Annual AGM Chairs Report 7th July 2021
Well what can I say about the last 10 months since the last AGM? It has been another eventful year but also a very successful one! There have been many changes and challenges but despite this, Preschool has continued to be that vital service at the heart of the village. The staff and the committee have once again worked very hard this year and this means that Preschool continues to be in a strong place going into the next academic year of 2021-2022.
COVID and its restrictions has continued to shape this last year for us all and has dictated much of the running, organisation and restrictions for Preschool. In September, after such a long period of lockdown and reduced numbers, Preschool was able to open with full capacity and numbers were good for the start of the year. January saw the lockdowns return but fortunately, Early Years settings were still able to offer full capacity.
This academic year has also seen many changes to staff and committee members. In September, Marion became the newest member of the Preschool staff after being successful in her interview to replace Louise. She has enjoyed her time at Preschool but has recently made the decision to resign. I would like to thank her for her work over this last year and wish her well for the future. The pressures of everyday life and the juggling of family commitments have also seen the resignation of a couple of committee members. They have continued to help where they can and their support has been greatly appreciated by myself and the rest of the committee.
Fundraising events this year have once again been limited and largely affected by the COVID 19 restrictions. However, in October, the committee ran a very successful new event in the Halloween trail. It was successful not just in its fundraising but also for bringing a welcome community event to the village, which could be enjoyed by everyone. I would like to thank everyone for their help and support in making it an amazing event (which I dare say is now going to become an annual one!) A special thank you has to go to Vanessa Cameron who was the driving force in running this event and for her wonderful map drawing skills!
The committee also managed to run a Christmas raffle to replace the annual Christmas Fayre. This raised vital funds and was almost as profitable as previous fayres, which was amazing. Again, this would not have been so successful without the commitment and hard work of everyone and here I would like to particularly thank, Lynsey Macintyre, Alex Mills and Sarah Butler for all their hard work in sourcing prizes.
Other smaller fundraising opportunities, such as the selling of T-Towels and the generous donations which have been given to Preschool by families and the public have meant that Preschool has been financially stable. The fundraising events have given staff the opportunity to purchase more resources to enhance the experiences of the young children whilst in Preschool. This has included the incubator which has already been a very worthwhile purchase as the staff and children have managed to hatch a duckling and are currently enjoying little ‘Dave the Duck’ in Preschool. We hope that next year the committee can continue their work and are able to run more fundraising events in order to provide the extra funds for even more exciting purchases.
This leads me on nicely to give my thanks to Jane, Vanessa and all the staff for once again providing the most amazing experience to the young people who attend both Preschool and Breakfast Club. You all do such a wonderful job in looking after the children, keeping them safe, making them happy and giving them so many brilliant experiences, which contribute to their development. Even in these tough times, your positivity and love for the children has shone through once again and you have made no excuses to go above and beyond.
I also need to give a special mention to Debbie and Michelle for their continued hard work and dedication to their job. Your teamwork together this year has been so great to watch and I actually struggle to remember a time where you didn’t come as a pair! Your work has certainly made my job a lot easier and the regular ‘gentle’ reminders from you both is much appreciated! Also to all the staff who have had to work in such difficult circumstances but have remained dedicated and professional throughout.
Finally, I would like to thank all of the committee for their support and commitment throughout the past 12 months. It has been another eventful year but I feel a very successful one none the less. I would like to pay particular mentions to our Secretary – Sarah Butler and Treasurer – Lydia Grayston who have both been amazing in supporting me throughout this year, and to everyone on the committee! Although it has not been easy doing meetings virtually and organising almost everything over messages, you have all been so helpful and supportive so thank you.
Aston-on-Trent Preschool remains a true asset to our village and thank you for everyone’s continued support over the year.
Charity Registration No. 1033636 (EnJand ar)d Iwes) ASTON ON TRENT PRE-SCHOOL Annud Accounts Year Ended 31st March 2021 ACCOUNTANT'S CERTIFICATE The attached statements have been prepared from the accounting records of Aston on Trent Pre-school arKI, to the tst of our knowledge and belbef, we in accordance theiewith. Prepared by D A Hoddinott N ¢t&R Dale 27 01 22 Examined by Trevor Pilkington (ReD'red Management Accn&t) Date 27 01. 21
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