Playaway
Annual Report 2024
www.playawaychildren.co.uk
Playaway has been established for 24 years to provide specialist programmes during the holiday period to continue the physical and cognitive development children with complex motor disorders require. These programmes are structured to focus on the child developmental goals in a fun but challenging way. In 2024 we were once again able to run 2 non-residential programmes and one residential programme offering a total of 42 places to children with complex motor disorders.
Key Facts:
The children who attend these programmes are all profoundly disabled and every aspect of their lives is a challenge – as a result they often miss out on having fun – Playaway gives them a small opportunity to be themselves, to laugh, show off, make friends and try something new.
We employed c 50 members of staff and as such are able to work individually with each child to ensure they can all access every element of the programme.
These programmes allow the children to socialise with each other and enjoy the holidays in a way that their non-disabled siblings take for granted.
The programmes also provide much needed respite for the parents, allowing them to juggle other priorities over the summer.
The direct involvement of the parents in part of the residential programme has allowed them to understand more about their child but most importantly allowed them to talk to other parents and a strong supportive friendship group has formed.
The programmes are staffed by a multidisciplinary team of trained professionals including specially trained teachers, physiotherapists, occupational and speech and language therapists.
There is clear demand for the programmes we run for children from 2 to 23 years of age and Playaway strives to expand the scope to meet demand.
The overall programme has cost a total of £51 000 to deliver of which £21600 was covered by parental contribution (c40%). Some children apply through a Bucks Council Funded programme, and BC contributed £14000 to pay for these places (this is included in the parental contribution). We have fundraised for the rest and are blessed with the support we receive from a small group for grant-making charities. We continue to focus on keeping costs to a minimum – administrative costs remain at less than 9% (the majority of which is Insurance cover). Our main cost - 85% - is staffing as we require such specialist one-to-one support.
Fundraising remains challenging and we ended the year with £2256 as reserves. We always aim increase our reserves but currently increases in staff wages and facilities is putting a strain on our budget and pressure on fundraising efforts.
Jolyon Harrington
Chair of Trustees
PLAYAWAY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS y 31ST DECEMBER 2024 2024 OPENING 8ALANCE INCOME .DONATIONS PRIVATÉ 'FUNDRAISING 29.000.(41, Parerrtal Contribution F>lay Parentsl contribuort Stay 17.140 Cd) 4.540.00 R•funds TOTAL INCOME EXPENOITURÈ Refunds Play8way_ 115.00.: STAFF 33.477.081 ACCOMODATION '.EQUIPMENTIEXTERNAL STAFFING 2.954.74. ACCOMOOATIONIACTIVITIES 3.340.801 , Eau1pMENTxTERNAL STAFFING O.OOi RENT .ADMINIPPS 1,093.44 ,'SUNDRIES ,INSLIRANCE MISC TOTAL EJtPENDITURE MOVEMENT IN YEAR -128.36 CLOSING BALANCES 2,266.77 These accounls qre a Inje and fèir reprtsentatson OF Ihe inttffle and exp_jnditu through the aeco¢Jntiw period. J8ciudxn Gatès 2810312025