## **Registered Charity Number 1096958**
## **THORNTON HOUGH PLAYGROUP**
**REPORT AND ACCOUNTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023**
**Thornton Hough Playgroup Reports and accounts**
## **Contents**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Trustees’ Report|3|
|Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities|5|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|7|
|Statement of Financial Activities|8|
|Balance Sheet|9|
|Notes to the accounts|10|
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## **Thornton Hough Playgroup The report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 August 2023**
## **Introduction**
The trustees of the Thornton Hough Playgroup present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s constitution, the Charities Act 2011, and the 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 2015).
The Thornton Hough Playgroup constitution was adopted on 26 June 2002 and amended on 4 November 2013. On the 10 April 2003, it became a registered Charity – (1096958).
## **Purpose and Activities of the Charity Aims and Activities**
To operate a setting following the Early Years Foundation Stage providing young children with a great start to their education.
## **Our objectives**
To enhance the development and education of children primarily under statutory school age by encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups and by:
- A. Offering appropriate play facilities and training courses, together with the right of parents to take responsibility for and to become involved in the activities of such groups, ensuring that such groups offer opportunities for all children regardless of race, culture, religion, means or ability.
- B. Encouraging the study of the needs of such children and their families and promoting public interest in and recognition of such needs in the local areas
- C. Instigating and adhering to and furthering the aim of the preschool learning alliance.
## **Achievements and performances**
The playgroup has had another wonderful academic year. Welcoming new parents and saying farewell to those whose children have headed off to infant school. Key areas to note:
## 1. Fundraising:
The Committee has organised a number of successful fundraising events which inc. The Maize toddle, Christmas cards & raffles, to name a few. These much-needed funds went towards the purchase of new equipment, supplies to maintain the building & even a duckling educational experience for the children
## 2. Staff:
The team continues to thrive under our playgroup Leaders expert management. Two valued members of staff left the playgroup this year, the team, committee and children were sad to see them go, however, they have been replaced by two equally valued and experienced staff members who have slotted into the team with ease.
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## **Thornton Hough Playgroup The report of the trusted for the year ended 31 August 2023**
## 3. Committee:
The Committee continues to see a high turnover of members, due the nature of how long committee members children are at the setting. However, this has stabilised this year and more applications are in the pipeline. It is worth noting the Chair's intention to resign, due to personal circumstances - this will be done with care and consciousness of a smooth transition, to ensure the committee stability remains
## 4. Parents/Caregivers
As always, our parents and caregivers have given extraordinary support. Whether this be in supporting fundraising events, parent session support or through volunteering to help clear the garden and paint the outside areas which were growing a little tired.
## 5. Acknowledgements
A thank you to our Manager & Deputy Manager for ensuring that the playgroup continues to be run effectively & for putting those extra hours in that often go unnoticed
A thank you to all the staff for your continued hard work and support
A thank you to the Committee members (those currently in role and those due to join) who volunteer their free time to ensure that the doors, quite literally, stay open
And a huge thank you to all our parent, caregivers and extended family members for your unwavering support over the past year
## 6. Focus for 2023-2024
Building on from the fundraising events already established this year Growing our committee team to ensure stability remains Supporting our staff to ensure they continue to thrive & develop Ensuring we continue to support our community in and around Thornton Hough
## **Financial Review**
## **Policies on reserves**
Adequate reserves are maintained to fund the charity’s activities for at least six months forward.
## **Availability and adequacy of assets of the funds**
The board of Trustee is satisfied that the charity assets in each fund were available and adequate to fulfil its obligations in respect of each fund – all obligations having been satisfied in full.
## **Transactions and Financial position**
The charity’s income in the year was £71,101 (2022: £68,470) after expenditure of £70,313 (2022: £75,180) a surplus of £788 (2022: a deficit of £6,710) is reported. General free liquid reserves carried forward amounted to £45,643 (2022: £44,855).
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**Thornton Hough Playgroup The report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 August 2023**
**Reference and administrative details** Date of registration 10 April 2003 The Registered office is Thornton Hough Playgroup, Thornton Hough Village Hall, Manor Road, Thornton Hough Wirral CH63 1JB Charity Registration Number 1096958
## **Trustees:**
Phillipa Benjamin (Chair) (appointed 13 September 2022)
Louise Pilgrim (appointed 16 May 2023) Hannah Bland (appointed 18 March 2023) Felicity Johnson (appointed 16 January 2023) Julia Palin (appointed 17 January 2024) Elizaberh Williams (appointed 4 July 2023) Kathryn Farr (resigned 13 September 2023) Anna Rimmer (resigned 16 January 2023) Elizabeth Hunt (resigned 17 February 2023) Dr. Louise Clegg (resigned 4 July 2023) ꓗathryn Smits (resigned 16 January 2023)
The Board of trustees held regular meetings across the year. Minutes from these meetings can be provided on application.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
Nature of the Governing Documents and Constitution of the Charity
The Thornton Hough Playgroup is a registered unincorporated charity governed by a constitution. Trustees are appointed by the existing trustee board through a vote which staff and members.
The day-to-day operations of the charity are governed by Trustees who are directly engaged in the activity of the charity. Operational and tactical decisions are made by this group.
## **Independent Examiner**
Malcolm Wright, Elpizo Limited, Chartered Accountants, 13 Village Road, Higher Bebington Wirral, CH63 8PP
## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities**
The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing the 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 UK 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.
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**Thornton Hough Playgroup The report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 August 2023**
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that 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, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements.
This report was approved by the board of Trustees on 4 June 2024
## **Phillipa Benjamin - Chair**
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## **Thornton Hough Playgroup Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Charity Report of the Independent Examiners to the Trustees on the account of the Charity for the year ended 31 August 2023**
I report on the financial statement of the charitable company on page 7 to 13 for the year ended 31 August 2023.
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and charity’s trustees as a body, for my examination, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
## **Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner**
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of opinion and scope of work undertaken**
My examination was carried out in accordance to general directions given by the charity commission. An examination includes a review of accounting records, kept by the charity and a comparison of accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items of disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedure undertaken does not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. Consequently, no opinion is given to whether the accounts present a true and fair view and report is limited to the matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent Examiner’s Statement**
In connection with examination, no matters have come to my attention;
1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements;
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
2. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Malcolm Wright - Chartered Accountant
Elpizo Limited, 13 Village Road, Higher Bebington, Wirral CH63 8PP
The date upon which my opinion is expressed is: 4 June 2024
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## **Thornton Hough Playgroup Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 August 2023**
|
**Notes**
**Income**
Income from charitable
activities
2
Investment Income
**Total Income**
**Expenditure**
Expenditure on charitable
activities
3
Governance
**Total expenditure**
**Net income**
**Net income for the year**
**Gross transfer between funds**
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds:**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**
|
**Notes**
**Income**
Income from charitable
activities
2
Investment Income
**Total Income**
**Expenditure**
Expenditure on charitable
activities
3
Governance
**Total expenditure**
**Net income**
**Net income for the year**
**Gross transfer between funds**
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds:**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**
|**Unrestricted Restricted Total**
**Last Year**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds Total Funds**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023 2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
70,709
- 70,709 68,460
392
-
392
10
**71,101**
**- 71,101 68,470**
69,893
- 69,893
74,760
420
-
420
420
**70,313**
**- 70,313**
**75,180**
**788**
**- 788 (6,710)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**- **
**788**
**- 788**
**(6,710)**
**44,855**
**-**
**44,855**
**51,565**
**45,643**
**-**
**45,643**
**44,855**|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||
|
||
|
|
||||
The net movement in funds to above in the net incoming resources as defined in the Statement of Recommendation Practice for Accounting and reporting issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and is reconciled to the total funds as shown in the Balance Sheet on page 9 as required by the said statement.
## **All activities derive from continuing operation**
## **The notes on page 10 to 13 form an integral part of these accounts**
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**Thornton Hough Playgroup Balance Sheet As at 31 August 2023**
|**Notes**
**Current Assets**
Cash at the bank and in hand
**Total current assets**
**Creditor: -**
Amount due within one year
8
**Net current assets**
**Net assets**
**The funds of the charity**
**Unrestricted income funds**
Unrestricted revenue accumulated funds
**Total charity funds**|**2023**
**£**
**£**
52,984
**52,984**
**7,342**
**7,342**
45,643
**45,643 **
**45,643**
**45,643**|
**£**
48,826
**48,826**
3,971
**3,791**
|**2022**
**£**
44,855
**44,855**
**44,855**
**44,855**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||
|
**Approved by the board of Trustees on 4 June 2024 and signed on their behalf by:**
## **Phillipa Benjamin – Trustee**
**The notes on page 10 to 13 form an integral part of these accounts**
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**Thornton Hough Playgroup Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023**
## **1. Accounting policies**
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
## a) Basis of preparation
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis The financial statements are prepared on a going concern. The Charity is entirely dependent on continuing grant and donation support and as a consequence the going concern basis is also dependent on that continuing financial support.
## c) Income
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.
Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Income received in advance of the provision of specified services is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.
## d) Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
## e) Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity.
## f) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:
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**Thornton Hough Playgroup Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023**
- Costs of raising funds comprise the consists of commercial trading.
- Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs
- Other expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading.
- Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
## g) Allocation of support costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charitable activities. These costs have been allocated between costs of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. The bases on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note1.
## h) Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
## i) Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimating reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount.
## j) Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are recognised at transaction value.
|**2**
**Income from Charitable activities**
Fees for charitable services
Grants for charitable services
Fundraising and shop income
Donations
**Total income from charitable activities**
|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
33,452 18,938
34,971 48,433
2,121
899
165 190
**70,709**
**68,460**|
|---|---|
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**Thornton Hough Playgroup**
## **Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023**
## **3 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities**
|Rent, rates, insurance
Light & heat
Telephone, stationery, equipment
expended and general cots
Repairs
Wages & salaries and pension
**Total expenditure on charitable activities**
|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
7,701 6,531
-
959
7,490 5,593
615
2,595
54,087 59,082
**69,893 74,760**|
|---|---|
## **4 Analysis of governance and support costs**
The charity initially identifies the costs of its support functions. It then identifies those costs which relate to the governance function. Governance costs consist of the cost of Independent Examination – £420.
## **5 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, and the cost of key management personnel – including related party transactions**
## **.**
|Salaries and wages
|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
54,087 59,082|
|---|---|
No employees had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2022: nil).
The charity trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with charity as trustees in the year (2022: £nil) neither were they reimbursed expenses during the year (2022: £nil). No charity trustees received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2022: £nil).
There were no transactions with connected parties in the year nor were any assets disposed of to employees, trustees or connected persons.
The key management personnel of the charity is the Head teacher whose remuneration was £15,940.
## **6 Staff Numbers**
The average monthly head count was 4 staff (2022: 4 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees (including casual and part-time staff) during the year were as follows:
|during the year were as follows:|||
|---|---|---|
||**2023**|**2022**|
||Number|Number|
|Charitable activities|4|4|
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**Thornton Hough Playgroup Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023**
## **7 Taxation**
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
|**8**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Other creditors - PAYE
Deferred income
Accruals
|
|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
1,313 3,551
5,609
-
420
420
7,342
3,971|
|---|---|---|
||||
## **9 Contingent assets – legacy income**
As at 31 August 2023 the charity had not been notified of any legacy income or prospective legacy income.
## **10 Analysis of charitable funds Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds**
The charity has only one unrestricted general fund.
The movements in that fund are shown in the Statement of Financial Activities.
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