Charity Registration No. 1198333
HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Charity information | 3 |
| Management committee member's report | 4-6 |
| Independent examiner's report | 7 |
| Income statement | 8 |
| Statement of financial position | 9 |
| Notes to the accounts | 10 |
| Detailed income statement | 12 |
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HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CHARITY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Trustees | Tracy Wauchope |
|---|---|
| Alex Hood | |
| David Werner-Ratkovic | |
| Carol London-Baptiste | |
| Charity Number | 1198333 (England and Wales) |
| Accountants | Tarpon Limited |
| 132-134 Great Ancoats Street | |
| Manchester | |
| M4 6DE |
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HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND TRUSTEES’ REPORT
Trustees’ Report
The Trustees of Hornimans Adventure Playground present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s constitution, applicable law, and the requirements of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) (FRS 102).
Structure, Governance and Management
Hornimans Adventure Playground has operated as a registered charity since 1989 and became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in May 2022 (registration number 1198333).
Trustees are appointed annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and serve for one year, after which they may seek reappointment. The constitution allows for a maximum of 15 trustees to form the Management Committee. This Committee is accountable to the AGM and is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction, overseeing the charity’s affairs, and approving key policies, including those relating to investment, reserves and risk management.
The day-to-day running of Hornimans Adventure Playground is delegated to the Management & Staff teams. The Board regularly reviews the skills required for effective governance. New trustees may be recruited through open advertisement or through engagement with key partners and supporters.
All newly appointed trustees take part in an induction process, which includes a meeting with the Chair and Trustees, an introduction to the history and purpose of the charity, and access to the charity’s Constitution and the Charity Commission guidance “The Essential Trustee: What You Need to Know” . Trustees are also expected to familiarise themselves with the playground’s policies and procedures.
Risk Management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to manage and mitigate these risks.
Objectives and Activities
Hornimans Adventure Playground exists to provide facilities for recreation and leisure for children and young people in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea:
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a) Facilities needed due to their youth and/or social and economic circumstances.
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b) Facilities that improve their quality of life by promoting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. c) A playground offering opportunities for adventure, creativity and safe learning for children aged 5 to 15 years.
These objectives have remained unchanged since the charity’s formation. In furtherance of these charitable objects, the Management Committee may:
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a) Provide, maintain and equip playgrounds offering opportunities for adventure and enterprise.
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b) Support and raise funds for the establishment and maintenance of such playgrounds.
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c) Employ staff to assist in the management of play spaces.
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d) Build relationships with individuals and organisations involved in the design, development and management of playgrounds. e) Implement policies required under the contract between RBKC Family and Children’s Services and Hornimans Adventure Playground. No changes were made to these policies during the year.
RBKC Grant Contract :
During 2024-25, Hornimans Adventure Playground has been grant contracted by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC) to. deliver Community Adventure Play. The annual value of the RBKC grant contract during 2024-25 is £ 71,156.
RBKC are actively encouraging Community Adventure Play organisations to work collaboratively to provide consistent, high quality play provision across the Borough.
The ongoing commitment of RBKC provides us with the firm foundations on which sustainability and capacity building can continue to be successfully developed.
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HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND TRUSTEES’ REPORT
Charitable grants and other income
We thank RBKC and various charities, trusts and foundations that made our work possible during 2024-25 due to their support and generosity:
| RBKC Grant Contract | £71,156 |
|---|---|
| John Lyon’s Charity | £35,000 |
| Young K&C Foundation | £13,380 |
| Kensington + Chelsea Foundation | £13,500 |
| Garfield Weston Foundation | £10,000 |
| Lightbulb Trust | £35,000 |
| Julia Rausing Trust | £4,400 |
| RBKC Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) | £4,320 |
| RBKC Arts Grant | £3,000 |
Statement of Public Benefit :
The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in deciding the activities undertaken by the charity during the year. The trustees are satisfied that the information provided in the report and accounts meets the public benefit reporting requirements.
Achievements and Performance
Hornimans Adventure Playground continues to be a well-used and much-valued community resource, offering free adventure play opportunities for local children and young people aged 5 to 15.
During 2024–2025, we successfully operated an all-year-round service, engaging over 400 individual children and young people, with approximately 80% living in deprived communities in RBKC. Around 80% of those attending are eligible for Free School Meals and/or lived in areas of high deprivation.
We delivered free play sessions for 39 weeks during term time, opening Monday to Friday (3.30pm–6pm) and Saturdays (12pm–4pm). In addition, we ran a dedicated SEND play session every Saturday morning (10am–12pm). During 12 weeks of school holidays, we provided extended play services, Monday to Friday (10.30am–4.30pm).
Our collaborations with community partners continued to enrich our offer:
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Pursuing Independent Pathways (PiP): Supporting disabled young adults to develop work-related skills.
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Local Schools: Providing mentoring for children at risk of exclusion or poor educational outcomes.
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The Felix Project: Distributing weekly free food to families in need.
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Central Saint Martins (UAL): Co-delivering creative arts activities.
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Meanwhile Gardens: Activities at the local gardening allotments
Key projects this year included establishing a dedicated programme for children, young people and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as maintaining our HAF and term-time food provision.
Adventure play, both structured and freely chosen, remains vital to children’s physical, social and emotional development. Hornimans provides an environment where children can express themselves creatively, build confidence, make friends and engage in imaginative, active play. We remain committed to supporting our community and ensuring the playground continues to be a safe, nurturing and inclusive space for all.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Hornimans is committed to strengthening our mission and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our work. Over the next 3 to 5 years, our priorities will include:
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Expansion & Development : Creating and implementing a strategy, focused on diversifying income and ensuring sustainability and exploring opportunities to take on and deliver new services.
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Partnerships and Collaboration: Building and strengthening partnerships to improve support, resources and opportunities for children and families.
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Ofsted Registration: Pursuing Ofsted registration to formally recognise the quality and safety of our provision and provide additional assurance for families.
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Quality in Play: Enhancing the quality of our programmes through best practice, reflective playwork, and approaches that support the diverse needs of our community.
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Project Development: Expanding targeted provision, particularly for SEND children and Girls and Young Women, to create inclusive and empowering opportunities.
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Play Space Improvements: Ongoing refurbishment and enhancement of our indoor and outdoor play spaces to maintain a safe, stimulating and accessible environment.
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Environmental Sustainability: Reviewing our carbon footprint and adopting eco-friendly operational practices to reduce environmental impact and support a more sustainable future.
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HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND TRUSTEES’ REPORT
Our Commitment to the Community
Hornimans is more than just an adventure playground; it is a sanctuary for the children who depend on it and their families. With the rapid growth and development in the area, safe, child-oriented spaces are increasingly scarce. We are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing this playground, which many families consider a second home. The happiness and wellbeing of our children are our utmost priority.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff at Hornimans for providing stability and continuity during challenging times. Their unwavering commitment is the bedrock of our success. We also thank the volunteers who generously give their time and the supporters who provide necessary funding. Without your contributions, the positive impact we create would not be possible.
Review of financial position :
The Statement of Financial Activities shows a gain for the year of £47,398, of which £35,000 is allocated to very urgent capital repairs. At 31 March 2025, free unrestricted reserves totalled £119,900. The Trustees remain committed to strengthening fundraising efforts to ensure Hornimans can continue operating sustainably. Although good progress has been made in securing new funding, this remains an ongoing priority for the charity.
Reserves Policy :
It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds in the form of net current assets at a level which the trustees believe appropriate after considering the future commitments of the charity and the likely administrative costs of the charity in the coming year.
Signed on behalf of the board of directors
............................................................................
Tracey Wauchope Director
Approved by the board on: 09 November 2025
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HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS' REPORT
We report to the Management Committee on our examination of the financial statements of HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND (the Playground) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Management Committee of the Playground you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
We report in respect of my examination of the Playground's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
We understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
We have completed our examination and confirm that no matters have come to our attention in connection with the examination giving us cause to believe that in any material respect:
1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Playground as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
We 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 financial statements to be reached.
Tarpon Limited
132-134 Great Ancoats Street Manchester M4 6DE
09 November 2025
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HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Charitable income Charitable activities Net income for the year Total net income Other adjustments Total income the financial year |
Total Unrestricted Funds 2025 £ 191,465 (144,067) |
Total Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 192,920 (189,367) |
|---|---|---|
| 47,398 | 3,553 | |
| 47,398 - |
3,553 - |
|
| 47,398 | 3,553 |
The income statement includes all gains and losses recognized in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 4 Current assets Debtors 5 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 6 Net current assets Net assets Income fund Unrestricted fund Total funds |
2025 £ 12,182 58,460 119,974 178,434 (9,753) 168,681 180,863 180,863 180,863 |
2024 £ 12,899 54,000 70,537 |
|---|---|---|
| 130,319 (9,753) |
||
| 120,566 | ||
| 133,465 | ||
| 133,465 | ||
| 133,465 |
For the year ending 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The trustees have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime and in accordance with the provisions of FRS 102 Section 1A - Small Entities.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 9 November 2025 and were signed on its behalf by
Tracey Wauchope Trustee
Charity Registration No. 1198333
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HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Statutory information
Hornimans Adventure Playground is a Charitable Incorporation Organisation (CIO) with the charity number 1198333.
2 Compliance with accounting standards
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Playground's constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The Playground is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
3 Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below and have remained unchanged from the previous year, and also have been consistently applied within the same accounts.
Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain fixed assets.
Presentation currency
The accounts are presented in £ sterling.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible assets are included at cost less depreciation and impairment. Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful lives:
Land & buildings Over a 20 year period (life of the lease) Fixtures & fittings 25% on cost
| 4 Tangible fixed assets Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 |
Land & buildings £ At cost 256,226 256,226 243,327 717 244,044 12,182 12,899 |
Fixtures & fittings £ At cost 138,853 138,853 138,853 - 138,853 - - |
Total £ 395,079 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 395,079 | |||
| 382,180 717 |
|||
| 382,897 | |||
| 12,182 | |||
| 12,899 |
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HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 5 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year Accrued income and prepayments Other debtors 6 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals |
2025 £ 5,782 52,678 58,460 2025 £ 9,753 |
2024 £ 5,782 48,218 |
|---|---|---|
| 54,000 | ||
| 2024 £ 9,753 |
7 Average number of employees
During the year the average number of employees was 6 (2024: 6).
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HORNIMANS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND DETAILED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Income Charitable activities-grants Investments Administrative expenses Wages and salaries Pensions Social security costs Temporary staff and recruitment Staff training and welfare Premises costs Running costs Depreciation Charitable expenditure Net income Total income for the financial year |
2025 £ 190,256 1,209 191,465 89,725 2,907 10,761 - - 8,452 29,447 717 2,058 144,067 47,398 47,398 |
2024 £ 192,248 672 |
|---|---|---|
| 192,920 | ||
| 86,362 3,110 13,639 - - 5,953 77,883 717 1,703 |
||
| 189,367 | ||
| 3,553 | ||
| 3,553 |
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