**Trustees' Annual Report for the period**
Period start date Period end date 01 August 2022 31 July 2023 y **From To** ~~ee~~ Section A Reference and administration details **Charity name** Bridge Village Playgroup ~~Pe~~ **Other names charity is known by** ~~Pe~~ **Registered charity number (if any)** 1029286 **Charity's principal address** Bridge Village Hall 28 High Street Bridge **Postcode CT4 5JZ**
## ~~ee~~ Section A Reference and administration details
## **Registered charity number (if any)** 1029286
**Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity**
- **Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled**
- **Trustee name Office (if any) year to appoint trustee (if any)**
- ~~ee es es~~ Chair Started as chair in Sept.
- 1[Sarah Pinnington ] 2022
- ~~ee ee~~ Treasurer Took over treasurer role
- 2[Helen ] Groombridge in January 2023
- ~~eeee~~
- 3 Holly Broadley ~~ee es es~~ Secretary
- 4[Carla Devereaux-] Smith
- ~~eeee~~
- 5 Katie Johnson Start date January 2022 ~~ee ee es~~
- 6 Odette Johnson ~~a es es~~ Treasurer Resigned Dec. 2022
- 7[Elspeth (Eppa) ] Hummerstone
- ~~eeee~~
- 8 Julia Watt (Manager) ~~ee ee~~ Resigned Oct. 2022
- 9[Helen Bridger / ] Shillito
- ~~ee eeGs~~
- 10 ~~es esee rree ee~~
- 11 12 ~~es es rr~~
- 13 ~~ee ee es~~
- 14 ~~es es en~~
- 15 ~~ee rs es~~
- 16 ~~es es en~~
- 17 ~~ee rs es~~
- 18 ~~es rs er~~
- 19 ~~eees~~
- 20 ~~es rs ere~~ **Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees) Name Dates acted if not for whole year**
- ~~a a~~
**TAR**
March **2012**
1
## **Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)**
**Type of adviser Name Address**
## **Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)**
## **Section B Structure, governance and management**
## **Description of the charity’s trusts**
School Learning Alliance) Type of governing document 1 May 2018 (eg. trust deed, constitution) Unincorporated Organisation How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) We ask parents if they would like to join, and then we nominate them to Trustee selection methods become trustees in a Committee Meeting (eg. appointed by, elected by)
## **Additional governance issues (Optional information)**
You **may choose** to include Two new policies have been adopted this academic year: additional information, where relevant, about: Conflict of interest policy Fees policy policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
- the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
- relationship with any related parties;
- trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.
## **Section C Objectives and activities**
**TAR**
March **2012**
2
|**Summary of the objects of the**
**charity set out in its**
**governing document**
**Summary of the main**
**activities undertaken for the**
**public benefit in relation to**
**these objects (include within**
**this section the statutory**
**declaration that trustees have**
**had regard to the guidance**
**issued by the Charity**
**Commission on public**
**benefit)**|The aims of the Pre-school are to enhance the development and
education
of children primarily under statutory school age by encouraging parents
to
understand and provide for the needs of their children through community
groups and by:
(a) offering appropriate play, education and care facilities, family learning
and extended hours groups, together with the right of parents to take
responsibility for and to become involve in the activities of such groups,
ensuring that such groups offer opportunities for all children whatever
their race, culture, religion, means or ability;
(b) encouraging the study of the needs of such children and their families
and promoting public interest in and recognition of such needs in the
local
areas;
(c) instigating and adhering to and furthering the aims and objects of the
Preschool Learning Alliance.|
|---|---|
||Bridge Village Playgroup is a charity-run pre-school that operates out of
the Village Hall in Bridge. We employ 6 members of staff who have all
been with the Pre-school for many years, and are very experienced and
well-regarded in the community. Our primary activity is to provide early-
years education for children aged 2 to 4.
As a charity-run pre-school we actively encourage parents to get involved
in the running of the pre-school through the Committee, which includes
current and ex-parents of children at the pre-school.
The pre-school Manager keeps in close contact with the Early Years
specialist team at Kent County Council to ensure that we are compliant
with all requirements from Ofsted and are meeting the needs of all
children attending the setting.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and use the
local authority tracking system to track and follow the children’s progress.
An indication of some of the activities undertaken at the pre-school are as
follows:
- walks around the village and trips to the local recreation ground for
outdoor play activities. These are aimed at allowing the children to
develop their gross motor skills and give them an opportunity to run,
climb and explore their natural environment.
- trips to the local allotment to grow vegetables, observe growth and
changes and to develop their Understanding of the World; one of the
areas of the curriculum.
- sensory play activities to encourage discussion around the child’s
experience of engaging in these activities, to help develop their verbal
skills
- role-play activities including dressing up, and setting up different
themed
areas such as a travel agent, shop, etc.
- numeracy activities to aid early development of counting and general
understanding of number as well as shape and space. Many of these
activities are also explored in our outdoor environment where we have
access to sand and water play; activities which also extend their scientific
understanding.
- early phonics activities with stories which also focus on developing all
aspects of Phase one phonics ie alliteration, voice sounds, rhythm and
rhyme.
-those children who will be attending Primary School the following|
**TAR**
March **2012**
3
September, also have a focused morning carpet session which are planned because of observations carried out over the week and target their specific needs. These sessions are also aimed at providing them with small challenges and extend their learning, as well as preparing them for school readiness.
Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning the charity’s activities
## **Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)**
You **may choose** to include further statements, where relevant, about:
- policy on grantmaking;
- policy programme related investment;
- contribution made by volunteers.
**TAR**
March **2012**
4
Section D Achievements and performance
**Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year**
A new manager, Julia Watt, was hired in August, 2022. We went into the 2022-23 year with stronger numbers of children attending as the effects of the pandemic began to subside. On 15[th] March, 2023 the Playgroup was inspected by Ofsted and received a grade of Outstanding. This result was due to the efficient running of playgroup. Particular note was taken of the care of the staff: ‘Children have strong bonds with their key persons and benefit from staff that are attuned to their needs and act as positive role models’ (page 2 of the report).
**TAR**
March **2012**
5
## **Section E Financial review**
We aim to have a sufficient amount to cover all costs should BVP need to **Brief statement of the** dissolve. Furthermore, the preschool sector struggles to remain viable **charity’s policy on reserves** and is vulnerable to financial difficulty due to ongoing challenges, such as a lack of or changes to funding.
**Details of any funds materially in deficit**
## **Further financial review details (Optional information)**
You **may choose** to include additional information, where relevant about:
- the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
- how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
- investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
## **Section F Other optional information**
We are currently in a good financial position. We listened to our local community and extended the setting's opening hours, which has increased intake numbers. We also continue to fundraise successfully by arranging events within our local community (Summer Boot Fair & Winter Grand Prize Draw). Management has continued to operate with a strict expenditure policy, though we have invested money in necessary resource improvements and increased staffing levels as required by the higher intake numbers. All of which has allowed the preschool to run efficiently and cater to the needs of our families.
## **Section G Declaration**
**The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.**
**Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees**
Helen Groombridge **Signature(s)** Julia Lewis Helen Groombridge **Full name(s)** Julia Lewis **Position (eg Secretary, Chair,** Chair Treasurer **etc) Date** 23/5/24
**TAR**
March **2012**
6
Welcome everyone, staff, trustees, and parents/carers.
## **Summary of the year**
Bridge Village Playgroup has had another excellent year, continuing to build on its foundations and growing and expanding with regards to practices within the setting, staffing, administration, and the running of the committee. Most significantly, Bridge Playgroup received an outstanding Ofsted inspection which will help to ensure that Playgroup remains a popular and desired setting, therefore ensuring its longevity and sustainability. Staff and Committee have all worked exceptionally hard over the last few years and the report is a recognition of this. Thank you everyone for your hard work and commitment.
## **Ofsted**
Bridge Playgroup had an Ofsted inspection on the 15[th] March 2023. This went extremely well with Playgroup receiving outstanding in all areas of the inspection and gaining an overall effectiveness grading of Outstanding. Management, staff, committee, children and parents were all mentioned and praised in the report, and this highlights what can be achieved when all these elements come together and work to support each other. The staff have always worked exceptionally hard, but they worked even harder on the day to illustrate to fabulousness of Playgroup. Julia has led the team with enthusiasm and dedication this year and what a great outcome for her first year as manager. The committee would also like to thank the local community, without their support, Playgroup would have had to close down in 2021 and we wouldn’t be here celebrating the outstanding Ofsted success.
## **Staffing**
There have been some changes to staffing over the course of the year. Julia Watt took over as manager and has been working tirelessly throughout the year to continue to move playgroup forward; develop her own skills as manager and those of her staff as well, as supporting the needs of the children in Playgroup. Sarah Hinton took over as Playgroup deputy in the Spring term and has shown good skills in being second in command. In the autumn term we said goodbye to Francina and Rachel. Francina retired after over 20 years of dedication and commitment to Playgroup. Rachel left to return to Secondary English teaching. We were very sad to see both leave. Playgroup temporarily employed Katie Rees. Although she was an excellent member of addition, fitting in well with the Playgroup staff team and working well with the children, the cost of hiring someone from an agency was too high for Playgroup. We then recruited Tracey Talbott and Jeanine Mogford, both have been employed on a permanent contract and have been excellent additions to the team. They were both working during the Ofsted inspection. Due to staff sickness, we have been lucky to have Jane Mayne return to Playgroup to cover the shifts.
We now have a strong number of staff with Level 3 (or higher) qualifications with Dorothy Namata soon to complete hers, and many staff showing an interest in continuing their own professional development with a SENCO qualification.
Staff have continued to work exceptionally hard throughout the year and everyone is really grateful to them for this.
## **Committee**
The committee have also worked exceptionally hard over the course of the year, giving up their spare time and fitting in Playgroup work around their own families and job commitments. Policies, procedures and administrative supports have been set up which should hopefully ensure that even as members leave and new ones join, Playgroup will continue to run and be a viable and successful business, enabling staff to provide the high-quality care and education to all the future children attending the setting.
## **Intake**
Playgroup numbers have continued to grow and we have a really healthy intake, with many children on a waiting list. In the Spring term, Playgroup had to close their books to new admissions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as we had reached capacity. In Spring, Playgroup was able to offer provision for the whole day. This has been a huge success and helps to make Playgroup a desirable setting for families. Friday had previously been our
**TAR**
March **2012**
7
quietest day with autumn numbers low, however they have gradually climbed over the academic year, and we now also have a good intake every day of the week.
## **Curriculum**
The curriculum set out for the children has been broad and enriching, being supported by trips of experiences brought into the setting. This was one of the many positive things recorded in the Ofsted report, highlighting how the curriculum meets the needs of children and ensures their learning needs are met, as well as enabling them to move forward and make progress. The curriculum will remain largely the same, with some adjustments made to meet the needs of those children moving through the setting in the next few years.
## **Fundraising and Promotion**
The Committee have been able to tweak the fundraising commitments of Playgroup, choosing to focus on a few key events over the course of the academic year which will raise enough money to ensure Playgroup’s financial survival and ensuring the business remains viable whilst not burning out Committee members.
The Christmas Raffle was another HUGE success, and we are so grateful to have had the continued support of local businesses who submitted some great prizes. The annual Boot fair is approaching, with Odette Johnson kindly providing leadership and guidance on this event. We are extremely grateful for her input and help. Playgroup staff also led a sponsored bounce which was successful and gained us a good amount of money with very little output in terms of cost and effort. Coffee mornings have/will continue to act as a top up to raise money and bring parents/carers together.
## **Policies and procedures**
Two new policies have been adopted this academic year: Conflict of interest policy Fees policy **Fees**
To ensure sustainability, Playgroup Committee have voted to increase their fees as of September 2023. Parents have been informed of the increase and are aware of the changes. As of September, parents/carers will be asked to pay £6/hour per child and for those receiving funding, they will also be asked to make a voluntary contribution of £50 per term.
Thank you all for your hard work and a successful 2022-2023 academic year.
Sarah Pinnington Bridge Playgroup Chair.
**TAR**
March **2012**
8
**Charity No: 1029286**
## **BRIDGE VILLAGE PLAYGROUP**
**INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023**
Ackland Webb Chartered Certified Accountants Suite 1, First Floor 3 Jubilee Way Faversham Kent ME13 8GD
## **BRIDGE VILLAGE PLAYGROUP**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023**
The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the trust for the year ended 31 July 2023.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document**
The trustees are responsible for managing the Trust in accordance with the constitution adopted on 9 November 1993 as amended by the scheme document dated 1 May 2018.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Administrative office**
Bridge Village Hall High Street Bridge Canterbury Kent CT4 5JY
## **TRUSTEES**
The trustees serving during the year were:
S Pinnington J Watt C D Smith H G Broadley E J Hummerstone O Johnson H Groombridge
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER**
Ackland Webb Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants Suite 1, First Floor 3 Jubilee Way Faversham Kent ME13 8GD
Approved by order of the trustees on and signed on its behalf by:
……………….... ……………………..
**1**
**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF OF BRIDGE VILLAGE PLAYGROUP**
I report to the Committee on my examination of the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 July 2023.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Trust's governing document and generally accepted accounting principles.
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Club are not required to be audited under the Club's governing document and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Club's accounts. In carrying out my examination I have followed the principles laid down by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the Charities Act 2011.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
- accounting records were not kept in respect of the Club; or
- the accounts do not accord with those records; or
I have no concerns 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.
David Muggridge Ackland Webb Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants Suite 1, First Floor 3 Jubilee Way Faversham Kent ME13 8GD
Date: .............................................
**2**
## **BRIDGE VILLAGE PLAYGROUP INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023**
|**Income**
Fees
Raffles
Interest
Other income
Training and equipment grants
Coffee mornings
Cards/clothing
Bags to School
Easter event
Other events
Donations
Milk rebates
**Expenditure**
Supervisors
Employer pension contributions
Hire of Hall
Equipment, materials & resources
Fundraising event costs
Cost of services
Parties & outings
Refreshments
Sundries
Donations & gifts
Printing, postage & stationery
Ofsted fees, PSLA subscription & insurance
Advertising
Training
Cleaning & PPE
Telephone & computer
Repairs, renewals & garden maintenance
Accountancy charges
Bank charges
Depreciation
**Surplus/(deficit) for the year**|**31-Jul-23**
**31-Jul-22**
**£**
**£**
90,562
52,633
1,660
2,208
23
-
-
695
-
4,785
76
97
66
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,136
6,056
2,976
93
15
98,536
67,545
59,220
41,243
531
274
2,758
2,348
3,073
3,505
762
503
-
2,118
274
104
1,273
313
-
-
-
332
355
271
579
1,838
31
-
1,048
-
173
30
444
250
1,603
228
250
200
73
37
378
213
72,825
53,807
**25,711**
**13,738**|
|---|---|
**3**
## **BRIDGE VILLAGE PLAYGROUP BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JULY 2023**
|**Assets**
Computer equipment
Fixtures & fittings
Prepayments
Bank current account
Bank deposit account
Cash in hand
**Liabilities**
Trade creditors
Pension creditor
**Net assets**
Represented by:
Surplus brought forward
Surplus/(deficit) for the year
**Surplus carried forward**|**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
319
425
337
-
885
517
30,390
15,301
10,023
-
57
57
42,011
16,300
-
-
-
-
-
-
**42,011**
**16,300**
16,300
2,562
25,711
13,738
**42,011**
**16,300**
**31-Jul-23**
**31-Jul-22**|**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
319
425
337
-
885
517
30,390
15,301
10,023
-
57
57
42,011
16,300
-
-
-
-
-
-
**42,011**
**16,300**
16,300
2,562
25,711
13,738
**42,011**
**16,300**
**31-Jul-23**
**31-Jul-22**|
|---|---|---|
||-
-||
||||
|||**16,300**|
|||2,562
13,738|
|||**16,300**|
Accepted and approved on behalf of the Trustee on by:
H Groombridge Treasurer/Trustee
**4**