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2025-03-31-accounts

London Play

Charity number: 1104731 Registered company number: 04055882 (England and Wales)

Report and financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

London Play

Contents

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Page Reference and administrative information ...................................................................................... 1 Trustees’ annual report ............................................................................................................ 2-10 Independent examiner’s report .................................................................................................... 11 Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account) ................... 12 Balance sheet ............................................................................................................................... 13 Notes to the financial statements ........................................................................................... 14-19

London Play

Reference and administrative information

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Charity number 1104731
Company number 4055882
Registered office International House
64 Nile Street
London N1 7SR
Trustees Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of writing this report were
as follows:
Amy Quinn (appointed 14 June 2024)
Barry Walden, (Co-Vice chair)
Carlo Beschi (appointed 05 December 2024)
Caroline Needham
Hal Davidson (Co-Vice Chair)
Keith Cranwell
Melian Mansfield, Chair
Nicholas Hall
Rafael Portillo (resigned 05 December 2024)
Sara Martins (Treasurer)
Sereena Keymatlian (appointed 14 June 2024)
Zareen Islam (appointed 14 June 2024, resigned 25 November 2024)
Key management Fiona Sutherland
Director
personnel
Bankers CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ
Independent Mary E Ryan FCCA, DChA, Cert FPS
Examiner Ark Accountancy Limited
56-58 High Street
Ewell
Surrey
KT17 1RW

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London Play

Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity 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).

1 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

1.1 Objectives and aims

Charitable objects as stated in the Articles of Association dated 10 June 2017 are to enhance the development and education of children in the Greater London area by developing and supporting the provision of children's play; primarily by:

London Play exists to ensure that all children have access to high quality, accessible play opportunities in London - whether in supervised settings or in the wider public realm. Through its activities it aims both to protect and improve existing play provision; and increase the amount of provision.

The charity's main objectives for the year were to:

London Play continues to support and work with a broad range of individuals and organisations who are interested in promoting, facilitating, and providing play opportunities for children in London. In addition to working with professional play workers and service managers, the charity collaborates with and supports parents, teachers, residents, community and 'Friends' groups and other 'lay people' and volunteers to promote the benefits of play and support them to improve and expand play opportunities for children in their communities.

1.2 Details of significant activities

Significant activities over the 2024-25 year included:

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London Play

Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1.3 Public benefit

The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.

Public benefits ultimately arising from London Play's activity include more active, healthy, happy children; better connected, more friendly, safe and cohesive communities; more skilled and empowered professional play workers, laypeople and volunteers; cleaner street environments and reduced antisocial behaviour. Additionally, free-to-access adventure playgrounds in some of London's least affluent neighbourhoods offer local parents a real alternative to paid childcare and free them up to pursue work or training opportunities to improve their life chances; and those of their children too.

All the benefits derived from the activities and achievements of London Play are ultimately to the benefit of all London's children. Benefits are focused on children in London only, but are not restricted in terms of charitable need, personal characteristics, access to facilities, membership, trustees' discretion, or ability to pay. No detriment or harm has arisen from carrying out the charity's activities.

1.4 Volunteers

Much of London Play's work involves supporting the efforts of volunteers to provide, improve or promote more and better play opportunities where they live or work.

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London Play

Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Total volunteer days across all London Play projects: approx 1,000

1.5 Members and supporters

Membership of London Play is stable at around 50 and the number of supporters continues to grow.

2 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

London Play worked on six grant-funded projects and delivered a number of contracts and commissions during the year. Between April 2024 and March 2025 London Play directly generated at least 9,500 play opportunities for London's children and thousands more indirectly through its activities. Key activities and achievements by the organisation during the period are outlined below.

2.1 Grant-funded projects

Communities Unite for Play (Trust for London) November 2022 – October 2024

This two-year project achieved tangible results in its aims to support local people to campaign for better play provision in their areas. Groups in Southwark and Lewisham nominated in the second annual ‘London’s Saddest Playground’ campaign in February saw subsequent success with substantial (NCIL) funding awards for improvements. Elsewhere (most notably Hammersmith and Fulham, and Newham) councils have stepped up their game on repairs and pledged to give higher priority to play. Other groups have developed ‘Friends of’ initiatives to build local support and amplify voices. As well as a campaigning workshop event, support offered to groups included helping make council deputations, running consultation events and generating publicity; as well as developing online tools to help campaigners better make the case for play in their areas.

Estimated number of play opportunities generated (24/25 year): hundreds of children enjoying regular visits to improved play areas in multiple locations.

Adventure Play for the Community, by the Community (Awards for All/Lottery) September 2023 – August 2024

The conclusion of this year-long project saw six adventure playgrounds awarded a small amount of funding to staging community celebration events which were filmed, and compiled into a film highlighting the community value of these vital community hubs and celebrating 75 years of adventure play in London.

Estimated number of play opportunities generated: 300

Jelly Sports (London Marathon Foundation)

January 2024 – December 2025

This project, as its name suggests occupies the wobbly and exciting – yet largely unexplored – space between play and sport. The initiative is transforming the space on people’s doorsteps, on their streets or estates, into

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London Play

Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

hyper-local opportunities to have fun and get active for the whole family. Communities in five neighbourhoods in Southall, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham and Hackney took part in Y1, involving over 30 play street and estate sessions attended by more than 1100 children and adults. A new cohort was recruited in early 2025 in five communities in Lewisham, Brent, Greenwich and Barking and Dagenham. Jelly relays, hurdles and other games are being played and more invented by high energy children on their doorsteps. A digital booklet of the games created will be published at the end of the project.

Estimated number of play opportunities generated (24/25 year): approx. 835

Go Kart Build and Race, August 2024

We were pleased to secure funding from the Barbara Ward Children’s Foundation to run our popular London Go Kart Build and Race event for three years. The 2024 event was held on 01 August at Mudchute Farm and saw over 100 children building and racing go karts from scratch. 25 volunteer students were on hand to help and BBC Radio London reported live from the event. Most teams took their finished karts back to their adventure playgrounds to continue enjoying their creations and sharing the thrill of driving with more friends.

Play opportunities created: 100 on the day with many more back at adventure playgrounds

Adventurers Play Exchange (APEX) project (Awards for All/Lottery) March – December 2025

This project was launched at a meeting of adventure playworkers in March and brings together children and playworkers from eight adventure playgrounds (APs) in London, by arranging reciprocal visits over the spring and summer of 2025. This will build new connections within and between communities, inspiring the exchange of games and ideas and sharing food. Visits will be documented and a short film and booklet celebrating London’s unique adventure playgrounds will be produced at the end of the project. The film will be shown at the 2025 London Adventure Play Awards.

2.3 Contracts and Commissions

Play on Streets and Estates in Tower Hamlets

September 2022 – August 2024

The conclusion of our two-year commission from Tower Hamlets Council to inspire and support residents to start and run regular play sessions on streets and estates in the borough saw the revival of a culture of playing out on two housing estates in the borough. In the final year of the project over 17 play estate sessions were delivered, attended by over 440 children and young people and 160 adults.

Children’s play opportunities (Apr-Aug 2024 only) created: approx 440.

Car Free Day 2024

London Play was pleased to again be commissioned by the Mayor of London and Transport for London to inspire and support people across the capital to try out a play street on Car Free Day via our popular ‘Swap your car for a Spacehopper’ campaign. Around 187 streets and over 13,500 people (6,400 children) took part, with nearly three quarters of participants reporting that the experience would lead them to consider applying to run more regular play sessions on their street.

Over Car Free Day weekend London Play was also commissioned separately by Lewisham Council to repeat the previous year’s popular play takeover of Deptford High Street; and by Camden Council to run a similar session in Camden’s Phoenix Road as part of a trial ‘greening’ of a previously traffic-dominated space. Giant hopscotch, junk modelling, street games and spacehopper races transformed both spaces for a few hours demonstrating their potential as places for communities to come together – joyfully and informally.

Play opportunities for children: approx 6,600

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London Play

Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Playful High Street commissions

Between April 2024 and March 2025 London Play undertook seven Playful High Street commissions. This included the Car Free Day events listed above; three school ‘play street showcase’ events, Whitecross Street Party and a commission from The Barbican, inspired by our Parade for Play to create a play street in the Curve Gallery.

Play opportunities for children (additional to Car Free Day events counted above): approx 800

Play in the Park II – partnership with The Royal Parks September 2024 – August 2026

Following a previous successful three-year partnership with the Royal Parks which concluded in November 2023, London Play was awarded the contract for the second phase of this parks outreach project in August 2024. London Play’s focus is working with communities in and around The Regents and Greenwich Parks to create inclusive, nature-inspired play opportunities. A slow start saw momentum building by March 2025 with outreach in communities in and around Somers Town in Camden and on a housing estate in Greenwich.

Newham Vision for Play March 2025

London Play has been commissioned to develop a ‘Vision for Play’ for the London Borough of Newham. This will involve bringing together data already collected and carrying out targeted engagement to address some of the gaps. It is hoped to provide a starting point for the council to embark on developing a full boroughwide play strategy.

2.4 Publications

London Playwire e-newsletter

The London Playwire e-newsletter continued to bring news and practical information of interest to anyone who facilitates play – including professional playworkers, teachers, community groups, parents and carers. It was sent to around 1,350 subscribers (over 3,500 readers) twice during the year.

Campaign toolkit

As part of the Communities United for Play project an online toolkit to support local play campaigners is now available on our website. It is the hope to build on this in future with additional modules and case studies.

Manifesto for a Playful London

Our #fivewaystoaplayfullondon manifesto was published ahead of the May Mayoral elections outline five ways the new Mayor of London could use their power to promote and prioritise play in the capital.

2.5 Events

People for Play campaign workshop and picnic, September 2024

The second annual workshop and picnic for local play campaigners and their families was held at Coram’s Fields as part of the Trust for London project. Attendees heard from Fair Play Barnet about the successful campaign to fund and build the ‘most accessible playground’ in the country. Participants shared insights from their own campaign journeys (at different stages) and reported that they felt inspired by attending to strive for change in their areas.

Play opportunities: 6 children played outside with junk and loose parts while parents and carers took part in the event.

Adventure Play Awards, October 2024

This popular annual event found a new home at the Rich Mix Cinema in Shoreditch and this year coincided with Halloween. It was attended by 11 groups and more than 160 children who took part in games including

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London Play

Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

spinning a ‘web’ across the cinema and fashioning their playworkers with toilet paper for the mummy ‘cat walk’. Islington’s Three Corners Adventure Playground was named 2024’s London Adventure Playground of the Year. Other winners were ‘Playworker Dream Team’ won by Merton’s Acacia Adventure Playground; Best Flick went to Lambeth’s Lollard Street Adventure Playground and Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground got ‘Weird and Wonderful’. Lewisham’s Reaston Play Street won the Janet Dalglish Play Street of the Year Award

Play opportunities: 160 children attended the event (with many more involved at playgrounds taking part in making films over the summer)

2.6 Policy and campaigning

October 2024: Commission on Play

London Play made a submission to the Raising the Nation Play Commission, chaired by social entrepreneur and author Paul Lindley OBE in partnership with the Centre for Young Lives. The Commission used the testimony received to produce a report making recommendations for post-election government policy in June 2025. It aims to move play up the political agenda and lead a ‘national conversation’ about how to encourage and support children to play more.

https://londonplay.org.uk/our_news/london-plays-commission-submission/

July 2024: London Mayoral election – Five Ways to a More Playful London

London Play produced a manifesto for play ahead of the London Mayoral elections calling on the next Mayor to commit to making London the best city in the world to grow up in. It outlined five ways that the mayor has it in his power to improve play, children’s access to play and include their views.

2.7 Other

Advice, support and guidance

London Play continued to offer advice, support and guidance freely via phone, email and in person in response to demand.

Support requested by an increasing number of adventure playground organisations has sadly been a feature of the year as they struggle variously with expiring/short leases, funding cuts and general threats to their future viability and sustainability. Support provided has been limited by our own capacity constraints but has included attending meetings to support playworkers and organisations and help them make the case to decision makers; bringing playworkers together to share successes and challenges; working to collect evidence to demonstrate the value of adventure playgrounds to children and communities; and writing letters to decision makers and funders.

We have also continued to support residents and councils across London to get children playing out in the streets and estates where they live. This has included providing advice and guidance on legislation and practicalities, attending public meetings to talk about the benefits of play streets, promotion and linking groups with one another. Support for play campaigners was also offered as part of the Communities Unite for Play initiative.

Social media

London Play continued to have a strong social media presence during the year – with a gradual shift towards Instagram which grew to over 2,000 and away from Twitter/X where followers dropped to 4,200. Our Facebook following was approximately 35,000.

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London Play

Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

3 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTORS

The environment in which London Play and other charities operate remained highly challenging throughout 2024/25.

External factors

Politically, the re-election of Sadiq Khan as Mayor of London in May 2024, followed by the national elections in July, created a rare alignment between regional and national politics. Hopes that this would ease austerity measures – or reverse some of the policy decisions behind the rise in child poverty – have yet to materialise.

London boroughs, despite a 6.6% increase in core spending power, face a collective funding gap of £500m. Rising demand for statutory services – particularly adult and children’s social care and homelessness support – combined with escalating delivery costs, has driven overspending across many councils. At least seven boroughs are expected to seek Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from government.

Beyond this immediate funding pressure, wider external forces also shaped our operating environment. The cost-of-living crisis placed further strain on families, increasing demand for free and accessible play opportunities at the same time as inflation drove up the cost of delivery. Inequalities across London remained stark, with children in disadvantaged boroughs facing the greatest barriers to safe, high-quality play. Alongside these pressures, growing recognition of children’s mental health and wellbeing has created opportunities to highlight the vital role of play in supporting resilience and healthy development.

Within the wider charity sector, competition for grant funding remained intense, particularly as many funders prioritised themes such as health inequalities and climate change. While this narrowed some opportunities, it also encouraged cross-sector collaboration, with potential to strengthen advocacy for play by connecting it to broader agendas in health, sport, and community development.

Internal factors

Internally, London Play continued to adapt to the pressures of delivering more with fewer resources. Our staff team reduced slightly in size following the departure of a long-serving colleague in February, whose replacement joined the team but on fewer hours. Despite this, the team has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, resilience, and creativity in sustaining programmes and developing new initiatives. The recruitment of a casual pool of playworker crew to support events has been crucial to manage peak periods. Trustees remain deeply appreciative of the team’s commitment and tenacity.

The development of the Playful High Streets strand proved particularly valuable in strengthening our financial resilience. By generating a modest surplus to support core activities, it enabled us to continue advocacy and campaigning work that might otherwise have been vulnerable to funding cuts. This diversification of income has become a crucial factor in maintaining independence and pursuing our mission.

Governance remained strong, with trustees actively engaged in shaping strategy and pursuing our goal of diversifying and invigorating leadership in line with the 2023–26 strategic plan. Collaborations and exploring potential partnerhsips with organisations such as Playing Out, London Sport, London Funders, Young Ealing Foundation, Starlight, and several London boroughs played an essential role in extending our reach.

Looking ahead, our greatest internal strengths lie in the creativity of our team, the commitment of our trustees, and the growing recognition of London Play as a trusted voice for children’s right to play. However, sustaining this momentum will depend on our continued ability to attract new supporters and funders to back our innovative work.

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London Play

Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

4 FINANCIAL REVIEW

Income for the financial year 2024/25 totalled £148k, a small increase of 2% on the year to March 2024. The landscape of investment in the play agenda continues to be challenging during and since covid, which makes our determination stronger as agents in its advocacy. London Play has demonstrated flexibility in the context of rising costs, and reducing our operational costs by 12%, to a total expenditure of £141k, has resulted in a surplus of just over £7k. This reduction in expenditure has been achieved largely due to reduction in staff costs.

At March 2025 our reserves stand at £56,862 of which £37,593 are unrestricted. Trustees and staff are focused on increasing this over the coming year through the active pursuit of core grant funding, partnerships and surpluses earned on contracted projects.

Reserves policy

The Board of Trustees have reviewed the financial target set by our reserves policy in light of guidance from the Charity Commission. The reserves should be adequate to cover:

As a result of the review, The Trustees believe that the Charity should hold free reserves of between £39k and £50k. As at March 2025 unrestricted reserves are £37,593 which brings us close to this target and represents a healthy increase on the previous year (when they totalled just £16,902). The chair and financial committee trustees are keeping a close watch on the situation, meeting regularly to review ongoing forecasts. At the time of writing the financial forecast suggests we will meet the reserves target by the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

5 Future plans

Looking ahead, London Play remains steadfast in its mission to defend and expand children’s right to play across the capital. Despite financial and political challenges, our trustees and staff are committed to working for London’s children and young people’s right to play and to supporting the organisations and people that enable them to realise that right.

The generous support of our existing funders, including a two-year core grant from Garfield Weston, provides vital stability and a platform for growth. Our Jelly Sports programme (funded by the London Marathon Foundation) will continue through 2025, with efforts to extend and expand its reach. Likewise, our valued partnership with The Royal Parks will run until 2026, enabling us to develop more inclusive, natureinspired play opportunities.

Our priorities over the coming year will be to:

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London Play

Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Meanwhile, in the policy realms momentum is accelerating nationally for a National Play Strategy in England, complete with a statutory Play Sufficiency Duty for local authorities, backed by new funding commitments.

The Play Commission has called for bold measures, including embedding play into planning, education, and community systems. London Play is well positioned to respond to this shift. As councils anticipate future statutory requirements, we will actively position ourselves as the leading source of expertise for those wanting to act early. Drawing on our successful partnerships in Lewisham and Newham, we will offer tailored support to boroughs to carry out play sufficiency assessments; invite playful resident engagement and consultation; embed play into local planning frameworks; and co-design inclusive, resilient play strategies with communities. This is not only an opportunity to influence policy but also to ensure that children across London benefit from high-quality, accessible play opportunities, now and in the future.

By fostering partnerships, amplifying young voices, and showcasing the power of play to transform communities, we will continue to act as a beacon for London’s play sector. Our goal remains clear: to make London the best city in the world in which to grow up: a city where every child has the freedom, space, and opportunity to play.

6 Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Appointment of Trustees

The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees which is elected from the membership at the Annual General Meeting; additional trustees can be co-opted by the Board during the year and formally appointed at the following AGM. On appointment new trustees are sent an induction pack and are offered induction opportunities with staff and trustees; as well as being offered training opportunities as they arise during the year.

Two trustees resigned in November and December 2024. Three new trustees were appointed: two co-opted in June 2024 and another in December 2024 at our AGM.

Trustees met approximately every six to eight weeks to make strategic, policy, and financial decisions on the basis of reports submitted by the director. These meetings alternate online and in person.

Organisational structure

Since 1 April 2005, London Play has been operating as an incorporated charity (Charity No.1104731, Company No.4055882), following a transfer from the old charity (No. 1075508) under its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Throughout the year operational management has been the responsibility of director Fiona Sutherland – under the direction of trustees. Staff have the opportunity to discuss their work with their line manager through a system of regular supervision.

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London Play

Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Statement of responsibilities of the Trustees

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the period and of its financial position at the end of the period. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the Trustees should follow best practice and:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. 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.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Independent examiner

Mary Ryan of Ark Accountancy was re-appointed as the charity's independent examiner during the year and has expressed her willingness to continue in that capacity.

The Trustees’ annual report has been approved by Trustees on

2025 and signed on their behalf by

Melian Mansfield

Chair

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London Play Statement of Financial Activitie5 For the year ended 31 March 2025 I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Company {and also its directors forthe purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act.). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe.. 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act,. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records,. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination,. or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)]. have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Mary Ryan FCCA, DChA, Cert FPS Ark Accountancy Limited 56-58 High Street Ewell, Surrey KT17 1RW ts

London Play

Statement of Financial Activities

For the year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Note £ £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and Legacies 2 5,187 - 5,187 14,468 - 14,468
Charitable activities 3&6 84,996 50,750 135,746 39,880 82,590 122,470
Other trading activities 4 6,202 - 6,202 7,520 - 7,520
Investments 5 1,191 - 1,191 855 - 855
Total income 97,576 50,750 148,326 62,723 82,590 145,313
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 2,236 - 2,236 39,944 - 39,944
Charitable activities 74,649 64,334 138,983 63,729 56,583 120,312
Other - - - - - -
Total expenditure 7 76,885 64,334 141,219 103,673 56,583 160,256
Net income/(expenditure) for the year 20,691 (13,584) 7,107 (40,950) 26,007 (14,943)
Transfers between funds - - - - - -
Net movement in funds 17 20,691 (13,584) 7,107 (40,950) 26,007 (14,943)
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 16,902 32,853 49,755 57,852 6,846 64,698
Total funds carried forward 37,593 19,269 56,862 16,902 32,853 49,755

All income and expenditure have arisen from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above.

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London Play

Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2025

Note
Fixed assets:
Tangible assets
11
Current assets:
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
Deferred Income
Total liabilities
Net current assets / (liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets / (liabilities)
15
The funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
Unrestricted income funds:
General funds
Total charity funds
17		 £
35,713
55,592
91,305
7,906
26,537
34,443		 2025
£
-
-
56,862
56,862		 £
9,403
53,597
63,000
13,245
-		 2024
£
-
-
49,755
49,755
56,862
19,269
37,593
56,862		 ~~____~~
49,755
32,853
16,902
49,755

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to charitable small companies.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on

2025 and were signed on their behalf by:

M B Mansfield, Chair

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London Play

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)’, Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’:

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once 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. Computer equipment: 33% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

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.

Pension costs

The charity makes payments under defined contribution pension schemes. Contributions payable are charged to the Statement of Financial Activity in the period to which they relate.

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London Play

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Income from donations and legacies

Donations 2025
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
5,187
-
5,187
5,187
-
5,187		 2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
14,468
-
14,468
14,468
-
14,468

3. Income from charitable activities

Grants
Contracts
Activity charges		 2025
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
10,000
-
10,000
74,996
-
74,996
-
-
-
84,996
-
84,996		 2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
-
-
-
39,880
-
39,880
-
-
-
39,880
-
39,880

4. Income from other trading activities

Advertising
Sponsorship
Consultancy
Merchandise		 2025
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
1,140
-
1,140
-
-
-
4,700
-
4,700
362
-
362
6,202
-
6,202		 2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
970
-
970
-
-
-
6,538
-
6,538
12
-
12
7,520
-
7,520

5. Income from investments

Interest earned on deposits 2025
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
1,191
-
1,191

1,191
-
1,191		 2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
855
-
855
855
-
855

6. Other Income

Grants for core activities 2025
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
-
50,750
50,750
-
50,750
50,750		 2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
-
82,590
82,590
-
82,590
82,590

16

London Play

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Expense Analysis

Salaries
Other personnel costs
Contractors
Evaluation
Materials and Equipment
Venue Hire
Catering and Travel Costs
Printing and Publicity
Accommodation costs
IT and Communications
Office costs
Travel and Meetings
Accounting and IE
Other professional fees
Finance costs
Sub-total
Support and Governance
Total Expenditure		 2025
Raising
Funds
Charitable
Activities
Governance
& Support
Total
£
£
£
£
1,601
83,975
12,077
97,653
-
-
154
154
-
7,064
-
7,064
-
2,100
-
2,100
-
15,792
477
16,269
-
1,300
-
1,300
-
2,901
497
3,398
-
456
339
795
40
2,292
542
2,874
-
1,000
3,464
4,464
240
31
2,120
2,391
-
36
24
60
-
-
2,300
2,300
-
-
300
300
-
-
97
**97 **		 2024
Raising
Funds
Charitable
Activities
Governance
& Support
Total
£
£
£
31,273
67,784
14,200
113,257
-
-
-
-
-
14,644
6,344
20,988
-
2,100
-
2,100
-
6,564
17
6,581
-
1,889
-
1,889
-
1,360
253
1,613
-
201
146
347
784
1,712
-
2,496
-
-
3,704
3,704
-
302
3,698
4,000
-
-
581
581
-
-
2,100
2,100
-
-
540
540
-
-
60
60
1,881
116,947
22,391
141,219
355
22,036
(22,391)
-
2,236
138,983
-
141,219		 32,057
96,556
31,643
160,256
7,887
23,756
(31,643)
-
39,944
120,312
-
160,256

8. Net expenditure for the year

.
Net expenditure for the year
2025 2024
£ £
Trustee expenses - -
Operating lease rentals:
Property 2,652 2,496
Other - -
Depreciation - -
Independent examiner's remuneration (excluding VAT) 1,000 1,100

9. Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, and the cost of key management personnel

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Employer’s contribution to defined contribution pension schemes
Total		 2025
£
86,739
3,768
7,146
97,653		 2024
£
104,840
3,439
4,978
113,257

No employee earned more than £60,000 during the year (2024: nil).

The total employee benefits (including pension contributions and employer's national insurance) of personnel were £97,653 (2024: £113,257).

No charity trustee was paid for employment with the charity in the year (2024: £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2024: £nil).

No reimbursement was made to any trustee (2024: £nil) for travel and other expenses in the year.

17

London Play

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

10. Staff numbers

The average number of employees (head count based on number of staff employed) during the year was as follows:

Charitable activities
Support
Total		 2025
No.
2
-
2		 2024
No.
3
-
3

11. Tangible fixed assets

Fixed assets were fully depreciated.

12. Debtors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade debtors
Other debtors		 2024
£
35,185
528
35,713		 2024
£
9,222
181
9,403

13. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals
4. Analysis of net assets between funds – this year
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors
Net assets at the end of the year		 Unrestricted
£
35,713
36,323
(34,443)
37,593		 2024
£
3,882
1,338
1,481
1,200
7,906
Restricted
£
-
19,269
-
19,269		 2024
£
7,099
1,966
2,080
2,100
13,245
Total
funds
£
35,713
55,592
(34, 443)
56,862

14. Analysis of net assets between funds – this year

18

London Play

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

5. Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors - amounts falling due within one year
Net assets at the end of the year		 Unrestricted
£
9,403
20,744
(13,245)
16,902		 Restricted
£
-
32,853
-
32,853		 Total
funds
£
9,403
53,597
(13,245)
49,755

16. Movements in funds

Restricted funds:
Communities Unite for Play
Jelly Sports
Total restricted funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds		 At the
start of
the year
Incoming
resources
& gains
Outgoing
resources
& losses
Transfers
At the
end of
the year
£
£
£
£
£
15,176
27,500
(43,721)
1,045
-
17,677
23,250
(21,659)
-
19,269
32,853
50,750
(65,380)
1,045
19,269
16,902
97,576
(75,839)
(1,045)
37,593
49,755
148,326
(141,219)
-
56,862

Purposes of restricted funds:

17. Movements in funds – prior year

Restricted funds:
Communities Unite for Play
Adventure Play for the Community
Jelly Sports
Total Restricted Funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Total Funds		 At the start
of the year
£
6,846
-
-
6,846
57,852		 Incoming
resources
& gains
£
49,500
9,840
23,250
82,590
62,724		 Outgoing
resources &
losses
£
(41,170)
(11,488)
(5,573)
(58,231)
(102,026)		 Transfers
£
-
1,648
-
1,648
(1,648)		 At the end of
the year
£
15,176
-
17,677
32,853
**16,902 **
64,698 145,314 (160,257) - 49,755

18. Operating lease commitments

There were no operating leases.

19