Annual Report 2025
As I rightly should, I wish to start by expressing my thanks to the staff team we have at the Nursery, with our numbers as strong as they are, we rely on our wonderful staff who do a magnificent job in looking after the children to the highest standard. The continued professionalism and care that our staff display to parents / carers, organisations and others externally is exemplary. Similarly, the leadership team, namely our Nursery Manager, Mel and Business Manager, Jemma, who have without doubt proved to be an asset to our Nursery that many other settings would be envious of, my thanks for the tireless work they do above and beyond.
I personally wish to thank my fellow Directors for what they bring to our nursery. It is a pleasure to say we have added to our small number this year with a new Director. With the experience, knowledge and enthusiasm they bring, it makes each meeting a great experience. In order to maintain focus and provide for the future, we will again look to strengthen the board to continue to be as diverse as possible with our skill set. Decisions are never easy when on a board of Directors, however I’m proud to be part of this board in our professionalism to deliver the best Nursery setting in Barnard Castle.
We have been ably assisted by our accountant, Jane Ascroft, who has steered us through the finances of a business such as ours seamlessly. Our aim is to have a thriving business for years to come, but financial challenges are coming at us from all sides, rising living wage costs, running costs, and maintaining competitive fees for parents is a fine balance which we continue to deal with on an annual basis.
Jemma as Business Manager with her watchful eye on finances has again managed to show improvement in this year’s accounts. Income increased from 2024 due to fee and funding rises, at a time when government scrutiny of funding is at an all time high. Expenditure also increased from 2024, due mainly to the rise in our salary costs to meet Living Wage rises and maintaining being a competitive employer, albeit not as steeply as other businesses, however as Directors we see this as essential if we are to be the best in town. Despite the expenditure increase we did finish the year with a profit to carry forward, something that will allow us to reinvest back into the business in this next financial year, with a program of improvements across the setting, as we continue to invest in ways which keep us unique and outstanding in our delivery.
With a committed board of Directors and excellent staff, we are working to continue to offer the ‘Outstanding’ level of care, attention to detail and dedication needed to operate a great Nursery.
Iain Brown
Chair of Directors
