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← Play Gloucestershire

2024-03-31-accounts

PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

COMPANY NUMBER 6260058

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1126562

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

CONTENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Page
Reference and administrative information 1
Report of the Trustees 2 - 10
Independent examiners' report 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Notes to the Financial Statements 14 - 24

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

COMPANY INFORMATION

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Trustees & directors:

Diane Mautterer Matthew Arthur Jenni Wilson Lindsay Chaplin Kay Lillington Appointed 3/7/23 Key management personnel: Ben Morris Secretary: Helen Logan Registered office: Unit R7-R9 City Works Alfred Street Gloucester GL1 4DF Principal office: Unit R7-R9 City Works Alfred Street Gloucester GL1 4DF Company number: 06260058 Charity number: 1126562 Independent examiner: Patrick Morrello ACA Holyoake House Hanover Street Manchester M60 0AS Bankers: Barclays Bank plc Leicester Leicestershire LE87 2BB

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

The Trustees (who are also directors for the purposes of company law) present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. Included within the trustees' report is the directors' report as required by company law.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 2 to the accounts and comply with the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, in accordance with Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities SORP (FRS102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Objectives and Activities

The objects of the charity are:

To advance in life and help young people up to the age of 19 through:

(a) The provision of recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interest of social welfare, designed to improve their conditions of life.

(b) Providing support and activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.

The charity has a shared vision of happy and healthy childhoods full of outdoor play. Play Gloucestershire is a charity which believes that playing outdoors is an essential part of a happy, healthy childhood, and at the heart of a nurturing community. We provide fun, adventurous and inclusive opportunities for local outdoor play, to transform children’s lives and help them build active, positive futures.

The main areas of activity used to achieve these objectives are:

To assess outcomes, the charity keeps records of attendance at play sessions which are reported back to funders. Case studies, quotes and feedback from families, teachers and others are also recorded to assess impact. The charity has conducted user surveys and commissioned external evaluation reports in prevous years and the current Play 2 Nurture project includes a full evaluation process, which will provide good practice for the future.

The charity does not make use of social investment and does not make grants.

Play Gloucestershire had 1 adult general volunteer who helped out at play sessions on an occasional basis during 2023-24; they are always in addition to paid staff and are there to provide extra support with activities and act as role models. There is also a very successful Young Volunteers programme, with 15 volunteers aged 10 - 18. They help run activities, tidy up, provide positive role models and we provide training and mentoring for them.

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

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.

Achievements and Performance

In the financial year April 2023- March 2024, Play Gloucestershire celebrated numerous successes in promoting the power of play to enrich individuals and communities across Gloucestershire. At the heart of our accomplishments lies a diverse network of partners ranging from small hyper-local parish councils or community groups to larger statutory organisations like NHS Gloucestershire and The National Lottery Community Fund. This collaborative effort has yielded remarkable results:

Increased Community Engagement: Play Gloucestershire's inclusive approach has fostered stronger ties within communities both new and existing. By working closely with our hyper-local partners, we've ensured that play initiatives are tailored to meet the specific needs of each neighbourhood.

Health and Well-being Impact: Partnering with the NHS has enabled Play Gloucestershire to integrate play into a new multi-agency health and well-being pilot program. Through innovative approaches, we've demonstrated how play can contribute to physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

Young Volunteering : “Doing good to feel good” we have used our skills and relationships to empower 15 young people to take ownership of play projects, supporting the Play Rangers making play happen locally. By providing training and resources, we’ve enabled these young residents to become advocates for play within their neighbourhoods.

Research and Evaluation: Collaborative research and evaluation efforts with partners such as Dr Wendy Russell (specifically looking at our Play 2 Nurture project), our partner schools and NHS Gloucestershire have generated valuable data and case studies showcasing the positive impacts on physical and mental health when play is trusted as a tool for support. This evidence-based approach has strengthened advocacy efforts and garnered support from stakeholders.

Overall, Play Gloucestershire's successes in the financial year 2023-2024 underscore the transformative potential of play in enhancing the well-being and cohesion of communities and the individuals within them. Through our diverse partnerships and innovative initiatives, we will continue to champion the importance of play promoting HAPPY and HEALTHY childhoods for all children and young people across Gloucestershire.

Community Play

Our Play Rangers alongside local children and young people have co-created vibrant community play sessions, encouraging engagement and joy across Gloucestershire, buoyed by several notable successes:

New Contract with Wotton Under Edge Town Council: Securing a fresh contract with Wotton Under Edge Town Council demonstrates the trust and value placed in Play Gloucestershire's work. This partnership ensures continued support for community play sessions in Wotton Under Edge, enriching the lives of residents.

Funding for Kingsway and Multi-Agency Navigational Hub Pilot: Play Gloucestershire's proactive approach resulted in securing funding for expanded work in Kingsway. Collaborating with the multiagency navigational hub pilot has amplified the impact of the work, fostering holistic community support and cohesion.

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Successful Completion of Levelling Up Fund Project in Podsmead : The seamless conclusion of our Gloucestershire County Council Levelling Up Fund project in Podsmead underscores the hard work the team have put in and the effectiveness of the charity’s project management. This achievement sets the stage for ongoing collaborative efforts with Podsmead Big Local and Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society , ensuring sustained community development.

Winter Support and Summer Celebration: Throughout the winter months, community play sessions provided a vital source of support for children and young people, offering a safe space and trusted adult presence during life's challenges. As the brighter, warmer months arrived, these sessions blossomed into vibrant gatherings, drawing hundreds of people to enjoy play and community bonding in their local spaces.

In summary, Play Gloucestershire's Play Rangers have not only facilitated engaging play sessions but have also forged strong partnerships, secured funding, and provided essential support to communities year-round.

Work in Schools

Our work commissioned by schools has continued, notably at Harewood Junior School and The Milestone School, where we've provided invaluable Play Nurture Group sessions to pupils throughout the year.

Play Nurture Groupwork is facilitated by Play Rangers using Therapeutic Playwork skills to assist children and young people. Therapeutic Playwork is fundamentally about creating a space where children can play. This means working to support children to be able to play and letting play do the rest. Such support includes holding the space and holding play frames when they threaten to fall apart, which for some children happens quite often. Therapeutic playwork is grounded in relations of care and trust, which need to be ‘good enough’ rather than perfect, coping with both failure and anger from which there can be recovery and growth.

Our school work has yielded significant benefits:

Play Nurture Sessions : At Harewood Junior School and The Milestone School, Play Gloucestershire has implemented Play Nurture sessions, fostering a nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally and socially. Through co-created child-led play activities, we've supported the holistic development of pupils, enhancing their well-being and resilience.

One-on-One Support in Mainstream and Alternative Provision : providing individualised support has been instrumental in both mainstream and alternative provision settings. By tailoring our approach to meet the specific needs of each pupil, we’ve provided targeted assistance, fostering confidence, selfesteem, a feeling of safety and positive relationships .

Success and Impact : The success of Play Gloucestershire's Play Nurture Group and one-on-one work is evident in the positive outcomes observed in pupils. Whether in mainstream classrooms or alternative provision settings, play has led to enhanced social skills, and a greater sense of belonging and inclusion.

Our multi-agency navigational hub project, described below, also takes place in schools.

Multi-Agency Navigational Hub

The multi-agency navigational hub project is a pilot exploring a joined-up approach to accessing support for children, young people and their families with mental health, wellbeing & education. We have played a pivotal role in supporting primary school aged children with requests for support. Our involvement in the project encompasses several key components:

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Triage Meetings and Collaborative Decision-Making : Play Gloucestershire actively participates in triage meetings alongside partners to assess the needs of children, young people, and families. Through collaborative discussions, the group contribute insights and expertise to determine the most effective interventions and support strategies.

One-on-One Support and Targeted Play Nurture Group Sessions : Utilising our Therapeutic Playwork approach, Play Gloucestershire delivers both one-on-one support and targeted group sessions in schools across Gloucester. These sessions provide children and young people with a safe and nurturing environment to explore and address their mental health and well-being needs with play. Offering support that addresses emotional, social, and psychological aspects of well-being. Our Therapeutic Playwork approach emphasises the importance of self-expression, creativity, and positive relationships in promoting resilience and recovery.

Offering a community outlet for these young people has been an unexpected outcome of the pilot project. Many referrals come from an area where we are providing community play sessions and therefore we’ve been able to invite Play Nurture alumni to Get Out and Play in their community.

In summary, Play Gloucestershire's participation in the multi-agency navigational hub pilot project reflects a commitment to empowering children, young people, and families to navigate mental health challenges. Through collaborative decision-making, targeted interventions, and a holistic approach to support, we continue to play a vital role in promoting well-being and resilience.

Training

Our training events have been met with resounding success, showcasing our expertise in promoting play and nurturing environments for children and young people.

Play Training Events : Play Gloucestershire's Play Nurture Plus training events have equipped professionals with valuable skills and insights into fostering nurturing environments through play. Participants have reported enhanced understanding and confidence in supporting children's emotional and social development, contributing to positive outcomes in various settings. We were also invited to run an ‘Introduction to Play’ event on behalf of the Cotswolds Youth Network.

Commissioned Work for Nursery Staff: Following the success of this training event, we were commissioned by a nursery boss, seeking to instil the passion for play promoted by our trainer, within her team. This partnership demonstrates the recognition of Play Gloucestershire's expertise and their ability to disseminate effective play-based approaches to early childhood professionals .

Training for Lunch Time Supervisors in a Cheltenham School : This year we expanded our impact by providing training for lunchtime supervisors based in a Cheltenham school. By empowering these staff members with skills and strategies for promoting positive play experiences during lunch breaks, they contribute to creating inclusive and supportive school environments.

Training events have proven instrumental in equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge to foster play-based approaches in various contexts. The aim is to customise training to meet the specific needs of different audiences, this highlights our versatility and effectiveness and commitment to promoting the importance of play in child development.

Play Statistics

In 2023-24 our Community play sessions delivered 587 hours of play, receiving 5,890 play visits; Play Nurture small group work and 1:1 work delivered 315 hours and 867 play visits; the Play 2 Nurture project delivered 464 hours, with 1,753 play visits. This gives a total of 1,370 hours, receiving 8,717 play visits.

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Some significant projects have been funded during this year:

Play Nurture Plus

We’ve continued our NHS Gloucestershire supported Play Nurture Plus project. The aim of the project is to embed the principles of Play Gloucestershire’s award-winning Play Nurture programme in schools using a ‘train the trainer’ model designed and implemented by Play Gloucestershire. Two schools have benefitted from this project this year.

HAF

We continued to contribute to the Government funded Holiday Activity and Food programme, known as HAF. This programme supports children experiencing holiday hunger with positive activities and healthy meals. Our charity has delivered HAF activities during Easter and Summer holidays. We have worked with the district leads in the Cotswolds, and in Gloucester and Stroud worked closely with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture, White City.

Play 2 Nurture

We are approaching the final few months of our three-year ‘Play 2 Nurture’ project. Supporting 90+ school-aged children each year, we use the therapeutic power of play to help those facing adversity to build resilience and have better life chances. The project is targeted at children who live or go to school within a mile of The Play Sanctuary in Gloucester (GL1 4DF). We run two after school sessions per week at the Play Sanctuary, plus bi-weekly Saturday sessions for children under 8 years old. This year we have continued to combine this targeted approach with a universal offer providing Tuesday sessions at the local park ‘Ayland Gardens’ with a dual approach in mind. These universal access sessions continue to allow children and young people to identify their own needs for additional support and refer themselves to our targeted sessions, having built a relationship with the play team who work at the speed of trust.

This year we have sought out new referral streams with statutory partners as well as schools and the wider PG team. Our continued work with evaluator Dr. Wendy Russell has allowed us to trial a number of evaluation techniques and methods, this year we have focused on creative ways to gather data that larger statutory funders will acknowledge.

We have provided 154 sessions and 1,753 play visits involving 162 children.

Other significant developments:

Other significant developments this year, demonstrating our commitment to expanding their impact and sustainability have been:

Continued Support for Children in Care: Collaborating with The Virtual School, we have its vital work in supporting children and young people in care. Efforts are ongoing to contribute to enhancing the wellbeing and resilience of this vulnerable group, ensuring they have access to enriching play experiences.

Transition to Green Vehicles: We have initiated a transition to a greener fleet by purchasing and leasing zero-emissions vehicles. This environmentally conscious decision reflects our dedication to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Expansion of Play Team: Our play team at Play Gloucestershire is growing, with more members contracted to regular hours. This expansion is with the intent to meet the increasing demand from schools and communities for play opportunities, ensuring that more children have access to the benefits of play.

Appointment of New Trustee: We welcomed a new trustee, Kay Lillington, to the charity. The addition of a new trustee brings fresh perspectives and expertise to help steer the charity toward our goals.

Successful Playful Transitions Project : We collaborated with Gloucestershire County Council's Early Help team to run a successful Playful Transitions project during the summer holidays. This project supported 10 secondary schools inviting students transitioning from primary to secondary school to attend, easing the process through play-based activities and support.

Beneficiaries of our services

The main beneficiaries of our services are children, with our core age range being 8 to 14. This includes looked-after children, children dealing with difficulties in their lives which may include domestic abuse, bereavement, difficulties making friendships, as well as those dealing with the usual ups and downs of childhood. We work with children at public green spaces near their homes and focus on areas of urban deprivation or rural isolation. We also work with referred children in schools and also in a SEND provision setting. Further beneficiaries are the children's families and carers, school staff and local communities where we engage with local people to improve provision of safe places to play and to increase use of green spaces.

Financial Review

Over the last 16 years the Play Gloucestershire team have consistently proved their ability to adapt and change rapidly to evolving circumstances whilst keeping our play mission central to all activity. We have built a low core cost model, with only one member of the team non-child facing, and the whole team led by the Director of Play always placing the needs of the children and communities first, no matter what the circumstances. We have a long and exemplary track record for play delivery, quality, reliability, and value.

There is an increasing demand for our play nurture services as one of the very few providers of support for the mental health of primary school age children. NHS ICB has provided funding to support the expansion of the Play Nurture approach for small groups of referred children in schools, as well as oneon-one sessions; this funding has been grant-based and a further grant of £100k has been applied for. The plan is that this will move to contract-based in future with Play Gloucestershire looking to secure a contract for 5 years, with the option of a further 2 years. The Lottery-funded Play2Nurture project ends in December 2025 and the management team are currently developing a business plan for bringing the staff and work of this project back into the main body of Play Nurture work and expanding future provision.

If successful, statutory funding will provide the largest single source of funding, however, important areas of income diversification remain which include community play (£94.7k this year), play nurture commissioned directly by schools (£13k), and a grant of £20k towards core costs from Gloucestershire Gateway Trust. Development of current staffs’ grant-application and fundraising skills is also underway.

Going concern

Existing Community and school funders have recommissioned for 2024-25 and holiday play sessions are already almost at full capacity. A funding gap of £25k had been identified for the final months of the year due to the end of the Lottery-funded Play 2 Nurture project in December; reserves were put in place to cover this, while further funding for the Multi-Agency Navigational Hub project was sought to allow us to keep the Play 2 Nurture core staff and expand provision by bringing them back in to Play Nurture work. Due to the General Election it was not possible to apply for commission funding but a £100k grant has been applied for to fund work for Jan 2025 onwards and the application is supported by Navigational Hub management.

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

The trustees are happy that Play Gloucestershire is a going concern.

Reserves policy

The trustees adopt a risk-based approach to reserves policy. A key risk for 2024-25 was the ending of the Lottery funded three year Play 2 Nurture project as we wish to retain the staff currently working on that project (one full-time, one part-time). We have applied for £100k grant to continue Nav Hub work and to integrate Play 2 Nurture staff into this work. We also hope to expand provision, which is likely to involve hiring additional contract staff, therefore a higher level of reserves will need to be held to cover higher outgoings.

A previously identified risk was the failure of our elderly van fleet (bought in 2008/9), this has been partly mitigated this year by leasing an electric car and purchasing a second-hand electric van to replace a diesel one. We plan to replace a second diesel van with an electric van in the near future and are building reserves to cover the purchase and re-brand (est £35k). This leaves us with three remaining diesel vans from the original fleet.

A final risk identified by the trustees is that of large statutory redundancy payments needing to be made in the event of winding the charity up; most contract staff have been with the charity for many years and four are over 41 years old, so in the highest cost bracket. Estimated cost as at June 2024 would be £35k.

Reserves as at 31 March 2024 were as follows:

Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds
General Funds
Designated Funds
Total funds		 £
£
119,023
227,575
49,442
277,017
396,040

Chair's Report

Reflecting on 2023/24, our charity remains in a healthy financial position. A high demand for our services continues, with the offer of community play, which provides an accessible outlet for children to play and develop socially, physically and emotionally; Play Nurture project in schools which continues to offer valuable support and have a positive impact; as does our Play 2 Nurture project, offering more targeted support.

The Young Volunteer programme continues to offer opportunities for young people, and we have now reached the milestone of having play sessions made up entirely of a team of Play Rangers who have all come through the volunteer programme.

We have purchased 2 electric vehicles, continuing our transition to a greener fleet.

The trustees have been pleased to welcome a new trustee to the board and as always, offer their thanks to the Play Gloucestershire staff, who have worked incredibly hard, during all weathers and stepped up to support and cover for other members of the team when necessary.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Play Gloucestershire is a charitable company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 25th May 2007, and amended by written resolution on 9 October 2008. The charitable company was registered with the Charity Commission on 4 November 2008. There are currently four members who are Trustees, each of whom agree to contribute a sum not exceeding £10 in the event of the company winding up.

Trustees

As set out in the Articles of Association, there must be at least three Trustees. The Trustees are those people notified to Companies House as the Directors of Play Gloucestershire.

Methods Used to Recruit and Appoint New Trustees

If the trustees identify the need for new trustees – due to resignations, or the need for one or more trustees with specific skills – they will agree what skills, experience and knowledge are needed and agree a recruitment process, complying with the charity’s governing documents.

Trustee Induction and Training

Play Gloucestershire have a Trustee induction programme that includes briefings on legal obligations under company and charity law, the contents of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, decision making processes, financial performance and introductions to key employees and other Trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate training events to facilitate the undertaking of their role.

Trustees

The Trustees who held office during the period and up to the date of this report were as follows:

Diane Mautterer Matthew Arthur Jenni Wilson Lindsay Chaplin Kay Lillington Appointed 03/07/2023

Organisation

The board of Trustees hold teleconference meetings as required and meet each quarter. They have appointed a Chief Executive Officer (known as the ‘Director of Play’) to manage the day-to-day operations of the charitable company. To facilitate effective operations, the Director of Play has delegated authority, within the terms of delegation approved by the Trustees, for operational matters including finance, employment and all play delivery. The Director of Play during this period was Ben Morris.

Risk management

The Trustees are developing a risk management strategy which will include an annual review of the risks the charity may face and the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified. It will also include procedures to follow to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.

Remuneration policy for key management personnel

Any changes to pay and remuneration for key management personnel are proposed with support from an external HR advisor to provide and advice and benchmarking where this is possible.

Related parties and relationships with other organisations

Play Gloucestershire does not have any formal partnerships with other organisations for play delivery but has longstanding informal relationships with many charities and other organisations across the County.

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Reference and Administrative Details are shown on page one of this report.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors of Play Gloucestershire for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial 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 company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

• 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 charitable company will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

On behalf of the board of trustees and directors

Diane Mautterer Chair of Trustees

Date: 23 / 09 / 2024

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages 12 to 24.

Respective responsibilities of 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:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Patrick Morrello ACA Third Sector Accountancy Limited Holyoake House Hanover Street Manchester M60 0AS

Date: 23 / 09 / 2024

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(including Income and Expenditure Account)

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted
Funds
2024
Notes
£
Income from:
Donations
3
4,047
Charitable Activities
4
127,866
Total
131,913
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Direct costs for play ranger teams
6
67,850
Support costs
7
5,173
Governance costs
8
3,193
Total
76,216
Net income (expenditure)
11
55,697
Transfer between funds
1,299
Net movement in funds
56,996
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
18
220,021
Total funds carried forward
18
277,017		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
114,822
-
114,822
209,316
38,154
446
247,916
(133,094)
(1,299)
(134,393)
253,416
119,023		 Total
Funds
2024
£
118,869
127,866
246,735
277,166
43,327
3,639
324,132
(77,397)
-
(77,397)
473,437
396,040		 Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
4,020
80,970
84,990
50,994
5,165
1,894
58,053
26,937
138.00
27,075
192,946
220,021		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
260,685
240.00
260,925
160,210
39,925
512.00
200,647
60,278
138.00
-
60,140
193,276
253,416		 Total
Funds
2023
£
264,705
81,210
345,915
211,204
45,090
2,406
258,700
87,215
-
87,215
386,222
473,437

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE Company number 6260058

BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 March 2024

Notes 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 13 49,442 36,997
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 14 43,593 135,344
Cash at bank 317,873 314,127
CREDITORS 361,466 449,471
Amounts falling due within one year 15 14,868 13,031
NET CURRENT ASSETS 346,598 436,440
NET ASSETS 396,040 473,437
RESERVES
Restricted Funds 18 119,023 253,416
Unrestricted Funds 18
General Funds 227,575 142,838
Designated Funds 49,442 77,183
277,017 220,021
18 396,040 473,437

The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these accounts.

For the year ended 31 March 2024, the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

These accounts were approved by the trustees on and are signed on their behalf by: 23 / 09 / 2024

Diane Mautterer Chair of Trustees

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PLAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1 COMPANY INFORMATION

The company is limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales; it is also a registered charity (number 1126562) whose activities are intended to be for the public benefit. Its registered office is Unit R7-R9, City Works, Alfred Street, Gloucester, GL1 4DF.

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) issued in October 2019 - Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

Going concern

After making enquiries, the directors are not aware of any material uncertainties that cast doubt on going concern and they have a reasonable expectation that the company will be able to continue its activities for the foreseeable future, and at least twelve months from the date of approval of these accounts. Accordingly, they have continued to adopt the going concern basis in the financial statements.

More information can be found in the Trustees Report.

Income from Charitable activities

Income from services provided were included in incoming resources in the year in which the relevant service takes place.

.

Donations

Income from donations and grants is included in incoming resources when these are receivable.

Expenditure

Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.

Expenditure which is directly attributable to specific activities has been included in these cost categories. Where costs are attributable to more than one activity, they have been apportioned across the cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of these resources.

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure costs comprise those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

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 charity's programmes and activities.

Tangible fixed assets

Fixed assets are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:

Computer equipment 33% on cost
Office equipment 25% on cost
Motor vehicles 25% on cost
Property improvements 25% on cost

14

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Leasing

Rentals are classed as operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor. These costs are charged to the income and expenditure account as incurred.

Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Pension

The charity operates a defined contribution stakeholder pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. All contributions are charged to a main pool, each employee does not have a separate account in their name.

Fund accounting

Funds held by the charity are either:

Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees: or

Designated general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose: or

Restricted funds - these are funds that 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 specific activities.

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

3 DONATIONS

Unrestricted
Funds
£
Grants received
-
Donations received
4,047
Total
4,047
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Grants received
-
Donations received
4,020
Total
4,020		 Restricted
Funds
£
114,822
-
114,822
Restricted
Funds
£
260,685
-
260,685		 Total
2024
£
114,822
4,047
118,869
Total
2023
£
260,685
4,020
264,705		 Total
2023
£
260,685
4,020
264,705
Total
2022
£
441,590
5,048
446,638

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

4 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Play Rangers service delivery fees
Other income
Total
Play Rangers service delivery fees
Other income
Total
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
The government grants recognised in the accounts were as
Erasmus (funding from EU)
National Lottery Community Fund RC South West Region
Levelling up fund
NHS ICB Kingsway Continuation Project		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
117,641
10,225
127,866
Unrestricted
Funds
£
80,384
586
80,970
follows:		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
240
-
240
Total
2024
£
-
89,803
-
14,109
103,912		 Total
2024
£
117,641
10,225
127,866
Total
2023
£
80,624
586
81,210
Total
2023
£
8,353
79,998
24,521
-
116,648

5 GOVERNMENT GRANTS

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

6
DIRECT COSTS FOR PLAY RANGER TEAMS
Current Year
Salaries
Pensions
Childcare vouchers
Insurances
Training
Phones & admin
Equipment and activities
Transport & travel
Publicity
DBS checks
Staff uniform
ICT website development
Depreciation
Sundry
Comparative year
Salaries
Pensions
Childcare vouchers
Insurances
Training
Phones & admin
Equipment and activities
Transport & travel
Publicity
DBS checks
Staff uniform
ICT
Depreciation
Sundry		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
7,458
4,779
166
8,200
1,112
2,285
22,705
2,607
260
232
3,189
-
14,211
646
67,850
Unrestricted
Funds
£
5,880
7,530
157
1,345
697
1,456
7,690
6,992
280
498
299
70
17,946
154
50,994		 Restricted
Funds
£
169,376
5,000
-
3,923
5,384
837
11,543
9,667
3,104
186
211
85
-
-
209,316
Restricted
Funds
£
140,408
70
-
2,846
1,266
330
7,700
5,053
1,504
57
215
-
-
761
160,210		 Total
2024
£
176,834
9,779
166
12,123
6,496
3,122
34,248
12,274
3,364
418
3,400
85
14,211
646
277,166
Total
2023
£
146,288
7,600
157
4,191
1,963
1,786
15,390
12,045
1,784
555
514
70
17,946
915
211,204

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

7
SUPPORT COSTS
Current Year
Rent and rates
Maintenance
Office costs
Information technology
Bank charges
Salaries
Evaluation
Comparative year
Rent and rates
Travelling expenses
Maintenance
Office costs
Information technology
Bank charges
Gifts
Memberships
Salaries
Evaluation
8
GOVERNANCE COSTS
Independent examination
Accountancy
Professional fees
Independent examination
Accountancy
Professional fees		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
2,264
1,068
917
448
73
403
-
5,173
Unrestricted
Funds
£
3,292
313
422
456
82
600
-
-
5,165
Unrestricted
Funds
£
716
588
1,889
3,193
Unrestricted
Funds
£
900
742
252
1,894		 Restricted
Funds
£
4,624
1,545
201
517
37
26,020
5,210
38,154
Restricted
Funds
£
3,507
879
863
424
315
32
-
8
28,299
5,598
39,925
Restricted
Funds
£
184
262
-
446
Restricted
Funds
£
-
508
4
512		 Total
2024
£
6,888
2,613
1,118
965
110
26,423
5,210
43,327
Total
2023
£
6,799
879
1,176
846
771
114
600
8
28,299
5,598
45,090
Total
2024
£
900
850
1,889
3,639
Total
2023
£
900
1,250
256
2,406

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

9 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES, AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Neither the management committee nor any persons connected with them received any remuneration or reimbursed expenses during the year (2023:Nil).

Aggregate donations from related parties were £nil (2023: £nil).

There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business and no restricted donations from related parties.

No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity, including guarantees, during the year (2023: £nil).

10 STAFF

No remuneration was paid to the trustees in the year, nor were any expenses reimbursed to them. The staff costs were:

2024
£
Wages and salaries
194,908
Social security costs
8,349
Pension costs
9,779
213,036
Number of employees
2024
The average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the period was:
Charitable activities
5.62
Administration
0.68
Total
6.30		 2023
£
168,018
6,569
7,600
182,187
2023
5.16
0.68
5.84

The average number of contracted employees during the year was 7.

No employee has employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2023: Nil).

The key managment personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees and the Chief Executive Director of Play. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £40,506 (2022: £37,395).

11 NET INCOME EXPENDITURE

This is stated after charging / (crediting):

This is stated after charging / (crediting):
2024 2023
£ £
Depreciation 14,211 17,946
Independent examiner's fee 900 900
Operating leases - rent 6,888 6,799
Loss / (profit) on disposal of fixed assets (6,250) -

12 CORPORATION TAX

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Charegable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

13 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Property
Computer
improvements
Equipment
COST
£
£
As at 1 April 2023
22,943
12,842
Additions
1,303
Disposals
As at 31 March 2024
22,943
14,145
DEPRECIATION
As at 1 April 2023
20,757
11,684
Charge for the year
832
797
Disposal
As at 31 March 2024
21,589
12,481
NET BOOK VALUE
As at 1 April 2023
2,186
1,158
As at 31 March 2024
1,354
1,664		 Office
Equipment
£
12,775
12,775
12,668
30
12,698
107
77		 Motor
Vehicles
£
135,225
25,353
(20,000)
140,578
101,679
12,552
(20,000)
94,231
33,546
46,347		 Total
£
183,785
26,656
(20,000)
190,441
146,788
14,211
(20,000)
140,999
36,997
49,442

14 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
15
CREDITORS : AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
16
DEFERRED INCOME
Deferred income brought forward
Income received
Income spent
Deferred income carried forward		 2024
£
34,182
8,633
778
43,593
2024
£
2,968
7,592
3,010
1,298
14,868
2024
£
5,000
5,000
(5,000)
5,000		 2023
£
24,321
11,023
100,000
135,344
2023
£
2,111
7,686
2,346
888
13,031
2023
£
4,000
5,000
(4,000)
5,000

This is money paid in advance by the Virtual School to fund emergency play nurture one-to-one interventions, for example if a child is at risk of exclusion.

17 OTHER COMMITMENTS

The total of future minimum lease payments under two operating leases, are detailed in the following table:

Within 1 year 2024
2023
£
£
1,593
1,593
Land and Buildings

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

18 STATEMENT OF FUNDS

Current Year
Balance at
1 April 2023
Transfer
£
£
£
£
Restricted Funds:
NHS CCG
1
-
-
1
Glos CountyCcl Levelling up
24,521
-
(23,909)
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust
9,999
10,000
(19,999)
-
Kickstart grant
144
-
(66)
-
Cotswold Youth Network
-
910
(910)
-
NHS ICB Kingsway Continuation Projec
-
14,109
-
Youth Investment Fund
4
-
-
4
National Lottery Community Fund SW R
25,325
89,803
(90,192)
Gloucestershire Community Foundation
1,595
-
(744)
-
Erasmus
9,440
-
(9,440)
GoC Ruspidge
1
-
1
-
Thriving Communities Grant
5,876
-
-
NHS ICB Play Nurture
100,000
-
(41,618)
(1,303)
Active Gloucestershire
5,952
-
(5,952)
-
NHS CCG Kingsway project
38,069
-
(34,610)
-
NHS CCG Schools project
32,499
-
(20,476)
-
253,416
114,822
(247,916)
(1,299)
Unrestricted Funds:
Designated Funds:
Vehicle Fund
20,000
-
-
(20,000)
Play Equipment Fund
10,325
-
-
(10,325)
Uniforms Fund
5,000
-
-
(5,000)
Office Equipment Fund
5,000
-
-
(5,000)
Fixed Asset Reserves Fund
36,858
-
-
12,584
77,183
-
-
(27,741)
General Fund
142,838
131,913
(76,216)
29,040
Unrestricted Funds
220,021
131,913
(76,216)
1,299
Total Funds
473,437
246,735
(324,132)
-
Incoming
Resources
Outgoing
Resources		 Balance at
31 March 2024
£
-
612
-
78
-
14,109
-
24,936
851
-
-
5,876
57,079
-
3,459
12,023
119,023
-
-
-
-
49,442
49,442
227,575
277,017
396,040

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Comparative Year
Balance at
1 April 2022
Transfer
£
£
£
£
Restricted Funds:
NHS CCG
427
-
(428)
-
Glos CountyCcl Covid Prevention Fund
-
24,521
-
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust
8,161
30,000
(28,162)
-
Kickstart grant
259
-
(115)
-
Podsmead Big Local
-
7,551
(7,551)
-
Youth Investment Fund
4
-
-
-
National Lottery Community Fund SW R
26,055
79,998
(80,590)
138
-
Gloucestershire Community Foundation
1,595
-
-
Erasmus
4,813
8,353
(3,726)
-
GoC Coney Hill
1,565
-
(1,565)
-
GoC Ruspidge
3,135
-
(3,134)
Glos County C HAF Grant
1,374
3,776
(5,150)
-
Glos County Early Help Commissioning
-
240
(240)
-
Avening Cof E Education Fund
-
534
(534)
-
Thriving Communities Grant
5,876
-
-
NHS ICB Play Nurture
-
100,000
-
Active Gloucestershire
-
5,952
-
Together in Matson
20
-
(20)
-
NHS CCG Kingsway project
75,000
-
(36,931)
-
NHS CCG Schools project
65,000
-
(32,501)
-
193,276
260,925
200,647
-
138
-
Unrestricted Funds:
Designated Funds:
Vehicle Fund
20,000
-
-
Play equipment Fund
10,325
-
-
Uniforms Fund
5,000
-
-
Office Equipment Fund
5,000
-
-
Fixed Asset Reserves Fund
54,804
17,946
-
95,129
-
-
17,946
-
General Fund
97,817
84,990
(58,053)
18,084
Unrestricted Funds
192,946
84,990
(58,053)
138
-
Total Funds
386,222
345,915
(258,700)
-
Incoming
Resources
Outgoing
Resources		 Balance at
31 March 2023
£
1
-
24,521
9,999
144
-
4
-
25,325
1,595
9,440
-
1
-
-
-
5,876
100,000
5,952
-
38,069
32,499
253,416
20,000
10,325
5,000
5,000
36,858
77,183
142,838
220,021
473,437

Restricted Funds:

NHS CCG

Grant to fund 12 month Play Nurture Plus project in 2021-2 to bring play nurture to more schools across Gloucester to help support children post-Covid.

Glos County Ccl Levelling up

Grant to provide holiday playdays in Ruspidge during 2023-4 and year round after school and holiday play in Podsmead during 2023-4.

Gloucestershire Gateway Trust

Funds core costs.

Kickstart

Grant to cover costs of employing and training a new member of staff on 28 hrs/wee Remaining funds to be used for training and equipment for recruited staff member.

Cotswold Youth Network

Grant for inclusion training and participation in project recording feedback from children.

NHS ICB Kingsway Continuation project

Grant to fund year round after-school and holiday play in Kingsway to support nurture work in local schools and referrals from local GP practice.

Podsmead Big Local

Grant funding for play sessions in Podsmead, Gloucester.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

National Lottery Community Fund Grant funding a three-year project offering regular, targeted Play Nurture South West Region support to children within 1 mile of the Play Sanctuary. Gloucestershire Community Fdn Grant to supply and fit heat pump to the Play Sanctuary, plus other improvements. Erasmus PG is participant in PAClife project using volunteering to help young people overcome adverse circumstances. Project now ended. GoC Coney Hill Growing our Communities Fund for Coney Hill; all sessions delayed by Covid now delivered GoC Ruspidge Growing our Communities Fund for Ruspidge; all sessions delayed by Covid now delivered. County Ccl HAF Grant Grant to provide active play sessions with a hot meal for children during Easter and Summer school holidays. Glos County Ccl Early Help Grant to run Transitions camps in the Summer holidays for children needing more support changing from primary to secondary school. Avening CofE Education Fund Grant to run a Summer playday. Thriving Communities Grant Project to support local communities to set up their own play sessions. Paused due to Covid. NHS ICB Play Nurture Grant to support small group and one to one Play Nurture delivery as part of the Multi-Agency Navigational Hub trial; grant is also to support expansion of PG to recruit new staff and lease transport to increase services. Active Gloucestershire Grant to run Stay & Play sessions 2023-24 Together In Matson Funding for large flasks and for soup and rolls for holiday play sessions. NHS CCG Kingsway Project Grant for 2 year project to run after-school play sessions, school Play Nurture sessions and holiday play sessions across Kingsway, Gloucester. NHS CCG Play Nurture Plus Grant for 2 year project to help schools develop and run their own Play Nurture Project sessions, train Play Champions in schools and promote the benefits of child-led play General fund - Unrestricted reserves. Designated Funds: Vehicle Fund - The vehicle fund is for the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles held and a replacement scheme. Funds undesignated in 2023-24. Equipment Funds - The equipment funds are for the replacement of office and play equipment held. Funds undesignated in 2023-24. Uniform Fund - To provide for uniforms. Funds undesignated in 2023-24. Fixed Asset Reserves Fund - Designated fund for the net book value of fixed assets, representing funds not freely available to be spent on the operating costs of the charity.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

19 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are
represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
Total
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are
represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
Total		 General Designated
Restricted
Fund
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
-
49,442
-
242,443
-
119,023
(14,868)
-
-
227,575
49,442
119,023
General
Designated
Restricted
Fund
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
0
36,997
0
155,869
40,186
253,416
(13,031)
-
-
142,838
77,183
253,416		 2024
Total
£
49,442
361,466
(14,868)
396,040
2023
Total
£
36,997
449,471
-13,031
473,437

24

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