REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1135039 COMPANY REGISTRATION: 07163366 BENNETf COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THEYEARENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Iccountell chrferdMAnAqemeNIAcCoNn&4nbAnJ£uness AAvisors 44A M3rlands Road, Clayhall, Greater London IGS OJL, United Kingdom 020 7613 3261 a) 078 3782 8823 www.accountell.com Proctising Certificot• Holder •)
BENNErr COURT COMMUNrrY PLAYGROUP LIMITED CONTENTS OFTHE TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page Report of the Trustees Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Trustees Responsibilities Statement of Financial Activities BalariLe Slieet 10 Notes to the Financial Statements 11-13
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THEYEARENDED31 MARCH 2024 The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statement5 of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) {effective l January 20191. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Charity Name Bennett Court Community Playgroup Limited Charity registration number- 1135039 Company registration number- 07163366. Reglstered Office and operational address: Bennett Court Community Playgroup Limited Bennett Court Community Centre Axminster Road London - N7 6BN Trustees/Dlrectors Management committee member5 are Directors of the Company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2(KJ6 and Trustees for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011.The following served as Directors during the year. Helena F McKeown Jane Lewis Cameron McKeown Joyce Castles-Gibson Secretsry Jane Lewis Playgroup Manager Caroline Connaughton Independent Examiner Zahid Tabbassum ACMA, CGMA Accountell Limited 44A Marlands Road, Clayhall Essex, IG5 OJL Bankers National Westminster Bank 490 Holloway Road London, N7 6JB Page I
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED Trustees. Annual Report Bennett Court Community Playgroup Limited {The Playgroup) is managed voluntarily by parents and community members. The Playgroup is situated within Bennett Court Social Club, on the Bennett Court Estate, Axminster Road, Holloway, in the London Barough of Islington. The playgroup opens on weekdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. during term time only. It employs five staff members, including a visiting music teacher. The staff have relevant early years qualifications. The playgroup provides funded early years education for children aged 2-5. The Playgroup provides subsidised and affordable childcare in a safe and stimulating learning environment to children from diverse backgrounds. Most children attending the Playgroup live locally, and most parents are either in low-paid employment or not in employment. The Playgroup operates from Monday to Friday during term times only, from 9.CM) am to 3.00 pm. All staff are engaged in continuous professional training, providing child-centred learning support, and working within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and standards. The Playgroup supports children learning English as an additional language and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The Playgroup had its OFSTED inspection on 23 September 2022. The Ofsted inspector awarded the Playgroup a 'GOOD' outcome with "OUTSTANDING" in the Behaviour and Attitudes of our childreii. Of course, the biggest appreciation goes to the staff team who worked hard throughout the year to provide a wonderful experience for all the children. The OFSTED Inspector quoted in the Inspection Report, "Children s behaviour is excellent. The staff consider children s well-being to be essential to their progre55. Children show excellent empathy fvr others as they practise sign language to communicate during some artivities. They show greot consideration and kindness to theirfriends as they play together with good purpose. For example. children offer their musical instruments to those thot do not hove any. They then walt patientlyfor thelr turn to select scarves." Achlevements The table below shows the Playgroup's occupancy during each term. Totsl Children and Terms Spring 23- Total 14 Summer 23 - Total 17 Autumn 23-Total 13 Spring 24- Total 18 Including SEN 3-4 Years 14 14 2 Years The above table shows that the total number of children during the Spring Term of 2023 was 14, which increased to 17 during the Summer Term. Our contacts with local families and network with othergroups and community organisations support us with recruiting children locally. The filled places dip slightly during the autumn term as some children leave to go to school. The places increase in the spring term as new children 2 years plusjoin the Playgroup. Page 2
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMrrED Coronation of Klng Charles - On 4th May 2023, a party was arranged to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles. A tea paty was shared with the children and our neighbours on the estate. This was also a good community cohesion event, as the residents on the estate were able to learn more about the Playgroup activities. Fatherfs Day breakfast- This was an opportunity for all the children's dads to come together. It allowed the family to get to know other people and look at how parents and carers could support the Playgroup. The event also allowed the family to see how the Playgroup can improve its services in early years education. Leaver's Party- On 20 July 2023, a leaver's party was held for those leaving the Playgroup and moving to primary school in September 2023. The playgroup's visiting Music and Sensory teacher provided an enjoyable session for all children. Parents and carers who attended also joined the event and took part in it. Support to local Food Bank- During the Autumn term, we encourage families to donate food items to our local food banks. This ties in with our annual exploration of 'farm to plate. 'It is equally important that our children recognise the importance of helping each other and being part of a community. Getting to Know event- On Ilth October 2023, a "Getting to Know You 'BreakfasY session was held. This is an opportunity for our new and existing families to meet, chat, and link up for support and friendships. A good event for parents and carers to get to know each other and see how they can support the Playgroup activities. It also allows new parents and carers to ask questions and learn more about the Playgroup. Their views, comments and suggestions from the event5 are considered to improve our seNices. Black Britlsh Heroes - During the month of October 2023, we explored our Black British Heroes. It wa5 important to introduce local heroes. A different person was introduced each week, and their lives and achievements were explored. Further staff training called 'Beyond Black History'was arranged to further our knowledge and how important it was to celebrate and recognise not only for the month of October but throughout the year. th Diwali Celebration - On 10 November 2023, we celebrated Diwali. This celebration day allowed people of other faiths and non-faiths to learn more about Hindu culture and why Hindus celebrate Diwali. We were lucky enough for some parents to come in and share traditional stories and music and support the children in creating their own 'Diwali lights. Christmas Party- On 21st December 2023, before the Christmas break, a Christmas party was held for all children and their families. This was a good social event, and parents enjoyed traditional Christmas food. The event also allowed the Playgroup to thank families for continuing support throughout the year. World Book Day- On 7th March 2024, the "World Book Dav, event where children could dress up in their favourite characters. They enjoyed talking to each other about their choice of dress and telling others what they read about their favourite characters and their future desires when they grow up. It is a great opportunity for children to celebrate literature and focus on reading for pleasure, SUPPOrting children's autonomy in book choice and getting them into a habit of reading that brings a wide range of benefits fortheir learning and development. Page 3
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED Each child was given a free book as a gift to take home to celebrate World Book Day. this gives children opportunities to access books they may not have had and encourage them to read more books to increase their reading and literacy education. Mother's Day/St Patrlck's Day celebrations (breakfast morning) - On 13th March 2024, the Playgroup provided a breakfast with some traditional Irish food to celebrate our mothers within our group. All visitors received some daffodils as a thank you for all they did. Families all brought food to share with other people. This was a good cultural event to share with people from other cultures, faiths, and non-faith5. Other activities - as usual, our normal activities of weekly visits to the loca I libra ry, local parks for walks and children's ecology studies, and visiting sports centres and places of interest and learning continued throughout the year. The Of5ted Inspector in her Report of 22 September 2023, quotes - Yhose with speciol educational needs and/or dlsabilities (SEND) enthusiastically explore the well-resourced outdoor areas. Children learn about the natural world and can develop their physical skills in a playground by belng able to run, cllmb and bolance... Weekly Music and Sensory Session - Our visiting Music teacher, Susie Gray, holds weekly sessions for our children. The children really enjoy these sessions of music and sensory play. Knowing the Community- We totally immerse our playgroup in our local community life. Children recognise and chat with people who help the community in their daily lives, such as the estate caretakers, grocers, fruit and vegetable stalls, police and fire officers, and neighbours. We really feel that this sense of community enhances the children 's live5. Staff Training Support - The Playgroup continued, liaised, and worked closely with other agencies to access more specified training due to our cohort. The Playgroup shows appreciation and gratitude to s at Northern Health for supporting our training needs and development. Staff Training and Development The Playgroup has a dedicated team focusing on training opportunities for supporting children with Autism. All training support enhances our practice. We ensure that all staff members are always updated with new legislation so that they can confidently provide a safe and caring learning environment for all our children. All staff completed or attended the following training: Training Course Detalls Prevent awareness renewal Supporting children with Autism Beyond Black History Health and well-being for under five SEN Training Transition training Termly attendance to DSL, SENCO and PVI forums Name of staff attended HMC, JB, IP and CC HMC, JB, IP and CC HMC, JB, IP and CC JB cc cc cc Date Attended 30 October 2023 25 January 2024 19 February 2024 7 December 2023 15 May 2023 6 June 2023 Ongoing Page 4
BENNErrcouRTCOMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMrrED All training supports the staff teams, knowledge and confidence within their appointed roles and enhances their CPD. The Playgroup will always focus on trainin8 Staff to help improve the delivery and teaching to children with Autism and those diagnosed with ASD. Future Plan We are currently supporting a new government initiative that enables working parents with children aged two to access 15 free hours starting April 2024. Many families have taken up the places this summer term. The Playgroup will continue to work to have a positive impact on children's lives, particularly in accessing support in areas of need such as Speech and language, family support, parents, workshops and working closely with Whittington Trust to access help and support with children's social, emotional, and physical needs throughout the year. The Playgroup will continue building strong networking and strengthening relationships and connections that will hugely benefit and support families with various needs. We are still committed. To continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our local children to thrive and grow. To continue to foster close and supportive relationships with our families so that the first steps for thei r children entering into early education is a positive experience. To continue to provide a warm and caring first step for children entering early education for the first time. As a community playgroup, the importance of providing opportunities and experiences for those who may not be able to access them is embedded in our ethos. We will continue to strive to provide these opportunities. All staff will have opportunities to access vital yearly trai ning for conti n uous professional development. To continue to work closely and strengthen the working relationships with vital agencies who support our community/families. Risk Management The Playgroup has adopted a robust risk assessment and regularly updates it. No incidents were reported to OFSTED or the local authority during the reporting year. The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the Playgroup is exposed, particularly those related to its operations and finances. The Trustees confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks. The Trustees also ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Most of the critical policies were reviewed and updated. Financial Review and Reserves Policy The Playgroup's total Unrestricted Funds as of 31 March 2024 are £37,243 and the Restricted Fund balance is nil. Page S
BENNErr COURT COMMUNrrY PLAYGROUP UMITED The Playgroup's income increased by £23,394 compared to the previous year. This represents an increase of more than 26%. The total expenditures for the period were £88,566, of which £76,845 are the staffing and employer's NIC cost. The total expenditures, compared to the previous year, were decreased by £24,141 that represents a 21% decrease in expenses. The major decrease is in the staff costs. The Playgroup also needs resee5 to meet the working capital. It needs to have sufficient funds in general reserves for the organisation to continue with activities for up to 6 months if the charity loses its funding from the local council or there is a significant drop in the charity's income. The present level of general reserve available to the Playgroup is slightly below the amount required to continue activities for up to 6 months if income drops significantly. The Playgroup managed to increase the general reserves compared to previous year. The Playgroup is working towards having full occupancy. There are families on the waiting list for September 2024, which would support generating additional income. The Playgroup is confident it will have sufficient reseNe to meet its ongoing activities for 6 months within the next two years. Many Early Years settings were severely impacted due to the Covid virus, which has impacted them post covid, but the commitment and support of our staff team will support our Playgroup to sustain our Seices. As Trustees, we are appreciative of the support of our staff team. The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the Charity's Trustees Joyce Castles-Gibson Trustee Date.. 08 July 2024 Page 6
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on page5 ten to fourteen. Respective re5pon5ibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's tru5tee5 are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit 15 not required for this year (under Section 144(21 of t h e Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under sectio n 145{5) {bl of the 2011 Act}; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basisof the independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and 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 you a5 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 statements below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 11} which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met or 12) to which, in my opinion, attention Should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Zahid Tabbassum ACMA, CGMA Accountell Limited Chartered Management Accountants 44A Marlands Road Clayhall, Greater London IG5 OJL 08 July 2024 Page 7
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED STATEMENTS OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2024 The charity trustees are responsible for preparing an annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. For preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them con5iStently; Observe the method and principles in the Charities SORP; Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departure5 disclosed and explained i n the fina ncial statements; Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustee are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charity Act, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the trust deed. They are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and were signed on its behalf by: Joyce Castles-Gibson Trustee/Director 08 July 2024 Page 8
BENNETfcouRTCOMMUNITh PLAYGROUP LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Note Unrestrlrted Restrlcted 2024 Total 2023 Totsl INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Activities for generating funds 97.035 6,877 8,572 105,607 6,877 80,454 8.636 T¢)tsl incoming resources 103.912 8,572 112,484 89,090 RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of generating funds Support costs staff costs Govemance costs 7,362 68,723 3.909 450 8.122 7.812 76,845 3,909 14,937 93,962 3.808 Totsl resources expended 79,994 8,572 88,566 112.707 INCOMINGIIOUTGOINGI RESOURCES 23,918 23,918 123,6171 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Transfers between funds Total funds brought forward 13,325 13325 36.942 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 37.243 37,243 13,325 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 9
BENNETf COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Note CURRENT ASSET5 Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 38,875 15.197 38.875 15,197 LIABIUTIES Creditors: amounts falling due wlthln one year 1,632 1,872 NEf CURRENT ASSETS 37.243 13,325 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 37,243 13,325 NET ASSETS 37,243 13,325 FUNDS Unrestricted fvnds General fund5 37.243 13,325 Restricted fvnds TOTAL FUNDS 37,243 13,325 For the year ending 3110312024 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companles. The members have not required the company to obtsin an audlt In accordance with section 476 of the Companles Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act wlth respect to accounting cordS and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. Approved by the Board of Trustees on 0810712024 and signed on their behalf by / a6 G/6•y Joyce Ca5tles-Gib50n Trustee/Direttor Pa8e 10
BENNETh COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounting convention The financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with t h e requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities {SORP 20191 and applicable UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Incoming resources All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amountcan be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Resources expended Expenditure is accounted for on an accrua15 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. Taxation The charity is exempt from income taxes on its charitable activities. Fund accountlng Unrpstrirtp_d fijnds r.an be iJ5ed 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. 2. TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024. Trustees. expenses There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024. Page 11
BENNErr COURT COMMUNifi PLAYGROUP LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Totsl 2023 Total INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income LBI Grant Aid Payment LBI NEG L812 Year Old NEG SEN PEL and EYPP LBI Others Other5 5,980 67.250 13.824 5.980 67,250 13.824 8.572 4,388 44,846 17,141 13.163 8,572 5.980 4,001 4.1 916 97,035 8,572 105,607 80.454 Activitiesfor generntingfunds Fee Income Other Income from Fundraising Interest Income 6.877 6,877 8,636 6,877 6,877 8,636 Total Incomlng resour5 103,912 8,572 112,484 89.090 RESOURCES EXPENDED Support Costs Agency staff Canteen & refreshment Cleaning Events 8 outgoing Insurance Learning materials & nursery resources Offlce & Kitchen Equipment Postage. priniting, stationery & Supplies PPE & Clothing Professional fee Software subscription Subscription Sundry expenses Telephone & broadband Bank charges 450 450 496 197 7,876 1.166 160 54 496 197 1.3?6 1,288 1,326 1,288 1,199 1.385 464 1.385 1,436 678 1,025 65 21 850 850 259 259 1,097 1.097 965 109 7.362 450 7,812 14.937 sthAAcosts Salaries and wage5 Employer Nl Contriblon Employer pension contribution Staff training 66,707 655 1,213 7,918 63 141 74,625 718 1,354 148 90.599 1.342 1.560 461 68.723 8,122 76,845 93.962 Average number of staff employed Governonce w5ts Independent examiner fee Book-keeping & payroll 660 3.249 3.909 660 3.249 3,9)9 600 3.208 3,808 Total resources expended 79,994 8,572 88,566 112,707 Page 12
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PL4YGROUP LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CREDITORS: Amoufrrrs FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Accruals Taxation and soclal security Net wages payable NEST pension payable 660 972 600 1,272 1,632 1,872 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At the start of the year At the end of the year Incoming resources Outgoing resource5 Transfer5 Unrestrirted funds: General fund 13,325 103,912 179,9941 37,243 Total unrestricted funds 13,325 103,912 179,9941 37,243 Restrirted funds: LBI Training SEN LBI Early Years Total unrestricted funds 8,572 18,5721 8,572 18,5721 TOTAL FUNDS 13,325 112,484 188.5661 37.243 Pa8e 13