## **Chair’s Review** ## **The Preschool Year September 2023 – 31st August 2024** ## **How the Preschool Met Its Charitable Aims** During the 2023–2024 year the Preschool continued to meet its charitable aim of advancing the education and development of young children by providing a safe, caring and stimulating early years environment. The staff team consisted of **Annette, Maxine and Chloe** , who continued to provide consistent, high-quality early years education and care. This year the setting also welcomed **Luce** , who joined the team as an apprentice. This provided valuable support within the setting while also contributing to the development of future early years professionals. Staff worked closely together to ensure children were supported across all areas of learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Strong key person relationships, a play-based approach, and a well-organised environment supported children’s confidence, communication and independence. ## **Trustee and Governance** The Trustee team continued to oversee the governance of the Preschool and ensure the setting remained compliant and focused on its charitable aims. During this year, **Sarah stepped down from the committee** , and the Preschool would like to thank her for her time and support. The remaining Trustees continued to work alongside the staff team to maintain financial stability and support the ongoing development of the provision. ## **Learning and Development** Children benefited from a rich learning environment both indoors and outdoors. Staff placed strong emphasis on: - Personal, Social and Emotional Development - Communication and Language - Physical Development through active and outdoor play The Preschool maintained strong partnerships with parents, supporting children’s learning and development both within the setting and at home. ## **Community Involvement and Fundraising** The Preschool continued to strengthen its role within the local community and successfully held a variety of events throughout the year. Fundraising and community events included: - **Christmas Lights Event** , which brought families together and raised funds for the setting - **Scarecrow Event** and **Halloween Fundraiser** held in the Preschool garden, which were very well supported - **Bake Sales** and **Raffles** , which contributed to essential fundraising These events helped enhance the Preschool’s resources while strengthening connections with families. ## **Toddler Group (Sprouts)** The Preschool’s toddler group, **Sprouts** , continued to support families within the community. This year, Sprouts successfully moved to a new venue, allowing the group to continue providing a welcoming space for parents, carers and younger children. This initiative supports early social development for children and strengthens links between families and the Preschool. ## **Looking Forward** The Preschool looks forward to continuing to develop its provision, supporting staff training and maintaining high standards of early years education. The Trustees remain committed to ensuring the setting continues to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for all children and families. The Trustees would like to thank **Annette, Maxine, Chloe and Luce** for their continued dedication, and all Trustees for their ongoing support and commitment to the Preschool. iiiVTrAiIAiii r iay¥Fvuy Income and expenditure account For the year ended 31 August 2024 2024 2023 Income Playgroup fees Playgroup funding Other 26,038 64,576 28,484 46,172 1.141 90,614 75,797 Expenditure Staff costs Training Building hire Heal and light el¢ Waste disposal Cleaning General expen(Siture Maintenance Licences & registrations Equipment Uniforms 70.794 132 953 7.474 777 751 5.191 1.656 926 61.875 1.541 720 5,540 877 1,476 3,023 545 1.373 70 533 177,5731 317 188,9711 SurplusllDeficill in year 1,643 11,7761 Cash funds as al 1 September 2023 5,041 6,817 Cash funds as al 31 August 2024 6.684 5,041 Cash at bank: Lloyds Bank Treasurers account 74738368 6,684 5,041 6,684 5,041 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to thg truste¥¥ SHIPDHAM PLAYGROUP On aeeounts for thè year ended 31 AUGUST 2024 Charity no Ilf any) 1019292 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination ol the accounts of the above ¢h8rity I'the Trust'l for the year ended 31 August 2021. Responsibllltles and basis of report As the charitys trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 i.thg A¢t"l. I report in r8spect of my examination of the Tnjst's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the applicable Direction5 given by the Charity Ctsmmission under section 14515llbl gf the Ad. Independent I have completed my exarnination. I confim that no material matters have examinerfs statement come lo rny attention in connection with the examination which gives me Cause lo believe that In. any matenal respect.. the acctsullting records wore not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charrties Act., or the accounts did not arxord wEth the acwunting racords." Or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fom and content of account5 set out in the cha￿tieS (Accounts and Reports) Regu1atioDs 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter eonsidered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Slgned.. Dats: Nam•'. ROBERT KENDALL Relevant professlonal qualificationl$l or body lif any).. FCCA Address.. 38 HIGH STREET WAThON IP25 6AE IER Oct 2018 ec ion Isc osure Only complete If the examiner needs to highlight material matters ol concern (see CC32. Indopendenl examination of Charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give hertr briof d¢tstl$ of any items that the examintrr wi$h¢$ to rli$¢lose. ER Oct 2018