2020-2021 Chair’s Review The Preschool Year September 2020 – 31st August 2021 How the Preschool Met Its Charitable Aims During the 2020–2021 year the Preschool continued to provide early years education and care in exceptionally challenging circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite national restrictions and uncertainty, the setting remained open to support the children of key workers and vulnerable families, ensuring continuity of care and education at a time when stability was crucial. The Preschool’s charitable aim — to advance the education and development of children in a safe, nurturing early years environment — remained at the heart of all decision making. Staff worked tirelessly to balance high-quality learning experiences with rigorous health and safety procedures. The staff team consisted of Maxine, Annette, Chloe, Christine and Emily, who demonstrated dedication, flexibility and professionalism throughout the year. Their commitment ensured that children attending sessions continued to access a broad curriculum in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), while adapting practice to meet COVID safety guidance. This included enhanced hygiene routines, smaller group working, and adjustments to daily routines to minimise risk while maintaining emotional security for the children. Children’s emotional wellbeing was a particular focus. Many children experienced disruption, and staff prioritised secure attachments, routine, and opportunities for play-based learning to support confidence, communication and social development. The Committee this year included Sarah and Charlotte, who continued to oversee the governance of the Preschool during a difficult period. The committee supported staff with decision-making around risk assessments, operational procedures and financial sustainability. Impact of COVID-19 The pandemic significantly affected normal Preschool operations: - Attendance numbers fluctuated due to national lockdowns and isolation requirements - Fundraising opportunities were extremely limited - Parent engagement events could not take place in the usual way - Additional cleaning and hygiene measures were required Despite these challenges, the Preschool remained committed to supporting families who needed provision most. Communication with parents was maintained through regular updates, and staff worked closely with families to provide reassurance and continuity. ## Learning and Development Children who attended continued to be supported across all areas of learning, with particular focus on: - Personal, Social and Emotional Development - Communication and Language - Physical Development through active play Staff adapted the environment and resources to ensure learning remained engaging while also being safe and manageable under COVID guidance. ## Fundraising Due to restrictions, fundraising activities were minimal during this year. The committee and staff focused instead on maintaining financial stability and ensuring essential resources were available. The Preschool remained grateful for any small donations and ongoing family support during this uncertain time. ## Looking Forward As restrictions began to ease toward the end of the reporting period, the Preschool looked ahead to rebuilding community events, strengthening parent partnerships, and continuing to provide a high-quality early years experience for all children. The Trustees would like to thank the staff team for their resilience, care and commitment during one of the most challenging years the Preschool has faced. Their work ensured children remained safe, supported and able to continue learning. Shipdham Playgroup Income and expendituro account For the year ended 31 August 2021 2021 2020 Income Playgroup fees Playgroup funding Fundraising Unifom other 15.271 62.669 9.578 68,061 51 77,949 2.791 80.489 Exp¢ftdlture Stsff ¢o$ts Training Building hire Heat and li9hl ete Waste disposal Cleaning General e¥peniJilure Maintenance Advertising Licences & regislr8tion5 Fund raising Educational materials Equipment Uniforms Part*s and trips 82.247 576 720 3.741 717 779 3.995 3.699 58,225 497 720 2.945 518 1,137 2,147 622 1,927 1.921 1,156 1,821 231 5,383 1,284 277 376 174,0521 181.6091 SurplusllDefi￿tI in year 13.6eOI 6,437 Cash funds as al 1 Septernber 2020 24,700 18.263 Cash fvnds as al 31 August 2021 21.040 24.700 ¢asb at bank.. Lloyds 88nk Treasurers account 23502068 Lkjyds Bank Treasurers account 33139160 Lbyds 8ank TreaSU￿r$ acwunt 74738368 23,336 1,364 21.040 21.040 24,700 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A lTrdependent Examiner'5 Report Report to th8 trustèes SHIPDHAM PLAYGROUP On accounts for the y¢ar endèd 31 AUGUST 2021 Charity no lif any) 1019292 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my exarnination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trust'l lor the year ended 31 August 2021. Rèsponslbrlltiès and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible forthe preparation of the account5 in accordance with the requirements ol the Charities Act 2011 rthe Act'l. I report in respect of my exarnination of the Trust's accounts carried oul under section 145 of the 2011 Act alld in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have examinerf$ $tstomant corne to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordancè with section 130 of the Charities Act.. or the awounts did not accord wth the accounting ￿cords., or the accounts did not comply wilh the applicable requirements concerning the forrn and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirernent that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which Is not a matter considered as part of an indepen¢Jent examination I have no concerns and have come acr055 no other matters in connection wilh the examination to which attention should k drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed.. Date: q FJrt7lL io1(" Name.. ROBERT KENDALL Relevant professional qualificationlsl or body lif any).. FCCA Address: 38 HIGH STREET wA￿oN IP25 6AE IER Oct 2018 Section B Disclosure Only cornplele If the examiner need5 to highlight material mallers of concern Isee CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Givè h•re brief detalls of any items that the examlner wishes to disclose.