## Chair’s Review The Preschool Year September 2022 – 31st August 2023 How the Preschool Met Its Charitable Aims During the 2022–2023 year the Preschool continued to fulfil its charitable aim of advancing the education and development of young children within a safe, inclusive and nurturing early years environment. This year marked a period of transition within both the staff team and the governance structure, while maintaining consistency and quality of provision for the children attending. The staff team this year included Maxine, Annette, Chloe, Laura and Beth. During the year, Christine and Emily left their roles within the setting. The Preschool would like to thank them for their contribution and care shown to the children during their time with the setting. Maxine and Annette took on additional leadership responsibilities and became Managers, providing strong guidance and continuity for the staff team. Their leadership supported the smooth running of the setting and ensured high standards of care, safeguarding and learning were maintained. Staff continued to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum through play-based learning, responsive planning and strong key person relationships, ensuring each child’s individual needs were met. Trustee and Governance Changes This year also saw developments within the Trustee team. The Committee consisted of Sarah and Charlotte, who continued in their roles, and were joined by Laura, Emily and Beth as Trustees. This strengthened the governance of the Preschool and provided additional support in overseeing the strategic direction and charitable aims of the setting. The Trustees worked closely with the Managers to ensure the Preschool remained financially sustainable, compliant and focused on providing high-quality early years provision. ## Learning and Development Children continued to benefit from a rich and stimulating learning environment both indoors and outdoors. Staff focused on: - Developing communication and language - Building confidence and independence - Supporting social skills and emotional wellbeing The Preschool maintained strong partnerships with parents, sharing children’s progress and supporting learning at home. ## Community Involvement and Fundraising As the year progressed, the Preschool was able to re-establish more community activities and fundraising events, strengthening relationships with families. Events included: - Mother’s Day Coffee Morning Fundraiser, which brought families together in a relaxed and welcoming environment - Bake Sales, which were well supported by parents and carers - Christmas Fair, which was a highlight of the year and helped raise valuable funds for resources and activities These events not only supported fundraising but also reinforced the Preschool’s role at the heart of the community. ## Looking Forward The Preschool looks forward to continuing to build on the leadership of Maxine and Annette, strengthening the staff team and maintaining high standards of early years education. The Trustees remain committed to supporting the Preschool’s growth and ensuring it continues to provide a safe, caring and enriching environment for all children. The Trustees would like to thank all staff and committee members for their dedication, teamwork and commitment throughout the year. Shipdham Playgroup Income and expenditure account For the year ended 31 August 2023 2023 2022 Incom8 Playgroup fees Playgroup funding Oiher 28.484 46.172 11,157 56,866 293 75,797 88.316 Expènd￿1uré Sta*1 cos15 61.875 1.$41 720 S.$40 877 1.476 3.023 545 1.373 65,532 150 720 6,973 1,227 1,468 1,284 2.736 1.351 104 504 165 322 182.5381 He8t and Iphl etc Waste disposal Cleaning General expenditure Maintenance Li*nTrs & regi5trabon5 EduGational matenals Equipment Uniforms Partie5 and trips 70 533 177.5731 SurplusllD2ficitl in year 11.7761 114.2221 Cash funds as at 1 September2022 6,817 21.039 Ca*fv funds as at 31 August 2023 5,041 6.817 Cash at bafik.. Lloyds Bank Treasurers account 74736368 5,041 6.817 5,041 6,817 (HARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees SHIPDHAM PLAYGROUP On accounts for the year ended 31 AUGUST2023 Charity no lif anyl 1019292 Set out on pages I report lo the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the abov charrty Iyhe Trust'l for the year ended 31 August 2021. Responslbilitsos and basis ol report As the charity'$ trustees, you a￿ responsible for preparation ol the accounts in accordance with Ihe rtquirements ol the Charrti?5 Aet 2011 I'the Acl"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts Carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Ad. Indep¢nd•nt I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have examinerf$ stst*mont corne to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respe¢t'. the accounting records were not kept in accordan￿ with section 130 of the Charities Act", or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not cornply with the applicable requirements conceming the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities IAccounls and Reports) Regulation5 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fairf view which Is not a rnatter Considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other rnatters in connèction wrth the examination to which attention should drawn In this report in orderto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Datè.. r&8f IL lol( Name: R08ERT KENDALL Relevant professional quallfi¢ationl$l or body lif any): FCCA Address: 38 HIGH STREET wA￿oN IP25 6AE IER Oct 2018 Section B Disclosure Only complete il the examiner needs to highlight material mallers ol concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts= directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brièf details of any items that th¢ examiner wishes to dis¢lo$•. IER Oct 2018