O.P.A.L. CENTRE
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Hailwood & Co Chartered Accountants
O.P.A.L CENTRE
The Corner House, 1 Berner Street Birkenhead. CH41 4JY OPALcentre@outlook.com Tel: 07495 323095
O.P.A.L CENTRE – ANNUAL REPORT (1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025)
O.P.A.L. Centre Annual Report
For the Financial Year: 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025
Executive Summary
The O.P.A.L. Centre (Opportunities for Play and Learning) is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) that provides an inclusive, child-centred play scheme for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), aged between 6 and 25 years. The Centre’s ethos is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, and socialise within a safe, nurturing environment that celebrates individuality and diversity.
Throughout the reporting year (April 2024 – March 2025), O.P.A.L. continued to deliver a wide range of structured and unstructured play sessions designed to foster emotional, social, intellectual, language, and creative development. Each session placed emphasis on child choice, autonomy, and inclusion, encouraging participants to explore new experiences, develop life skills, and build meaningful friendships. Activities ranged from sensory and communication development to practical life skills such as cookery and teamwork exercises.
Our approach ensures equality of opportunity for all children, regardless of ability, ethnic background, gender, class, or language. The Centre’s team of dedicated staff and volunteers are trained in inclusive practice and are committed to ensuring that every child is supported according to their individual needs. During the financial year, the O.P.A.L. Centre maintained a strong and steady level of engagement. On average, 46 children attended weekly, equating to approximately 184 children per month across an average of 21 sessions. Attendance levels remained consistent throughout the year, with only a minor reduction during the summer period due to the natural adjustment in session scheduling.
Although the charity faced challenges in securing external grant funding during this period, community support remained robust through ongoing family contributions, donations, and local fundraising activities. These forms of engagement were vital in maintaining service delivery and enhancing programme quality. The Trustees, management, and staff remain deeply committed to O.P.A.L.’s mission of providing a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
1. Family and Friends Contributions
Community support continues to be the cornerstone of O.P.A.L.’s success. Throughout 2024–2025, the Centre received numerous contributions and donations from families, friends, and local supporters. These contributions played an essential role in funding resources, equipment, and special activity days, ensuring the sustainability of our play schemes.
Such donations not only alleviate financial pressures but also demonstrate the ongoing trust and commitment of the local community towards O.P.A.L.’s mission. The Trustees express sincere appreciation to all those who provided support—whether monetary, in-kind, or through volunteer time. These collective
efforts are clearly reflected in the Achievements for the Year record, which highlights the positive impact of community engagement on programme outcomes.
2. Fundraising Efforts
Fundraising remained a significant aspect of O.P.A.L.’s operational activities. A variety of events and initiatives were held throughout the year, involving both staff and volunteers. Activities included local fairs, sponsored challenges, and family-oriented events, all of which served to raise essential funds and strengthen community ties.
The income generated through these events directly contributed to programme sustainability, including the purchase of play materials, sensory equipment, and activity supplies. Additionally, fundraising events provided valuable opportunities for parents, carers, and children to participate collectively in community engagement activities, thereby reinforcing O.P.A.L.’s ethos of inclusion and partnership.
All fundraising outcomes and achievements are documented illustrating both the financial and social benefits derived from these efforts. The Trustees commend the dedication of staff and volunteers who devoted considerable time and enthusiasm to ensure the success of each fundraising activity.
3. Funding Applications
During the reporting year, O.P.A.L. submitted several applications to external funding bodies in pursuit of additional financial support. The following applications were made:
| Funder | Amount Requested Outcome | Amount Requested Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Rathbones | £2,000 | Unsuccessful |
| Tesco Community Grants | £3,000 | Unsuccessful |
| Family Toolbox Grant | £3,000 | Unsuccessful |
Although these applications were unsuccessful, the process provided valuable insights into funding application requirements and improved the charity’s understanding of competitive grant criteria. The experience gained has informed a revised funding strategy for 2025–2026, with plans to strengthen evidence-based proposals and build relationships with potential funding partners.
The Trustees remain optimistic that future applications will yield positive results as the charity continues to develop its impact reporting and long-term sustainability plans.
4. Sessions Delivered
Between April 2024 and March 2025, O.P.A.L. delivered an average of 21 sessions per month. Each session was structured to support both group and individual needs, ensuring that every child could participate meaningfully.
Sessions encompassed a variety of activities, including sensory play, communication development, creative arts, physical movement, cookery, and life skills workshops. These opportunities not only promoted social inclusion but also supported the children’s emotional regulation, confidence, and independence.
The consistency of session delivery despite external funding challenges is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the O.P.A.L. team. Feedback from parents and carers has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting improvements in children’s communication, confidence, and social interaction skills.
Registered Charity No. 1193989
5. Attendance
Attendance levels throughout the reporting year remained stable and encouraging.
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Average weekly attendance: 46 children
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Average monthly attendance: 184 children
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Average sessions per month: 21
While there was a slight decrease in attendance during the summer months—primarily due to shorter programme schedules and family holidays—the overall participation rate demonstrates continued trust and satisfaction among families.
This consistent level of engagement reflects O.P.A.L.’s reputation for delivering high-quality, child-centred services. The charity continues to receive new referrals and enquiries, particularly from parents seeking inclusive and supportive play environments for their children with additional needs.
6. Staffing and Volunteers
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O.P.A.L.’s success relies heavily on its committed and compassionate team.
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As of 1 April 2024: 8 staff members and 3 volunteers
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As of 31 March 2025: 7 staff members and 2 volunteers
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Bank Staff: 1 member, utilised on rare occasions
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Volunteer Support: Primarily used for cover during staff absences
Despite minor staff turnover during the year, O.P.A.L. maintained an excellent standard of service delivery. The Centre ensures that all staff and volunteers receive relevant training in safeguarding, inclusive play, first aid, and communication support strategies.
Volunteers continue to play a valued role, providing assistance during activities and supporting the smooth running of sessions. Their flexibility and willingness to assist on an as-needed basis have been particularly beneficial in maintaining continuity of care for the children.
Conclusion
The 2024–2025 financial year has been one of steady progress, resilience, and community collaboration for the O.P.A.L. Centre. Despite the challenges of limited external funding, the charity has maintained consistent service delivery, high levels of attendance, and strong engagement from families and supporters.
The Trustees wish to record their sincere gratitude to all staff, volunteers, families, and community partners whose hard work, generosity, and dedication have enabled O.P.A.L. to continue providing highquality, inclusive play opportunities for children and young people with special needs.
Looking ahead, the charity remains positive and forward-focused. With renewed determination, O.P.A.L. aims to strengthen its funding strategy, expand partnership networks, and enhance the range of developmental opportunities available to participants. The commitment of the Trustees, Manager, and dedicated team members ensures that O.P.A.L. will continue to provide a vital, life-enriching service for many years to come.
This report was compiled and approved by the Trustees of the Charity on 17 October 2025, Susan Bonner, Jennifer Dulac & Ryan Corton
Ryan Corton (Oct 30, 2025, 4:03pm) Registered Charity No. 1193989
O.P.A.L. CENTRE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
I report to the Trustees of O.P.A.L. Centre on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 set out on pages 5 to 6.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
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 the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which give me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act, or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
A D French FCA Hailwood & Co Chartered Accountants Moreton 28 October 2025
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O.P.A.L. CENTRE
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income | ||||
| Fees | 48,487 | 28,455 | ||
| Donations | 3,926 | 4,378 | ||
| Grants | 5,000 | 13,180 | ||
| Other | - | - | ||
| Total Income | 57,413 | 46,013 | ||
| Expenditure | ||||
| Accountancy | 636 | 276 | ||
| Administrative fees | 382 | 1,276 | ||
| General | - | 30 | ||
| Insurance | 1,111 | 1,222 | ||
| IT costs | 130 | 394 | ||
| Equipment | 292 | - | ||
| Professional fees | - | 169 | ||
| Rent | 6,600 | 4,800 | ||
| Training | - | 325 | ||
| Wages & salaries | 51,155 | 38,679 | ||
| Total Payments | 60,306 | 47,170 | ||
| Net unrestricted income for the year | (2,893) | (1,157) | ||
| Opening bank balance | 8,463 | 9,620 | ||
| Net expenditure | (2,893) | (1,157) | ||
| Closing bank balance | 5,570 | 8,463 |
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O.P.A.L. CENTRE
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted Funds | Unrestricted Funds | Unrestricted Funds | Unrestricted Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ |
£ | ||
| Assets for the Charity's Own Use | |||||
| Equipment brought forward | 496 | 496 | |||
| Additions | - | - | |||
| Equipment carried forward | 496 | 496 | |||
| Monetary Assets | |||||
| Bank - current account | 5,570 | 8,463 | |||
| 5,570 | 8,463 | ||||
| Liabilities | |||||
| Accountancy | 662 | 636 | |||
| PAYE | 759 | 1,268 | |||
| Wages | - | 1,762 | |||
| 1,421 | 3,666 |
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Ryan Corton (Oct 30, 2025, 4:03pm)
R Corton, Chairperson 28 October 2025
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Issuer
Issuer Hailwood & Co Document generated Tue, 28th Oct 2025 11:15:50 GMT Document fingerprint bfef5fce3e140912a2fe7fe394197f51
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Thu, 30th Oct 2025 16:03:18 GMT Ryan Corton - Signer (9bde71555f932ec88f62a380d1fb470b)
Audit history log
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Tue, 28th Oct 2025 11:15:50 GMT Tue, 28th Oct 2025 11:15:51 GMT Tue, 28th Oct 2025 11:15:51 GMT Tue, 28th Oct 2025 11:47:26 GMT
Tue, 28th Oct 2025 11:47:26 GMT Thu, 30th Oct 2025 15:48:13 GMT Thu, 30th Oct 2025 15:48:13 GMT Thu, 30th Oct 2025 15:48:17 GMT Thu, 30th Oct 2025 15:49:44 GMT Thu, 30th Oct 2025 16:03:18 GMT Thu, 30th Oct 2025 16:03:18 GMT
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