Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01/04/2023 Period start date To
31/03/2024 Period end date
Charity name: Earlybirds Playgroup
Charity registration number: 1165010
Objectives and Activities
| Objectives and Activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| SORP reference |
||
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The object of the CIO is to promote and facilitate the care, education, and wellbeing of young children under compulsory school age within the Gloucestershire Local Authority and surrounding areas. Our objective is that through play, preschool children will be able to reach their maximum potential and achieve their early learning goals as set out in the government’s Early Years Foundation Stages framework. Earlybirds embrace imagination, creativity, independent decision-making and child-led learning. The focus is very much on providing a safe, caring and welcoming environment in order to allow the development of self- confidence, independence, and social skills and being good communicators so that each child can thrive and be prepared for the transition to primary school. We achieved CuriosityApproach accreditation. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Earlybirds currently operates during school hours of 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday during term time and is the only playgroup operating in the Ruspidge/Buckshaft area. The lack of local transport means that it is the only setting accessible to many parents and carers in the vicinity. Earlybirds receive funding from the Local Authority for up to a maximum of 30 hours per week for 3-year-olds. Funding is also available for 2-year-old children who meet certain criteria. For those children not eligible for funding or who require additional hours, the fees are kept below GCC fundingrates. Trustees recognise that |
| Cinderford is an economically deprived area and we try to keep fees as low as possible so that it can remain accessible. In order for Earlybirds to cover running costs trustees and staff also arrange fundraising activities, for which we are lucky enough to be able to arrange a few events to allow parents and carers into the setting. Examples of these events are Christmas sponsored singalong and sponsored woodland walks. Activities provided are led by the children's interest which include, but not limited to, outdoorplay,cookingand arts & crafts. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | Trustees are aware of the guidance issued by the charity commission on public benefit and have had due regard in relation to this. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | N/A |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | N/A |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Earlybirds playgroup is lucky to have been supported throughout the year by a number of parents, carers, and volunteers who have given their time and expertise free of charge. The playgroup welcomes a small number of volunteers in to the setting. The trustees meet every half term formally or informallyto helpsupport the setting. |
| Other | N/A |
Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | We continue to be able to provide local families with a safe, secure and nurturing setting for their 2, 3 and 4 year olds. Some of our parents/carers would not have access to a provision if we were not available for them. We now fully operate the Curiosity Approach into our curriculum. This enables children to investigate and explore the outdoors and natural world. It encourages them through the use of recycled and natural materials to become aware of the importance of sustainability from a young age. It also encourages imagination and intervention, rather than reliance on plastic toys with one use or purpose. During this period, as a setting we have supported the local food bank as part of our Harvest Festival celebrations. We are also keen to involve our children in local community events such as the annual Christmas Tree Festival. |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Earlybirds have had to dip into the reserves to allow certain large maintenance to be completed such as having the fence repaired. We continue to set budgets and report on the finances at each trustee meeting. A separate Fundraising account remains open so that all monies that have been fundraised from parents, carers and the general public can be separated and used purely for resources that will benefit the children. We can then demonstrate to parents and carers how their generosity is being enjoyed bythe children at Earlybirds. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | A reserves policy is in place. This will cover the cost of any unforeseen major works to the building as well to enable us to fulfil our redundancy obligations to staff if the setting ever had to close. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £17,500 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuingas agoingconcern |
Para 1.23 | N/A |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | The primary source of funds is the funding for childcare from the Local Authority. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The principal risk facing Earlybirds financially would be that children do not join the setting. Another risk that the setting faces are increasing utilities. This is a risk every year but due to the positive reputation, communication, and good advertising, luckily this has not been an issue as yet. |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed,royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association,CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | The setting has an application form for trustees. Potential trustees are invited to attend a meeting to see if they would be willing to commit and to meet the trustees. Trustees are normally elected at an AGM, However, if the need arises, trustees can be elected as part of a meeting, and the potential trustee is elected by the board of trustees for a period of one year. Key roles - Chair, Vice-Chair etc are agreed at each AGM unless a vacancyarises. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | Our manager attends the Local Authority Early Years Forum, which enables our setting to contribute to Early Years Policy and Procedure within the county. We are members of the Early Years Learning Alliance, giving us a broader outlook and access to national events and awareness of early years trends, policyand development. |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charityname | Earlybirds Playgroup |
|---|---|
| Other name the charityuses | |
| Registered charitynumber | 1165010 |
Charity’s principal address
Earlybirds Playgroup Buckshaft Road Cinderford GL14 3DL
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Nam e of pers on (or bod y) entit led to app oint trust ee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhi Trillo | Chair | |||
| Hannah Tuffnell | Treasurer | |||
| Sarah Jones | ||||
| Matt Bishop | ||||
| Jodie Bishop | ||||
| Margaret Hewis | ||||
| Sally Reader | ||||
| 20 |
Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name
Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in N/A this capacity Name and objects of the charity N/A on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of adviser Name Address |
|||
| Accountant | SA Accountancy | 5 Victoria Street, Cinderford, GL14 2ET |
|
| Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) | |||
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Rhiannon Trillo Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Chair etc) Date 27.1.2025
Financial Statements for the year ended
31 March 2024
for Early Birds
Early Birds
Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| General Information | 1 |
| Accountants' Report and Client Approval Certificate | 2 |
| Income and Expenditure Account | 3 |
Early Birds
General Information for the year ended 31 March 2024
ADDRESS:
ACCOUNTANTS:
Early Birds Playgroup Buckshaft Road Cinderford Gloucestershire GL14 3DL
SA Accountancy 5 Victoria Street Cinderford Gloucestershire GL14 2ET
Page 1
Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Accountants' Report to
Early Birds
In accordance with instructions given to us we have carried out a full examination of the records, bank statements and invoices provided to us and certify that the attached financial statements be a true and accurate record of the transactions of the Early Birds Accounts.
SA Accountancy 5 Victoria Street Cinderford Gloucestershire GL14 2ET
Date: .............................................
Client Approval Certificate
We approve the financial statements and confirm that we have made available all relevant records and information for their preparation.
........................................................................ On behalf of Early Birds
Date: .............................................
Page 2
Early Birds
Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Gross receipts Fees Grants Fund raising Sundries Interest received TOTAL INCOME Expenditure Pupil premium Resources and equipment Premises expenses Rates Salaries and HMRC Computer expenses Printing Subscriptions Insurance Professional fees Training Sundry Petty cash EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE Balance at 01 April 2023 Balance at 31 March 2024 Current Account 18,674 Fundraising Account 121 Reserves Account 17,500 Total funds 36,295 |
31.03.24 £ 1,326 2,760 5,060 2,200 82,506 92 2,567 1,847 1,330 179 1,039 480 550 52,965 36,295 |
£ 6,359 77,465 845 286 311 85,266 101,936 (16,670) (01.04.22) (31.03.23) |
£ 3,340 5,262 3,766 2,311 74,415 178 2,262 1,178 388 - 553 - 2,104 |
31.03.23 £ 6,763 92,740 1,763 2,132 73 103,471 95,757 7,714 45,251 52,965 4,109 181 48,675 52,965 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 3
Financial Statements for the year ended
31 March 2024
for Early Birds
Early Birds
Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| General Information | 1 |
| Accountants' Report and Client Approval Certificate | 2 |
| Income and Expenditure Account | 3 |
Early Birds
General Information for the year ended 31 March 2024
ADDRESS:
ACCOUNTANTS:
Early Birds Playgroup Buckshaft Road Cinderford Gloucestershire GL14 3DL
SA Accountancy 5 Victoria Street Cinderford Gloucestershire GL14 2ET
Page 1
Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Accountants' Report to
Early Birds
In accordance with instructions given to us we have carried out a full examination of the records, bank statements and invoices provided to us and certify that the attached financial statements be a true and accurate record of the transactions of the Early Birds Accounts.
SA Accountancy 5 Victoria Street Cinderford Gloucestershire GL14 2ET
Date: .............................................
Client Approval Certificate
We approve the financial statements and confirm that we have made available all relevant records and information for their preparation.
........................................................................ On behalf of Early Birds
Date: .............................................
Page 2
Early Birds
Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Gross receipts Fees Grants Fund raising Sundries Interest received TOTAL INCOME Expenditure Pupil premium Resources and equipment Premises expenses Rates Salaries and HMRC Computer expenses Printing Subscriptions Insurance Professional fees Training Sundry Petty cash EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE Balance at 01 April 2023 Balance at 31 March 2024 Current Account 18,674 Fundraising Account 121 Reserves Account 17,500 Total funds 36,295 |
31.03.24 £ 1,326 2,760 5,060 2,200 82,506 92 2,567 1,847 1,330 179 1,039 480 550 52,965 36,295 |
£ 6,359 77,465 845 286 311 85,266 101,936 (16,670) (01.04.22) (31.03.23) |
£ 3,340 5,262 3,766 2,311 74,415 178 2,262 1,178 388 - 553 - 2,104 |
31.03.23 £ 6,763 92,740 1,763 2,132 73 103,471 95,757 7,714 45,251 52,965 4,109 181 48,675 52,965 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 3