Whitley Lodge Under Fives Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 26[th] November 2025
Chairperson’s Report
I would like to welcome you all to Whitley Lodge Under Fives AGM 2025. Thank you for joining this meeting.
Introduction
At Whitley Lodge Under Fives we believe that children deserve a quality pre-school education where they can learn through play, in a safe and nurturing environment.
Under Fives is funded from a variety of sources including parental fees, government funding, fundraising activities, and grants and because we are a charity, we have a Committee or ‘Board of Trustees’ that meet regularly throughout the year to help steer and support the management. Being part of this Committee is an excellent way to become more involved in your child’s education.
2024-5
I am happy to report that once again Whitley Lodge Under Fives has enjoyed a successful year.
Most importantly, the children have enjoyed their time with us and have progressed on their individual learning journeys with us, hopefully having lots of fun along the way.
Despite some apprehension at the start of the year because we were unsure how the changes in government funding would affect demand, our pre-school sessions have been full, but we have been able to offer parents most of the sessions they requested.
Financially, we are currently stable, but as I am sure Emma, our Treasurer, will report once again we have faced the challenges of increases in living wage and the effects of inflation on running costs. Unfortunately, despite our efforts to keep fees as reasonable as possible we did have to increase the hourly fee. As we anticipated, the expansion of funded places to two-year-olds has meant that we are very dependent upon the government setting these funded hours at a rate which covers our costs. We expect that costs will rise again next year with further increases in living wage and inflation so we will carefully monitor the impact this will have on our setting. With far fewer children paying fees we have little control in increasing income this way so once again we will need to do more fundraising, seek out grants and rely upon the economy of the staff.
During the past year we have had a number of fundraising activities and events for the children. Fundraising has included regular activities such as a sponsored toddle, a professional photographer, with profits from photographs going to Playgroup funds and a very successful Easter Fair. Tea towels and graduation key rings were also popular and a good source of funds. Thank you to everyone involved. We have also received voluntary donations from families towards the cost of consumables in the setting and these donations are greatly appreciated. We also received a grant from Miller Homes, thank you to those who made the application and to everyone who wrote wish lists and did the purchasing.
Events have included an exciting trip to the Pantomime, very enjoyable Christmas parties and a beach trip.
We are extremely fortunate to have an amazing staff team, and I would like to say a huge thank you to each staff member. You each play a vital part in making our group a lovely place to be, and despite challenging days create the happy atmosphere in the group, where children can develop and learn.
Thank you also to Rachael, our Toddler organiser, for running the sessions and promoting them via social media. Toddler sessions run on Tuesdays and Fridays and although demand fluctuates continue to be popular.
As always, a special thank you must go to Carol and Joanne, who we rely on to manage the day to today running of the setting, which they do cheerfully and efficiently. Your caring attitude to the staff and children does not go unnoticed.
I would also like to thank all of the committee and staff for attending our virtual committee meetings and looking for new fundraising ideas. Your support and hard work is greatly appreciated.
A huge thank you must go to Emma, our Treasurer, who continues to oversee the finances of the group which takes time and commitment to ensure we are financially on track.
Thank you to Carolyn, our Secretary, for the minutes, and to Joanne for minutes in Carolyn’s absence.
And finally, an extra thank you to Carolyn who after long service on the committee feels it is time to stand down. Thank you not only for the minutes but for your enthusiasm, looking for grants and different fundraising ideas. We will miss you.
Summary
Whitley Lodge Under Fives continues to provide a much needed and valued service. We remain financially stable. The committee and staff continue to work well together to support the group going forward whilst our excellent staff team provide our children with a strong and happy foundation for the future.
Thank you
Jane Greenfield
Whitley Lodge Under Fives Playgroup
Income and expenditure account and statement of affairs
for the year ended 31st July 2025
Whitley Lodge Under Fives Playgroup
-
Treasurer's report
-
Income and expenditure report
-
Statement of affairs
Whitley Lodge Under Fives Playgroup
Treasurer's Report
Year Ending 31st July 2025
This year we have seen the impact to our expenditure in the continued high rates of inflation and the increase to the national minimum wage, which unfortunately meant that we had to make the decision to increase our hourly fee to cover these raises. We have continued the year with our playgroup sessions running in the mornings and also with our 2 sessions per week of Toddlers. During this financial year we have been lucky to be able to use the council's flexible free entitlement payments, donations from parents and carers to help with consumable costs, a grant from Miller Homes and fundraisingreport. through different events held over the year, which | will go into more depth further in my
The account balances on the 31st July 2025 were £18,737.57 (current account) and £11,354,22 (reserve account) compared with £14 391.92 (current account) and £11,149.81 (reserve account) as of 31st July 2024, and our petty cash balance as of 31% July 2025 was £126.40 compared to £45.57 as of 31* July 2024. This has now provided us with a profit of £4,630.89 for this financial year.
Looking at the accounts in more detail: the gross income has increased this year, by £14,863.08 (from £54 309.34 to £69, 172.42) this is through the fundraising, photo commission, donations we have received and the increase in the hourly fees. As running costs have continued to rise due to high rates of inflation and the annual increase in the national minimum wage this has meant that our expenses for this year have also increased (from £51,773.85 to £64,541 .53), although due to the hard work from the staff they have managed to keep expenses down as much as possible.
During this financial year we have received donations and fundraising money through toddlers, the Christmas party, the teddy toddle that children completed this year together with nursery, the continuation of the funding we receive from the funded children by North Tyneside Council, photograph commission, a grant from Miller Homes and our fundraising efforts in playgroup for our Easter Fayre, Key rings and tea towel Sales, selling uniform and funds raised by supporters of Under Fives through easy fundraising.
A huge thanks to Carol, Joanne and the team for another amazing year in which they have provided the children with amazing learning and experiences to take them through their life and their efforts in keeping running costs as low as. possible. Thank you also goes to Rachael for continuing to develop the toddlers group which has continued to see a great uptake this year.
Emma Dennis Treasurer
Whitley Lodge Under Fives Playgroup.
Page 1
Whitley Lodges Under Fives Playgroup income and expenditure account
for the year ended 31st July 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| INCOME | £ | £ |
| Feesreceived Grants(NEF) Fundraising Donations /dividends |
15,984 45,558 4,396 |
21,915 25,261 4,032 |
| Toddlers Vouchers |
- - |
- - |
| Retainer | - | - |
| Interest Other TOTALINCOME |
- 204 3,030 69,172 |
- 212 2,889 54,309 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Wages (incpensions) Premisescosts(inc rent) Catering Equipment Consumables Officecosts Bankcharges Professionalfees Taxation Wages adjustment |
§3,956 2,184 546 2,182 1,955 961 69 567 - |
44,228 564 413 2,201 833 902 67 586 15 |
| Other TOTALEXPENDITURE |
- 2,122 64,542 |
- 1,965 51,774 |
| SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) | 4,630 | 2,535 |
Page 2
Whitley Lodges Under Fives Playgroup Statement of affairs
for the year ended 31st July 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| CURRENTASSETS | £ | £ |
| Cash at bank | ||
| Cash in hand Other debtors |
30,092 124 |
25,542 44 |
| - | ||
| = | ||
| 30,216 | 25,586 | |
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||
| Creditors and accruals | ||
| ~ | ||
| - | ||
| NETASSETS | ||
| 30,216 | 25,586 | |
| REPRESENTEDBY | ||
| Accumulatedfundb/fwd Surplus/(deficit) |
25,586 4,630 |
23,051 2,535 |
| 30,216 | 25,586 |
Page 3
Fos! CHARITY COMMISSION | Independent examiner's report on the FOR ENGLAND AND WALES accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner's Report
Reporttothe trustees | uitey Longe NOER FIVES PLAYGROUP On accounts for the year accounts for the year for the year the year year st Charity no no
On accounts for the year accounts for the year for the year the year year st Charity no no | report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended . Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20114 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under Section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent [The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and | am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [insert name of applicable listed body]. Delete [ ] if not applicable. I have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: e the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or e the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or e the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. * Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
==> picture [151 x 17] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Name: |LAUK SowCon
----- End of picture text -----
qualification(s)Relevant professionalor body | -7cA
==> picture [21 x 14] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
IER
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1
Oct 2018
Address: /|24G PARK VIEW WIVITLEY BRY, TYNE AND WER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose.
IER
2
Oct 2018
Whitley Lodge Under Fives Playgroup
Income and expenditure account and statement of affairs
for the year ended 31st July 2025
Whitley Lodge Under Fives Playgroup
-
Treasurer's report
-
Income and expenditure report
-
Statement of affairs
Whitley Lodge Under Fives Playgroup
Treasurer's Report
Year Ending 31st July 2025
This year we have seen the impact to our expenditure in the continued high rates of inflation and the increase to the national minimum wage, which unfortunately meant that we had to make the decision to increase our hourly fee to cover these raises. We have continued the year with our playgroup sessions running in the mornings and also with our 2 sessions per week of Toddlers. During this financial year we have been lucky to be able to use the council's flexible free entitlement payments, donations from parents and carers to help with consumable costs, a grant from Miller Homes and fundraisingreport. through different events held over the year, which | will go into more depth further in my
The account balances on the 31st July 2025 were £18,737.57 (current account) and £11,354,22 (reserve account) compared with £14 391.92 (current account) and £11,149.81 (reserve account) as of 31st July 2024, and our petty cash balance as of 31% July 2025 was £126.40 compared to £45.57 as of 31* July 2024. This has now provided us with a profit of £4,630.89 for this financial year.
Looking at the accounts in more detail: the gross income has increased this year, by £14,863.08 (from £54 309.34 to £69, 172.42) this is through the fundraising, photo commission, donations we have received and the increase in the hourly fees. As running costs have continued to rise due to high rates of inflation and the annual increase in the national minimum wage this has meant that our expenses for this year have also increased (from £51,773.85 to £64,541 .53), although due to the hard work from the staff they have managed to keep expenses down as much as possible.
During this financial year we have received donations and fundraising money through toddlers, the Christmas party, the teddy toddle that children completed this year together with nursery, the continuation of the funding we receive from the funded children by North Tyneside Council, photograph commission, a grant from Miller Homes and our fundraising efforts in playgroup for our Easter Fayre, Key rings and tea towel Sales, selling uniform and funds raised by supporters of Under Fives through easy fundraising.
A huge thanks to Carol, Joanne and the team for another amazing year in which they have provided the children with amazing learning and experiences to take them through their life and their efforts in keeping running costs as low as. possible. Thank you also goes to Rachael for continuing to develop the toddlers group which has continued to see a great uptake this year.
Emma Dennis Treasurer
Whitley Lodge Under Fives Playgroup.
Page 1
Whitley Lodges Under Fives Playgroup income and expenditure account
for the year ended 31st July 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| INCOME | £ | £ |
| Feesreceived Grants(NEF) Fundraising Donations /dividends |
15,984 45,558 4,396 |
21,915 25,261 4,032 |
| Toddlers Vouchers |
- - |
- - |
| Retainer | - | - |
| Interest Other TOTALINCOME |
- 204 3,030 69,172 |
- 212 2,889 54,309 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Wages (incpensions) Premisescosts(inc rent) Catering Equipment Consumables Officecosts Bankcharges Professionalfees Taxation Wages adjustment |
§3,956 2,184 546 2,182 1,955 961 69 567 - |
44,228 564 413 2,201 833 902 67 586 15 |
| Other TOTALEXPENDITURE |
- 2,122 64,542 |
- 1,965 51,774 |
| SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) | 4,630 | 2,535 |
Page 2
Whitley Lodges Under Fives Playgroup Statement of affairs
for the year ended 31st July 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| CURRENTASSETS | £ | £ |
| Cash at bank | ||
| Cash in hand Other debtors |
30,092 124 |
25,542 44 |
| - | ||
| = | ||
| 30,216 | 25,586 | |
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||
| Creditors and accruals | ||
| ~ | ||
| - | ||
| NETASSETS | ||
| 30,216 | 25,586 | |
| REPRESENTEDBY | ||
| Accumulatedfundb/fwd Surplus/(deficit) |
25,586 4,630 |
23,051 2,535 |
| 30,216 | 25,586 |
Page 3
Fos! CHARITY COMMISSION | Independent examiner's report on the FOR ENGLAND AND WALES accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner's Report
Reporttothe trustees | uitey Longe NOER FIVES PLAYGROUP On accounts for the year accounts for the year for the year the year year st Charity no no
On accounts for the year accounts for the year for the year the year year st Charity no no | report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended . Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20114 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under Section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent [The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and | am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [insert name of applicable listed body]. Delete [ ] if not applicable. I have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: e the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or e the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or e the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. * Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
==> picture [151 x 17] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Name: |LAUK SowCon
----- End of picture text -----
qualification(s)Relevant professionalor body | -7cA
==> picture [21 x 14] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
IER
----- End of picture text -----
1
Oct 2018
Address: /|24G PARK VIEW WIVITLEY BRY, TYNE AND WER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose.
IER
2
Oct 2018