REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1135039 COMPANY REGISTRATION: 07163a66 BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Iccountell chrfereJMAnAqemenfAccounfAn& AdsusIa(y Alvisors 44A Marlands Road, Clayhall, Greater London IG5 OJL, United Kingdom 020 7613 3261 Cl) 078 3782 8823 www.accountell.com CIMA Proctising Certificato Holdar
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED CONTENTS OF THE TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Page Report of the Trustees Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Trustees Responsibilities Statement of Financia l Activities Balance Sheet io Notes to the Financial Statements 11-13
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THEYEARENDED31 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 accounts have been prepared in accordance with the 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice ISORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 (effective l January 20191- REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Charity Name Bennett Court Community Playgroup Limited Charity registration number- 1135039 Company registration number- 07163366. Registered Office and operational address: Bennett Court Community Playgroup Limited Bennett Court Community Centre Axminster Road London - N7 6BN Trustees/Directors Management committee members are Dirertors of the Company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 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 Secretary 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
BENNETh COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED Trustees, Annual Report Bennett Court Community Playgroup Limited (The Playgroupl 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 Borough of Islington. The playgroup opens on weekdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. during term time only. It employs five staff member5, including a visiting music teacher. The staff have relevant early years qualificatlons. The playgroup provides funded early years education for children aged 2-5. The Playgroup provides subsid i5ed and affordable childcare in a safe a nd stim ulati ng 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 9.00 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 disa bilities. 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 Attitude5 of our children. Of course, the biggest appreciation goe5 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, The support that children with SEND receive is exceptionally good. Partnerships with professionals and local schools are excellent. They contribute to effertive supportfvr children s learning. Additionallunding accessedfor children is carefvlly used to implement specific andpersonalised support. This ensures that children make excellent progress. Staff have recently learned some sign language to support children with speech ond language delays. This is having a positive impart on children's communication." Achievements Occupancy- during the reporting period, the Playgroup provided care to 29 children, including 6 SEN, 11 two-year-old5, and 12 who were 3-4 years old. Summer Party. 18 July 2024- A summer party for all our families at the end of term was organised, attended by all children with their families and carers. Susie, our music and sensory teacher, provided entertainment for the children, thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended on the day. A Leavers Breakfast. held on 23 July 2024, was provided for the children and their families who would be leaving for primary school in September. This was an enjoyable event where all families and carers enjoyed the breakfast and discussed the transition of their children to the school. Many children will attend the same school, which allows parents to exchange contact information with one another and discu55 ways they could support each other. Getting to know you breakfast- 2 October 2024, due to the success of the Leaver Breakfast, the Playgroup also held "Getting to Know" breakfast for all new and existing families and carer5 SO that they could get to know each other and see how they could also be involved to support the Playgroup in its activities and future development. Page 2
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED Diwali Celebration October 2024- Five days of Diwali celebration were one of the themes. All children enjoyed creating their lamps to celebrate the festival of lights. 5torie5 and music were shared, with families and carer5 coming together to celebrate with the children. This was a delightful moment for all. A Christmas Party, on 12 December 2024, was provided for our children, with an extra special treat, as the Wild Fangs show came to our Playgroup. It's an interactive animal show to which all children and parents/carers were invited. A golden opportunity for all children to see and touch animals they may not have encountered before in a safe environment, to explore. Chinese New Year celebrations, 29 January 2025 - parents were invited in to read familiar and popularstories in their home language, which the children thoroughly enjoyed. All had a chance to taste traditiona I foods and l isten to traditional music, and children were able to create their Own dragons and lanterns to celebrate the event. Ramadan celebration, 28 February 2025 - Children created their stained-glass lanterns, and stories and songs were listened to. Parents were invited in to share this festival with the Playgroup. Children are taught why Muslims observe fast5 during Ramadan and about the Eid celebration held at the end of Ramadan, which Muslims and children alike celebrate. During thi5 time, children receive gifts from parents and relatives. World Book Day, 6 March 2025- the World Book Day" event, where children could dress up as their favourite characters. They enjoyed talking to each other about their choice of dress and sharing with other5 what they had read about their favourite characters and their future desires when they grew up. It is an excellent opportunity for children to celebrate literature and focus on reading for pleasure, supporting their autonomy in book choice and encouraging a habit of reading that brings a wide range of benefits for their learning and development. St. Patrick's Day, 17 March 2025, was celebrated with a breakfast for all, featuring some traditional Irish food, alongside traditional stories and songs, making for a good and enjoyable day for all those who attended. Mother's Day* 26 March 2025 - Breakfast event where all mothers were presented with flowers and cards made by the children. This wa5 a touching event for some mother5 receiving gift5 from their children. The Playgroup were also lucky enough to welcome a dental health visitor from the Whittington Trust to chat about children's dental care at our breakfast morning. Parents were delighted to ask many questions and ra ise concerns regarding their children's dental health. Da nia, our dental representative, provided many excellent interactive games for the children to enjoy and learn from simultaneously. She also provided resources for the children to enjoy, and the children inquired about how the item5 were used in dental treatment. Support for local Food banks - 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. 81ack British Heroes, October 2024, like the previous year, is an exploration of Black British Heroes by the Playgroup. It was important to introduce local heroes. A different person was introduced each week, and their lives and achievements were explored. 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. other activittes - 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 Ofsted Inspector in her Report of 22 September 2023. quotes- Yhose with special educationol needs and/or disabilitie5 (SEND) enthusiastically explore the well-re50urced outdoor oreos. Children learn obout the natural world and can develop their physical skills in a playground by being able to run. climb and balance... Weekly Music and Sensory Session - Our visiting Music teacher, Su5ie Gray, holds weekly sessions for our children. The children really enjoy these se55ions 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 a5 the estate caretakers, grocer5, fruit and vegetable sta115, police and fire officers, and neighbours. We really feel that this sense of community enhances the children 's lives. Staff Training Support- The Playgroup continued, liaised, and worked closely with other agencies to access more specific training due to our cohort. The Playgroup shows appreciation and gratitude to SCT 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 forall our children. All staff completed or attended the following training: Training Course Details Name of staff who attended Is JB and CC All staff JB,CC,HMc and IP cc Hmc Date Attended Introduction to complex trauma Child Protection Safeguarding update First Aid Oral Health Embedding SEN Practice Inclusive Practice for Two-year-olds Exploring Maths 1-3 years old 15 May 2024 4June 2024 17 June 2024 23 October 2024 13 November 2024 24 January 2025 17 March 2025 All training supports the staff teams, knowledge and confidence within their appointed roles and enhances their CPD. The Playgroup will always focus on training staff to help improve the delivery and teaching to children with Autism and those diagnosed with ASD. Page 4
BENNETh COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED Future Plan We are continuing to support a new government initiative that enables working parents with children aged two to access 15 free hours. Many families have taken up the places since its introduction. The Playgroup will continue to work to have a positive impact on children's lives, particularly in accessing support in area5 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 to build strong networks and strengthen relationships and connettions that will greatly benefit and support families with variou5 needs. We are still committed. To develop staff CPD on training regarding the two-year-old cohort and how best to support further. Collaborate and strengthen working relationships Wlth multiple agencies for SEN, Speech and Language, Mental Health, and Family Support. To develop and expand to have much stronger input regarding transitions to Primary schools, including visits to schools themselves and working collaboratively with receiving schools (transition meeti ngs in place ) to ensure a smooth tra nsition for our children. To have the process and system to offer the 30 hours initiative that will be introduced in September 2025 to working families with two-year-olds. To ensure staff are provided with support and prepared with training and opportunities to enhance practice for the new 30-hour cohort, which will commence from September 2025. 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 their ch ild ren entering into early education is a positive experience. 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 opportunitie5. 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. Page S
BENNETh COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED Financial Review and Reserves Policy The Playgroup's total Unrestricted Funds as of 31 March 2025 are £69,885 (previous year £37.2431. The Restricted Fund balance is £0. The Playgroup's income increased by £15,219 compared to the previous year. This represents an increase of more than 13%. The total expenditures for the period were ££95,061 {£88,566 in the previous yearl. The stafFing cost, including associated costs. for the reporting period 15 £82.0461£76,845 in the previous yea rl. The total expenditures, compared to the previous year, were increased by £6,495, which represents a 7% increase in expenses. The Playgroup needs reserves to meet its working capital requirement5. The organisation needs to have sufficient funds in general reserves to continue its activities for up to 6 months if it loses its funding from the local council or experiences a significant drop in income. The current level of general reseNe available to the Playgroup meet the required to continue activities for up to six months if the income drops significantly. The Playgroup successfully increased its general reserves compared to the previous year. The UK government's 30 hour5 free childcare scheme, which will support working parents from September 2025, will help to further increase the Playgroup's occupancy and revenue. The Playgroup has families on the waiting list for September 2025. The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the Charity's Trustees Joyce Castles-Gibson Trustee Date: 23 September 2025 Page 6
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THETRUSTEES OF BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 set out on pages nine to thirteen. Respertive 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(2} of t h e Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination 15 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 section 145{5) (b) of the 2011 Actl- and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of 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 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 you as 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 {21 to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Zahid Tabbassum FCMA, CGMA Accountell Limited Chartered Management Accountant5 44A Marlands Road Clayhall, Greater London IG5 OJL 23 September 2025 Page 7
BENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED STATEMENT5 OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES AS AT31 MARCH 2025 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 consistently; 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 departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless It is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. 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 23 September 2025 Page 8
8ENNErr COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIE5 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Note Unrestrirted Restrlrted 2025 Total 2024 Total INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Activities for generating funds 108.790 3,030 15,883 124,673 3,030 105,607 6.877 Total Incoming resources 111.820 15,883 127,703 112,484 RESOURCES EXPEI¥JDED Costs of generating funds Support costs Staff costs Governance costs 6.452 67.457 5,269 1.294 14,589 7,746 82,046 5,269 7.812 76.845 3,909 Total resources expended 79,178 15,883 95,061 88.566 NET INCOMING/(OUTGOINGI RESOURCES 32,642 32,642 23,918 RECONCIUATION OF FUNDS Transfer5 between funds Totsl ftjnds broughtfomard 37.243 37,243 13.325 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 69,885 69.885 37.243 The notes fomi part of these financial statement5 Pa8e 9
BENNETf COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP UMITED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Note CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 71040 38,875 71.840 38,875 LIABILITIES Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year 1.955 1.632 NET CURRENT A55ET5 69.885 37,243 TOTAL ASSET5 LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 69.885 37,243 NET ASSET5 69.885 37,243 FUNDS Unrestricted funds General funds 69.885 37,243 Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS 69,885 37,243 For the year ending 3110312025 the company was entitled to exemptlon under section 477 of the Companiès Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Aet 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 accounts have been prepared in accordaftce with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. Approved by the Board of Trustee5 on 2310912025 and signed on their behalf by Joyce Castles-Gibson Trustee/Director Page 10
BENNETh COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounting convention The financial statements have been prepared under the histDrical cost conventlon, and in accordanTr with the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities1SORP 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 Experiditure 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. Taxation The charity is exempt from income taxes 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 note5 to the financial statements. 2. TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025. Trustees, expenses There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025. Page 11
BENNETf COURT COMMUNtTY PLAYGROUP LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Restricted 2025 Total 2024 Total INCOMING RESOURCES Sncoming resources from generated funds Voluntoryincome LBI Grant Aid Paymènt LBI NEG L812 Year Old NEG SEN PEL and EYPP LBI Other5 Others 7,303 31.322 21,957 7,303 31.322 21,957 15.883 122 47.936 150 S.980 67.250 13.824 8.572 5.980 4.001 15,883 122 47,936 150 108.790 15.883 124.673 105.607 Arti¥itie5fvrgenerotingfvnd5 Fee Income Other Income from Fundraising Interest Income 3.030 3.030 6.877 3,030 3.030 6,877 Total incomlng rewurces 111,820 15.883 127.703 112.484 RESOURCES EXPENDED Support costs Agency staff Canteen & refshment Cleaning Events & outgoing Insurance Learning materials & nursery resources Office & Kitchen Equipment Postage, priniting, stationery & supplies PPE & Clothing Professional fee Software subscription Subscription Sundry expenses Telephone & broadband Bank charges 1,294 1.294 707 33 150 450 496 707 33 197 150 1,326 1,288 2,027 2,027 1,329 586 1,329 586 1.385 464 850 259 1.178 1.178 1,097 6,452 7.746 7.81Z Stoff costs Salaries and wages Employer Nl contrtbution Employer pension contribution Staff training 64,772 722 14,143 164 282 78,915 74,625 718 1,354 148 1.275 687 1.557 67.457 14,589 82,046 76,845 Avemge number of stoff employed Governance costs Independent examiner fee Book-keeping & payroll 660 4,609 5.269 660 4,609 5.269 66D 3,249 3,909 Total reSoue$ expended 79,178 15,883 95.061 88,566 Page 12
8ENNETf COURT COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 CREDITORS: Amoupifs FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Accruals Taxation and sotial security Net wages payable NEST pension payable 660 1.295 660 972 1.955 1.532 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Atthe rtart of the year Incoming resources Outgoing resources At the end of the year Transfers Unrtricted fvnds: General fund 37.243 111,820 179,1781 69.885 Total unrestrirted funds 37.243 111,820 179,1781 69.885 Restrlcted funds: LBI Trainlng SEN LBI Early Years Total unrestrlrted funds 15,883 115.8831 15,883 115,8831 TOTAL FUNDS 37,243 127.703 { 95,0611 69,885 Pa8e 13