Chairperson Report AGM 2020/2021
The new committee have now completed their first year and what a challenging year it’s been.
I will start by saying a massive thank you to all the staff for their support. They have worked so hard despite a lot of uncertainty because of changing COVID restrictions and what was expected of Early Years settings during the lockdown after Christmas. Special thanks must go to our manager, Julie, who has done an absolutely amazing job of keeping everything on track, you have been exceptional, thank you.
We have also had several staff changes and covering of long term sick leave. Everyone has done their part to ensure our children received consistent care during this time and also working as a team to support each other. We will be up to full staffing levels again after half term and I look forward to seeing how the cohesion across the two rooms continues to develop.
Thanks to all the committee for their input this year, it’s certainly been strange having most of our meetings via zoom. Particular thanks to Jo and Ryan for your expertise and support.
Although it has been a challenge, we have also accomplished a lot. The biggest thing has to be giving Playgroup a new name and logo. The committee worked hard on this and we were very pleased and proud when we launched it in March.
The policies have all been updated and amended this year, which was a massive job. Many thanks to Jo for the majority of the work on that.
Despite restrictions we have been able to do some fundraising this year. We did the long standing favourite Christmas hampers, which were a success as usual. Our major fundraiser over the Easter break was our Shared Marathon, which raised money for our outside areas. This raised over £1400, thanks to all the families that joined in and were sponsored. Committee members and other parents came together over several evenings to create a construction area in the pre-school garden amongst other things. Lots of new equipment has been purchased and the work is now nearing completion.
We were also able to join Nailsworth Primary School PTFA in organising the Nailsworth Duck Race during the festival in August and will receive 50% of the profit. (this money will show in next years report.)
Finally, as you will see from the accounts, we have also managed to end the year in a much healthier position financially, which is just fantastic given that last years prediction was that we would make a loss.
Thank you once again to everyone involved with playgroup this year.
Laura
Phoenix Playmates/Nailsworth Playgroup Year Ended 31 August 2021
| 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | ||||
| GCC Funding | 85,187.69 | 70,942.75 | ||
| GCC Deprevation Funding | 6,560.70 | 5,835.25 | ||
| Private Fees | 6,970.79 | 15,507.00 | ||
| Fundraising | 2,042.64 | 537.50 | ||
| Total | 100,761.82 | 92,822.50 | ||
| Staff Costs | ||||
| Gross Wages | 81,599.92 | 97,661.17 | ||
| Pensions | 113.30 | 717.90 | ||
| Overheads | 81,713.22 | 98,379.07 | ||
| Equipment/Costs | 3,004.93 | 2,904.12 | ||
| Offic Admin | 1,375.19 | 3,071.40 | ||
| Bank Charges | 105.13 | 99.33 | ||
| Premises Costs | 3,306.85 | 1,909.82 | ||
| Subscriptions/Training | 323.80 | 801.38 | ||
| 8,115.90 | 8,786.05 | |||
| Surplus in period | 10,932.70 | 14,342.62 - |
||
| Bank Balance (net of accruals) | 33,891.17 | 22,045.26 |
Nailsworth Playgroup
Treasurers Report Y/E 31 August 2021
The first thing to note from the attached income and expenditure account is that we are in a significantly stronger position now than we were at the start of the year. Cash reserves have been increased by nearly £12k – from £22,045 to £33,891. This was essential to our success really as we discovered we had to hold on account enough funds to cover staff redundancies should the worst happen – which thankfully it nowhere near did.
The most significant differences between the prior year – when funds were reduced by £14k – are that revenue has been increased by £10k and staff costs reduced by £16k. This despite a large drop in private fees (hours over and above the government funded hours). This would suggest that there a significant amount more children than this time last year, but that they do less hours each. Which is a much more secure position to be in.
Staffing has been an issue in the year – as in the prior year. This year the government allowed for flexible furlough which was not available I don’t believe during the first bought of enforced closing so we were able to claim a proportion of the staff wages during the periods we were closed in this year. These amounts may not have been significant stand alone, but relative to our financial position very useful. It is very difficult to compare staffing across the years due to the amount of staff turnover we have had this year, as well as sick leave and the inevitable over time of other staff members to cover.
We have managed to reduce overheads – despite the increased spend on nursey equipment (tables/chairs/materials etc) and the garden improvements that were undertaken over the summer term half term at a total cost of £1,423 thanks to so many people volunteering their own time and efforts. We appear to have saved significantly on office admin. However; it is worth noting that it can be difficult to compare like for like when accounts change hands due to possible differences in classification of costs.
A real positive is in the fundraising department. Despite continued restrictions fundraising (so far) has been increased from less than £550 to nearly £2,050. Again difficult to compare due to C19 restrictions but still a real success. The virtual marathon(s!) that were run raised at least £1,450 in JustGiving receipts alone. Then we had the crisp packet initiative (ongoing) merchandise sales, raffles, trails and the summer party all of which contributed further funds – notably no Christmas party which is the traditional big fundraiser, and this period doesn’t cover the duck racing so that will boost next year. We have also started selling uniforms for a modest mark up.
Finally for 2022 I would suggest it is based on similar income levels, hopefully reduced staffing costs if we can stabilise contracted hours and reduce overtime, and increase premises and equipment costs in the hope that we have surplus funds to invest.