## **OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2025**
**For the Period 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025 OPA is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered Charity Number 1160320**
OPA’s Vision is to improve lives through play OPA’s mission is to champion and to support the rights of all Children and Young People to have access to high quality, inclusive Play opportunities to improve their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Wellbeing
## **OPA ORGANISATIONAL DETAILS**
## **OPA TRUSTEES**
Chair = Anda Fitzgerald O’Connor
Hon. Treasurer = Meryl Smith
Trustees = Anne Bissell, Sarah Gristwood and Emma Leaver
## **OPA STAFF**
Manager = Martin Gillett
Finance Officer = Cheryl Barnes
Sessional Playworkers = Tracy Rampton, Dominique Keetley and Rebecca Gray
RAF Benson Family Support Worker = Tracey-Lee Parker
## **ADDRESS**
Suite 8-05, Unit 8, Area C, Radley Road Industrial Estate, Radley Road, Abingdon, Oxon. OX14 3RY
## **BANKERS**
CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ
## **ACCOUNTANTS / AUDITORS**
SPX Oxford, Peace House, 19 Paradise Street, Oxford. OX1 1LD
## **– OPA FINANCE 2024/25**
|Income|£169,640|
|---|---|
|Expenditure|£164,948|
|Surplus|£4,692|
|Reserves|£61,940|
(A full copy of our Independently Examined Accounts are available on request)
## **Trustees Annual Financial Report**
We are pleased to report that OPA continued to deliver our projects and services across Oxfordshire in what was another busy year for the Charity.
It was also a special year for us as we celebrated our 50th birthday after starting to operate in November 1974, this truly shows the resilience of our organisation and that even after 50 years Play is so very much needed in the lives of Children and Young People for both their Physical and Mental Wellbeing.
Following a Trustee recruitment campaign which ran alongside our 50th birthday celebrations we were absolutely delighted to welcome 2 new Trustees to the Charity. Sarah Gristwood who brings a wealth of experience in Education and Emma Leaver with an expertise in Health. Both Sarah & Emma have been welcome additions to our Volunteer Management Board.
Our income of £169,640 was the 2nd highest it has been in the last 9 years which shows that both our fundraising and service contracts are working well and that our projects and services meet the needs of today.
Our expenditure was £164,948 meaning that we were able to record a small surplus of £4,692. With the exception of 'Covid' year we have now recorded a surplus for 6 years in a row evidencing what a well run organisation OPA is with all the financial challenges that a small charity faces.
Our unrestricted reserves now stand at £61,940 which is the highest level since financial year 2026/17 meaning that we are well placed to cope with any future major disruption to our operations and services.
At the start of the financial year in April 2025 we consolidated our existing office space and 2 x storage lockers into one larger premises, although this saw an increase in our annual rental expenditure we now have our office base and all our equipment and resources under '1 roof' which is vastly reducing staff time travelling around collecting equipment from various locations.
As always all of our projects and services are offered FREE of charge to ensure an inclusion for ALL - No Child or Young Person should have to miss out on Play opportunities due to the cost.
Due to the savage cuts previously imposed on Children and Families services in Oxfordshire (including the closure of local Children’s Centres and Youth Services) during Austerity our projects and services were already becoming increasingly important in terms of providing activities and information on services available to local families.
These needs were further exacerbated by the issues caused by Covid-19.
In addition to all this Children, Young People and their Families faced an unprecedented Cost of Living Crisis.
It is of no surprise to anyone then that we are now seeing unprecedented increases in children’s mental health problems and loneliness, alongside reduced physical activity.
Our project work continues to increase and last year we delivered 18 FREE, Community Play & Activity Days across Oxfordshire which were attended by over 20,000 guests, a remarkable achievement for a relatively small organisation.
We also managed to continue our work with both Oxford University and Brookes University following the production of our 'Why Play Matters' and Why Play is Important in Oxfordshire' reports as part of the Science Together project.
In addition to this we continued the delivery of our Therapeutic Playwork project at Thameside and Thomas Reade schools, our Faringdon Junior Youth Club project grew in attendance numbers and we delivered new Stay & Play sessions in Blackbird Leys in partnership with Peabody Housing. Thanks to funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust we were also able to employ a support worker at RAF Benson to help and support Young People access Play and leisure activities. We continued with our Play Infrastructure support work across Cherwell District Council and our Playbox hire scheme recorded its busiest year for some time.
This work will continue into 2025/26 with other new exciting projects planned including Youth Sessions in Wheatley, a series of mini Playdays and a unique, Pop Up Play project delivered in Oxford City Centre in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council
None of this would be possible without the following;
Our partners - due to our relatively small size we always work with partners in our project work, this increases our delivery capacity massively, helps reduce duplication and ensures that we all share best practice - it also ensures that we are meeting LOCAL need with LOCAL people.
Our funders and supporters - we continue to be so very grateful to all of our funders and supporters, many of whom are local, without the support of these groups and individuals we would not be able to deliver the volume of work that we do
Our manager and staff - our small, but amazingly dedicated team of staff continue to deliver outstanding work across the County delivering the work of many whilst numbering only a few - the feedback and comments we receive from numerous sources confirms the positive difference they make to the Physical and Mental Wellbeing of Children and Young People and we are so grateful to them for their hard work and professionalism.
Anda Fitzgerald-O’Connor (Chair)
## **OPA STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BENEFIT**
OPA and its Trustees confirm that they have complied with the Statutory Duty in Section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to Public Benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. We work on a fully inclusive basis across Oxfordshire taking into account all relevant legislation and guidelines.
**==> picture [515 x 747] intentionally omitted <==**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
PROJECT Play & Activity Days 2024
FUNDED BY Oxfordshire County Council (Councillor Priority Fund) /
Sovereign Housing / A2 Dominion Housing / Abingdon
Vineyard Church / Grant & Stone / Co-Op Community Grant
/ Green Square Accord / Littlemore Parish Council /
Cherwell District Council / South Oxfordshire District
Council / SOHA / Abingdon Town Council / Banbury
Charities / Dorchester Group / Benson Parish Council /
Didcot Town Council / JA Pye Charitable Settlement /
Didcot Powerhouse Fund / The Howe Trust / Peabody
Housing / Shanly Foundation / Oxford City Council /
Waitrose – John Lewis / Eynsham Parish Council / Heyford
Park Parish Council / Faringdon United Charity / Tesco
Community Grants – Stronger Starts / Henley Town Council
/ Didcot Rotary Club / Emma Wilson Memorial Fund /
Faringdon Town Council / Wheatley Parish Council / Witney
Town Council / Carterton Town Council / Cottsway Housing
/ Banbury Town Council / Sanctuary Housing / Blenheim
Bursary / Doris Field Charitable Trust / RAF Brize Norton
Community Support / Bicester Town Council / EKFB /
Ambrosden 4 Children / Platform Housing Group /
Ambrosden Parish Council / Witney Town Hall Charity /
West Oxfordshire District Council / Boots Charitable Trust
PROJECT Delivery of Community Play & Activity days across
DETAILS Oxfordshire offering both FREE Entrance and FREE Activities
to ensure an Inclusion for ALL
PROJECT We delivered a total of 17 main Playday events in 2024
DELIVERY including first ever events delivered for Henley and Heyford
Park (this included 4 ‘Armed Forces Playdays’ in partnership
with our colleagues from the Armed Forces Community) in
addition to 2 x mini Playday events in Chipping Norton and
Windrush Place in Witney as follows;
Oxford City – Littlemore = Saturday 15 [th] June
Vauxhall Barracks / Didcot = Saturday 22 [nd] June
RAF Benson / Benson = Saturday 29 [th] June
**----- End of picture text -----**
South Abingdon = Saturday 6th July Wheatley & Holton = Saturday 13th July Oxford – Rose Hill = Saturday 20[th] July Eynsham = Friday 26[th] July
RAF Brize Norton / Carterton = Saturday 27[th] July Bicester Elmsbrook = Monday 29[th] July Banbury Peoples Park = Wednesday 31[st] July Witney = Thursday 1[st] August Faringdon = Friday 2[nd] August Heyford Park = Saturday 3[rd] August Berinsfield = Tuesday 6[th] August Henley = Tuesday 13[th] August
Bicester Garrison / Ambrosden = Thursday 8[th] August Banbury Princess Diana Park = Wednesday 14th August
Chipping Norton ‘mini’ Playday = Wednesday 28[th] August Windrush Place ‘mini’ Playday = Thursday 29[th] August
These events were attended by over 20,000 Children, Young People and their Families.
As always we worked in partnership with a wide range of local organisations in both the planning and delivery of each event to ensure that we were meeting LOCAL need with LOCAL people including the relevant Town or Parish Council, local Housing Association and other local Charities and organisations with an interest in Children and Young People.
Each event had the following key, Aims and Objectives
## **For Children & Young People**
- 1) Promote Positive Behaviours & Activities (reduce antisocial behaviour)
- 2) Promote Increased Levels of Physical Activity
- 3) Promote a Healthy Lifestyle (healthy choices)
- 4) Promote Healthy Weight Management (obesity
reduction)
- 5) Provide information on services and activities to promote a sense of Wellbeing and Inclusion
## **For Parents / Carers**
- 1) Provide an Event offering both **FREE** Entrance & **FREE** Activities to Ensure an Inclusion for **ALL**
- 2) Demonstrate how Play & Quality Family Time can be achieved on a Zero / Minimal Budget using Natural & Recycled materials
- 3) Provide information on services and activities available in the local and wider area
## **For Communities**
- 1) Encourage a greater sense of belonging to promote Active & Engaged Communities – ‘Love Where You Live’
- 2) Promote local clubs, groups and societies
- 3) Involve local groups, communities and Children & Young People in the planning and delivery of each event
Playday is the annual celebration of the Childrens Right to Play in the UK. (www.playday.org.uk)
The 2024 Playday theme was ‘Play – the Culture of Childhood’ – Supporting play, fun and friendships. www.summerofplay.co.uk / www.playday.org.uk
Playday is the national day for play, celebrated each year across the UK. The theme for Playday 2024 was …
Play – the culture of childhood - Supporting play, fun and friendships
The theme celebrated the rich and lively culture of children’s play. Every child plays – playfulness is a distinct feature of behaviour across generations and cultures. Playing generates a culture of childhood.
Playing is vital for children’s health, happiness, and creativity. Through play:
children develop a sense of, and value for culture cultural exploration is encouraged, fostering an appreciation for diversity
children work together, negotiate, and build relationships. children feel connected to each other and their neighbourhoods
children create and pass on games, songs and stories.
Play is every child’s right – on Playday and every day.
This Playday, we are calling on everyone – families, playworkers, and all those who work with children across the UK, to join together to foster a culture of supporting play.
4¥ 1
**PROJECT OXFORD THERAPEUTIC PLAYWORK** FUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY Almshouses - Education - Relief in Need - Albert Park ~~a~~ ty Christ's Hospital of Abingdon se PROJECT DETAILS To support Children & Young People faced with challenges to increase their resilience, develop a positive sense of self and improve their self confidence Developed in partnership with the late, Internationally renowned Playwork Theorist Gordon Sturrock
Following our initial 3 year project funding from Children In Need and Thanks to other funders such as the Oxfordshire Community Foundation and in particular Christs Hospital of Abingdon our Therapeutic Playwork project is now in it’s 6[th] year. We worked at both Thameside and Thomas Reade Schools in Abingdon in the last financial year where both of the schools have a high percentage of Children eligible for Pupil Premium
- We worked with 8 Cohorts of 6 x Children to deliver 10 x 1 hour Therapeutic Play sessions within School Hours, each over 1 Full term
- 48 Children in total – 24 from Thameside School and 24 from Thomas Reade
- The Therapeutic Play sessions were delivered by 2 Therapeutic Playwork specialists from OPA with extensive experience of working in this environment
- The Therapeutic Playwork sessions offered a safe and secure, Child led Play Environment with an empathetic approach to Play that centred around clear and consistent boundaries to enable Children to express and act out emotions in a safe way
## **KEY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES**
- 1) Children and Young People are Emotionally Well – They can Play through and express their emotions in a safe, non-judgemental way
- 2) Children and Young People are Empowered through Child Centred and Child Led activities / sessions
- 3) Children & Young People enjoy Positive Relationships with their Peers and Adults
## **WHO**
- We worked with Children with additional needs who currently fall below the Oxfordshire County Council ‘Threshold of Need’ (those at Level 2 / early Level 3 on the County Council ‘windscreen’)
- The project was not designed for those Children with multiple / complex needs
- Children suffering Lack of Confidence, Social Skills etc
Following meetings with key staff at the school the Children were chosen and referred by the school. Feedback from staff showed sincere appreciation of the positive impact that our sessions had on these children.
**– PROJECT Cherwell District Council Play Infrastructure** FUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY Cherwell Sa Kid,a, oe g : NORTH OXFORDSHIRE / Bicester— enFars, WO[S Geller together PROJECT DETAILS Supporting Play Infrastructure, Projects and Services across the Cherwell District Council Area
Within Cherwell District Council we co-Chair the Cherwell Young People, Play and Wellbeing Group and are also involved with both the ‘Grimsbury and North Banbury Networks’ working in the ‘Brighter Futures’ areas of Banbury.
This work also includes attending Outreach events (such as Winter & New Year Wishes) which looks to consult with local residents as well as working with other partners in the District to plan and deliver large scale Community events.
This work has also expanded to incorporate ‘OX5 Better Together’ which will introduce a ‘Healthy Town’ approach to the whole Community in Kidlington and surrounding areas and the Healthy Bicester initiative.
All of this work involves large numbers of local stakeholders and act as a focus point to co-ordinate service delivery, reduce duplication and share best practice as well as increasing delivery capacity across the whole district.
Our work in these areas will link into the main themes of the Cherwell Play Strategy which include; Increased Participation / To Improve Play Spaces / Community Cohesion / Inclusivity / Develop Play in both Urban & Rural Areas / Promote Managed, Risky Play / To Introduce more Play into, and out of School
**PROJECT RAF Benson Support Worker** FUNDED BY PROJECT Provide help and assistance to Families, stationed at RAF DETAILS Benson, who have a Child with additional needs to help empower the lives of those Children.
We were delighted to welcome Tracey-Lee Parker to the OPA Team in 2024 as our RAF Benson Support Worker following the receipt of 2 year funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
The project involves working with RAF Benson families in supporting their Children to access fun and positive Play opportunities within a Safe and Supportive environment across the site at locations to include their School and various out of school activities such as Youth Club, Uniformed groups and other activities whilst promoting Positive Activities and Behaviours, Increased Levels of Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles.
The role does not support Children & Young People with complex or high level needs but rather those experiencing Lack of Confidence, Lack of Social Skills, Mild Behavioural Needs, Difficulties with their Social, Emotional and Communication processing and in their Understanding, Allergies and Autism who would benefit from adult support in accessing activities with their peers.
As the project has developed we have also started additional support such as ‘Services Students Clubs’ during luchtimes at the local Secondary Schools
## **PROJECT Faringdon Junior Youth Club**
FUNDED BY nn G05 «pNGDG 2 Ml,” « S e a TL] ~~ fo) — Sy ty OcH NCO PROJECT A Junior Youth Club delivered weekly for Children aged DETAILS from 10 to 13 in School Years 6 and 7
Following consultation with our partners and with Young People and Thanks to funding from Faringdon Town Council, Faringdon United Charity and Oxfordshire County Council we launched our ‘Faringdon Junior Youth Club’ in November 2021.
The project is aimed at supporting Young People aged 10 to 13 as they transition to secondary school (school years 6 and 7) and is a mixture of Playwork / Youthwork
Following initial delivery at Faringdon Town Football Club and Faringdon Cricket Club the sessions are now delivered at All Saints Church for 2 hours on a Tuesday evening with regular special guests or even trips out!.
Our average attendance number per session at Faringdon Town Football Club from November 2021 to July 2022 was 5.04 Children and Young People per session
Our average attendance after relaunching at Faringdon Cricket Club from November 2022 to February 2023 was 13.7 Children and Young People per session
Our average attendance number from March to July 2023 (including the change to a Tuesday evening) was 12.6 Children and Young People per session. Our average attendance number for Autumn 2023 was 4.85 Children & Young People per session
Our average attendance for Winter 2024 was 10.18 Children & Young People per session
Our average attendance number for Spring / Summer 2024 was 15.54 Children & Young People per session
Our average attendance number for Winter 2024 / 2025 was 21.45 Children & Young People per session again breaking the record for our highest ever average including our single, highest ever attendance of 35 Young People on 11th March 2025!
The Young People attending have produced their own Code of Conduct / Club Rules;
1) NO Swearing – Talk to each other nicely
2) NO Violence, Fighting or Aggression
3) ASK for consent before taking photos
4) CLEAN / TIDY up after yourselves
5) DON’T violate each others personal space
6) NO eating / drinking each others food, snacks or drinks unless invited
7) INDOOR voices inside / OUTDOOR voices outside
8) RESPECT each other, the venue and the staff
**Friends of OPA are now able to support the Charity via the local Council Lotteries in South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, Cherwell and Oxford City**
|PROJECT
DETAILS|Science Together was a new collaboration between the Public Engagement
Team and Researchers at both the University of Oxford and Brookes
University and local Oxfordshire community groups.
We were very fortunate to be chosen for the project in 2022 and be able to
work with a team with the world class skills, knowledge and resources of
the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University researchers
SCIENCE TOGETHER was a brand new, grass-roots programme that
harnessed the power of community-led collaborative research projects to
overcome challenges and seize opportunities for people who live and work
in Oxfordshire.
We worked with our team of Volunteers from the Universities to produce a
document entitled ‘Why Play is Important in Oxfordshire’ which, when
finished was sent to our partners, funders and decision makers across the
County.
The full report can be found here;
https://secureservercdn.net/160.153.138.71/ipa.75a.myftpupload.com/wp-
content/uploads/2022/07/Why-is-Play-Important-June-2022-Oxfordshire-
Play-Association_Oxford-University_Oxford-Brookes-University.pdf
A video celebrating our partnership was also created which can be found
here;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La16kMC-tJ0
This report provided evidence from academic and non-academic sources
highlightingthe importance ofplayand the importance of supplying|
|---|---|
resources to support play across Oxfordshire. Play positively impacts children's lives, including their physical and mental wellbeing and within their communities.
We continued our work with the Team into 2023 and produced a 2[nd] report entitled ‘Play Matters’ which was produced after extensive consultation with Parents / Carers https://www.gchu.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/OPA-PCERevidence-base-FINAL.pdf
We are continuing to liaise with our partners and have submitted funding applications to continue our work moving forward
**PROJECT**
## **- Neighbour Ley**
FUNDED BY ~~a eee~~ PROJECT This 2 year project started in Autumn 2023 and completed DETAILS in Spring 2025 and was delivered in partnership with our friends from the Oxford HUB. Neighbour-Ley was a project that delivered Fortnightly Stay & Play sessions at the Oxford HUB base at Windale Primary School in Blackbird Leys and offers Stay & Play for the Children and Parental Support for Parents & Carers
07436 270267
www.oxonplay.org.uk
enquiries@oxonplay.org.uk
Facebook = Oxfordshire Play Association – OPA
Twitter = @oxonplay
Blue Sky = @oxon-play-assoc
________________________________________ Oxfordshire Play Association Suite 8-05, Unit 8, Area C Radley Road Industrial Estate Radley Road, Abingdon Oxon. OX14 3RY
a ~~~~~~
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2025
Charity Registration Number: 1160320
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FNANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
CONTENTS
PAGES
Charity Information
Trustees, Annual Report
Statement of Trustees, responsibilities
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notes to the accounts
10
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
CHARITY INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
TRUSTEE COMMirrEE MEMBERS
Anda Fitzgerald-o'connor
Meryl Smith
Sarah Gristwood (appointed February 2025)
Anne Bissell
Emma Leaver (appointed February 2025)
REGISTERED OFFICE
Suite 8-05, Unit 8, Area C
Radley Road Industrial Estate
Radley Road
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 3RY
CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER
1160320
ACCOUNTANTS
SPX Oxford Ltd
Peace House
19 Paradise Street
Oxford
OXI ILD
BANKERS
CAF Bank
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling Kent
ME19 4JQ
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
We are pleased to report that OPA continued to deliver our projects and services across Oxfordshire
in what was another busy year for the Charity.
It was also a special year for us as we celebrated our 50th birthday after starting to operate in
November 1974, this truly shows the resilience of our organisation and that even after 50 years Play
Is so very much needed in the lives of Children and Young People for both their Physical and Mental
Wellbeing
Following a Trustee recruitment campaign which ran alongside our 50th birthday celebrations we
were absolutely delighted to welcome 2 new Trustees to the Charity. Sarah Gristwood who brings a
wealth of experience in Education and Emma Leaver with an expertise in Health. Both Sarah & Emma
have been welcome additions to our Volunteer Management Board.
Our income of £169,640 was the 2nd highest it has been in the last 9 years which shows that both
our fundraising and service contracts are working well and that our projects and services meet the
needs of today.
Our expenditure was £164,948 meaning that we were able to record a small surplus of £4,692. With
the exception of 'Covid' year we have now recorded a surplus for 6 years in a row evidencing what a
well run organisation OPA is with all the financial challenges that a small charity faces.
Our unrestricted reserves now stand at £61,940 which is the highest level since financial year
2026/17 meaning that we are well placed to cope with any future major disruption to our operations
and services.
At the start of the financial year in April 2025 we consolidated our existing office space and 2 x
storage lockers into one larger premises, although this saw an increase in our annual rental
expenditure we now have our office base and all our equipment and resources under'l roof, which is
vastly reducing staff time travelling around collecting equipment from various locations.
As always all of our projects and services are offered FREE of charge to ensure an inclusion for ALL-
No Child or Young Person should have to miss out on Play opportunities due to the cost.
Due to the savage cuts previously imposed on Children and Families services in Oxfordshire (including
the closure of local Children's Centres and Youth Services) during Austerity our projects and services
were already becoming increasingly important in terms of providing activities and informatFon on
services available to local families.
These needs were further exacerbated by the issues caused by Covid-19.
In addition to all this Children, Young People and their Families faced an unprecedented Cost of Living
Crisis.
OXFOROSHIRE. PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
It is of no surprise to anyone then that we are now seeing unprecedented increases in children's
mental health problems and loneliness, alongside reduced physical activity.
Our project work continues to increase and last year we delivered 18 FREE, Community Play &
Activity Days across Oxfordshire which were attended by over 20,000 guests, a remarkable
achievement for a relatively small organisation.
We also managed to continue our work with both Oxford University and Brookes University following
the production of our 'Why Play Matters, and Why Play is Important in Oxiordshire, reports as part of
the Science Together project.
In addition to this we continued the delivery of our Therapeutic Playwork project at Thameside and
Thomas Reade schools, our Faringdon Junior Youth Club project grew in attendance numbers and we
delivered new Stay & Play sessions in Blackbird Leys in partnership with Peabody Housing. Thanks to
funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust we were also able to employ a support worker at RAF
Benson to help and support Young People access Play and leisure activities. We continued with our
Play Infrastructure support work across Cherwell Distritt Council and our Playbox hire scheme
recorded its busiest year for some time.
This work will continue into 2025/26 with other new exciting projects planned including Youth
Sessions in Wheatley, a series of mini Playdays and a unique, Pop Up Play project delivered in Oxford
City Centre in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council
None of this would be possible without the following"
Our partners- due to our relatively small size we always work with partners in our project work, this
increases our delivery capacity massively, helps reduce duplication and ensures that we all share best
practice - it also ensures that we are meeting LOCAL need with LOCAL people.
Our funders and supporters - we continue to be so very grateful to all of our funders and supporters,
many of whom are local, without the support of these groups and individuals we would not be able
to deliver the volume of work that we do
Our manager and staff - our small, but amazingly dedicated team of staff continue to deliver
outstanding work across the County delivering the work of many whilst numbering only a few- the
feedback and comments we receive from numerous sources confirms the positive difference they
make to the Physical and Mental Wellbeing of Children and Young People and we are so grateful to
them for their hard work and professionalism.
Anda Fitzgerald-o'connor (Chair)
Date ............. ...... .. ........... ...
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
STATEMENT OF THE TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for
each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming
resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements,
the trustees are required to=
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
observe the methods 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 mater5al departures
disclosed and explained in the fjnancial statements.
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that
the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy,
the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ascertain both the financial position of the
charity and ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts
and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the period ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 16.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charitvs trustees consider that
an audit is not required for this year under sectFon 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an
independent examination is needed.
It 15 my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Charities Act
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under
section 145{5)(b) of the Charities Act
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examinerfs 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 tncludes 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 next statement.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(l) 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
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Name: Sheila Parry FCCA
Relevant professional qualification or body: ACCA
Address:
Peace House
19 Paradise Street
Oxford OXI ILD
Date:
18 ILL9 2ois
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2025
2024
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Income and endowments
from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Investments
Other income
Note
4,046
4,046
162,620
2,854
120
1,617
1,617
131,638
2,600
162,620
131,638
2,854
120
2,600
Total
7,020
162,620
169,640
4,217
131,638
135,855
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
164,948
164,948
130,319
130,319
130,319
Total
164,948
164,948
130,319
Net income / expenditure
Transfers between funds
7,020
- 2,328
4,692
- 2,328
2,328
4,692
4,217
1,319
5.536
1,319
1,319
5,536
Net movement in funds
4,692
5,536
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought
forward
51,712
57,248
57,248
51,712
Total funds carried forward
61,940
61,940
57,248
57,248
All recognised gains and losses are included in the Statement of Financial Activities.
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
BALANCE SHEET
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2025
2024
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
4,551
126,063
4,007
123,009
130,614
127,016
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due
wFthin one year
68,674
69,768
NET CURRENT ASSETS
61,940
57,248
NET ASSETS
61,940
57,248
INCOME FUNDS
General funds
Restricted funds
12
12
61,940
57,248
TOTAL FUNDS
61,940
57,248
1*17. .....
These accounts were approved by the board of trustees on .
by:_
and signed on their behalf
Trustee
Trustee
il)Ji ol,: I
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
I. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the
Statements of Recommended Practice 20191SORP 2019), 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities,, issued
by the Charities Commission and the Charities Act 2011, together with applicable standards.
Going Concern
The trustees consider that there is no material uncertainty affecting the organisation's ability to continue
as a going concern for the next twelve months.
Income
Income represents income receivable from room hire, rental income, fundraising, donations, gifts and
interest received.
Donations and legacies are reported in the Statement of Financial Activities if they are received or due in
the financial year.
Any income received relating to a forward period has been deferred.
Grants receivable are included in the year in which the offer is conveyed by the charity except in those
cases where the offer has conditions, such grants being recognised as income when the conditions
attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are
not included in the financial statements.
Expenditure
All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive
obligation to pay for such expenditure, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases
where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching
are fulfilled. Grants offered that are subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are
noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
Resources are expended in the furtherance of the charity's objectives.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided at the following rates so as to write off the cost less residual value of the assets
over their estimated useful lives. A full yearfs depreciation is provided in the year of acquisition.
Computer equipment- straight line basis at 33.3/0 per annum.
Items included in fixed assets are capitalised where there is an identifiable asset and / or when the
purchase cost exceeds £300.
Fund accounting
Funds held by the charity are either:_
10
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Designated funds - these funds represent monies set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the
trustees rather than the donor5.
Restricted funds- funds received can only be used for specifically nominated expenditure by the donor
and are credited to income in the year in which they are received. Where amounts are not specifically
allocated against expenditure in that year the balance is deferred and added to the balance brought
forward on the restricted funds and is used in subsequent years in line with the restrictions placed by the
donor.
Taxation
The organisation, being a charity, is not liable to taxation on its income.
11
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS
2025
Restricted
funds
2024
Restricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Total
funds
Donations
4,046
4,046
4,046
4,046
1,617
1,617
1,617
1,617
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2025
Restricted
funds
2024
Restricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Tota I
funds
Public sector grants
Armed Forces Support Project
7,000
7,000
11,355
11,355
Other grants
Infrastructure
Playboxes
Outreach
Play Infrastructure - Cherwell
District Council
Play Projects
Playday
Neighbour-Ley
Therapeutic Playwork
Vale Street Play
Wheatley Junior Youth Club
Oxford City Street Play
Buckinghamshire Play
Armed Forces Playdays
RAF Benson Support Worker
Faringdon Junior Youth Club
Oxford University Research
Project
1,561
4,648
1,561
4,648
1,339
1,256
1,339
1,256
3,270
3,270
3,650
3,650
76,745
2,500
14,820
1,548
600
1,000
76,745
2,500
14,820
1,548
600
1,000
47,161
47,161
16,718
1,715
750
3,244
4,450
23,657
2,335
8,520
16,718
1,715
750
3,244
4,450
23,657
2,335
8,520
19,759
20,000
8,119
19,759
20,000
8,119
1,050
1,050
5,488
5,488
162,620
162,620
131.638
131,638
12
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2025
Support
costs
2024
Support
costs
Di rect
costs
Total
funds
Direct
costs
Total
funds
Infrastructure
Playboxes
Outreach
Play I nfrastructure - Chenmel I
District Council
Play Projects
Armed Forces Support Project
Playday
Neighbour-Ley
Therapeutic Playwork
Vale Street Play
Wheatley Juntor Youth Club
Oxford City Street Play
Buckinghamshire Play
Armed Forces Playdays
RAF Benson Support Worker
Faringdon Junior Youth Club
Oxford University Research
Project
1,169
3,032
597
1,289
1,766
4,321
1,172
1,030
600
330
1,772
1,360
1,972
1,278
3,250
1,680
1,182
2,862
6,527
58,813
1,559
6,851
932
441
689
1,476
16,989
941
8,003
75,802
2,500
11,144
1,447
705
990
9,051
39,684
1,697
8,327
10,748
48,011
4,293
515
8,193
1,712
560
2,513
3,334
18,942
2,419
8,520
4,210
643
328
1,098
1,237
4,247
399
2,003
12,403
2,355
888
3,611
4,571
23,189
2,818
10,523
264
301
16,551
17,806
7,896
4,657
4,502
2,647
21,208
22,308
10,543
597
364
961
3,926
1,282
5,208
124,835
40,113
164,948
102,736
27,583
130,319
13
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5. EXPENDITURE ON SUPPORT COSTS
2025
Support
Costs
2024
Support
Costs
Management salaries
Finance and admin salaries
Employer's pension contributions
Staff travel
Rent and storage
General office costs
IT costs
Insurance
Professronal fees
Business rates
Independent Examiner's fee
13,918
2,850
58
59
17,280
898
907
1,391
2,243
259
250
11,480
2,608
953
87
7,330
1,253
203
1,334
1,906
195
234
40,113
27,583
6. DEBTORS
2025
2024
Trade debtors
Sundry debtors
Prepayments
1,500
2,340
711
800
2,340
867
4,551
4,007
7. CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
Trade creditors
Payroll taxes
Deferred income
Other creditors
Accruals
104
883
66,662
275
750
196
658
67,979
184
750
68,674
69,767
8. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION, TRUSTEE EXPENSES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSAcfioNS
No members of the management committee received any remuneration during the period. No committee
costs were reimbursed to trustees during the period. No trustee or other person related to the charity had
any personal interest Én any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the period.
14
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
9. INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION AND OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICE FEES
2025
2024
Independent Examiner's fees
Other financiaf services from SPX
250
234
500
516
750
750
10. STAFF COSTS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
2025
2024
Wages and salaries
Employer's pension contributions
Employer's National Insurance
65,647
1,239
58
54,171
953
66,944
55,124
Average head count: 4.5 {2024: 4.2) including sessional workers
No employees received employee benefits of more than £60,000.
11. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS RECEIVED BY KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
The key management personnel of the charity are the voluntary trustees. There are therefore no
remuneration or benefits of the key management personnel to disclose.
15
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
12. MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS
Asatl
Apr 2024
Funding
caprtal
expenditure
Asat31
March
2025
Income
Expenditure
Tra nsfers
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
57,248
7,020
-2,328
61,939
Restricted funds:
Infrastructure
Playboxes
Outreach
Play Infrastructure- Cherwell
District Council
Play Projects
Armed Forces Support Project
Playday
Neighbour-Ley
TherapeutÈc Playwork
Vale Street Play
Wheatley Junior Youth Club
Oxford City Street Pray
Armed Forces Playdays
RAF Benson Support Worker
Faringdon Junior Youth Club
Oxford Universlty Research
Project
1,561
4,648
-1,766
-4,321
205
-327
3,270
-3,250
-20
7,000
76,745
2,500
14,820
1.548
600
1,000
19,759
20,000
8,119
-8,003
-75,802
-2,500
-11,144
-1,447
-705
-990
-21,208
-22,308
-10,543
1,003
-943
-3,676
-101
105
-10
1,449
2,308
2,424
1,050
-961
-89
57,248
169,640
-164,948
61,939
Transfer between reserves have been made to mop up overspends on projects and to move remaining
balances on projects fully delivered.
13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
General
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
Cash at bank and in hand
Debtors
Current liabilities
59,401
4,551
2.012
66,662
126,063
4,551
- 68,674
- 66,662
61,940
61,940
16
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2025
Charity Registration Number: 1160320
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FNANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
CONTENTS
PAGES
Charity Information
Trustees, Annual Report
Statement of Trustees, responsibilities
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notes to the accounts
10
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
CHARITY INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
TRUSTEE COMMirrEE MEMBERS
Anda Fitzgerald-o'connor
Meryl Smith
Sarah Gristwood (appointed February 2025)
Anne Bissell
Emma Leaver (appointed February 2025)
REGISTERED OFFICE
Suite 8-05, Unit 8, Area C
Radley Road Industrial Estate
Radley Road
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 3RY
CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER
1160320
ACCOUNTANTS
SPX Oxford Ltd
Peace House
19 Paradise Street
Oxford
OXI ILD
BANKERS
CAF Bank
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling Kent
ME19 4JQ
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
We are pleased to report that OPA continued to deliver our projects and services across Oxfordshire
in what was another busy year for the Charity.
It was also a special year for us as we celebrated our 50th birthday after starting to operate in
November 1974, this truly shows the resilience of our organisation and that even after 50 years Play
Is so very much needed in the lives of Children and Young People for both their Physical and Mental
Wellbeing
Following a Trustee recruitment campaign which ran alongside our 50th birthday celebrations we
were absolutely delighted to welcome 2 new Trustees to the Charity. Sarah Gristwood who brings a
wealth of experience in Education and Emma Leaver with an expertise in Health. Both Sarah & Emma
have been welcome additions to our Volunteer Management Board.
Our income of £169,640 was the 2nd highest it has been in the last 9 years which shows that both
our fundraising and service contracts are working well and that our projects and services meet the
needs of today.
Our expenditure was £164,948 meaning that we were able to record a small surplus of £4,692. With
the exception of 'Covid' year we have now recorded a surplus for 6 years in a row evidencing what a
well run organisation OPA is with all the financial challenges that a small charity faces.
Our unrestricted reserves now stand at £61,940 which is the highest level since financial year
2026/17 meaning that we are well placed to cope with any future major disruption to our operations
and services.
At the start of the financial year in April 2025 we consolidated our existing office space and 2 x
storage lockers into one larger premises, although this saw an increase in our annual rental
expenditure we now have our office base and all our equipment and resources under'l roof, which is
vastly reducing staff time travelling around collecting equipment from various locations.
As always all of our projects and services are offered FREE of charge to ensure an inclusion for ALL-
No Child or Young Person should have to miss out on Play opportunities due to the cost.
Due to the savage cuts previously imposed on Children and Families services in Oxfordshire (including
the closure of local Children's Centres and Youth Services) during Austerity our projects and services
were already becoming increasingly important in terms of providing activities and informatFon on
services available to local families.
These needs were further exacerbated by the issues caused by Covid-19.
In addition to all this Children, Young People and their Families faced an unprecedented Cost of Living
Crisis.
OXFOROSHIRE. PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
It is of no surprise to anyone then that we are now seeing unprecedented increases in children's
mental health problems and loneliness, alongside reduced physical activity.
Our project work continues to increase and last year we delivered 18 FREE, Community Play &
Activity Days across Oxfordshire which were attended by over 20,000 guests, a remarkable
achievement for a relatively small organisation.
We also managed to continue our work with both Oxford University and Brookes University following
the production of our 'Why Play Matters, and Why Play is Important in Oxiordshire, reports as part of
the Science Together project.
In addition to this we continued the delivery of our Therapeutic Playwork project at Thameside and
Thomas Reade schools, our Faringdon Junior Youth Club project grew in attendance numbers and we
delivered new Stay & Play sessions in Blackbird Leys in partnership with Peabody Housing. Thanks to
funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust we were also able to employ a support worker at RAF
Benson to help and support Young People access Play and leisure activities. We continued with our
Play Infrastructure support work across Cherwell Distritt Council and our Playbox hire scheme
recorded its busiest year for some time.
This work will continue into 2025/26 with other new exciting projects planned including Youth
Sessions in Wheatley, a series of mini Playdays and a unique, Pop Up Play project delivered in Oxford
City Centre in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council
None of this would be possible without the following"
Our partners- due to our relatively small size we always work with partners in our project work, this
increases our delivery capacity massively, helps reduce duplication and ensures that we all share best
practice - it also ensures that we are meeting LOCAL need with LOCAL people.
Our funders and supporters - we continue to be so very grateful to all of our funders and supporters,
many of whom are local, without the support of these groups and individuals we would not be able
to deliver the volume of work that we do
Our manager and staff - our small, but amazingly dedicated team of staff continue to deliver
outstanding work across the County delivering the work of many whilst numbering only a few- the
feedback and comments we receive from numerous sources confirms the positive difference they
make to the Physical and Mental Wellbeing of Children and Young People and we are so grateful to
them for their hard work and professionalism.
Anda Fitzgerald-o'connor (Chair)
Date ............. ...... .. ........... ...
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
STATEMENT OF THE TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for
each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming
resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements,
the trustees are required to=
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
observe the methods 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 mater5al departures
disclosed and explained in the fjnancial statements.
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that
the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy,
the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ascertain both the financial position of the
charity and ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts
and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the period ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 16.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charitvs trustees consider that
an audit is not required for this year under sectFon 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an
independent examination is needed.
It 15 my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Charities Act
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under
section 145{5)(b) of the Charities Act
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examinerfs 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 tncludes 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 next statement.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(l) 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
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Name: Sheila Parry FCCA
Relevant professional qualification or body: ACCA
Address:
Peace House
19 Paradise Street
Oxford OXI ILD
Date:
18 ILL9 2ois
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2025
2024
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Income and endowments
from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Investments
Other income
Note
4,046
4,046
162,620
2,854
120
1,617
1,617
131,638
2,600
162,620
131,638
2,854
120
2,600
Total
7,020
162,620
169,640
4,217
131,638
135,855
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
164,948
164,948
130,319
130,319
130,319
Total
164,948
164,948
130,319
Net income / expenditure
Transfers between funds
7,020
- 2,328
4,692
- 2,328
2,328
4,692
4,217
1,319
5.536
1,319
1,319
5,536
Net movement in funds
4,692
5,536
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought
forward
51,712
57,248
57,248
51,712
Total funds carried forward
61,940
61,940
57,248
57,248
All recognised gains and losses are included in the Statement of Financial Activities.
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
BALANCE SHEET
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2025
2024
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
4,551
126,063
4,007
123,009
130,614
127,016
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due
wFthin one year
68,674
69,768
NET CURRENT ASSETS
61,940
57,248
NET ASSETS
61,940
57,248
INCOME FUNDS
General funds
Restricted funds
12
12
61,940
57,248
TOTAL FUNDS
61,940
57,248
1*17. .....
These accounts were approved by the board of trustees on .
by:_
and signed on their behalf
Trustee
Trustee
il)Ji ol,: I
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
I. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the
Statements of Recommended Practice 20191SORP 2019), 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities,, issued
by the Charities Commission and the Charities Act 2011, together with applicable standards.
Going Concern
The trustees consider that there is no material uncertainty affecting the organisation's ability to continue
as a going concern for the next twelve months.
Income
Income represents income receivable from room hire, rental income, fundraising, donations, gifts and
interest received.
Donations and legacies are reported in the Statement of Financial Activities if they are received or due in
the financial year.
Any income received relating to a forward period has been deferred.
Grants receivable are included in the year in which the offer is conveyed by the charity except in those
cases where the offer has conditions, such grants being recognised as income when the conditions
attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are
not included in the financial statements.
Expenditure
All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive
obligation to pay for such expenditure, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases
where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching
are fulfilled. Grants offered that are subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are
noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
Resources are expended in the furtherance of the charity's objectives.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided at the following rates so as to write off the cost less residual value of the assets
over their estimated useful lives. A full yearfs depreciation is provided in the year of acquisition.
Computer equipment- straight line basis at 33.3/0 per annum.
Items included in fixed assets are capitalised where there is an identifiable asset and / or when the
purchase cost exceeds £300.
Fund accounting
Funds held by the charity are either:_
10
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Designated funds - these funds represent monies set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the
trustees rather than the donor5.
Restricted funds- funds received can only be used for specifically nominated expenditure by the donor
and are credited to income in the year in which they are received. Where amounts are not specifically
allocated against expenditure in that year the balance is deferred and added to the balance brought
forward on the restricted funds and is used in subsequent years in line with the restrictions placed by the
donor.
Taxation
The organisation, being a charity, is not liable to taxation on its income.
11
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS
2025
Restricted
funds
2024
Restricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Total
funds
Donations
4,046
4,046
4,046
4,046
1,617
1,617
1,617
1,617
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2025
Restricted
funds
2024
Restricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Tota I
funds
Public sector grants
Armed Forces Support Project
7,000
7,000
11,355
11,355
Other grants
Infrastructure
Playboxes
Outreach
Play Infrastructure - Cherwell
District Council
Play Projects
Playday
Neighbour-Ley
Therapeutic Playwork
Vale Street Play
Wheatley Junior Youth Club
Oxford City Street Play
Buckinghamshire Play
Armed Forces Playdays
RAF Benson Support Worker
Faringdon Junior Youth Club
Oxford University Research
Project
1,561
4,648
1,561
4,648
1,339
1,256
1,339
1,256
3,270
3,270
3,650
3,650
76,745
2,500
14,820
1,548
600
1,000
76,745
2,500
14,820
1,548
600
1,000
47,161
47,161
16,718
1,715
750
3,244
4,450
23,657
2,335
8,520
16,718
1,715
750
3,244
4,450
23,657
2,335
8,520
19,759
20,000
8,119
19,759
20,000
8,119
1,050
1,050
5,488
5,488
162,620
162,620
131.638
131,638
12
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2025
Support
costs
2024
Support
costs
Di rect
costs
Total
funds
Direct
costs
Total
funds
Infrastructure
Playboxes
Outreach
Play I nfrastructure - Chenmel I
District Council
Play Projects
Armed Forces Support Project
Playday
Neighbour-Ley
Therapeutic Playwork
Vale Street Play
Wheatley Juntor Youth Club
Oxford City Street Play
Buckinghamshire Play
Armed Forces Playdays
RAF Benson Support Worker
Faringdon Junior Youth Club
Oxford University Research
Project
1,169
3,032
597
1,289
1,766
4,321
1,172
1,030
600
330
1,772
1,360
1,972
1,278
3,250
1,680
1,182
2,862
6,527
58,813
1,559
6,851
932
441
689
1,476
16,989
941
8,003
75,802
2,500
11,144
1,447
705
990
9,051
39,684
1,697
8,327
10,748
48,011
4,293
515
8,193
1,712
560
2,513
3,334
18,942
2,419
8,520
4,210
643
328
1,098
1,237
4,247
399
2,003
12,403
2,355
888
3,611
4,571
23,189
2,818
10,523
264
301
16,551
17,806
7,896
4,657
4,502
2,647
21,208
22,308
10,543
597
364
961
3,926
1,282
5,208
124,835
40,113
164,948
102,736
27,583
130,319
13
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5. EXPENDITURE ON SUPPORT COSTS
2025
Support
Costs
2024
Support
Costs
Management salaries
Finance and admin salaries
Employer's pension contributions
Staff travel
Rent and storage
General office costs
IT costs
Insurance
Professronal fees
Business rates
Independent Examiner's fee
13,918
2,850
58
59
17,280
898
907
1,391
2,243
259
250
11,480
2,608
953
87
7,330
1,253
203
1,334
1,906
195
234
40,113
27,583
6. DEBTORS
2025
2024
Trade debtors
Sundry debtors
Prepayments
1,500
2,340
711
800
2,340
867
4,551
4,007
7. CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
Trade creditors
Payroll taxes
Deferred income
Other creditors
Accruals
104
883
66,662
275
750
196
658
67,979
184
750
68,674
69,767
8. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION, TRUSTEE EXPENSES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSAcfioNS
No members of the management committee received any remuneration during the period. No committee
costs were reimbursed to trustees during the period. No trustee or other person related to the charity had
any personal interest Én any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the period.
14
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
9. INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION AND OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICE FEES
2025
2024
Independent Examiner's fees
Other financiaf services from SPX
250
234
500
516
750
750
10. STAFF COSTS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
2025
2024
Wages and salaries
Employer's pension contributions
Employer's National Insurance
65,647
1,239
58
54,171
953
66,944
55,124
Average head count: 4.5 {2024: 4.2) including sessional workers
No employees received employee benefits of more than £60,000.
11. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS RECEIVED BY KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
The key management personnel of the charity are the voluntary trustees. There are therefore no
remuneration or benefits of the key management personnel to disclose.
15
OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION CIO
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
12. MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS
Asatl
Apr 2024
Funding
caprtal
expenditure
Asat31
March
2025
Income
Expenditure
Tra nsfers
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
57,248
7,020
-2,328
61,939
Restricted funds:
Infrastructure
Playboxes
Outreach
Play Infrastructure- Cherwell
District Council
Play Projects
Armed Forces Support Project
Playday
Neighbour-Ley
TherapeutÈc Playwork
Vale Street Play
Wheatley Junior Youth Club
Oxford City Street Pray
Armed Forces Playdays
RAF Benson Support Worker
Faringdon Junior Youth Club
Oxford Universlty Research
Project
1,561
4,648
-1,766
-4,321
205
-327
3,270
-3,250
-20
7,000
76,745
2,500
14,820
1.548
600
1,000
19,759
20,000
8,119
-8,003
-75,802
-2,500
-11,144
-1,447
-705
-990
-21,208
-22,308
-10,543
1,003
-943
-3,676
-101
105
-10
1,449
2,308
2,424
1,050
-961
-89
57,248
169,640
-164,948
61,939
Transfer between reserves have been made to mop up overspends on projects and to move remaining
balances on projects fully delivered.
13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
General
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
Cash at bank and in hand
Debtors
Current liabilities
59,401
4,551
2.012
66,662
126,063
4,551
- 68,674
- 66,662
61,940
61,940
16