2025-03-31-accounts - The County Toy Library

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Trustees' Annual Report for the period
From				To	Period end date
	Period start date

			2024		31		2025
	01	04				03

Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name The County Toy Library Other names charity is known by

Registered charity number (if any) 1166245

Charity's principal address 4 Park Square Kings Heath Northampton NN5 7LQ

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Dates acted if not for Trustee name Office (if any) whole year Chair 1[Lorraine Elks ] Board Member 2[Laura Furr] 3[Eve Bond] Co-Secretary 4[Debra Scott] Co-Secretary

Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser Name Address	Type of adviser Name Address	Type of adviser Name Address
Bank	HSBC	22 Abington Square, Northampton, NN1 2AN

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

TAR

September 2021

N/A

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document

Constitution

(eg. trust deed, constitution)

Charitable Incorporated Organisation How the charity is constituted

(eg. trust, association, company)

Trustee selection methods

Elected at AGM

(eg. appointed by, elected by)

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

 policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
 the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
 relationship with any related parties;
 trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.

Section C Objectives and activities

The relief and education of children in the county of Northamptonshire for the public benefit by:

Summary of the objects of the (a) the provision of a not-for-profit lending library of educational, stimulating and age appropriate toys and equipment for babies and chil-
charity set out in its governing document dren;
(b) promoting within the county the use and benefit of toy libraries for children, families and communities in such ways as the trustees think fit.

TAR

September 2021

A full report of the main activities are contained in section d.

Summary:

Summary of the main activities 1. Continuation of key objectives of The County Toy Library for the undertaken for the public bene- benefit of the local community fit in relation to these objects (include within this section the 2. Increasing awareness profile and ultimately membership of the statutory declaration that trus- library tees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity 3. Providing a wide range of high-quality toy and equipment and Commission on public benefit) disposing of old stock in the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner possible

Increasing funding to enable the provision of a better level of service and to be working towards becoming self-financing.

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

 policy on grantmaking;
 policy programme related investment;
 contribution made by volunteers.

Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

Summary of Achievements

This past year has been one of significant growth and successful outreach for the County Toy Library, reflecting the increasing demand for our services and the dedication of our team. We have seen a remarkable 15% increase in membership, indicating that our members are engaging with the Toy Library. There has been a notable 33% rise in members from the Kings Heath area and a 40% increase in memberships for families with children who have additional needs. These figures underscore the vital role the Toy Library plays within the community.

Community Engagement and Events

Our eighth Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on 24th October 2024, providing a valuable opportunity to connect with our members and stakeholders. The event was well-attended by parents, carers, and professionals, all of whom provided positive and constructive feedback. Following the AGM, the Committee dedicated a meeting to discuss this feedback, ensuring that the voices of our users directly inform our future plans.

In August 2024, we were delighted to participate in the Kings Heath Community Fun Day. To celebrate our twelve years on the estate, we shared cakes baked by a local resident, fostering a wonderful sense of community spirit. The event was a great success, allowing us to connect with new families and showcase the range of toys available for hire.

TAR

September 2021

Section D Achievements and performance

Our fundraising events have also yielded impressive results. We held two successful fairs this year: one at the annual Sports 4 Fitness fair, which raised £54.10, and our Christmas fair, which brought in an outstanding £811.60. This represents an increase of £151.60 compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing support from our community.

Funding and Grants

We have been proactive in securing funding to enhance our services and resources. In January 2024, a successful application to a local councilor resulted in a £2,000 grant. This was allocated to purchasing £1,090 of new toys and equipment, providing £210 for free memberships for children with additional needs, and creating £700 in monetary vouchers for our members. The new resources have been extremely popular with both families and the professionals who borrow on their behalf.

In March 2024, we secured two Well Northants Community grants for the Kings Heath area, totaling £4,948. These grants were awarded following a presentation at the Kings Heath Community Voting Day, where residents voted for our project. The funding has enabled us to offer sixty-eight families from Kings Heath free memberships and a £30 monetary voucher each, with the remaining £2,500 invested in new toys and equipment.

A further successful grant application to the Council in March 2025 has provided families in Kings Heath with the opportunity for free memberships and toy borrowing, further strengthening our support for the local community.

We were also delighted to receive a £1,000 grant from the Tesco Stronger Start initiative, thanks to the support of shoppers using their blue tokens. This funding is dedicated to providing free memberships for children with additional needs, each including a £20 voucher to spend in the Toy Library.

Expanding Our Reach

In response to feedback from parents and carers, particularly those in the north of the county who face transport challenges, we have been exploring ways to make our services more accessible. In collaboration with North Northants Parent Voices, we distributed a questionnaire to gather wider opinions on how we could better serve the community. The feedback indicated a strong desire for a pop-up Toy Library in either Wellingborough or Kettering.

To facilitate this expansion, we have invested in a new online lending system, ‘Lend Engine’. This software will enable families to book toys online and collect them from different venues. While there have been some initial challenges in implementing the new system, our staff and volunteers are working diligently to embed it into our operations.

Operational Updates

To improve our procurement process, we have successfully applied for and are now using a debit card for online purchases of toys and equipment. In conjunction with this, we have developed a comprehensive financial policy to ensure the highest standards of financial safety and accountability.

We have also been fortunate to receive a large donation of toys from the Northamptonshire Childminding Association, which has significantly enhanced our collection. To make way for these new additions, we have conducted several clear-outs throughout the year, selling toys and equipment that were not regularly borrowed. This has proven to be a successful initiative, with online and direct sales increasing by 7.5% compared to the previous year.

Our premises have undergone all required safety and maintenance inspections this year, including for the fire alarm, emergency lighting, electrics, fabric condition, water safety, asbestos, and drains. All surveys were returned as satisfactory, and a new brake was fitted to our door shutter by the council in January. We are pleased to have welcomed a new volunteer to our team, who is contributing to the shop and has also joined our committee. Their support is greatly appreciated.

TAR

September 2021

Section D Achievements and performance

Due to the ongoing financial pressures faced by many families, the decision was made not to increase membership or borrowing costs this year. We remain committed to providing an affordable service that allows families to access a wide range of toys and equipment, freeing up their resources for other essential items.

Finally, all of our policies, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and Data Protection, have been reviewed and updated as required throughout the year to ensure we continue to operate safely and effectively.

Section E Financial review

None Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves Details of any funds materially None in deficit

Further financial review details (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

 the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
 how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
 investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.

Section F Other optional information

The chair would like to say a huge thank you to The County Toy Library manager, dedicated volunteers and trustees. All this amazing work would not be possible without your hard work and dedication. It is really very much appreciated!!

Thank you

TAR

September 2021

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)[L Elks ] Full name(s)[Lorraine Elks ] Position (eg Secretary, Chair Chair, etc) Date 28.9.25

TAR

September 2021

	The County Toy Library Charity Name	The County Toy Library Charity Name	The County Toy Library Charity Name	1166245 No (if any)	CC16a
	For the period from	01.04.24 Period start date	To	31.03.25 Period end date

Section A Receipts and payments
A1 Receipts	Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 15,911 - - - - - - - 15,911 - - - 15,911 840 8,959 3,839 222 565 803 - 3,159 - - 12,069 - - - 12,069 3,842 - 21,610 25,452	Restricted funds to the nearest £ 3,000 - - - - - - - 3,000 - - - 3,000 - - 3,644 - - - 3,159 - - 6,803 - - - 6,803 - 3,803 - 7,180 3,377	Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	Total funds to the nearest £ 18,911 - - - - - - - 18,911 - - - 18,911 840 8,959 7,483 222 565 803 - - - 18,872 - - - 18,872 39	Last year to the nearest £
Activities forgeneratingfunds	15,911				19,498
	-				-
	-				-
	-				-
	-				-
	-				-
	-				-
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*Sub total*(Gross income for AR)	15,911				19,498

A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
	-
	-				-
*Sub total*	-				-
*Total receipts* A3 Payments
					19,498

Insurance	840				693
Wages	8,959				7,716
Costs of charitable activities	3,839				3,510
Water and Sewerage	222				180
Telephone	565				595
Light and heating	803				931
Membershipcosts	- 3,159				-
	-				-
	-				-
**Sub total **	12,069				13,625

A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
	-
	-
**Sub total **	-				-
*Total payments* *Net of receipts/(payments)* A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end *Cash funds this year end*
					13,625

	3,842	- 3,803	-	39	5,873
	-	-	-	-	-
	21,610	7,180	-	28,790	22,917
	25,452	3,377	-	28,829	28,790

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

04/11/2025

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period	Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period	Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets	DSCOTT Signature LELKS Details Cash in bank Details *Total cash funds* (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Details Details Inventory	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 25,452 3,377 - - - - 25,452 3,377 OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) 40000 - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name LORRAINE ELKS Debra Scott	Endowment funds to nearest £
			-
			-
			-
			-
			OK
			Endowment funds to nearest £
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			Current value (optional)
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			Current value (optional)
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
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			When due (optional)






			Date of approval
	LELKS	LORRAINE ELKS	2.10.25
	DSCOTT	Debra Scott	2.10.25

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

04/11/2025