- Adroddiad Blynyddol Cylch Meithrin Aberystwyth Annual Report 2022 23
Looking back to the 12 months from April 2022 - March 2023, the year has been a challenging one with issues such as rising operating costs, arrears owed, and difficulties in recruiting a Treasurer to our voluntary Committee.
We have been successful in receiving several grants this year, resulting in a new shelter being erected outside the Cylch, to be used by parents for buggies, scooters etc., and a wooden shelter for play within the yard area. Many thanks to Carwyn Lloyd for installing the buggy shelter, and to Keith Davies for assisting. Other resources have also been purchased using grant funding to provide toys and games for the children.
1
The Cylch continues to successfully provide the 30hr Childcare offer, now administered via the new digital system, for eligible families with children aged 3 & 4. Parents are encouraged by staff to ask for information before the child reaches their 3rd birthday, in order for applications to be processed in a timely manner. We are also a Flying Start provider.
Costs are continuing to rise as a result of the wider financial situation with wages being our biggest outlay. Supplies are also costing considerably more than previously. Fees were not increased this year in order to alleviate the cost of living crisis for families. However, going forward, it is anticipated that an annual increase will be necessary in order to continue to cover costs. Staff continue to receive an annual incremental pay increase.
The Trustees would like to express their appreciation for the outgoing 2021-22 Committee, in particular Sarah Groves-Phillips for her amazing support with grant applications, and Sionna Hutton for continuing to assist with banking matters.
With a new Committee volunteering to take over in Autumn 2022, but without anyone being willing to take on the Treasurer role, it was decided that we would contract an Accountancy firm to manage financial matters in many respects. PJE Accountants were suggested, and after some discussions around the remit of their role, they began to take over aspects of the Cylch’s financial matters. A decision has also been taken that we will change banking providers, and this will be actioned in the new financial year.
Going forward, once the banking provider transfer has been completed, there are plans to change the billing system (currently half-termly) to a regular monthly payment. It is hoped this will make budgeting more straightforward for both families and for the Cylch, and lessen the administration burden. Monthly payments in advance will also reduce the risk of families going into arrears with fees, which impacts on the smooth running of the Cylch.
The new Committee have expressed their intention to organise regular fund-raising events, which have been less frequent in the last twelve months. Fundraising not only supports the financial position, but raises the Cylch’s public profile and helps to promote
2
a sense of community between families. Plans are also in place to reinstate a regular newsletter to share news and events.
It is anticipated that fees will increase from September 2023. We hope that families will understand the need for the increases, and will continue to support the Cylch. The Committee and Trustees will continue to organise and support fundraising activities, and apply for grant funding where available.
Finally, we are immensely proud of our wonderful staff team and wish to express our gratitude for their ongoing hard work and commitment to the Cylch. In particular, we wish to thank Carys for her excellent and committed leadership, and Ceirios for her support as Deputy and stepping up as acting Leader following Carys’ recent accident. Sasha, Eiriol, Nia & Janeen are also deserving of our gratitude for their ongoing commitment, flexibility in working additional hours and covering absences, and for their support of Carys & Ceirios. The Committee and Trustees would like to wish Carys a speedy recovery.
Fees £22,759.20 Staff costs -£61,146.91 Grants £33,855.32 Operating -£7,916.29 costs Fundraising £204.00 Subtotal £56,818.52 Subtotal -£69,063.20
Total: -£12,244.68
3