2025-07-31-accounts

Committee Chair Report 2024-25

Overview

It has been another successful year for the playgroup. We had a stable team who continue to be led by Lisa.

Over the last year we have:

• Overcome short staffing challenges thanks to Cara returning on Mondays and Wednesdays and stepping in to cover staff absences when needed.

• Taken the children on a winter trip to the Theatre Royal to see the production of “The snow mouse”.

• Taken the children on a summer trip to Warleigh Lodge Farm. We also arranged a visit from Zoolab.

• Smaller posters were replaced around the village.

• Received a grant from the Parish Council enabling us to purchase two large rugs for carpet time.

• Invited parents into Playgroup for a sing-along at Christmas and again in the summer term for a leavers celebration.

• Continued with the parent helper rota

• Raised a healthy sum through our fundraising initiatives which included new ideas from Sian such as the Sponsored Walk with the children to mark May as a National Walking Month and Justine’s organisation of the pizza fundraiser event.

• Accepted the 3 year funding increase in September 2024 from £5.27 per hour to £5.31 per hour and then £5.63 from April.

Ofsted/Safeguarding

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Following an inspection in April 2023, we were delighted to receive a fantastic report with an overall ‘Good’ rating. A single area for development was highlighted – ‘Staff do not always help older children to consider problems and ways to manage risks for themselves’. Taking this onboard, we have acknowledged this feedback by implementing tasks for the older children, encouraging them to solve problems themselves – but within reason and do help them when they need help for their safety.

Policies & Procedures

Our Policies & Procedures were reviewed and updated as necessary.

We continue to hold £35k in reserve funds to protect the playgroup from any unforeseen financial emergencies or closure.

We kept the Terms & Conditions the same to say that we now require children to attend a minimum of 2 sessions per week on two separate days.

Parents

We have welcomed more parents on to the committee – Justine and Emma to support the committee with fundraising and Kerrie Clark who took on secretaty duties. Another male parent also agreed to act as Father Christmas to the childrens delight!

Staff

Lisa continues as the Playgroup Leader, managing the teaching staff and day to day running of the setting. She is supported by Sian, who joined the team as Deputy Playgroup Leader and SENCO lead in November 2023. Rebecca Sheibani continues to work alongside Lisa and Sian as an Early Years Practitioner. Cara was working two mornings a week and covering staff illnesses when needed.

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Chloe, Karen and occasionally Doogie continue to work as supply staff.

As ever, the staff have worked incredibly hard to create a stimulating and nurturing environment for the children this year and we are hugely grateful for their efforts.

Committee

The committee has worked hard to support Playgroup this year. I am particularly grateful to:

Becks Pearson for managing our finances (staff payroll, invoices & the funding provision). She has been an outstanding Treasurer and has kindly agreed to continue in thr role until she can pass it on to capable hands. It has not been an easy task to produce our financial forecasts during this years political and financial uncertainty and challenges. We are grateful to Becks for her efforts.

An extra special thank you to:

Kerry Clark who took on the Secretary role and designed our new flyers.

Justine for organising the successful pizza fundraiser event.

Louise for the car boot sale and for always being available to help with our stall at the Bathampton Primary school Summer Fair and the Village show, alongside Becks. Louise has also managed to obtain free tickets for the entire playgroup to visit the theatre royal by applting to the theatres ‘Wonderfund’ on our behalf.

Jo Hill and Liz Redfern, for always being available to support the playgroup.

Kelly Sutton who has stood down from the committee last year but she has committed to organising again the Bathampton Christmas Market, with all proceeds going towards the playgroup for the 25-26 year.

Helen who has been unbeatable managing the quarterly Bags2school collections and more than tripling our fundraising using Vinted, thank you so much!

Intake and recruitment

Playgroup continues to benefit from an excellent reputation in the local community.

New signs have been placed around the local area to include refreshed branding and a new logo.

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We have also updated the banner in front of the village hall.

Village Hall/Garden

We have worked closely with the Village Hall committee again this year and Lisa kindly represented Playgroup at their committee meetings.

Aims for 2024-25

• To provide a safe and stimulating learning environment for our children.

• To maintain our strong and well-earned reputation in the local community.

• To welcome a new photographer and parent Lenka for the individual photos of the children on Christmas as well group photo.

• To build stronger links with the primary school looking ahead with their plans about the possibility to the playgroup to move to Bathampton Primary School.

• We acknowledge the ongoing financial challenges to the Early Years sector and will work to remain financially viable into the future.

• To maximise opportunities for outdoor learning by fully utilising the space and amenities available to us. A parent, Justine has offered forest school session to run once a week from term 2.

• To spend the money from councillor Sarah Warren who gave us a large sum to purchase new tables.

• We will continue to support staff on their training plans throughout the year.

• We aim to maintain our good standards following the EYFS requirements to continue with the community vision that was created for nearly sixty years ago and we will implement the changes to the Statuarory frame work, started from September 2025.

• To maximise our use of social media to maintain awareness of Playgroup and support recruitment of new families in the area.

• To foster a sense of community amongst parents and carers with regular social activities.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to Lisa and committee for supporting me as a chair. I’m confident we will be in a strong position for 2025-26 with Jo Hill back as a chair.

As I step down, I will continue supporting the playgroup with whatever they need in any way I can

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help.

Here’s to another successful year at Playgroup!

Susana Felix, Chair Bathampton Playgroup

13[th] November 2025

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Accountancy and Bookkeeping Services 26, Orchard Way, North Bradley, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 OSU Tel’ and fax [phone] Email : [e-mail]

ACCOUNTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BATHAMPTON PLAYGROUP

CHARITY NUMBER 1018967

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st JULY 2025

Bathampton Playgroup

Charity No. 1018967

REPORT OF THE ACCOUNTANT

In accordance with instructions given, | have carried out an independent examination of the accounting records shown to me and can confirm that an accurate record of the financial activity of the Playgroup has been maintained. From these records, and other information L _ supplied,fair view of| have the financial preparedposition accountsof for the thePlaygroup. year endedThe 31st Julyaccounts 2025have whichbeen areprepared a true andona receipts and payments basis which, due to the level of income, are acceptable to the Charity Commission. Although a balance sheet is shown with these accounts, this is not a requirement of the Charity Commission. It is included to show the funds accumulated by the Playgroup and where they are held.

The following are amounts owed to and by the Playgroup as at 31st July 2025. These are not shown in the accounts due to the receipts and payments basis used -

Monies owed to the Playgroup

1) Fees - £346.00

Monies owed by the Playgroup

1) Accountancy - £130.00 2) PAYE tax and National Insurance for July 2025 - £613.13 cL 3) Pension contributions for July 2025 - £354.55

Other matters that have arisen during the year

A restricted use grant of £116 was received during the year from Bathampton Parish Council. This is to be used for the purchase of rugs. A £400 grant received from BANES last year for the purchase of tables remains in the bank account as these are yet to be purchased

There are no other matters arising during the year.

Bathampton Playgroup

Charity No. 1018967

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These accounts were approved by the committee and signed on their behalf by

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Bathampton Playgroup

Charity No, 1018967

BATHAMPTON PLAYGROUP

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st JULY 2025

	Notes		2025	2024
			£	£
INCOME
Fees			6348	8476
LEA funding			47673	AD571
Voluntary contributions			17072	9904
Fundraising			2051	2526
Donations			1262	0
Grants			0	0
Restricted use donations / grants			116	569
Bank interest			519	633
			75039	62679
LESS EXPENDITURE
Salaries and wages			63158	53977
Employer pension contributions			1706	1421
Rent			5316	4333
Milk costs			0	16
Consumables	1		1489	1480
Equipment	2		56	649
Fundraising costs			50	0
Gifts			125	186
Training			277	280
Insurance /Compliance / Ofsted	3		1140	227
Advertising and website costs			296	1278
Trips and educational visits	4		304	245
Accountancy and payroll costs	5		392	444
Sundry expenses	6		380	1103
			74688	65638
NETINCOMEFORTHEYEAR		£	351	-2959

Bathampton Playgroup

Charity No. 1018967

BATHAMPTON PLAYGROUP

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31st JULY 2025

		Notes		2025	2024
he
	CURRENTASSETS
	Barclays current account			12428	12596
	Barclays premium account			36491	35973
	Petty cash			137	137
	ACCUMULATEDFUNDS		£	49056	48705

REPRESENTED BY
Accumulated funds brought forward		48705	51664
Net income for the year		351	-2959
	£	49056	48705

Bathampton Playgroup

Charity No. 1018967

eS

BATHAMPTON PLAYGROUP

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st JULY 2025

			2025	2024
			£	£
	EXPENDITURE
1	Consumables
	Resources - art and craft materials,		650	962
	food ingredients, planting/seeds etc
	Postage		50	27
	Printerinkandstationery Telepho e costs		217 100	137 50
	Janitorial, PPE and first aid supplies		138	107
	Snack costs and staffwelfare		335	196
		£	1489	1480
2	Equipment
	Frying/pancake pan		13	0
	Chopping boards		16	0
	Plates		5	0
	Large animals		12	0
	4 drawer storage unit		10	0
	Cookie cutter set		0	11
	Chopping board and tray		0	15
	Lanyards		0	5
	Tablet		0	187
	Sand timers		0	17
	Sensory cards and toys		0	213
	Camping lantern		0	30
	Christmas lights		0	12
	Magnetic tiles		0	50
	Butterfly garden & caterpillars		0	37
	Various toys		0	26
	Padiock		0	24
	Books		0	21
		£	56	649

Bathampton Playgroup

Charity No, 1018967

3	Insurance / Compliance / Ofsted
	Insurance		870	0
	PLA membership		124	0
	ICO data protection fee		47	35
	Ofsted		50	50
	DBS check		29	122
	Gambling licence		20	20
		£	1140	227
4	Trips and educational visits
	Zoolab		239	245
	Farm trip		65	0
		£	304	245
5	Accountancy and payroll costs
	Accountancy		130	130
	Payroll costs		262	314
		£	392	444
6	Sundry expenses
	Keys cut		10	0
	Gardening services		180	463
	Computer antivirus		190	130
	Occupational therapist		0	510
		£	380	1103

Bathampton Playgroup

Charity No, 1018967

Bathampton Playgroup Treasurer’s Report: November 2025

Over the 2024/25 academic year Playgroup had a steady number of students, but still not as many as we would have liked, meaning we had be careful with our spending. This was the first year that we had set additional charges for children receiving funding. This made a huge difference to us, meaning I could forecast accurately and plan ahead knowing we had a stable

income. This was until Policy Changes came in meaning we could no longer charge from Term 4. The simple truth is that we would not be financially viable if we relied on the funding we receive alone, we would not be able to cover our basic running costs. We reached out to parents to continue to donate, which luckily the majority did, meaning that we ended the year with balanced finances. The staffing team did amazing work throughout the year and worked within the parameters needed. The committee also supported us brilliantly raising a phenomenal amount of money. This all resulted in an income of £75,039 against an expenditure of £74,688 meaning we finished the year with a profit of £351.

Annual summary of income and costs:

• Playgroup started the year with 15 children on the register and finished with 18.

• We received £6,348 from student fees, £47,673 funding from BANES (including Inclusion Funding and EYPP) and £17,072 in Donations. £3,312 was made through fundraising and we were also grateful to Bathampton Parish Council for giving us a grant of £116. We also made £519 in Interest from our savings account, which was reinvested. A total Income of £75,039.

• Staff costs increased to just under £63k this year: We spent £1706 on Pensions and £277 on training.

• Expenses wise, advertising costs decreased due to the website having been finished last year. Insurance and Compliance increased due to two payments being made in the same financial year. Rent and accountancy costs were similar to the previous years. Spending on equipment, consumables and Sundry costs were reduced as we were cost saving. Overall our yearly expenses were almost exactly the same as the previous year.

• Our overall Expenditure was £74,688.

• This meant that our Profit for this year was £351. A tight margin, but one I’m pleased to report on.

• At the end of the previous year The Committee reached the decision to end Voluntary Contributions and set a fixed Consumables Charge instead. This made a huge difference to the balance of payments meaning that in Terms 1 to 3 100% of charges were paid. However in Term 4 the government took away the ability to charge for the hours and we had to revert back to asking parents to donate money to cover the deficit. Luckily most parents chose to continue to support the playgroup and in terms 4 and 5 97% of suggested donations were paid. In Term 6 100% of suggested donations were paid. Which is our best year since my time as Treasurer. We are grateful to all parents who donate.

Achievements or changes made over the year:

• The Reserves savings account has increased to £36k this year due to interest earned and being reinvested. The Reserves Policy was reviewed to make sure we held the correct amount incase of hard times. I am comfortable that we can take up to £10k from the reserve account this year if needed.

• Salaries were increased in April in line with national increases to the Living Wage. It was quite a large increase for the second year in a row. We are now paying staff just over the living wage rate and senior staff continue to receive a competitive wage. My understanding is that the staff are all happy with their level of pay and it is in line with other settings in the area. The wage increase meant that the staffing bill increased by £10k from the previous year. This large increase is also due to us having 4 members of staff on Tuesdays and Wednesday as well, but this has importantly meant we could be much more reliable and provide a better service for families.

• In Term 5, the funding rate increased from £5.31 to £5.63, the fees were increased from £7.50 to £8.00 and Voluntary Contributions remained the same at £2 per hour.

• Over £3.4k was gratefully received in fundraising, donations and grants (see below).

• We purchased a new tablet?? with a grant received from Bathampton Parish Council.

Use of the previous year’s profts:

As the 23/24 financial year was in deficit, we spent very little money on equipment this year. All money was carefully spent. We still need to purchase new specialist tables with a grant received from BANES. Another grant was successfully applied for, but no funding has been received to date.

Fundraising in 2024/25:

The brilliant fundraising amount of £3.4k was incredibly important for the playgroup this year as the profit margins were estimated to be very tight or at a loss. We are so very grateful to everyone who put in their time and energy in to raise this incredible amount on money. This fundraising will be used to cover our yearly expenses and help to cover the deficit form the previous year and ensure we can start our next year on a positive note. Below is a list of the creative ways the committee raised funds, thank you once more to everyone, it really is appreciated.

Notes for the coming year:

• This year has already started with low numbers, although we now only have 3 members of staff, once more our viability will be tentative.

• Student numbers and welcoming new families successfully should continue to be the priority. I cannot stress enough the importance of advertising, positive word of mouth and making sure we are attracting new families.

• The fundraising target for 24/25 will be set at £1.5k this year, which I hope will be an achievable amount for the fundraising team. In reality we probably need to raise around £5k, but with committee members moving on and busy, this might be tricky.

• Existing and achievable avenues of fundraising income should be retained alongside in person community fundraising events to boost our community relationships and advertise playgroup to the wider community, boosting income. We should continue to promote and encourage the use of Easyfundraising. Particularly at Christmas time.

• Staff salaries will need to reviewed in April once more, but should be more tempered this year. If we are able, we might look to increase non leadership staff members to be a little more above minimum wage to make sure we retain our excellent staff. We should also continue to invest in Staff Training and development.

• Fees and the suggested donation charge should to be reviewed in April also. I suggest they are increased more than normal, as even though last year we had our best year for additional payments, we still only just covered costs. We need to inform parents that we just don’t receive enough from the government. We really can’t afford for parents not to contribute.

• Cashflow must be reviewed and monitored regularly to make sure money is spent responsibly.

• Once more my top recommendation would be to continue to invest in advertising of the playgroup and on the website to make sure attendance keeps growing and new families to the area are aware of what a special place this playgroup is. With more settings opening in the area it is more important than ever to make sure people know just how great the Playgroup is. The staff are brilliant, and all of our children are so lucky to have had the benefit of their experience and kindness.

• Finally, I feel that the reserve funds should be used to trial an administration role. The pressure on volunteer committee members is too great, and the need for a reliable office role to do book keeping and supporting the staff in every day administration is vital. This role could also take on the very important role of advertising and seeking new families. I am hoping that this role can be created this coming year, once we’ve know about the Playgroups future setting in January.

• I will continue as Treasurer until the role is filled, but would appreciate another committee member from the parent group or wider community taking on the overall Treasurer role from me as soon as possible.

Thank you to all of the committee in supporting my in the Treasurer role this year and a big thank you to Lisa, our Playgroup Leader and Mike our accountant, for always being on hand to answer any questions I might have, at any hour. Thank you to Susana for joining Barclays and being so quick to approve payments with a smile and a special thanks to Liz for always being there to answer any queries. Your kindness and experience in all things Playgroup related really is appreciated.

Rebecca Pearson, Playgroup Treasurer November 2024

	Fundraising Income 24/25
	(Target - £1.5k)
	Event	Income
	Village Show - Sum Up	£	25.05
	Village Show - Cash	£	75.55
	Bag2School October	£	50.00
	Bag2School April	£	48.00
	Second hand clothes sale online (October)	£	68.00
	Second Hand Clothes Sale online (April)	£	63.00
	Easyfundraising (August)	£	33.54
	Easyfundraising (November)	£	23.53
	Easyfundraising (May)	£	22.48
	Christmas Market Stalls	£	300.00
	Christmas Rafe Tickets Payments	£	200.00
	Christmas Market Cash	£	191.50
	Christmas Fair Rafe Sumup	£	189.21
	Pizza Party - £262 plus £40	£	302.00
	Walking Fundraiser - Lyra	£	71.50
	Walking Fundraiser - Kelly	£	20.00
	Walking Fundraiser - Cash from PG, inc Table
	top sale £16 and Farm Trip Costs	£	315.00
	Cupcake Sale	£	30.00
	School Summer Fete	£	11.78
	School Fete Sum Up	£	10.40
	Dona^on from Luis	£	1,262.00
	Grant from Parish Council	£	116.00
	Total income	£	3,428.54