Annual Report 2025 - 2026
This year has been a rollercoaster for the Nursery with an Ofsted inspection we knew was due and always has a level of trepidation and anxiety for all concerned, my thanks to the staff team we have at the Nursery, who do a magnificent job in looking after the children to the highest standard and showed throughout our inspection the dedication we are proud of. Similarly, the leadership team, in Mel and Jemma who carry the burden more than most in a year with an inspection, have without doubt been exemplary. My thanks for the tireless work that all our staff do above and beyond.
My fellow Directors also need my thanks for what they bring to our nursery, with the experience, knowledge and enthusiasm they bring, it makes each meeting a great experience. 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, proven by the outcome after our inspection this year.
I also extend my thanks to our accountant, Jane Ascroft, who has steered us through the finances of a business such as ours seamlessly. We always aim to have a thriving business for years to come, but financial challenges as in previous years are once more proving we have to be vigilant, with rising living wage costs, energy costs spiralling out of our control, and maintaining competitive fees for parents is a fine balance.
With our Business Manager, Jemma keeping an eye on finances the Nursery has managed to show improvement in this year’s accounts. Income increased from 2024 due solely from funding increases, which in part perhaps tells a story alone, as fee income fell. 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, which as Directors we see this as essential if we are to be the best in town. Our aim from last financial year was to reinvest some profit in our setting and I’m pleased to say our outside play areas are looking great, as are the redecorated rooms inside. With a profit in this years accounts we will take stock as a board, along with our leadership team to reinvest in this next financial year, if we don’t reinvest we can’t offer the level of excellence we strive to deliver.
With the excellent staff and committed board of Directors, we are striving to continue offering the parents and carers of Barnard Castle the great Nursery that the town is deserving of here at Green Lane.
Iain Brown
Chair of Directors
