## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period**
**From 31/03/2024 To 31/03/2025 Charity name: Sŵn y Don Playgroup Charity registration number:** 1180784
## **Objectives and Activities**
||SORP
reference|
|
|---|---|---|
|Summary of the
purposes of
the charity as set out
in its governing
document|Para 1.17|**Sŵn Y Don Playgroup and afterschool club aims to:**
Create a happy, safe, and secure environment in which all
children can grow in confidence and develop a wide range of
skills through purposeful, first-hand experiences and play.
Nurture, health, wellbeing, and children’s rights are at the
heart of our provision. Children are supported to develop a
sense of awe and curiosity, fostering a lifelong love of
learning.
**We will endeavour to:**
Provide children with a broad range of experiences, including
freely chosen, unstructured, and self-directed play, which
support their physical, social, intellectual, linguistic, and
creative development.
**We will;**
•
Provide a warm, welcoming, and friendly atmosphere for
children and families.
•
Ensure that every child feels happy, safe, and secure
within the setting.
•
Offer a stimulating and enabling environment that
supports and enhances children’s learning and
development.
•
Provide funded early education for all eligible three-year-
olds.
•
Deliver provision in line with the Curriculum for Wales
framework.
•
Use high-quality resources to support the development of
children’s skills across all areas of learning.
•
Continuously strive to improve the quality of the setting
through reflection, evaluation, and development
planning.
•
Promote equality of opportunity and inclusion for all
children.
•
Support children’s understanding of healthy living,
recognising its long-term impact on health, wellbeing, and
life outcomes.|
|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|Sŵn Y Don Playgroup is a Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
registered childcare setting, offering early years education
and care for children aged 2 - 4 years. The Playgroup offers
up to fifteen places per session (morning and afternoon) and
operates Monday to Friday during Conwy County Borough
Council term time.
Sessions are delivered at the following times:
Morning sessions: 9.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Afternoon session: 12.15 p.m. to 2.45 p.m.
Through these sessions, the Playgroup delivers its charitable
purpose of advancing education by providing high-quality,
play based learning opportunities that support children’s
development, wellbeing, and readiness for school.
The Playgroup delivers provision in line with Welsh
Government initiatives and expectations, ensuring that
services are accessible, inclusive, and beneficial to the wider
community. During the reporting period, the setting
implemented and embedded the following programmes and
frameworks:
•
Curriculum for Wales, supporting learning through
play across all areas of development.
•
Flying Start, working in partnership with the local
authority to support children and families.
•
Design to Smile, promoting positive oral health and
lifelong healthy habits.
•
Trauma-Informed Schools, ensuring emotionally
supportive and nurturing practice.
•
Rights Respecting Schools, embedding the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
(UNCRC) into daily practice.
These activities provide clear public benefit by supporting
children’s early learning, social development, health and
wellbeing, and by helping children develop the skills,
confidence, and independence needed for a successful
transition into statutoryeducation.|
|---|---|---|
|Statement confirming
whether the trustees
have had regard to the
guidance issued by the
Charity Commission on
public benefit|Para 1.18|The trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s
guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims
and activities. The trustees believe that the activities
delivered during the year have been carried out in
furtherance of the charity’s charitable purposes and have
provided a positive public benefit through supporting the
education, health, and wellbeing of young children within the
local community.|
## **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|During the reporting period, Sŵn Y Don Playgroup
provided high-quality care and early education to over 30
children aged between 2 and 4 years. As a small, friendly,
and inclusive setting, the Playgroup continues to offer a
happy, stimulating, and supportive environment where
children feel safe, valued, and confident to learn and
develop.
The Playgroup operates within the Curriculum for Wales,
ensuring that children are supported to develop holistically
across all areas of learning and development. The charity’s
core purpose remains the Advancement of Education, and
this has been delivered through a play-based approach
supported by Welsh Government and local authority
funding and grants.
Children engaged in a wide range of learning through play
activities designed to support their academic, social,
emotional, and physical development in an age- and
stage-appropriate way. Activities and resources promoted
development in health and wellbeing, expressive arts,
language, literacy and communication, mathematics and
numeracy, science, and technology, supporting children’s
readiness for transition into full-time education.
Leadership and management continued to work effectively
in partnership, maintaining high standards and clear
expectations for practice. Self-evaluation and continuous
improvement remained central to strategic planning, with
action plans developed at the start of the year and
reviewed regularly. The setting worked closely with
external agencies, ensuring staff training, supervision, and
appraisals were kept up to date. The quality of provision
and internal processes has been commended by partner
agencies, and good practice has been shared with other
childcare settings.
During the year, the focus shifted from physical
development of the environment to embedding and
refining practice within existing indoor and outdoor
learning spaces. Staff continued to develop a calm,
free-flowing environment, ensuring that learning
experiences were purposeful, well-resourced, and
responsive to children’s interests. As a result, children
demonstrated increased independence,sustained|
engagement in play, and confidence in moving between learning areas to support their own choices and learning. Children were actively involved in the planning of their learning experiences. Snapshot observations and learning journeys were used to track progress over time and ensure provision met individual needs. The Playgroup worked closely with the local authority to ensure appropriate assessment processes were in place for Flying Start and three-year-old provision. Children were encouraged to make choices, direct their own play, and express their needs and views in a variety of ways. Children’s voice is central to the setting, and the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) are embedded throughout daily practice. Staff ensure that children feel listened to, respected, and protected from harm. Building on the introduction of digital communication tools in the previous year, the Playgroup continued to use Seesaw effectively to maintain strong partnerships with parents and carers. Regular updates, observations, and shared learning experiences supported meaningful engagement with children’s development and strengthened home-setting links. Staff continued to build on prior professional development, applying their training consistently to support safeguarding, inclusion, and positive behaviour, ensuring all children’s needs were met sensitively and effectively. Strong partnerships continued to develop with Ysgol Sŵn Y Don, supporting smooth and well-planned transitions for children moving to the school nursery. A high intake of children progressing to the school reflects the Playgroup’s important role in preparing children with the confidence, independence, and early learning skills needed for this next stage. Overall, Sŵn y Don Playgroup remains committed to delivering a high-quality, nurturing, and inclusive provision that benefits children, families, and the wider community. The dedication of the staff team to reflective practice, professional development, and partnership working continues to have a positive impact on outcomes for children.
## **Financial Review**
|**Financial Review**|||
|---|---|---|
|Review of the charity’s
financial position at the
end of the period|Para
1.21|At the end of the period, the charity’s income and
expenditure were broadly balanced, enabling the Playgroup
to continue operating and delivering its charitable activities.|
|Statement
explaining the policy
for holding reserves
stating why they are
held|Para
1.22|The trustees’ policy is to hold a modest level of reserves
sufficient to support the short-term financial stability of the
Playgroup. Reserves are maintained to enable the charity
to meet essential commitments, including at least one
month’s staffing costs, and to provide contingency funding
to cover potential redundancy costs should this be
required. This approach ensures the charity can continue to
operate responsiblywhile managingfinancial risk.|
|Amount of reserves
held|Para
1.22|Approx £10,000.00|
|Reasons for holding
zero reserves|Para
1.22|N/A|
|Details of fund
materiallyin deficit|Para
1.24|N/A|
|Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a
goingconcern|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 charity’s principal sources of income during the year
were Welsh Government and local authority funded
childcare schemes, including:
•
Flying Start funding
•
Funded early education for three-year-olds
•
30-hour Childcare Offer funding
These funding streams support the delivery of the
Playgroup’s charitable purpose by enabling families to
access high-quality early years education and care.|
|---|---|---|
|Other||During the year, the Playgroup focused on sustaining and
strengthening the improvements and good practice
previously identified through Estyn and CIW inspection
processes. The provider continued to work effectively
towards agreed targets, ensuring that improvements were
embedded into everyday practice rather than treated as
isolated initiatives. Positive professional relationships with
Flying Start and the Local Authority were maintained, and
ongoing feedback continued to recognise the quality and
consistency of provision.
Practitioners further consolidated their understanding and
application of the Curriculum for Wales,with increased|
confidence in planning meaningful, child-led learning experiences. The learning environment continued to be used effectively to provide purposeful and engaging opportunities, with a strong emphasis on authentic resources and real-life experiences that support children’s curiosity and independence. Sustainability and the promotion of shared responsibility remained central to the setting’s ethos. Children were encouraged to develop an understanding of caring for their environment and working collaboratively with others, helping to foster positive attitudes and values that support their long-term wellbeing and citizenship. Policies and procedures continued to be regularly reviewed and embedded into daily practice, ensuring that health, safety, and safeguarding remained robust and well understood. Staff demonstrated confidence in following procedures, contributing to a safe and secure environment for all children. Action planning and self-evaluation were used consistently to drive ongoing improvement. Clear targets were reviewed throughout the year, supporting reflective practice and measurable progress. Effective collaboration with local schools ensured smooth and well-supported transitions, which continued to positively impact children’s independence, early learning skills, and readiness for the next stage of education.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
|Description of charity’s trusts:||The charity is established as a Charitable
Incorporated Organisation(CIO).|
|---|---|---|
|Type of governing document(trust
deed, royal charter)|
Para1.25|The charity is governed by its CIO Constitution,
adopted on registration with the Charity
Commission.|
|How is the charity
constituted?(e.g
unincorporated
association, CIO)|Para 1.25|Sŵn y Don Playgroup is constituted as a
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
and is regulated by the Charity Commission
for England and Wales.|
|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|Trustees are appointed in accordance with the
charity’s constitution. New trustees are
recruited as required to ensure an appropriate
balance of skills, knowledge, and experience to
effectively govern the charity. Any
appointments are made in line with the
charity’sgoverningdocument. All trustees are|
volunteers and are required to act in the best interests of the charity.
## **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|All policies and procedures have been revised
and updated. Any new starters, including
Trustees receive an Induction with the
Responsible Individual to ensure all
stakeholders are informed.|
|---|---|---|
|The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the charity
works|Para 1.51|Sŵn Y Don Playgroup is governed by a board of
trustees who hold overall responsibility for the
strategic direction, governance, and financial
oversight of the charity. Day-to-day
management of the setting is delegated to the
Responsible Individual and senior practitioner,
who report to the trustees.
The charity works in partnership with a range of
external organisations, including the local
authority and Flying Start team and Ysgol Sŵn Y
Don, to support children’s learning, wellbeing,
and smooth transitions.|
|Relationship with any related
parties|Para 1.51|Trustees confirm that any potential conflicts of
interest are declared and managed in line with
the charity’s policies and constitution.|
|Other||The trustees continue to ensure that
governance arrangements remain appropriate
for the size and nature of the charity.
Meetings are held to review performance,
compliance, and risk, supporting the effective
and responsible running of the Playgroup.|
## **Reference and Administrative details**
|Charityname|Sŵn Y Don Playgroup|
|---|---|
|Other name the charityuses||
|Registered charity number|1180784|
|Charity’s principal address|Sŵn Y Don Playgroup
Ysgol Sŵn y Don
Parc Peulwys
Sŵn y Don Road
Old Colwyn
Colwyn Bay
Conwy
LL29 9LL|
**Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity**
|**Trustee name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for**
**whole year**|**Name of person (or body)**
**entitled to appoint trustee**
**(if any) **|
|---|---|---|---|
|Suzanne Fox|Chair|12.09.22- present||
|Elen Salisbury|Trustee|22.12.22 – present||
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Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved
|**Director name**|||
|---|---|---|
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Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
|**Trustee name**|**Dates acted if not for whole**
**year**||
|---|---|---|
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## **Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others**
Description of the assets held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for 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**
|**Name**|**Address adviser**|
||||
||||
||||
||||
**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)**
**Position (eg Secretary,**
**Chair, etc)**|_ESalisbury_||
|---|---|---|
||Elen Salisbury||
||Trustee||
**Date** 27/04/26
||**Swn y Don Playgroup**
|**Swn y Don Playgroup**
|**Swn y Don Playgroup**
|**No (if any)**|**CC16a**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||
||**Receipts andpayments accounts**|||||
||**For the period from**|**01/04/2024**|**To**|**31/03/2025**||
|||||||
|||||||
|**Section A Receipts and payments**||||||
|**A1 Receipts**|**Unrestricted funds**
**to the nearest £**|**Restricted funds**
**to the nearest £**|**Endowment funds**
**to the nearest £**|**Total funds**
**to the nearest £**|**Last year**
**to the nearest £**|
||**57,565**|**-**|**-**|**57,565**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
|**_Sub total(Gross income for AR)_**|**57,565**|**-**|**-**|**57,565**|**-**|
|||||||
|**A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).**||||||
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**||
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
|**_Sub total_**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
|**_Total receipts_**
**A3 Payments**||||||
||**57,565**|**-**|**-**|**57,565**|**-**|
|||||||
||**64,265**|**-**|**-**|**64,265**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
|**_Sub total_**|**64,265**|**-**|**-**|**64,265**|**-**|
|||||||
|**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_**||||||
||**64,265**|**-**|**-**|**64,265**|**-**|
|||||||
||**- 6,700**|**-**|**-**|**- 6,700**|**-**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**17,414**|**-**|**-**|**17,414**|**-**|
||**10,714**|**-**|**-**|**10,714**|**-**|
|**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**
**B1 Cash funds**
**B2 Other monetary assets**
**B3 Investment assets**
**B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use**
**B5 Liabilities**
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees|**Details**|**Unrestricted funds**
**to nearest £**|**Restricted funds**
**to nearest £**|**Endowment funds**
**to nearest £**|
||**Bank Account**|**10,714**|**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**_Total cash funds_**
(agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))
**Details**|**10,714**|**-**|**-**|
|||OK|OK|OK|
|||**Unrestricted funds**
**to nearest £**|**Restricted funds**
**to nearest £**|**Endowment funds**
**to nearest £**|
|||**-**|**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**Details**|**Fund to which asset belongs**|**Cost (optional)**|**Current value (optional)**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||**Details**|**Fund to which asset belongs**|**Cost (optional)**|**Current value (optional)**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||||**-**|**-**|
||**Details**|**Fund to which liability relates**|**Amount due (optional)**|**When due (optional)**|
||||**-**||
||||**-**||
||||**-**||
||||**-**||
||||**-**||
||Signature|Print N|ame||
|||||Date of approval|
||||||
||||||
I