Chairpersons Report April 2021 March 2022
Welcome to everyone who has joined us today, finally we have had a more settled year with not too much disruption from a global pandemic and no lockdowns. Though in February 2022 we did need to reduce our child in take for a week due to multiple staff getting Covid at the same time. Staff rallied, worked together, supported each other, and got through it as a team. As we end another financial year, our numbers have remained good.
Our usual activities are starting to make a comeback. It was lovely to be able to invite parents into the setting for our end of year graduation in July. The children then had a lovely party with a bouncy castle and party games. We had a Macmillan Coffee morning in September, this was a tremendous success with many families attending, the new committee were available to have a chat with parents. We raised a total of £50.00 for the charity over a couple of hours which was great. Small trips around Kimberley have also taken place, walks to Sainsbury’s, the library and the post office as well as exploring the nature trail.
In November, Emily, who had worked for playgroup for just over 4 years left after securing a position as a TA in a local school. Libby replaced Emily and joined our team a week later. Libby is qualified level 2 practitioner who is now studying for her Level 3 Early Years Educator Award.
As the winter term ended our numbers took a sharp upturn, to meet demand, we decided to employ two more members of staff ready for the Spring term. Delphine and Melissa joined us in January, both are Level 3 qualified childcare practitioners.
In March, Delphine decided to leave, and Kellie was employed on a temporary contract.
As Covid restrictions eased the children have adapted amazingly to changes. Though by the end of the year bubbling, social distancing, isolation, and mandatory masks had ended, staff are still routinely sanitising children’s hands on arrival. Taking a covid test if they present with symptoms and isolating at home until negative if they do catch Covid-19.
Nineteen of our children graduated in the summer term for school. This was a higher number compared to the year before.
We were able to hold the graduation inside in the hall and parents sat socially distanced as per guidelines. After the graduation we held an end of year party with a bouncy castle, disco, and games.
We returned in September with eighteen children though this was low by the October half term the numbers had risen to twenty-seven. By the end of the spring term this number had risen to forty.
In December we held our annual Christmas party for the children complete with disco, treats, party games and Santa himself popped in with gifts for all the children. The children and the staff all had a wonderful time.
I would like to end in again thanking all staff, committee members, Volunteers, Parents and
Children for making Noah’s Ark a great playgroup and look forward to it continuing successfully.
AGM Report 2021-22
Financial Year 21/22 for Playgroup has been good again. When the pandemic started in March 2020, we closed as required by the Government. Since all restrictions have been fully lifted, playgroup has taken a large upturn in numbers and at the end of 2021 our capacity is full. Nineteen children Left in July 2021 for school which was higher than the previous year. We started September 2021 with 18 children attending. By the end of March 2022 numbers had risen to 43. Because of the sharp demand in places through the spring term, income has increased, and we are declaring a profit of £8461.00. Our income from fees and funding is up from £88640.00 to £97991.00. This profit has accrued due to our funding increasing by £3305.00 and fees payments increasing by £6046.00. We also received additional inclusion support funding for 3 children with SEND.
Our rent continues to be a large expense reaching £9214 this year.
Interest earned on our savings has decreased very slightly this year, although with interest rates being low, it wasn’t significant. Our savings have increased from £44749.00 to £53210.00 which was due to not being able to use expenses for trips/outings or companies such as rockabillies coming into the setting and an increase in numbers.
We are still not accruing any bank charges due to the fact we invest the contingency fund.
We have seen an increase in pension contributions this year being £5975.00 compared to last year of £4025.00 and the year before, £4253.00. This is because of an increase in staff costs to meet demand.
The biggest expense as usual is the wages bill which has increased this year to £66991.00 compared to £62292.00. This increase is due to taking on 2 new members of staff. All staff were given a pay rise in April to coincide with percent increase of minimum wage.
We are still paying for the mobile phone on a contract at £7.50 per month and have the internet. The phone is still proving an asset with many parents’ texting questions and queries.
Again, we have cut back the amount we spend on advertising this year due to the due to playgroup being so high in demand, we have not needed to advertise. We have spent a larger amount upgrading our activities and toys this year with a total spend of £2542.00.
Financially 21/22 has been better than expected and we are continuing to thrive.
Rebecca Smith,
Treasurer
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT I have examined the accounts for Noah's Ark Playgroup for the year ended 31" March 2022. A set of accounts has been produced. The accounts properly present the receipts and payments for the Charity for the Financial Year. There are no significant findings to report to the Committee. Claire Flinton ACMA 12/0612022
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2022 202 2021 Bank Account Petty Cash Irfftstmenti Invstmenl 2 Savings actount Sar¢s account 12208 12740 44749 Cwrent Llab41ities Trade Credito Net Current Assets 53210 44749
PROFIT AND LOSS AS AT 31ST MARCH 2022 2021 Fees Funding Fundraisl Donailons Sundrtes Interest on irryestments Grarfs IIC(13 4957 83683 155 Total incorne 9x115 88795 Less ExpeThJilurt S¥rpluilD•fidt 8329 44749 36420 Oalance Clfwd 53ZiO 44749
EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AS AT 31ST MARCH 2022 20 2021 EXPENDITURE Wa8e5 Rent Nest PeTrslon Toy51Equlpment Con5umableslMalerials Stationary 5undries Insurance Accountsnry Training Move Costs TePhone PAT Testin8 DBS Checks Advert151n8lSthcrltlons Payroll Fumiture Lenovo tablets 66991 9214 5975 2S42 939 292 62292 9214 4025. 1214 1132 160 167 923. 125 -18 784 12$ 116 132 65 124 432 173 232 198 466 173 915 89554