|||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**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
1
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
2
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
4. 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
3
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
4
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
5
**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
6
||**The County Toy Library**
**Charity Name**|**The County Toy Library**
**Charity Name**|**The County Toy Library**
**Charity Name**|**1166245**
**No (if any)**|**1166245**
**No (if any)**|**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**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
|**_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
1
|**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)**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**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
2