financial Statements
21 - 42


 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Principal Activities

The principal activity of the Group is the provision of high-quality pre-school education through a network of 21 nursery schools across London, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

The Group delivers childcare and education to children from birth to five years of age and operates in accordance with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), working in partnership with families, local authorities and regulatory bodies.

Business Review

The Directors present their Strategic Report for the year ended 31st July 2025.

During the year, the Group continued to operate 21 nursery schools, providing early years education and childcare services to local communities. Demand for childcare remained strong across much of the estate, although occupancy levels varied between locations in response to local demographic trends and changes in government-funded childcare provision.

The business continued to focus on:

• maintaining high standards of care and education
• investing in recruitment, training and staff retention
• managing inflationary cost pressures
• improving operational efficiency across the nursery portfolio
• supporting long-term sustainable growth

The Directors consider the overall performance during the year to be strong in light of the economic environment.

Financial Performance

Turnover for the year amounted to £16.710m (2024: £14.548m).Operating profit before taxation was £2.219m (2024: £1.694m).

The increase in turnover was largely attributable to Government funded income which was 54% (£2.619m) higher than the previous financial year. The reasons behind this are described in more detail in the Funding Changes section below but effectively it was due to Government funding for early education and childcare to children aged 9 months or older being expanded.

The increase in overall turnover of £2.162m resulted in gross profit increasing by £829k and profit before taxation increasing by £526k over the prior year. 

Cash generated from operations remained strong, enabling continued investment in facilities, equipment and staff development.

The principal sources of income continue to comprise:
• private nursery fees
• government-funded childcare entitlements
• food income
• other grant funding

Throughout the year the Directors continued to closely monitor:
• occupancy rates 
• staffing ratios 
• payroll costs
• agency staff expenditure 
• gross margins
• cash flow
 
Page 1

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025


Operational Review 

The Group continues to invest in maintaining safe, welcoming and stimulating nursery environments.

Key operational priorities during the year included:

• recruitment and retention of qualified practitioners
• continuous professional development
• maintaining and keeping abreast of regulatory compliance
• investment in learning environments and equipment
• continuous focus on strengthening Chestnut’s robust safeguarding practices 
• improving operational consistency across all settings

The Directors remain committed to delivering high-quality childcare while maintaining financial sustainability.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Directors regularly review the principal risks affecting the business.

Recruitment and Retention

The availability of suitably qualified childcare professionals continues to present a challenge across the sector. The Group seeks to mitigate this through competitive remuneration, career development opportunities and investment in employee wellbeing. As a result, the Group has been able to maintain very high staff retention rates resulting in low agency staff costs compared with the wider nursery marketplace.

Funding Changes

In the March 2024 Spring Budget, it was announced that funding for early education and childcare to children aged 9 months or older would be expanded over three phases.

• Phase 1 (April 2024): eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can access up to 15 hours of free early    education and care per week (38 weeks per year).
• Phase 2 (September 2024): extended to eligible working parents of children aged 9 months and older.
• Phase 3 (September 2025): final stage of rollout, with eligible working parents able to access up to 30 free  hours per week (38 weeks per year) for children aged 9 months until school age.

Government funding arrangements for early years education continue to evolve. The Group actively monitors legislative developments and adapts its operating model accordingly.

Inflationary Pressures 

The business remains exposed to increases in:
• staff costs
• National Insurance contributions 
• pension costs
• utilities
• food costs
• property-related expenditure

The Directors regularly review pricing and operational efficiencies to manage these pressures.

Regulatory Compliance

The Group operates within a highly regulated sector. Robust safeguarding, health and safety, and quality assurance procedures are rigorously monitored and maintained across all the nursery sites.
Page 2

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025



Occupancy

Financial performance is dependent upon maintaining sustainable occupancy levels across all the nursery sites. Occupancy is monitored regularly with marketing initiatives targeted at underperforming locations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Directors monitor a range of financial and operational indicators, including:

Occupancy: average occupancy rates across all settings was 60%. Within the portfolio, nursery capacities range from 43 to 160. 

Profitability: with one exception, for a nursery that only became operational in January 2025, each site is profitable. Each nursery is assessed using the following KPIs:

Revenue-Measures operational performance
Total revenue increased by £2.162m (£16.710m 2025; £14.548m 2024). Where it was possible to do a like for comparison, revenue across all nursery sites increased in the year.

Gross profit margin-Measures cost efficiency
Gross profit increased by £830k in the year (£4.234m 2025; £3.405m 2024). In % margin terms, this translates to a 25.3% margin compared to a 23.4% margin in 2024.

Staff costs as % of revenue-Controls payroll expenditure 
Staff costs as % of revenue decreased by 1.2% in the year (46.4% 2025; 47.6% 2024). Staff costs are defined as the cost of employing staff at all the nursery sites (head office staff costs are excluded from this calculation)

Agency costs-Measures reliance on temporary staff 
Agency costs decreased by £21K in the year (£371k 2025; £399k 2024)

Operating profit (pre-tax)-Measures underlying profitability
Operating profit increased by £510k in the year (£2.274m 2025; £1.764m 2024). In % margin terms, this translates to a 13.6% margin compared to a 12.1% margin in 2024.

Ofsted ratings: all nursery settings have been rated as either good or outstanding.

Employees

The Group's employees remain fundamental to its success.

The Directors continue to invest in:
• training and professional development
• apprenticeship programmes 
• safeguarding training 
• wellbeing initiatives 
• leadership development
• equality, diversity and inclusion

The Group seeks to provide a safe, supportive and rewarding working environment for all employees.
Page 3

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025



Environmental Matters 

Although the Group's environmental impact is relatively modest, the Directors remain committed to reducing waste and improving sustainability.

Initiatives include:

• reducing energy consumption 
• recycling programmes 
• minimising food waste
• investment in energy-efficient equipment where appropriate
_
Future Developments

The Directors remain optimistic regarding the long-term demand for high-quality childcare.

The Group's strategic priorities for the coming year include:

• improving occupancy across the nursery estate 
• continuing investment in people
• enhancing operational efficiency
• maintaining high regulatory standards
• strengthening financial performance
• evaluating selective acquisition and expansion opportunities where appropriate 

The Directors believe the Group is well positioned to continue delivering sustainable growth while maintaining the high quality of care expected by children, parents and regulators.


This report was approved by the board on 31 July 2026 and signed on its behalf.



Karen Broughton
Director

Page 4

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2025.

Directors' responsibilities statement

The directors are responsible for preparing the Group Strategic Report, the Directors' Report and the consolidated financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
 
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. Under company law the directors 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 Company and the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.

 In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:


select suitable accounting policies for the Group's financial statements and then apply them consistently;

make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation and minority interests, amounted to £1,527,088 (2024 - £992,219).

Directors

The directors who served during the year were:

Karen Broughton 
Steven Davies (resigned 18 June 2026)
David Saunders (resigned 18 June 2026)

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this Directors' Report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company and the Group's auditors are unaware, and

the director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company and the Group's auditors are aware of that information.

Page 5

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025


Auditors

The auditorsPrice Bailey LLPwill be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the board on 31 July 2026 and signed on its behalf.
 





Karen Broughton
Director

Page 6

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of Chestnut Nursery Schools Limited (the 'Parent Company') and its subsidiaries (the 'Group') for the year ended 31 July 2025, which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Analysis of Net Debt, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Company Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Company Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policiesThe financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).


In our opinion the financial statements:


give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's and of the Parent Company's affairs as at 31 July 2025 and of the Group's profit 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 Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard 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 directors' 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 Group's or the Parent 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 directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.


Page 7

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Other information


The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual ReportOur 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. 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 course of 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.


Opinion 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 Group Strategic Report and the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Group Strategic Report and the Directors' Report have 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 Group and the Parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Group Strategic Report or the Directors' Report.


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


adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.


Responsibilities of directors
 

As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement set out on page 5, the directors 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 directors 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 directors are responsible for assessing the Group's and the Parent 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 directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.


Page 8

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Auditors' 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 an Auditors' Report 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 Group financial statements.


Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

- Enquiry of management around actual and potential litigation and claims, and any known instances of
 non-compliance;
- Performing audit work covering the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal
 entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant
 transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias; and
- Reviewing our work throughout the audit file for evidence of non-compliance.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.


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 Auditors' Report.


Page 9

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Use of our report
 

This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 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 Company and the Company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.





Tom Meeks FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
  
for and on behalf of
Price Bailey LLP
 
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditors
  
Causeway House
1 Dane Street
Bishop's Stortford
Hertfordshire
CM23 3BT

31 July 2026
Page 10

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

As restated
2025
2024
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 4 
16,710,713
14,548,966

Cost of sales
  
(12,475,912)
(11,143,913)

Gross profit
  
4,234,801
3,405,053

Administrative expenses
  
(1,961,252)
(1,642,741)

Other operating income
 5 
749
2,422

Operating profit
  
2,274,298
1,764,734

Interest receivable and similar income
 9 
8,642
179

Interest payable and similar expenses
 10 
(63,834)
(71,336)

Profit before taxation
  
2,219,106
1,693,577

Tax on profit
 11 
(581,514)
(578,552)

Profit for the financial year
  
1,637,592
1,115,025

  

Total comprehensive income for the year
  
1,637,592
1,115,025

Profit for the year attributable to:
  

Non-controlling interests
  
110,504
122,806

Owners of the Parent Company
  
1,527,088
992,219

  
1,637,592
1,115,025

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:
  

Non-controlling interest
  
110,504
122,806

Owners of the Parent Company
  
1,527,088
992,219

  
1,637,592
1,115,025

The notes on pages 21 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 04424281

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 JULY 2025

As restated
2025
2024
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Intangible assets
 14 
-
5,995

Tangible assets
 15 
1,797,629
1,915,932

Investment property
  
641,463
641,463

  
2,439,092
2,563,390

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 18 
393,044
540,023

Cash at bank and in hand
 19 
1,910,286
1,109,526

  
2,303,330
1,649,549

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 20 
(2,162,599)
(1,883,856)

Net current assets/(liabilities)
  
 
 
140,731
 
 
(234,307)

Total assets less current liabilities
  
2,579,823
2,329,083

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 21 
(715,314)
(819,359)

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred taxation
 25 
(216,554)
(241,361)

  
 
 
(216,554)
 
 
(241,361)

Net assets
  
1,647,955
1,268,363


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 26 
20,000
20,000

Revaluation reserve
 27 
760,929
760,929

Profit and loss account
 27 
631,523
362,435

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company
  
1,412,452
1,143,364

Non-controlling interests
  
235,503
124,999

  
1,647,955
1,268,363


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 31 July 2026.



Karen Broughton
Director

The notes on pages 21 to 42 form part of these financial statements.
Page 12

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 04424281

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 JULY 2025


Page 13

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 04424281

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 JULY 2025

2025
2024
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 15 
1,490,851
1,561,688

Investments
 16 
249,988
249,988

  
1,740,839
1,811,676

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 18 
809,173
890,165

Cash at bank and in hand
 19 
869,222
360,682

  
1,678,395
1,250,847

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 20 
(1,164,077)
(1,048,937)

Net current assets
  
 
 
514,318
 
 
201,910

Total assets less current liabilities
  
2,255,157
2,013,586

  

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 21 
(615,864)
(689,213)

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred taxation
 25 
(189,337)
(204,141)

  
 
 
(189,337)
 
 
(204,141)

Net assets
  
1,449,956
1,120,232


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 26 
20,000
20,000

Revaluation reserve
 27 
760,929
760,929

Profit and loss account
  
669,027
339,303

  
1,449,956
1,120,232


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 31 July 2026.



Karen Broughton
Director

The notes on pages 21 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14
 

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025



Called up share capital
Revaluation reserve
Profit and loss account
Equity attributable to owners of Parent Company
Non-controlling interests
Total equity


£
£
£
£
£
£


At 1 August 2024
20,000
760,929
362,435
1,143,364
124,999
1,268,363



Comprehensive income for the year


Profit for the year

-
-
1,527,088
1,527,088
110,504
1,637,592



Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
-
-



Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
1,527,088
1,527,088
110,504
1,637,592



Contributions by and distributions to owners


Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
(1,258,000)
(1,258,000)
-
(1,258,000)



Total transactions with owners
-
-
(1,258,000)
(1,258,000)
-
(1,258,000)



At 31 July 2025
20,000
760,929
631,523
1,412,452
235,503
1,647,955



The notes on pages 21 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 15

 

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024



Called up share capital
Revaluation reserve
Profit and loss account
Equity attributable to owners of Parent Company
Non-controlling interests
Total equity


£
£
£
£
£
£


At 1 August 2023
20,000
760,929
353,016
1,133,945
2,193
1,136,138



Comprehensive income for the year


Profit for the year

-
-
992,219
992,219
122,806
1,115,025



Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
-
-



Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
992,219
992,219
122,806
1,115,025



Contributions by and distributions to owners


Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
(982,800)
(982,800)
-
(982,800)



Total transactions with owners
-
-
(982,800)
(982,800)
-
(982,800)



At 31 July 2024
20,000
760,929
362,435
1,143,364
124,999
1,268,363



The notes on pages 21 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 16
 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025


Called up share capital
Revaluation reserve
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£
£

At 1 August 2024
20,000
760,929
339,303
1,120,232


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year

-
-
1,582,724
1,582,724


Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-


Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
1,582,724
1,582,724


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
(1,253,000)
(1,253,000)


Total transactions with owners
-
-
(1,253,000)
(1,253,000)


At 31 July 2025
20,000
760,929
669,027
1,449,956


The notes on pages 21 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 17

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024


Called up share capital
Revaluation reserve
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£
£

At 1 August 2023
20,000
760,929
487,326
1,268,255


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year

-
-
824,777
824,777


Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-


Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
824,777
824,777


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
(972,800)
(972,800)


Total transactions with owners
-
-
(972,800)
(972,800)


At 31 July 2024
20,000
760,929
339,303
1,120,232


The notes on pages 21 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 18

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

2025
2024
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the financial year
1,637,592
1,115,025

Adjustments for:

Amortisation of intangible assets
5,995
12,460

Depreciation of tangible assets
176,065
182,912

Loss on disposal of tangible assets
19,286
40,312

Interest paid
63,834
71,336

Interest received
(8,642)
(179)

Taxation charge
581,514
578,552

Decrease/(increase) in debtors
146,979
(280,039)

Increase in creditors
122,917
111,684

Corporation tax (paid)
(458,476)
(533,994)

Net cash generated from operating activities

2,287,064
1,298,069


Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(75,459)
(257,117)

Sale of tangible fixed assets
(1,589)
-

Interest received
8,642
179

Net cash from investing activities

(68,406)
(256,938)

Cash flows from financing activities

Repayment of loans
(81,817)
(1,354)

Repayment of/new finance leases
(14,247)
86,342

Dividends paid
(1,258,000)
(982,800)

Interest paid
(63,834)
(71,336)

Net cash used in financing activities
(1,417,898)
(969,148)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
800,760
71,983

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,109,526
1,037,543

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
1,910,286
1,109,526


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:

Cash at bank and in hand
1,910,286
1,109,526

1,910,286
1,109,526


The notes on pages 21 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 19

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

CONSOLIDATED ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025




At 1 August 2024
Cash flows
At 31 July 2025
£

£

£

Cash at bank and in hand

1,109,526

800,760

1,910,286

Debt due after 1 year

(747,263)

89,798

(657,465)

Debt due within 1 year

(70,234)

(13,387)

(83,621)

Finance leases

(86,342)

14,246

(72,096)


205,687
891,417
1,097,104

The notes on pages 21 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 20

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1.


General information

Chestnut Nursery Schools Limited is a private company, limited by shares, registered in England
and Wales, registration number 04424281, registration address 177 Earlham Grove, London, Greater London, England, E7 9AP.

The presentation currency is £ sterling.

2.Accounting policies

 
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Group management to exercise judgment in applying the Group's accounting policies (see note 3).

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of Comprehensive Income in these financial statements.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its own subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Statement of Financial Position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.

In accordance with the transitional exemption available in FRS 102, the Group has chosen not to retrospectively apply the standard to business combinations that occurred before the date of transition to FRS 102, being 01 January 2024.

Included within the consolidation is St Nicholas Education Limited, whose statutory financial statements are prepared to 31 August 2025. Appropriate adjustments have been made for material transactions and events occurring between 1 August 2025 and 31 August 2025 for the purposes of preparing the consolidated financial statements.

 
2.3

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. In assessing the appropriateness of the going concern basis the Directors have taken account of all relevant information covering a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements. The Directors consider it appropriate to continue to use the going concern assumption on the basis that the Company will have sufficient resources to enable it to meet its liabilities as they fall due.

Page 21

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.4

Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the Group has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
the Group retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Group will receive the consideration due under the transaction; and
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Rendering of services

Revenue from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Group will receive the consideration due under the contract;
the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and
the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.

 
2.5

Government grants

Grants are accounted under the accruals model as permitted by FRS 102. Grants relating to expenditure on tangible fixed assets are credited to profit or loss at the same rate as the depreciation on the assets to which the grant relates. The deferred element of grants is included in creditors as deferred income.

Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the same period as the related expenditure.

 
2.6

Interest income

Interest income is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.

 
2.7

Finance costs

Finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the term of the debt using the effective interest method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.

 
2.8

Borrowing costs

All borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the year in which they are incurred.

Page 22

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.9

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

The Group operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Group has no further payment obligations.

The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Statement of Financial Position. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Group in independently administered funds.

 
2.10

Current and deferred taxation

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date in the countries where the Company and the Group operate and generate income.

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the reporting date, except that:
The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits;
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met; and
Where they relate to timing differences in respect of interests in subsidiaries, associates, branches and joint ventures and the Group can control the reversal of the timing differences and such reversal is not considered probable in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.


Page 23

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.11

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the difference between amounts paid on the cost of a business combination and the acquirer’s interest in the fair value of the Group's share of its identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree at the date of acquisition. Subsequent to initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is amortised on a straight-line basis to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income over its useful economic life of 5 years.

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. If a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the useful life shall not exceed ten years.

 
2.12

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Freehold property
-
2% Straight Line
Leasehold Improvements
-
10% Straight Line Basis
Motor vehicles
-
20% Straight Line Basis
Fixtures and fittings
-
20% Straight Line Basis
Computer equipment
-
20% - 33% Straight Line Basis

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.

Page 24

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.13

Revaluation of tangible fixed assets

Individual freehold and leasehold properties are carried at current year value at fair value at the date of the revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Revaluations are undertaken with sufficient regularity to ensure the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the reporting date.

Fair values are determined from market based evidence normally undertaken by professionally qualified valuers.

Revaluation gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income unless losses exceed the previously recognised gains or reflect a clear consumption of economic benefits, in which case the excess losses are recognised in profit or loss.

  
2.14

Investment Property

Investment properties are properties held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation. Investment properties should be recognised initially at cost and subsequently investment properties are measured at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of investment properties are included in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

 
2.15

Valuation of investments

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment.

 
2.16

Debtors

Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

 
2.17

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

In the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group's cash management.

 
2.18

Creditors

Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Page 25

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.19

Provisions for liabilities

Provisions are recognised when an event has taken place that gives rise to a legal or constructive obligation, a transfer of economic benefits is probable and a reliable estimate can be made.

Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
 
Deferred tax liabilities are also presented within provisions but are measured in accordance with the accounting policy on taxation.
 
Increases in provisions are generally charged as an expense to profit or loss.

 
2.20

Financial instruments

The Group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Group's Statement of Financial Position when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 
2.21

Dividends

Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. Interim equity dividends are recognised when paid. Final equity dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders at an Annual General Meeting.

  
2.22

Website cost

Planning and operating costs for the company's website are charged to the income statement as incurred.

  
2.23

Finance lease and hire purchase charges

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all
the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to the profit and loss account so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Page 26

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

3.


Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The Directors make estimates and assumptions concerning the future based on their knowledge of the business and the markets it operates in. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition. seldom equal the related actual results.


4.


Turnover

As restated
2025
2024
£
£

Fees charged
8,155,613
8,850,920

Nursery Grants Receivable
8,073,470
5,454,450

Trip and Other Nursery Income.
358,086
243,596

Other Income
123,544
-

16,710,713
14,548,966


All turnover arose within the United Kingdom.


5.


Other operating income

As restated
2025
2024
£
£

Commissions received
749
2,422

749
2,422



6.


Auditors' remuneration

During the year, the Group obtained the following services from the Company's auditors:


2025
2024
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the consolidated and Parent Company's financial statements
52,860
-

Page 27

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

7.


Employees

Staff costs, including directors' remuneration, were as follows:


Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£


Wages and salaries
8,039,890
7,216,753
4,919,881
4,349,431

Social security costs
745,071
565,894
452,683
337,653

Cost of defined contribution scheme
367,135
310,898
119,123
114,474

9,152,096
8,093,545
5,491,687
4,801,558


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



Group
Group
Company
Company
        2025
        2024
        2025
        2024
            No.
            No.
            No.
            No.









Average number of employees
337
327
205
199


8.


Directors' remuneration

As restated
2025
2024
£
£

Directors' emoluments
118,633
23,450

Group contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
155,938
160,719

274,571
184,169



9.


Interest receivable

As restated
2025
2024
£
£


Other interest receivable
8,642
179

8,642
179

Page 28

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

10.


Interest payable and similar expenses

2025
2024
£
£


Bank interest payable
56,860
66,105

Finance leases and hire purchase contracts
6,974
5,231

63,834
71,336


11.


Taxation


As restated
2025
2024
£
£

Corporation tax


Current tax on profits for the year
605,143
447,492

Adjustments in respect of previous periods
-
(1,091)


605,143
446,401


Total current tax
605,143
446,401

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
(23,629)
132,151

Total deferred tax
(23,629)
132,151


Tax on profit
581,514
578,552
Page 29

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
 
11.Taxation (continued)


Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is higher than (2024 - higher than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2024 - 25%). The differences are explained below:

As restated
2025
2024
£
£


Profit on ordinary activities before tax
2,219,106
1,693,577


Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2024 - 25%)
554,777
423,394

Effects of:


Non-tax deductible amortisation of goodwill and impairment
50,687
51,053

Capital allowances for year in excess of depreciation
(17,308)
(27,901)

Short-term timing difference leading to an increase (decrease) in taxation
(23,629)
132,151

Other differences leading to an increase (decrease) in the tax charge
16,987
(145)

Total tax charge for the year
581,514
578,552


Factors that may affect future tax charges

Future tax charges may be affected by changes in corporation tax rates, the utilisation of tax losses carried forward, and the reversal of timing differences for which deferred tax has been recognised. The amount of future tax charges will also depend on future levels of taxable profitability and changes in tax legislation.

Future tax charges may also be affected by the future disposal or recovery of revalued properties and the associated reversal of deferred tax liabilities recognised in respect of revaluation gains.


12.


Dividends

2025
2024
£
£


Dividend Paid
1,258,000
982,800

1,258,000
982,800


13.


Parent company profit for the year

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of Comprehensive Income in these financial statements. The profit after tax of the parent Company for the year was £1,582,724 (2024 - £824,777).

Page 30

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

14.


Intangible assets

Group





Development expenditure
Goodwill
Total

£
£
£



Cost


At 1 August 2024
275,000
90,000
365,000



At 31 July 2025

275,000
90,000
365,000



Amortisation


At 1 August 2024
269,338
89,667
359,005


Charge for the year on owned assets
5,662
333
5,995



At 31 July 2025

275,000
90,000
365,000



Net book value



At 31 July 2025
-
-
-



At 31 July 2024
5,662
333
5,995


Page 31
 


 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED


 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025


15.


Tangible fixed assets


Group



Freehold property
Long-term leasehold property
Leasehold improvements
Motor vehicles
Fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Total

£
£
£
£
£
£
£



Cost or valuation


At 1 August 2024
1,310,207
254,598
85,430
315,472
511,539
110,889
2,588,135


Additions
-
-
-
10,000
36,835
28,624
75,459


Disposals
-
-
-
(132,464)
(379)
(984)
(133,827)



At 31 July 2025

1,310,207
254,598
85,430
193,008
547,995
138,529
2,529,767



Depreciation


At 1 August 2024
105,720
31,530
37,015
170,899
281,618
45,421
672,203


Charge for the year on owned assets
3,506
24,798
1,835
36,967
82,449
26,510
176,065


Disposals
-
-
-
(115,905)
(208)
(17)
(116,130)



At 31 July 2025

109,226
56,328
38,850
91,961
363,859
71,914
732,138



Net book value



At 31 July 2025
1,200,981
198,270
46,580
101,047
184,136
66,615
1,797,629



At 31 July 2024
1,204,487
223,068
48,415
144,573
229,921
65,468
1,915,932

Page 32
 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
Some freehold land and buildings are included at valuation. The properties were revalued by the directors as at 31 July 2025 on the basis of their estimated fair value, taking into account available market evidence for comparable properties. The directors consider that the carrying value of the properties is not materially different from their fair value at the balance sheet date.

Had the properties been carried under the historical cost convention, their carrying amount would have been £440,522 (2024: £443,555).

Page 33
 


 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED


 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

           15.Tangible fixed assets (continued)



Company







Freehold property
Leasehold improvements
Motor vehicles
Fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Total

£
£
£
£
£
£

Cost or valuation


At 1 August 2024
1,310,207
85,430
293,652
214,146
82,210
1,985,645


Additions
-
-
-
16,981
20,180
37,161


Disposals
-
-
(116,464)
(379)
(984)
(117,827)



At 31 July 2025

1,310,207
85,430
177,188
230,748
101,406
1,904,979



Depreciation


At 1 August 2024
105,720
37,015
162,075
91,537
27,610
423,957


Charge for the year on owned assets
3,506
1,835
35,437
44,213
18,110
103,101


Disposals
-
-
(112,705)
(208)
(17)
(112,930)



At 31 July 2025

109,226
38,850
84,807
135,542
45,703
414,128



Net book value



At 31 July 2025
1,200,981
46,580
92,381
95,206
55,703
1,490,851



At 31 July 2024
1,204,487
48,415
131,577
122,609
54,600
1,561,688


Page 34
 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

           15.Tangible fixed assets (continued)





Freehold land and buildings are included at valuation. The properties were revalued by the directors as at 31 July 2025 on the basis of their estimated fair value, taking into account available market evidence for comparable properties. The directors consider that the carrying value of the properties is not materially different from their fair value at the balance sheet date.

Had the properties been carried under the historical cost convention, their carrying amount would have been £440,522 (2024: £443,555).



Page 35

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

16.


Fixed asset investments

Company





Investments in subsidiary companies

£



Cost or valuation


At 1 August 2024
249,988



At 31 July 2025
249,988





17.


Investment property

Group


Freehold investment property

£



Valuation


At 1 August 2024
641,463



At 31 July 2025
641,463

The directors have deemed that there is no material alteration in the valuation of St Nicholas
House and therefore no alteration has been made to the fair value of the property.





If the Investment properties had been accounted for under the historic cost accounting rules, the properties would have been measured as follows:

2025
2024
£
£


Historic cost
641,463
641,463

641,463
641,463




Page 36

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

18.


Debtors

Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£


Trade debtors
4,323
16,079
3,989
9,644

Amounts owed by group undertakings
-
-
575,456
576,680

Other debtors
7,337
3,961
2,866
2,401

Prepayments and accrued income
381,384
449,983
226,862
241,440

Directors Current Account
-
70,000
-
60,000

393,044
540,023
809,173
890,165




19.


Cash and cash equivalents

Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
1,910,286
1,109,526
869,222
360,682

1,910,286
1,109,526
869,222
360,682



20.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£

Bank loans
83,621
70,234
54,386
46,405

Trade creditors
340,079
301,186
219,166
203,421

Corporation tax
369,115
348,527
157,318
111,307

Other taxation and social security
184,413
125,316
110,562
75,688

Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
14,247
14,246
14,247
14,246

Other creditors
751,008
764,998
380,055
387,828

Accruals and deferred income
420,116
259,349
228,343
210,042

2,162,599
1,883,856
1,164,077
1,048,937


Page 37

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

21.


Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£

Bank loans
657,465
747,263
558,015
617,117

Net obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts
57,849
72,096
57,849
72,096

715,314
819,359
615,864
689,213





22.


Loans


Analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:


Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£

Amounts falling due within one year

Bank loans
83,621
70,234
54,386
46,405


83,621
70,234
54,386
46,405

Amounts falling due 1-2 years

Bank loans
657,465
747,263
558,015
617,117


657,465
747,263
558,015
617,117



741,086
817,497
612,401
663,522



23.


Hire purchase and finance leases


Minimum lease payments under hire purchase fall due as follows:

Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£

Within one year
14,246
14,246
14,246
14,246

Between 1-5 years
57,849
72,096
57,849
72,096

72,095
86,342
72,095
86,342

Page 38

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

24.


Financial instruments

Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£

Financial assets

Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss
1,921,946
1,199,566
1,451,533
1,009,407


Financial liabilities

Other financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss
2,252,289
2,143,030
1,439,965
1,464,813


25.


Deferred taxation


Group



2025


£






At beginning of year
(241,361)


Charged to profit or loss
24,807



At end of year
(216,554)

Company


2025


£






At beginning of year
(204,141)


Charged to profit or loss
14,804



At end of year
(189,337)

Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£

Accelerated capital allowances
(86,673)
(111,480)
(59,456)
(74,260)

Property revaluation
(129,881)
(129,881)
(129,881)
(129,881)

(216,554)
(241,361)
(189,337)
(204,141)

Page 39

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

26.


Share capital

2025
2024
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



7,200 (2024 - 7,200) A shares shares of £1.00 each
7,200
7,200
600 (2024 - 600) B shares shares of £1.00 each
600
600
10,200 (2024 - 10,200) C shares shares of £1.00 each
10,200
10,200
1,000 (2024 - 1,000) D shares shares of £1.00 each
1,000
1,000
1,000 (2024 - 1,000) E shares shares of £1.00 each
1,000
1,000

20,000

20,000



27.


Reserves

Revaluation reserve

The revaluation reserve represents the surplus or deficit arising on the revaluation of leasehold property, less associated deferred tax.

Profit and loss account

The profit and loss reserve represents accumulated comprehensive income of the period and prior periods less any dividends paid.

Page 40

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

28.


Prior year adjustment

During the year, the directors identified that the Group's subsidiary undertakings, Chestnut Nursery School
(Norfolk) Limited and St Nicholas Education Limited, were not consolidated in the Group financial
statements in prior years, despite the Company having control of these entities and being required to
prepare consolidated financial statements under the Companies Act 2006 and FRS 102.

The omission arose from an error in the application of the requirements relating to group accounts.
Accordingly, the comparative information has been restated to include the results, assets and liabilities of
the subsidiaries as if they had always been consolidated.

The effect of the correction on the comparative financial statements is summarised below:

ole1dc7.png

The restatement has no impact on the Company's own profit or loss or net assets as presented in the
parent company financial statements.


29.


Commitments under operating leases

At 31 July 2025 the Group and the Company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:


Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£

Not later than 1 year
753,354
550,088
327,348
124,082

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
3,881,688
3,782,626
727,129
202,060

4,635,042
4,332,714
1,054,477
326,142

Page 41

 
CHESTNUT NURSERY SCHOOLS LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

30.


Related party transactions

As at the balance sheet date a director owed the company £Nil (2024: £60,000) This loan is charged at an interest rate of 2.25% and repayable on demand.

As at the balance sheet date a director owed the company £Nil (2024: £10,000) This loan is charged at an interest rate of 2.25% and repayable on demand.

During the year, Chestnut Nursery School (Norfolk) Limited, a subsidiary of Chestnut Nursery Schools Limited, paid a management charge of £125,564 (2024: £Nil).  

At the balance sheet date a balance of £nil (2024:£1,224) was owed to Chestnut Nursery School (Norfolk) Limited. 


31.


Controlling party

The directors consider that AcadeMedia AB  is the ultimate controlling party of the Company by virtue of controlling ownership of the issued share capital and voting rights. 


32.



Subsidiary undertakings



Subsidiary undertakings


The following were subsidiary undertakings of the Company:

Name

Class of shares

Holding

Chestnut Nursery School (Norfolk) Limited
Ordinary
80%
St Nicholas Education Ltd
Ordinary
100%

The registered address of all companies is 177 Earlham Grove Forest Gate, London, E7 9AP.

The aggregate of the share capital and reserves as at 31 July 2025 and the profit or loss for the year ended on that date for the subsidiary undertakings were as follows:

Name
Aggregate of share capital and reserves
Profit/(Loss)
£
£

Chestnut Nursery School (Norfolk) Limited
259,421
549,427

St Nicholas Education Ltd
160,480
27,348


Page 42