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2021-08-31-accounts

PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Charity number: 1027069

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Contents Page No.
Report of the Trustees 1 - 6
Receipts and Payments Account 7
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 7
Independent Examiner’s Report 8
Chairperson, Treasurer and Lead Practitioner Reports Appendix 1

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

The Trustees are pleased to present their report, together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2021.

Reference and administration details

Charity name: Puddleducks Community Playgroup Charity registration number: 1027069 Address of charity: Jubilee Room Mulbarton Village Hall The Common Mulbarton Norwich NR14 8AE Trustees: E Maginn (Chairperson) A Watson (Treasurer) H Wright - Secretary M Frost (Safeguarding Officer) A Browne E Mills P Fulcher S Small Associates: N/A Lead Practitioner: S Webster Bookkeeper: N Lee Administrator: D Fiddeman Bankers: The Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Delf House Southway Skelmersdale WN8 6WT Independent Examiner: Aldous & Saunders

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

Puddleducks Community Playgroup was established in 1993. Its constitution was adopted on 4 October 1993 and registered with the Charity Commission (registration number 1027069) on 13 October 1993. An amendment to the constitution was made on 16 October 2015 and submitted to the Charity Commission.

Appointment and recruitment of Trustees

The Trustees are appointed each year at the Annual General Meeting.

The committee of Trustees shall consist of:

At least two-thirds of the committee members, including co-opted members, shall at the time of election or cooption be parents of guardians of Children in the setting.

Trustees’ induction and training

All new Trustees will be provided with copies of:

and are encouraged to read Charity Commission guidance notes CC3 -“The Essential Trustee”.

In addition, Trustees are encouraged to read Charity Commission and other newsletters and to attend courses designed to keep them abreast of their duties and responsibilities.

Risk management

The Trustees actively review the major risks which the Charity faces on a regular basis and have established systems to mitigate the risks as far as possible, within practical and financial constraints.

Organisational structure

The Trustees administer the Charity and meet 11 times a year to review fee and grant income and discuss and approve forthcoming charitable expenditure.

Objectives and activities

The objects of the Charity are to enhance the development and education of children under statutory school age by encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups.

Achievements and performance

The setting was subject to an Ofsted inspection in September 2016 and achieved a good rating.

Reports of the Chairperson, Treasurer and Lead Practitioner are included in the attached appendix to the financial statements.

Public benefit

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. They confirm that in planning and carrying out the Charity’s activities they have had regards to this guidance.

Plans for future periods

The Trustees’ financial plans for the coming year are:

Financial review

The Charity is funded by fee income and local authority funding. Total receipts amounted to £94,228 and after payments of £85,110 and liabilities of £6,900, net income for the year amounted to £2,219.

The Trustees consider the year end financial position to be in line with budgeted expectations and confirm that the Charity can currently meet all known obligations.

Reserves policy

At the year end, the Charity’s free reserves amounted to £54,396. It is the Trustees’ aim to maintain reserves in order to:

  1. meet redundancy liabilities should the setting have to close;

  2. maintain a general contingency reserve equal to one term’s outgoings;

  3. Invest in new toys and equipment as and when required.

After providing for the estimated cost of the above, the Charity presently has no excess reserve.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees

Dr. E. Maginn Chairperson 16/06/2022

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

Income receipts
Fees

Early Years Funding

Bursaries
Milk refunds
Parent purchases
Sundry income
Investment income
Grants
Ducklings
Fundraising income

Charitable expenditure
Wages

Rent
Education
Admin equipment
Admin expenses
Insurance
Yearly subscriptions
Staff training
Milk / Fruit & Veg
Gifts
Premises expenses
Grants expended
Sundry expenses
Ducklings
Parties
Fundraising expenses

Other payments
VH Maintenance Contribution
Independent Examiner's fees
August Salaries
Net receipts for the year
Ringfenced Furlough Grant Payment
Cash and bank balances
at start of year
Cash and bank balances
at year end		 2021
£
13,215
73,006

-
-
-
-
-
6,794
-
1,214
94,228

69,356

7,283
-
835
1212
935
2,729
-
644
-
-
-
-1,340
3,454
85,110

350
48
6,500
6,900
2,219

-
45,277

54,396
 2020
£
8,202
59,349
-
-
-
1,850
-
8,663
2,310
6,339
86,712
72,716
6,109
146
2,658
888
827
371
50
537
-
-
-
3,459
1,406
50
1,756
90,973
-
48
5,312
96,333
(9,621)
(8,663)
49,524
45,313

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

2021 2020
£ £
Cash funds
Bank Current account 49,285 37,398
Bank Fundraising account 5,111 7,915
54,396 45,313
Current Assets
Income: Autumn Fees - -
Income: Ducklings - -
- -
Current Liabilities
Purchases - -
Fundraising - -
VH Maintenance Contribution 350 -
Wages/PAYE/NI 6,900 -
Rent (Scout hut) Duckling - -
IE Fee 50 -
6,900 -

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 9th June 2021 and are signed on their behalf by:

E Maginn Chairperson Treasurer

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT aldous & saunders PA114 Totr*t

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

CHAIRPERSONS REPORT

Welcome:

On behalf of the committee and staff I would like to thank all those who are here tonight for our postponed Pudleducks AGM meeting. Which is, in fact, our 2021 AGM, which was postponed due to Ongoing Covid disruptions.

Puddleducks is a registered charity run for the benefit of our children, and the wider community and is a not for profit organisation. In order to operate as a Charity, we are required to run an AGM each year, to present to our members – who are you: The current parents & carers of our attending children. We require a minimum 7 members to attend an AGM to be Quorate. This keeps us legally in line with our charitable constitution.

Thanks to Committee:

First of all, I would like thank the outgoing Committee members, Sam and Paul for their work and attendance over recent years. They have been great to work with and have always been there to help, especially with the charitable events that we have put on.

I also want to thank the current committee members who are staying on. Unfortunately due to a number of us having increased personal commitments, we’ve not met up as often as we have in previous years, but it’s been really good to have input and specialist experience from the new members: Emma, Matt and Amy who joined following the 2020 AGM.

I also want to give personal thanks to Hayley, who has worked incredibly hard as Secretary, and Ash who has been a fantastic Treasurer.

Thanks to Staff:

I do also want to thank Sarah and all the staff on behalf of all of us. Puddleducks would be nothing without the dedication of Sarah and the Puddleducks team.

The past couple of years have been tough for everyone, especially as Covid disruptions have lingered on into 2022, and the Puddleducks staff have coped incredibly well and show amazon dedication and resilience.

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

The Early Years sector has become increasingly tough. Both as a career choice and as a business. But despite this, Puddleducks (and our staff) continue to give a first-class experience for the children that attend, as we have now, for over 30 years.

So, for this, we thank them for their dedication and hard work in such challenging times.

Challenges:

As you will hear from the Treasurers report, 2020-2021 has continued to be challenging financially too. However, we do currently have 44 registered children, and a number of sessions are comfortably busy, and operating at a reasonably capacity.

We currently have 5 children of 1 & 2 years old on the waiting list.

As a committee and staff team, we obviously need to work hard at ensuring puddleducks maintains our current service levels, and actively keeps attracting new children to the setting.

We are currently advertising for a new member of staff to help replace Dannielle who left earlier in the year. Again, these hours have in part been picked up by existing staff, and it’s great to see the whole team are helping out.

Committee Commitments:

Historically, the Committee have met one evening a month, 12 times per year. But we are aware that this can be a big commitment for busy parents.

Again, this year, we have planned for 6 committee meetings, roughly 2 months apart.

Because Puddleducks operates as a charity, we are required to be managed by committee. The Committee MUST be made up of:

At least two thirds of the committee members (including co-opted members) MUST be parents or guardians of children currently enrolled at Puddleducks.

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Unfortunately, we are at the point where we do require new committee members to join us, to maintain a minimum. Therefore, I would like to encourage any interested parents to consider joining the committee – As it stands we require at least 1 new member this year to remain constitutionally robust.

Committee meetings are used to discuss and vote on core management issues and policies that steer Puddleducks as an Early Years provider. It allows staff, committee and parents, the opportunity to voice any concerns or suggest areas of improvement. It is also the time when we officially vote in any changes to things such as fees, new policies etc.

While we do not require attendance at every meeting, and we can be flexible with dates, we do need at least 4no committee members to attend when we vote.

It should also be noted that Both Ash (Treasurer) and myself (Chair) are required to step down at the next AGM, so I would encourage anyone who may have an interest in taking up either of these positions to contact us, as Puddleducks cannot technically carry on without 3 officers in place.

It should be noted however, that the committee have voted to amend the constitutional documents, which we plan to ask for members to vote on at the next 2022 AGM.

Maintaining Best Practice Care & Staff levels :

We will strive to reduce overheads and excessive costs where possible, but we still commit to maintaining best practice staffing levels, training and child care

The Role of Fundraising and Fundraisers:

Puddleducks has always offered fantastic off-site visits and treats for our children: We would not be able to do as much as we do, without the continue efforts of fundraising. Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to offer as many trips as in previous years, but we are hopeful that these will be able to resume again soon.

However, the committee has voted to use some of the funds normally used on trips, to fund new play equipment for the setting. Tanks to Sam and Hayley who have

Even if you don’t want to commit to an acting committee member, you are very welcome to join in an help with organising or supporting the summer Fete. This year

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Hayley Wright will be leading the fundraising team, and planning events for the coming year.

Thanks again for attending and for your support.

An invitation for Committee Members and voting in other roles will follow later in the agenda.

Ellis

Dr. Ellis Maginn Chair, Puddleducks Preschool, Mulbarton

m: 07914 758132

e: chair@puddleducksmulbarton.co.uk

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

TREASURERS REPORT

The Puddleducks financial year runs from 1st September to 31st August annually. This allows the management of Playgroup’s finances in the context of admissions and staffing each academic year.

Uncertainty around Covid continued to put pressure on the financial performance with an initial budget review expecting a loss in the year. Coupled with increased running costs this forced a rate review for unfunded hours which was implemented in April 2021. This was the first increase in 5 years and still remains a competitive rate for similar settings in the area. Puddleducks are also proud to continue providing snacks, sourced locally from the Paddock Farm Shop, at no additional cost.

During the 12 month accounting period, the Puddleducks totals were as follows:

Receipts - £94k (up 9% on previous year)
Payments & Liabilities - £92k (down 7% on previous year)
Net Receipts - £2k (compared to £-9k in previous year)

The accounts have been independently verified by Aldous & Saunders ready for submission to the Charities Commission.

Comparison to previous year:

2020/21 2019/20
Receipts £94k £87k
Payments & Liabilities £92k £96k
Net Receipts £2k £-9k

The most significant element of expenditure relates to staffing of the setting which accounts for 82% of expenditure.

At the year end, the Charity’s free reserves amounted to £54,396. It is the Trustees’ aim to maintain reserves in order to:

After providing for the estimated cost of the above, the Charity presently has no excess reserve.

Fundraising during the year has generated over £1.2k which was used in part to fund an attempted purchase of some new outside play equipment. Unfortunately delivery was delayed due to Covid and a partial refund for undelivered items was received after the close of the year.

To conclude, it was another difficult year for all at Puddleducks however finished on a positive note in that previous annual losses were mitigated. We are now nearly through the 2021/22 financial year with increased pressures due to the cost of living crisis however remain positive that with the continued investment in the setting and support from the staff, committee, parents & carers we are well placed to attract new children to the playgroup.

Ashley Watson Treasurer

LEAD PRACTITIONERS REPORT

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

With Covid-19 still present we returned for a new academic year with all covid protocols still in place and covid very much still in our minds. This did not stop us from welcoming new children and their families to Puddleducks, although the settling process was different all children coped and settled into Puddleducks well, showing just how resilient children can be.

As the academic year progressed it became clear that further restrictions were to be placed on us and in January 2021, we had to put procedures in place and reduce the number of children attending as the country went into another lockdown. We continued to remain open, with reduced numbers of children we looked at how we could continue our learning for those at home. We introduced a home learning coordinator, Dani and she made contact with families weekly, reading stories, music and movement sessions and offering learning ideas.

Further into the academic year and the children return to a more normal Puddleducks we are able to continue our learning together. A topic that we all really enjoyed together was minibeasts, watching our caterpillars grow and become butterflies which were able to release into the garden. Our allotment garden continues to be a space that the children really enjoy accessing and helping with.

The children raised fund for Children in Need, and enjoyed World book day by getting dressed up as their favourite book character.

Chloe brought her rabbits in to meet us. We have really enjoyed welcoming Jet and Marshall into Puddleducks. The children enjoyed cuddles with them and spent time listening to Chloe talk about how we look after them. It was great to see the children develop their confidence around the rabbits, especially those that were less sure at the beginning.

Staff training and personal development has continued with Anna moving forward with her level 3 Early Years Educator and completing it in October 2021. Anna has been able to take on more responsibility within the setting and is now session supervisor on two days of the week.

Chloe joined the team on a permanent contract, moving from bank staff hours and has participated in training courses to update her knowledge and professional development.

We also welcomed Katherine to the team in September 2021 as a SEN support assistant for a child with an EHCP. Katherine has worked with the family and other professionals to ensure that the development and learning needs of the child are met within the setting.

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PUDDLEDUCKS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Sarah, Anna, Janice, Chloe and Katherine completed a two-day paediatric first aid course.

Staff have also competed child protection and safeguarding training and Janice has completed the safeguarding lead practitioner training so that she can support Sarah in this role.

We also continue to use Educare, an online training system for some courses.

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