2025-03-31-accounts - Play Wales/chwarae Cymru

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Contents of the annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

Report of the Trustees	3 to 17
Report of the Independent Auditors	18 to 21
Statement of Financial Actvites	22
Balance Sheet	23
Cash Flow Statement	24
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement	25
Notes to the Financial Statements	26 to 39
Detailed Statement of Financial Actvites	40

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

Objectives and aims

Our objectives are to provide and assist in the provision for facilities and services for play recreation, education and other leisure-time occupation for all children residing in Wales. We act as a champion for children's play; increasing awareness and understanding throughout Wales of the critical importance of play to children and their well-being. To maintain and ensure appropriate representation and consultation on matters affecting children's play in Wales. To contribute and support playwork education training and workforce development in Wales so as to further the play interests of children through quality play service provision and advocacy.

In meeting these objectives our aim is to foster a more tolerant, understanding and informed active response among adults who are in a position to meet children's play needs both directly and indirectly and therefore to improve the well-being and participation of children within their communities.

The focus of our work

The principal activity of Play Wales | Chwarae Cymru is to influence policy, strategic planning and practice of all agencies and organisations that have an interest in and a responsibility for children's play. This is achieved by providing information, technical advice and guidance related to play provision and workforce development; helping to identify needs and contributing to the increasing recognition of the profound importance of play as a critical component of children's development. Play Wales | Chwarae Cymru provides a forum for playwork throughout Wales and undertakes a national representational role for playwork.

As the national organisation for children's play in Wales our strategic aims during the year were to:

Act as a critical friend of the Welsh Government
Promote children's freely chosen independent play
Advocate for children and their play needs
Uphold their right to play on behalf of all the children of Wales
Raise awareness of play needs at every level from national Government to local play schemes
Represent play providers and playworkers offering expert advice, guidance, support, networking opportunities and conferences related to play, play policy, play provision and workforce development.

These strategic aims are achieved through the following principal activities:

Information Service
Workforce development
Play policy, advice and support.

Ensuring our work delivers our aims

Our work is regularly reviewed throughout the year, through Trustees meetings and meetings with advisory groups, and through the reporting mechanism for Welsh Government. The management team has also instituted an annual review and forward planning process that evaluates our work and identifies areas for further development to effectively meet our aims.

We have referred to Charity Commission guidance on public benefit in conducting reviews of our aims and objectives. Trustees routinely consider how proposed or current work contributes to the aims and objectives of Play Wales | Chwarae Cymru.

Objectives and activities

Public benefit

Play Wales | Chwarae Cymru is the national organisation for children's play in Wales; an independent charity funded by the Welsh Government. The work of Play Wales | Chwarae Cymru benefits the people of Wales by:

Responding to children's request (through consultation) for more and better places and opportunities to play
Upholding and advocating for children's right to play (as stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) within national and regional forums and with decision making bodies
Gathering and disseminating information relating to the benefits of playing to anyone who is in a position to further children's play interests
Promoting quality provision for play that is inclusive of all children and young people - meeting the needs of disabled children and children who are disadvantaged or excluded
Sharing expertise and providing guidance and advice, thus enabling children's services within local authorities and voluntary agencies to offer quality play provision that meets children's needs - and to get the maximum benefit for children from financial provision for play
Promoting and supporting quality training for playworkers and trainers - thus contributing to the development of a skilled, expert workforce that also meets children's play needs.

Quality play services contribute to the health and well-being of children and young people and also to the health and vibrancy of communities (Welsh Government Play Policy 2002).

Who used and benefited from our services?

Our aims and objectives relate to benefiting the children of Wales - where in 2021 there were more than half a million children aged 0-15 (among a total population of just over three million).

Our services are largely offered free - some publications and events being offered on a non-profit making basis.

Trustees receive no benefits and give their time voluntarily. Any expenses claimed are set out in the accounts.

Our services were used by:

Parents and carers
Government officials
Members of the public campaigning to instate or preserve play provision
Organisations providing or supporting children's services - both local authority and voluntary
Organisations providing children's play services - both local authority and voluntary, as well as community councils
Playworkers, play development workers and play development officers
Playwork trainers and managers of playworkers
Teachers, head teachers, governors and educational psychologists
Academics and university institutions.

In the furtherance of these aims, the Trustees of Play Wales | Chwarae Cymru have complied with the duty in section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's published general and sub-sector guidance concerning the operation of the Public Benefit requirement under the Act.

Achievments and performance

Information service

Objective: To promote the value of children's play in Wales through the provision of timely and current information to our stakeholders.

Outcome: Play Wales produced and disseminated a wide variety of bilingual information and services including:

Play Wales website:

Continuing to work with our website developers to make improvements to the functionality and user experience of the relatively new bilingual website.
Working with our website developers to navigate the fast pace advances of AI to protect our content published on the website.
Providing and maintaining the on-going development of a website which is regularly updated with current items of interest to members and to those who have a responsibility for or an interest in children's play, playwork and play provision. We attracted a significant audience to the website - over 125,000 page views by approximately 48,000 users - over the year.

Publications:

Producing and publishing Play for Wales , our bilingual magazine, twice a year - distributed free both printed and electronically to approximately 4,000 recipients who can further children's play interests in Wales. The Spring | Summer 2024 issue was printed and distributed later than planned (early October 2024) and the Autumn | Winter 2024 issue produced during the reporting period (digital and print publication was delayed until April 2025).
Publishing digitally and in printed format Playing and being well , the comprehensive literature review we commissioned external academic researchers to undertake on our behalf. The authors launched the printed version at Play Wales' national conference.

Redesigning a number of existing resources - information sheets, top tips and briefings - to fit with the new Play Wales brand. This work in ongoing and offers a good opportunity to review and update the content of our existing resources.
Producing and disseminating a range of new and updated resources, including:
Playing outdoors in early years settings
Opening school grounds for play
A play friendly school - guidance for a whole school approach
Playwork - what's so special?
The Play Sufficiency Duty and the roles of playworkers
Focus on play - how play supports mental health
Focus on play - play and county councillors
Right to play workshop
Top tips for International Day of Play
Review of the National Occupational Standards for Playwork 2024/25 Information sheet #2 (published on behalf of the UK Playwork NOS Consortium, of which Play Wales is a member).
Continuing to distribute printed copies of our three storybooks, Fun in the dungeon, Fun in the garden and Fun in the playground , when requested.
Working with Play Wales' cartoonist to develop a new play cycle resource to support learners undertaking our training and qualifications, and to produce colouring in cartoons and a game for a new colouring book for play packs distributed to children living in temporary accommodation. We also commissioned a new evergreen bilingual poster for celebrating children's right to play, to be launched on International Day of Play.
Disseminating and raising awareness about Play Wales' existing and updated resources, including information sheets, toolkits and storybooks.
Continuing the promotion and dissemination of child friendly resources for the International Play Association to promote Article 31 of the UNCRC and the key messages of General Comment no. 17.

Engagement:

Continuing to post regularly on Play Wales' bilingual social media channels and kept a watching brief on the continued usefulness of various platforms. Over 8,000 follow our Facebook pages and almost 9,000 follow our accounts on X (formerly Twitter). Kept a watching brief of reputation and value of using X for professional use and explored alternative social media platforms, such as Linkedin and Bluesky.
Putting together and distributing 12 issues of the monthly e-bulletin (to approximately 2,500 recipients), which provides an overview of what's new on the Play Wales website, with a section for Playful Childhoods website updates too.
Promoting play through the media thus raising awareness of the barriers to children having quality play opportunities and emphasising the importance of children's play, including interviews with Play Wales team members.
Maintaining regular contact with Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd through magazines, events, meetings and information sheets - thus raising awareness of the importance to children of playing and the necessity to promote play-friendly decisions among planners and decision makers. We worked with Welsh Government colleagues to secure an interview with the Minister for Children and Social Services in the Play for Wales magazine, alongside an update on the progress made against the recommendations in the Ministerial Review of Play. Also, we sent a letter on behalf of all children in Wales to each Member of the Senedd to invite them to get involved in Playday 2024 events in their constituency.

Contributing to online and in-person events in Wales - promoting the work of Play Wales and promoting quality play provision for children. An increase in online events since the pandemic has brought Play Wales and its work to a broader audience. Face-to-face events included the Education Show in Llandudno and Cardiff, with over 2,000 school staff attending each event, which offered a good opportunity to distribute our schools based resources to the target audience.
Raising the profile of play in Wales and Play Wales internationally by regularly contributing to play and children's rights related blogs, magazines and journals.
Continuing to promote free Play Wales membership - rebranded as 'supporters' - using existing evergreen promotional materials to promote the offer.
Completing an evaluation of the Play Wales Information Service via an online survey and one-to-one interviews with key stakeholders. We received an overwhelmingly positive response to our work and we continue to use the constructive feedback provided to inform our work, where possible.

Miscellaneous:

Contributing to the UK national Playday steering group and resources - thus supporting play services in providing Playday events for children, but also providing Welsh representation and support to a UK campaigning group highlighting barriers to quality play experiences and recommending action. Outputs included:
Amending the Playday website in Spring 2024 in readiness for the annual campaign.
Developing and distributing electronically bilingual resources to publicise Playday 2024 events - used across the four nations (Play Wales led on the design work).
Launching the Playday 2024 theme in May 2024 - 'Play - the culture of childhood'. In March 2025, commenced in-house and four nations discussions about the theme for 2025 campaign.
Promoting events taking place in Wales on the Playful Childhoods website, following the decision not to advertise events taking place across the UK on the Playday website due to lack of capacity to undertake the moderating work across the four nations.
Collaborating with IPA Cymru Wales to produce bilingual social media resources and a media pack to highlight the importance of playtime in school, to mark the first ever UN International Day of Play in June 2024. We also commenced a collaboration project with IPA Cymru Wales and IPA Japan to commission a short film celebrating the universal joy of play to celebrate the day in June 2025.
Continuing to add new publications to the Play Wales' library, which offers the most comprehensive resource of play and playwork materials in Wales. This is open to visitors by appointment (although not promoted since the pandemic restricted this possibility), and largely supports our team with up to date information, as well as play professionals and students studying play and playwork.
Continuing to promote and show This is why play is so important , a documentary film to celebrate and promote children's play in Wales, to various audiences across Wales and beyond.
Commissioning an agency to produce short evergreen clips on playwork as a careers and explaining open access play provision to parents (for Playful Childhoods audience but also for settings to share locally) which included new footage and interviews and well as using existing footage from This is why play is so important filming, which didn't make the final cut.
Working with a photographer to capture new photos for our library of images to be used on our websites, social media, campaign materials and in publications.
Maintaining and updating the Children's Play Policy Forum and Play Safety Forum websites on behalf of the four nations.
Continuing to work to ensure that our database and communications are compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Playful Childhoods:

Continuing to update the website, which is aimed at parents and carers, and promotes the importance of play and offers practical advice and guidance on providing play opportunities at home and in the community. Over the year, the website attracted 38,000 page views by 23,000 users.
Continuing to maintain and build our audience and increase organic engagement on bilingual pages on social media, which is increasingly challenging: Facebook and Instagram. Over 5,500 follow our Facebook page and over 1,000 follow our Instagram account.
Continuing to invest in Google Ads grant support to improve search engine rankings for Playful Childhoods with the aim of driving more traffic to the website - this continues to result in a significant traffic increase to the website.
Continuing to engage with Welsh Government colleagues to share messaging as part of the Teulu Cymru campaign.
Using short evergreen video clips to help support parents give their children time, space and freedom to play at home and in their neighbourhood - all low-cost play ideas to take into account the cost of living crisis. Continuing to use the clips on an on-going basis via Playful Childhoods website in blog articles and on social media, as well as sharing with our e-mailing list throughout the year and on specific awareness days.
Continuing to use findings from external evaluation of the Playful Childhoods website and social media, which included an online survey and focus groups with parents and those who work with children and families to inform our work and explore future developments, where budget allows. Positive and constructive feedback received which has resulted in us commissioning new written content, mainly blog posts.

Workforce development

Objective: To contribute to the professional development of the play and playwork workforce in Wales

Outcome: Play Wales was active in a range of activities relating to training and workforce development to further the play interests of children in Wales, including:

Supporting and advising the Welsh Government on issues relating to the play and playwork workforce.
Providing specific advice and guidance in relation to workforce issues to inform the Welsh Government's Ministerial Review of Play Action Plan.
Providing specific advice to the Welsh Government on emerging workforce related issues including: the review of the Exceptions Order and National Minimum Standards.
Delivering four Playwork Education and Training Council Wales (PETC Wales) meetings - supporting a dialogue between playwork employers, national organisations, the Welsh Government, Social Care Wales and Qualifications Wales.
Continuing to work to actions within A play friendly workforce for Wales, Play Wales' plan for the ongoing development of the play and playwork workforces.
Developing the infrastructure for the national delivery of playwork qualifications by supporting the development and continued operation of six Training Centres. This includes the quality assurance of L2APP, MAHPS and P[3] qualifications and supporting trainers and assessors, through ongoing standardisation activity.
Working with our partners to support the quality of playwork qualification delivery through the Welsh Government Training and Support Programme.
Working with the Cardiff Metropolitan University Early Childhood Studies Degree Programme team to develop a module based on L2APP for delivery in the 2025/2026 academic year.

Delivering the Level 3 Award in Delivering Dynamic Playwork Training (ADDaPT) to 10 learners from across Wales to build the infrastructure of occupationally competent playwork tutors in Wales.
Leading on the review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Playwork on behalf of the UK Playwork NOS Consortium. This review is due to be completed by early 2026.
Working with PETC Wales and other partners to identify funding for the sustainable delivery of playwork qualifications and build the infrastructure of trainers, using a range of funding models including the Welsh Government Training and Support Programme.
Delivering the International Playwork: Senior Practitioner course to six learners in the Netherlands through Jantje Beton.
Delivering the International Playwork: Foundation Practitioner course to 56 learners in Australia.
Developing mechanisms for the delivery of Play Wales' training under a licensing agreement with Play Australia.
Chairing Social Care Wales' Early Years Network meeting.
Contributing to Education and Training Standards Wales (ETS Wales).
Contributing to Playwork Education and Training Councils in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to promote four nations planning for workforce development.
Contributing to Social Care Wales' Qualifications Standards Advisory Group (QSAG) including membership of task and finish groups looking at the development of a transitional qualification into childcare.
Maintaining the list of Required Qualifications to work within the Playwork Sector in Wales and qualifications flow chart on behalf of PETC Wales.
Promoting the roll out of Play Wales' endorsed course - Let's talk about play - for approved tutors to deliver as professional development in local areas of Wales.
Contributing to the advisory group for the 'WeCare' recruitment campaign by Social Care Wales.
Continuing to develop the delivery model of the Chwarae o Safon Playwork Quality Mark with support from Cardiff Business School students.
Planned and delivered a series of Understanding Play Sufficiency webinars with Wendy Russell and Ludicology.
Developing two new short films - What does it take to be a playworker? and What is open access playwork?
Providing seminars, training opportunities and conferences to facilitate the provision of quality play services to children, including delivering:
a national conference in Cardiff - Playing and being well: Research into practice for 127 delegates
a two-day face-to-face Playworkers Forum event for 50 delegates, the focus for the event was micro keynotes on the value of playwork in a range of contexts and practical skills
a north Wales conference - Play sufficiency: understanding your role in the statutory duty - to 37 delegates.
• Delivering a range of presentations for:
Early Years Wales (webinar on risk)
the National Playwork Conference in Eastbourne (workshop on National Occupational Standards)
Green Space Wales network
NHS Wales (Lunch and Learn Session)
Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) Cymru
Welsh Government's Foundations for the Future: Enhancing Lives of Babies, Children, Young People and their Families Conference (workshop)

Social Care Wales Early Years Conference (facilitator and stall holder)
Social Care Wales (two webinars on play and wellbeing)
Denbighshire Childcare and Play Conference
Torfaen Play Priority Conference
Ynys Môn's Fostering Community (workshop)
Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs online conference (presented an award)
Centre for Alternative Technology (for trainee architects)
Design Commission for Wales' Placemaking for Town Centres Conference.

Play policy

Objective: To work with individuals, organisations and networks to inform the development of policy and matters related to children's play in Wales

Outcome: Play Wales was involved in a variety of UK and worldwide policy groups attending meetings of relevant organisations to ensure UK wide initiatives reflect development and best practice in Wales:

UK Play Safety Forum
UK Children's Play Policy Forum
National Playday Steering Group
International Play Association (IPA) Cymru Wales
International Play Association (IPA) World
Learning through Landscapes Board
UK Playwork NOS Consortium.

Additionally, on a UK and international level, Play Wales:

continued to provide support for IPA World to adhere to requirements as an international charity registered in England and Wales.
provided secretariat support for International Play Association (IPA) Cymru Wales branch.
hosted three student placements from Cardiff University to assist with data collection and analysis for all-Wales play satisfaction surveys with children.
engaged with various local public health teams to promote the importance of play.
collaborated with Starlight Children's Foundation to support Hospital Play Specialists in Wales.
continued research partnerships with Swansea University and Cardiff University advising on a range of research topics:
Play in schools
Play and humour
Play in the early years and family engagement
Play, physical activity and wellbeing
Play and displaced children
Play and planning.

Play Wales also responded to relevant national consultations:

Prevention of ill health-obesity consultation (Senedd Health and Social Care Committee)
Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Draft Priorities for Culture
The Specification of Apprenticeship Standards Wales (SASW)
Youth work in Wales: delivering for young people.

Additionally, Play Wales:

Undertook activity to sustain learning from the Community Play Ambassador Project, a three-year project funded by the Healthy Active Fund, including the promotion of and circulation of resources for an endorsed play and playwork course.
Undertook an audit of play in hospital for Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Health Team.
Developed and implemented an early years outdoor play project for Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Public Health.
Supported the Welsh Government to implement recommendations from the Ministerial Review of Play Steering Group report.
Contributed to various academic publications and external publications.
Undertook fundraising activity in line with our Fundraising Strategy, contributing to three academic led research proposals to National Institute for Health Research (NIHR):
researching the impact of local authority responses to the Play Sufficiency Duty in Wales on children's play and health and wellbeing outcomes
examining the provision of afternoon play in schools
reviewing the impact of and contextualising the Healthy Dads - Healthy Kids initiative.

Advice and support

Objective: To provide specialist knowledge regarding all issues about and affecting children's play

Outcome: Play Wales was involved in a variety of Wales wide working groups to ensure that children's play acquires the status it deserves:

Wales UNCRC Monitoring Group
Early Years Action Group
Children's Rights in Early Years Network
Children in Wales Policy Council
Active Healthy Kids (AHK) Wales Expert Group - lead on active play indicator
Welsh Government Building a Healthier Wales Task and Finish Group - Ministerial Priorities
Welsh Government Anti-Racist Wales Childcare and Play Governance Group and associated sub-groups
Welsh Government Childcare and Play Stakeholder Group
Welsh Government Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Action Plan Stakeholder Group
Senedd Cross Party Group for Children and Families

Care Inspectorate Wales Childcare and Play Working Group
Education and Training Standards (ETS) Committee
Youth work strategy workforce development implementation participation group
time limited task and finish groups related to the above.

Outcome: Play Wales has supported the development of a strategic approach to children's play through:

taking part in the National Mission on Obesity - roundtable discussion.
contributing to actions arising from the Ministerial Review of Play, such as:
updating the Play Sufficiency Assessment Template and Toolkit, following engagement with local authority play sufficiency officers
providing guidance on the review of Wales a play friendly country, the play sufficiency statutory guidance.
collaborating with Early Years Wales and Sport Wales on The Foundations Framework Developing Good Practice in Physical Activity and Sporting Environments for Children aged 3-11 years.
facilitating regular meetings for play sufficiency lead officers.
gathering examples of play sufficiency from local authorities across Wales for future dissemination.
planning and facilitating a range of play sufficiency workshops and presentations.
facilitating check-in meetings for open access playwork providers.
gathering data for a pan-Wales analysis of children's play satisfaction surveys.
continuing to work with commissioned researchers to update the evidence on the value of play from a public and social policy perspective in Wales.

Outcome: Play Wales has supported play at delivery level through:

ensuring that local community groups are signposted to and supported appropriately by local support networks. We received and responded to a broad range of queries via social media, telephone and email from parents, elected members, schools and small organisations during the last year. The queries include questions about qualifications, research queries from students, funding for play equipment and play areas, support for saving school playing fields, job advertising and requests for letters of support for funding applications.
providing non-managerial professional development support to play development officers throughout Wales.
providing advice regarding play officer recruitment to local authorities and voluntary organisations.
providing support for voluntary sector play projects.
presentations at local (online and in person) play sufficiency and play events and conferences throughout Wales.
providing advice regarding play space design and development.
supporting local communities and several communities to establish resident-led street closures for play.
working with partners in the Vale of Glamorgan to consider play in secondary schools.
working with local authorities to develop projects which source and supply loose parts materials for play.
supporting Isle of Anglesey County Council to develop a Strategic Framework for Play.
supporting an event which provided continuing professional development for early years settings to consider outdoor play.

supporting Pobl Group to implement the recommendations of the Pillgwenlly Play Audit
researching the provision and implementation of after school play projects.
monitoring and researching a pilot project to understand and support the play needs for children in temporary accommodation.
sustaining and developing the delivery infrastructure for playwork training and qualifications
attending and engaging with delegates at National Education Shows.

Quality Assurance

We continue to maintain the systems, reviewing and updating as appropriate, developed when Play Wales achieved the PQASSO Quality Mark Level 1 (NCVO quality assurance scheme).

Financial review

Financial position

Play Wales continues to be reliant upon core funding from the Welsh Government. The funding from the Welsh Government has been secured until 31 March 2026. The charity made an unrestricted deficit of £43,132 for the year ending 31 March 2025 (2024: £46,486 as restated).

Investment policy

The Trustees regularly review the amount that the organisation requires to ensure that they are adequate to fulfil its continuing obligations. Currently the charity takes a cautious approach to investing, minimising the level of risk.

Reserves Statement

Play Wales intends to maintain the level of free reserves that equates to between six and twelve months of annual expenditure. The financial reserves are set aside to ensure financial stability for staff and its members and to ensure that the current activities would be maintained in the event of a period of unforeseen difficulty. The calculation of the required level of reserves is integral to Play Wales's planning, budget and forecast cycle. The free reserves available to the charity (excluding the fixed asset, the designated fund and the pension reserve) were £311,006 (2024: £316,027 as restated).

Defined Benefit Pension Scheme

Play Wales is a member of the Local Government Pension scheme operated through Cardiff and The Vale of Glamorgan. The defined benefit scheme currently has a surplus of £1,750,000 (2024: surplus of £1,320,000). The Trustees recognise that the current pension surplus is highly volatile due to changes in accounting estimate and assumptions used by the actuaries when valuing the scheme. A surplus is only recognised to the extent of reduced future contribution to the plan.

Plans for the future 2025-2026

Play Wales will continue to work to promote children's play and act as an advocate for children and their play needs. Particularly, we anticipate that we will undertake the following:

Continue to support providers of play opportunities to respond to changes in the social, political and financial landscape in a play friendly way.
Support the Welsh Government to achieve the milestones set out in the Ministerial Review of Play.
Continue to deliver a communication service aimed at our broad constituency through the provision of focused publications, direct mailing and up to date websites as well as social media engagement.
Contribute to and inform local, national and international advocacy through project work and membership of committees and groups.
Support local authorities and third sector organisations to engage and respond to national policy through events, network facilitation and advice.
Continue to work with research institutions to identify what children say about access to play.
Review and implement A play friendly workforce for Wales, our workforce development plan.
Work with approved centres to ensure that the delivery of Agored Cymru playwork qualifications, and other training, continues to be of quality and responds to the needs of the workforce.
Launch and promote the Chwarae o Safon Playwork Quality Assurance Framework.
Work with local Public Health Teams to agree and share messages regarding children's play.
Undertake and publish a pan-Wales report of surveys completed by children across local authority areas in Wales as part of their Play Sufficiency Assessments in 2025.
Deliver Playful Childhoods campaigns to support parents and carers to provide sufficient opportunities for children to play at home and in their communities.
Develop and deliver a national conference and a range of events and training opportunities for playworkers and others whose work impacts on children.
Review, update and implement our Fundraising Strategy to enable delivery of additional projects.
To continue to highlight and raise the importance of the provision of play in healthcare.
Lead the review of the National Occupational Standards for Playwork, on behalf of the UK Playwork NOS Consortium.
Work with international partners to support them to deliver endorsed playwork training
Develop and publish a manifesto to inform the Senedd Cymru election in 2026.

To ensure these services are developed and delivered as effectively as possible we will continually review and develop Play Wales' operational plan.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, and constitutes a charitable incorporation organisation (CIO).

Reference and administrative details

Registered Charity number

1068926

Principal address

Park House Greyfriars Road Cardiff CF10 3AF

Trustees

R Lyons K Towler M C King – Resigned 16 June 2025 Dr S C Y Crowley – Resigned 08 July 2025 Mrs E Clark Mrs R Barrance Dr J Tyrie Dr M Khan Dr H S Hersi

Auditors

Bevan Buckland LLP (Statutory Auditors) Ground Floor Cardigan House Castle Court Swansea Enterprise Park Swansea SA7 9LA

Solicitors

Geldards 4 Capital Quarter Tyndall Street Cardiff CF10 4BZ

Bankers

The Co-operative Bank Plc PO Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT

CAF Bank Plc 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

Flagstone 1st Floor, Clareville House 26-27 Oxendon Street London SW1Y 4EL

Insurers

Keegan & Pennykid Insurance Brokers Ltd 50 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 3NF

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).

Under charity law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and The Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on

and signed on its behalf by:

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SIGN
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K Towler - Trustee

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Play Wales / Chwarae Cymru (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

The financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 were audited by another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements on 6 January 2025.

As disclosed in Note 10, the comparative information has been restated to reflect prior year adjustments. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

the information given in the Report of the Trustees is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Page 1 8

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 1 �

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the Financial Statements, whether due to fraud or error,and then, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that insufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

We discussed our audit independence complying with the Revised Ethical Standard 2024 with the engagement team members whilst planning the audit and continually monitored our independence throughout the process.

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities.

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:

enquiring of management, including obtaining and reviewing support documentation, concerning the charity's policies and procedures relating to:
identifying, evaluating, and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;
detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
- internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;
discussing among the engagement team how and where fraud might occur in the Financial Statements and any potential indicators of fraud.
obtaining an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the charity operates in, focusing on those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the Financial Statements or that had a fundamental effect on the operations of the company, The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the Charities Act 2011 and relevant tax legislation.

Audit response to risks identified

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with relevant laws and regulations;
enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims; performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud;
- reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and reviewing correspondence with HMRC;
- in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments;
assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and
- evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

Bevan Buckland LLP is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Bevan Buckland LLP (Statutory Auditors) Ground Floor Cardigan House Castle Court Swansea Enterprise Park Swansea SA7 9LA

Date: 27 November 2025

Page

PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 1,448 Charitable activities 4 Information Services 187,807 Workforce development 181,936 Play policy, advice & support 176,150 Investment income 3 18,642 Total 565,983 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 5 Information Services 166,194 Workforce development 193,115 Play policy, advice & support 238,306 Total 597,615 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (31,632) Other recognised gains/(losses) Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit schemes (50,000) Net movement in funds (81,632) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 645,031 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 563,399	Restricted funds £ - - - 41,000 - 41,000 - - 52,500 52,500 (11,500) - (11,500) 16,000 4,500	2025 Total funds as £ 1,448 187,807 181,936 217,150 18,642 606,983 166,194 193,115 290,806 650,115 (43,132) (50,000) (93,132) 661,031 567,899	2024 Total funds restated £ 10,075 149,626 148,063 182,667 11,852 502,283 162,201 185,722 200,845 548,768 (46,485) (70,000) (116,485) 777,516 661,031

The notes form part of these financial statements

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted funds Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 11 - CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 12 128,352 Investments 13 340,000 Cash at bank and in hand 217,338 685,690 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 14 (122,291) NET CURRENT ASSETS 563,399 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 563,399 NET ASSETS 563,399 FUNDS 16 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS	Restricted funds £ - - - 4,500 4,500 - 4,500 4,500 4,500	2025 Total funds as £ - 128,352 340,000 221,838 690,190 (122,291) 567,899 567,899 567,899 563,399 4,500 567,899	2024 Total funds restated £ - 97,216 - 721,084 818,300 (157,269) 661,031 661,031 661,031 645,031 16,000 661,031

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: 27 November 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
SIGN
----- End of picture text -----

............................................. K Towler - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 1 Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of unlisted investments Interest received Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period	2025 a £ (177,888) (177,888) (340,000) 18,642 (321,358) (499,246) 721,084 221,838	2024 s restated £ 34,065 34,065 - 11,852 11,852 45,917 675,167 721,084

The notes form part of these financial statements

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1.
RECONCILIATION OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2025
a
£
Net expenditure for the reporting period (as per the Statement of
Financial Activities)
(43,132)
Adjustments for:
Interest received
(18,642)
Pension charge difference
(50,000)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(31,136)
Decrease in creditors
(34,978)
Net cash (used in)/provided by operations
(177,888)

2024
s restated
£
(46,485)
(11,852)
(70,000)
315,506
(153,104)
34,065

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

	At 1.4.24	Cash flow	At 31.3.25
	£	£	£
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand	721,084	(499,246)	221,838
	721,084	(499,246)	221,838
Liquid resources
Deposits included in cash	-	-	-
Current asset investments	-	340,000	340,000
	-	340,000	340,000
Total	721,084	(159,246)	561,838

The notes form part of these financial statements

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

Defined benefit pension scheme

As set out in notes, the charity operates a defined benefit pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The accounting cost of these benefits and the present value of the pension liabilities involved judgements about uncertain events including such factors as the life expectancy of members, the salary progression of current employees, price inflation and the discount rate used to calculate the net present value of the future pension payments. Estimates are used for all of these factors in determining the pension costs and liabilities incorporated in the financial statements. The assumptions reflect historical experience and judgement regarding future expectations and external actuarial specialists are also used to assist the exercise.

The present value of the defined benefit obligation is less than the fair value of plan assets as at 31 March 2025 and therefore the defined benefit plan is in a surplus position. An entity can only recognise a plan surplus to the extent that it is able to recover the surplus either through reduced contributions in the future or through refunds from the plan. The plan surplus has therefore been restricted as seen in the Retirement benefit scheme note.

Income

Donations, are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Grant income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Publications, merchandise, seminar, conference and other earned income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Fixtures and fittings

20% reducing balance

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Defined benefit pension schemes

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments' and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues' of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss

If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.

Classification of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

Creditors

Short term trade creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

Employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits and contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations 3. INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit account interest	2025 as £ 1,448	2024 restated £ 10,075 2024 restated £ 11,852
	2025 as £ 18,642

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Activity Publications and merchandise Information Services Grants Information Services Other earned income Information Services Conference and seminars Information Services Grants Workforce development Other earned income Workforce development Conference and seminars Workforce development Grants Play policy, advice & support Other earned income Play policy, advice & support Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: Welsh Government Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board Moondance Future Valleys Construction Millennium Stadium Trust Isle of Anglesey County Council Cardiff & Vale University Health Board CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Direct Costs £ Information Services 85,435 Workforce development 59,856 Play policy, advice & support 105,047 250,338 SUPPORT COSTS Management £ Information Services 56,274 Workforce development 108,776 Play policy, advice & support 161,276 326,326	2025 a £ 14,923 167,000 213 5,671 167,000 12,901 2,035 208,000 9,150 586,893 2025 a £ 501,000 - - - 7,500 9,500 24,000 542,000 Support costs (see note 6) £ 80,759 133,259 185,759 399,777 Other £ 24,485 24,483 24,483 73,451	2024 s restated £ 5,760 140,000 1,141 2,725 140,000 6,023 2,040 157,150 25,517 480,356 2024 s restated £ 420,000 2,000 12,000 3,150 - - - 437,150 Totals £ 166,194 193,115 290,806 650,115 Totals £ 80,759 133,259 185,759 399,777

5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

6. SUPPORT COSTS

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6. SUPPORT COSTS - continued

Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:

Information Workforce Services development £ £ Wages 30,358 82,858 Social security 8,290 8,291 Pensions 17,626 17,627 Staff training 2,613 2,613 Premises 11,710 11,709 Property running costs 769 769 Administration and meeting costs 1,943 1,943 Communications, computer and website 3,248 3,247 Legal, professional and subscriptions 1,566 1,565 Net pension finance cost (3,334) (3,333) Audit, accountancy and other fees 5,970 5,970 80,759 133,259	Play policy, advice & support £ 135,358 8,291 17,627 2,613 11,709 769 1,943 3,247 1,565 (3,333) 5,970 185,759	2025 a Total activities £ 248,574 24,872 52,880 7,839 35,128 2,307 5,829 9,742 4,696 (10,000) 17,910 399,777	2024 s restated Total activities £ 252,603 23,736 59,019 7,815 37,020 710 4,011 14,436 3,558 (39,999) 14,400 377,309

7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

2 trustees were reimbursed for travel expenses in the year totalling £233 (2024: £383)

8. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs	2025 a £ 281,133 24,872 52,880 358,885	2024 s restated £ 275,478 23,736 59,019 358,233

Key management personnel

Key management personnel oversee the directing, controlling and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis. The pay of senior staff is reviewed annually and increased in line with the pay scales for education professionals employed under Soulbury pay and conditions. The Soulbury committee has issued advice and guidance on where different levels of posts should be placed on the pay scale that the charity has followed. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £177,912 (2024: £174,647).

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Direct charitable expenditure Other expenses	2025 as 5 2 7	2024 restated 4 2 6

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8. STAFF COSTS - continued

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

£60,001 - £70,000 £70,001 - £80,000 9. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted funds £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 10,075 Charitable activities Information Services 149,626 Workforce development 148,063 Play policy, advice & support 170,667 Investment income 11,852 Total 490,283 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Information Services 162,201 Workforce development 185,722 Play policy, advice & support 194,263 Total 542,186 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (51,903) Other recognised gains/(losses) Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit schemes (70,000) Net movement in funds (121,903) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 766,934 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 645,031	2025 as 1 1 2 Restricted funds as £ - - - 12,000 - 12,000 - - 6,582 6,582 5,418 - 5,418 10,582 16,000	2024 restated 1 - 1 Total funds restated £ 10,075 149,626 148,063 182,667 11,852 502,283 162,201 185,722 200,845 548,768 (46,485) (70,000) (116,485) 777,516 661,031

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

10. PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT

During the audit of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025, it was identified that certain costs relating to commissioned work at the prior year-end had been incorrectly recognised as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 March 2024. Whilst the work had been commissioned and a legal obligation to settle to costs was in place at the year end, the work had not been undertaken and these costs should have been recognised as prepayments.

As a result, the unrestricted funds brought forward as at 1 April 2024 were understated, and the corresponding prepayment asset was omitted from the balance sheet.

A prior year adjustment has been made to correct this misstatement. The impact of the restatement is as follows:

Impact of restatement
	£
Financial year 2022/23
Unrestricted reserves at 31 March 2023 as previously reported	672,638
Effect of prior year adjustment	94,296

Restated unrestricted reserves at 31 March 2023	766,934


Total reserves at 31 March 2023	777,516


Financial year 2023/24
Unrestricted reserves at 1 April 2023 as previously reported	672,638
Net movement in funds at 31 March 2024 as previously reported	(89,461)

Total unrestricted reserves at 31 March 2024 as previously reported	583,177
Increase in unrestricted funds brought forward	94,296
Effect of prior year adjustment	(32,442)

Restated unrestricted reserves at 31 March 2024	645,031

Restricted reserves at 31 March 2024 as previously reported	16,000

Total restated reserves at 31 March 2024	661,031


Increase in Prepayments (Balance Sheet)	61,854
Increase in Expenditure (SOFA - 2023/24)	32,442

Current year impact

The prepayments recognised at 31 March 2024 have been released to expenditure in the year ended 31 March 2025, in line with the delivery of services. The impact on the current year is:

2025, in line with the delivery of services. The impact on the current year is:
	£
Increase in Expenditure (SOFA - 2024/25)	36,052
Reduction in Prepayments (Balance Sheet)	(36,052)

This adjustment has been made in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), to ensure that the financial statements provide a true and fair view of the charity’s financial position and performance. The trustees have reviewed and approved the restatement.

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 13. CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS Unlisted investments 14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors 15. LEASING AGREEMENTS		2025 £ 5,826 122,526 128,352 2025 £ 340,000 2025 £ 53,230 7,656 61,405 122,291	a a	s

				s
			a	s

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

Within one year Between one and five years	2025 as £ 25,640 14,957 40,597	2024 restated £ 25,640 40,597 66,237

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
				Net
				movement	At
			At 1.4.24	in funds	31.3.25
			£	£	£
Unrestricted funds
General fund			316,027	(5,021)	311,006
Potential redundancy costs			134,000	-	134,000
Future book production costs			28,000	-	28,000
Future revising qualification, training
materials and resources			14,300	-	14,300
Training and workforce development			142,704	(76,611)	66,093
St Donats Nursery Donation			10,000	-	10,000
			645,031	(81,632)	563,399
Restricted funds
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council			4,000	(2,000)	2,000
Moondance			12,000	(12,000)	-
Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust			-	2,500	2,500
			16,000	(11,500)	4,500
TOTAL FUNDS			661,031	(93,132)	567,899
Net movement in funds, included in the above	are as follows:
	Incoming		Resources	Gains and	Movement
	resources		expended	losses	in funds
	£		£	£	£
Unrestricted funds
General fund	558,277		(513,298)	(50,000)	(5,021)
Training and workforce development	7,706		(84,317)	-	(76,611)
	565,983		(597,615)	(50,000)	(81,632)
Restricted funds
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council		-	(2,000)	-	(2,000)
Moondance		-	(12,000)	-	(12,000)
Cardiff & Vale Outdoor Play Project	24,000		(24,000)	-	-
Isle of Anglesey CC	9,500		(9,500)	-	-
Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust	7,500		(5,000)	-	2,500
	41,000		(52,500)	-	(11,500)
TOTAL FUNDS	606,983		(650,115)	(50,000)	(93,132)

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds General fund Potential redundancy costs Future book production costs Future revising qualification, training materials and resources Training and workforce development St Donats Nursery Donation Restricted funds Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council The Parent Network CCB Save The Children Moondance TOTAL FUNDS	At 1.4.23 £ 389,460 116,000 28,000 14,300 219,174 - 766,934 8,150 1,332 1,100 - 10,582 777,516	Net movement in funds £ (55,433) - - - (76,470) 10,000 (121,903) (4,150) (1,332) (1,100) 12,000 5,418 (116,485)	Transfers between funds £ (18,000) 18,000 - - - - - - - - - - -	At 31.3.24 £ 316,027 134,000 28,000 14,300 142,704 10,000
				645,031 4,000 - - 12,000
				16,000
				661,031

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds General fund Training and workforce development St Donats Nursery Donation Restricted funds Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council The Parent Network CCB Save The Children Moondance TOTAL FUNDS	Incoming resources £ 480,283 - 10,000 490,283 - - - 12,000 12,000 502,283	Resources expended £ (465,716) (76,470) - (542,186) (4,150) (1,332) (1,100) - (6,582) (548,768)	Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ (70,000) (55,433) - (76,470) - 10,000 (70,000) (121,903) - (4,150) - (1,332) - (1,100) - 12,000 - 5,418 (70,000) (116,485)	Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ (70,000) (55,433) - (76,470) - 10,000 (70,000) (121,903) - (4,150) - (1,332) - (1,100) - 12,000 - 5,418 (70,000) (116,485)
				(121,903) (4,150) (1,332) (1,100) 12,000
				5,418
				(116,485)

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds General fund Potential redundancy costs Future book production costs Future revising qualification, training materials and resources Training and workforce development St Donats Nursery Donation Restricted funds Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council The Parent Network CCB Save The Children Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust TOTAL FUNDS	At 1.4.23 £ 389,460 116,000 28,000 14,300 219,174 - 766,934 8,150 1,332 1,100 - 10,582 777,516	Net movement in funds £ (60,454) - - - (153,081) 10,000 (203,535) (6,150) (1,332) (1,100) 2,500 (6,082) (209,617)	Transfers between funds £ (18,000) 18,000 - - - - - - - - - - -	At 31.3.25 £ 311,006 134,000 28,000 14,300 66,093 10,000
				563,399 2,000 - - 2,500
				4,500
				567,899

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

	Incoming	Resources	Gains and	Movement
	resources	expended	losses	in funds
	£	£	£	£
Unrestricted funds
General fund	1,038,560	(979,014)	(120,000)	(60,454)
Training and workforce development	7,706	(160,787)	-	(153,081)
St Donats Nursery Donation	10,000	-	-	10,000
	1,056,266	(1,139,801)	(120,000)	(203,535)
Restricted funds
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council	-	(6,150)	-	(6,150)
The Parent Network CCB	-	(1,332)	-	(1,332)
Save The Children	-	(1,100)	-	(1,100)
Moondance	12,000	(12,000)	-	-
Cardiff & Vale Outdoor Play Project	24,000	(24,000)	-	-
Isle of Anglesey CC	9,500	(9,500)	-	-
Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust	7,500	(5,000)	-	2,500
	53,000	(59,082)	-	(6,082)
TOTAL FUNDS	1,109,266	(1,198,883)	(120,000)	(209,617)

Designated funds

Designated funds comprise of funds that are set aside for specific purposes which would otherwise form part of the general reserves of the organisation.

The trustees consider it prudent to set aside an amount equivalent to the potential redundancy costs for the organisation’s staff.

They have also set aside the surplus on book sales to underwrite future production costs that are expected to be used during the financial year 2025/26. The revising of the P3 qualification training materials and resources are likely to be completed and expended in 2025/26.

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Training & workforce development is the development of training, events, toolkits and training materials aimed at the play workforce, including a particular focus on schools and school staff and the importance of play to support Covid recovery in the coming years.

St Donats Nursery School donated winding up funds and they are designated to be used for pre-school objectives as per their wishes.

Restricted funds

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council - funding to purchase equipment, play kits and assists with play conferences.

The Parent Network CCB - funding to support street play resources in Merthyr Tydfil.

Save the Children - Funding for Stay and Play project at Monnow.

Moondance - funding to scope the play needs of children in temporary accommodation by understanding the limitations and opportunities faced by their families.

Cardiff & Vale Outdoor Play Project - Project to Increase Outdoor play in early years within Cardiff and the Vale

Isle of Anglesey County Council - Provide support to develop a strategic framework for play

Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust - Facilitate the Stay and Play project in schools across Wales and update the toolkit - Opening school grounds for play

17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

The charity's CEO is a trustee of the International Play Association, another not for profit organisation.

18. CUSTODIAN FUNDS

Play Wales holds funds on behalf of IPA Wales, a member organisation of the International Play Association (IPA World). During the year Play Wales made payments of £511 (2024: £183) on behalf of IPA Wales. Funds totalling £4,506 (2024: £5,017) were held on behalf of IPA Wales at the balance sheet date.

19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES

The Cardiff and Vale Local Government Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme based on final pensionable salary. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company.

The scheme actuary carries out a triennial valuation to assess the funding requirements of the scheme. The most recent valuation was carried out as at 31 March 2022. The assumptions used in the valuation were updated to reflect market conditions at the valuation date. These assumptions affect the valuation results, particularly in relation to the rate of return on investments and salary and pension increases.

The triennial valuation for funding requirements is different from the valuation used for inclusion in the financial statements. Aon, the scheme actuary, has carried out a valuation for financial reporting purposes as at 31 March 2025. This valuation uses projected unit methods and actuarial bases to assess future liabilities.

Key assumptions

Key assumptions
	2025	2024
	%	%
Discount rate	5.8	4.8
Expected rate of increase of pensions in payment	2.5	2.6
Expected rate of salary increases	3.5	3.6
CPI inflation	2.5	2.6
Pension accounts revaluation rate	2.5	2.6

Mortality assumptions

The assumed life expectations on retirement at age 65 are:

	2025	2024
	Years	Years

Retiring today

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES - continued

- Males	21.9	22.1 24.3 22.7 25.3
- Females	24.2

Retiring in 20 years
- Males	22.2
- Females	25.0

Amounts recognised in the profit and loss account:
	2025	2024
	£	£

Current service cost	50,000	60,000
Net interest on defined benefit liability/(asset)	(10,000)	(40,000)

Total costs	40,000	20,000

Amounts taken to other comprehensive income:
	2025	2024
	£	£

Actual return on scheme assets	(130,000)	(370,000)
Less: calculated interest element	180,000	150,000

Return on scheme assets excluding interest income	50,000	(220,000)
Actuarial changes related to obligations	370,000	(90,000)
Effects of changes in the amount of surplus that is not recoverable	(370,000)	380,000

Total costs	50,000	70,000

The amounts included in the balance sheet arising from the charity's obligations in respect of defined benefit plans are as follows:

plans are as follows:
	2025	2024
	£	£

Present value of defined benefit obligations	2,070,000	2,320,000
Fair value of plan assets	(3,820,000)	(3,640,000)

Surplus in scheme	(1,750,000)	(1,320,000)

Restriction on scheme assets	1,750,000	1,320,000

Total liability recognised	-	-

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations:

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations:
	2025
	£

Liabilities at 1 April 2024	2,320,000
Current service cost	50,000
Benefits paid	(60,000)
Contributions from scheme members	20,000
Actuarial gains and losses	(370,000)
Interest cost	110,000

At 31 March 2025	2,070,000

The defined benefit obligations arise from plans which are wholly unfunded.

Movements in the fair value of plan assets:

2025

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES - continued

		£

Fair value of assets at 1 April 2024		3,640,000
Interest income		180,000
Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest)		(50,000)
Benefits paid		(60,000)
Contributions by the employer		90,000
Contributions by scheme members		20,000

At 31 March 2025		3,820,000

The fair value of plan assets at the reporting period was as follows:
	2025	2024
	£	£

Equity instruments	2,580,000	2,530,000
Property	220,000	230,000
Government bonds	290,000	310,000
Corporate bonds	190,000	270,000
Multi asset credit	200,000	200,000
Cash	20,000	80,000
Other	320,000	20,000

	3,820.000	3,640,000

The split of the liabilities at the last valuation between the various categories of members is as follows:

Active members - 33% Deferred Pensioners - 14% Pensioners - 53%

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PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
	2025	2024
		as restated
	£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations	1,448	10,075
Investment income
Deposit account interest	18,642	11,852
Charitable activities
Publications and merchandise	14,923	5,760
Grants	542,000	437,150
Other earned income	22,264	32,681
Conference and seminars	7,706	4,765
	586,893	480,356
Total incoming resources	606,983	502,283
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Wages	32,559	22,875
Printing, translation, art and advertising	61,428	23,198
Training and consultancy	114,109	81,651
Publication costs	80	108
Administration and meeting costs	4,793	5,040
Other staff costs	7,700	12,942
Conference and project costs	29,151	24,963
Computer and website	518	682
	250,338	171,459
Support costs
Management
Wages	248,574	252,603
Social security	24,872	23,736
Pensions	52,880	59,019
	326,326	335,358
Other
Staff training	7,839	7,815
Premises	35,128	37,020
Property running costs	2,307	710
Administration and meeting costs	5,829	4,011
Communications, computer and website	9,742	14,436
Legal, professional and subscriptions	4,696	3,558
Net pension finance cost	(10,000)	(39,999)
Audit, accountancy and other fees	17,910	14,400
	73,451	41,951
Total resources expended	650,115	548,768
Net expenditure	(43,132)	(46,485)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

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www.play.wales

Play Wales is the national organisation for children�s play, an independent charity supported by the Welsh Government to uphold children�s right to play and to provide advice and guidance on play-related matters.