Goslings Playgroup
Registered Charity Number 1031887
Trustees’ Annual Report
Presented to the AGM on 12th November 2024
Chair’s report 2023/2024
I am happy to present you with the 2024 annual report for Goslings Playgroup. Week in, week out, Sarah and the team remain committed to providing a safe and fun learning environment for all the children at Goslings. They do so by carefully planning a curriculum of child-led and adult-initiated activities based on the children’s interests and themes such as Christmas, Diwali, fireworks and free craft.
The team work hard to capture the children's imagination and support their learning and curiosity through various channels, such as story reading and outdoor play. This year, the playgroup welcomed tadpoles and caterpillars, with a grand finale of releasing the frogs and butterflies.
All planning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage. We thank Gayle and Ruth, our deputy leaders who continue to support Sarah and the playgroup brilliantly with their years of expertise, and would like to extend thanks to the whole team who ensure the smooth running and nurturing environment of the playgroup each and every day.
This year, new lighting has been installed and improvements have been made to the outdoor area with new resource racks and a cosy quiet area. There has been a wall replaced and new heating installed, both of which have been a success.
Policies
Documents were reviewed and amended as required.
A proposed change to the admissions policy was agreed from September 2024, children who are attending the playgroup all day will be given priority to attend the lunch time places. Goslings will hold the right to withdraw any lunches which accommodate a half-day session.
Staffing and staff development
The team continue to promote training and leadership with first aid training and Early Years training being carried out. It is also ensured that everyone is up to date with safeguarding training.
We would like to congratulate both Lauren and Charlotte for completing their Early Years qualification, well done for your hard work and dedication to gain your certificates. Angela continues to complete her qualification (Level 3 in Childcare and Education). Mami and Ruth completed their First Aid training.
Goslings staff accommodate cover for Lauren’s maternity leave through increased hours, Lauren is due to return in February 2025.
Newer members of staff now have their own key children.
Finances
As always, the finances remain a careful balancing act. Goslings made a £4.3k surplus last academic year, largely due to having a really busy summer term, thank you to Gayle for her amazing scheduling work. We also had to contribute less for building repairs than expected.
There has been a 15% reduction in sessions (for the term beginning September 2024) compared to this time last year and so a loss is to be expected in the first new term. Staff numbers are low due to the low numbers of children, which is helpful as salaries are the main cost for the playgroup, and as usual, we are thankful to the staff for being willing to accommodate a more flexible staffing model.
Fundraising
We have been successful with our fundraising this year thanks to a great team who continue to give their time and effort. This year, there has been a photographer (£52.00 raised), scavenger hunt (£1,052.00 raised), a summer fair including a summer raffle (£1,135.00 raised) and continued promotion of the ‘Easy Fundraising’ platform.
The Summer Fair funds were used to replace the lighting in the building, and other funds raised were put towards equipment and materials.
I would like to thank Phil and all the Committee for their continued support, commitment and hard work behind the scenes which is very much appreciated.
Kirsty Fells
Acting Chair, Goslings Management Committee
GOSLINGS PLAYGROUP Recei &Pa ments Account For The Year Ended 31st Au ust 2024 2023124 2022123 RECEIPTS PAYMENTS RECEIPTS PAYMENTS Fees Fundraising Grants Donations Interest (E-saver alc) HMRC advance for SMP 129,800.41 3,194.98 21.197.80 130,563.75 2,157.09 952.45 569.29 141.00 167.93 347.42 4,624.29 Stsff costs: Salaries Training Unifoms Staff Xmas meal 113,967.66 431.76 108.60 330.00 100.872.30 1,094.40 314.16 390.00 Premises: Rent Maintenance 8,596.00 22,643.28 8.595.00 3.293.49 Cateri Insurance Consumables Equipment Administration Ofsted registrat¥)n fee Membership subs: EYA Other payMen._ 176.32 1,035.13 2,718.45 687.58 2.954.81 50.00 115.91 45.80 £37.99 304.05 915.70 3,244.87 2,332.51 2,636.55 50.00 112.11 £137.40 DBS checks Leaving gift £159,164.90 £154,850.73 £133.029.77 £124,861.83 Surplu81Deflclt for tho year £4,314.17 £8,167.94 Surplus for the yr 2023124 Reserves BIF from 2022123 Reservos CIF to 2024125 £4,314.17 £37 162.75 £41476.92 BANK RECONCIUATION Closln Balances at 31st Current Account Deposlt Account Ea¥er Account LESS HMRC SIAP adva• for Septloct 2024 £2.603.82 £0.00 £40.347A2 -1,474.32 £41476.92 /SlJ Phil Byford reasurer) 1111112024 Michael Fisher (Independent Examiner) 11111r2024
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Goslings Playgroup On accounts for the year ended 31" August 2024 Charity no (if any) 1031887 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the charity {"the Trust.) for the year erKled 31108120 ounts of the above Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basls of report of the account8 in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (Ihe 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, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters hav6 come to my attention (other than that disclosed below ') in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examinerfs statement I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the wortls in the brackets rf they do not apply. Signed: Date: 1111112024 Name: MICHAEL GRAHAM FISHER Relevant professional qualification{s) or body (if any): Address: HULCOTE corrAGE 55 LONDON ROAD HITCHIN SG4 9EW IER October 2018
Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concem (see CC32, Independent examination of charrty accounts- directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER October 2018