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2025-03-31-accounts

Registered Charity Number: 1201368

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE

PLAYGROUND CIO

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO CONTENTS TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page
Trustees’ Report 2 – 10
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Statement of Cashflows 14
Notes to the Financial Statements 15 - 23
Independent Examiner’s Report 24

Page 1

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

CHARITY INFORMATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Trustees

Mr James Wilks Mr Christopher Barrett DL Mr Jeremy Malkinson Mrs Deborah Farnfield Mrs Karen Roberts Mrs Reama Shearman Ms Lucia Leong

Chair (from 11 December 2024) Vice-Chair (Chair until 11 December 2024) Treasurer

Board Secretary Miss Sian Hughes

Vice Presidents

Mrs Pat Murray Mrs Rosemary Peters Mrs Sylvia Livsey

Patrons

Mr Alex Horne Mr Peter Prior

Key Management Personnel

Head of Charity – Mr Gary Warrington Playground Operations Manager – Ms Sylwia Lipska Community Outreach Coordinator – Ms Lucie Grange

Independent Examiners Crowe U.K. LLP R+ Building 2 Blagrave Street Reading Berkshire RG1 1AZ

Banks

Barclays Bank Plc Leicester LE87 2BB Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking Sunderland SR43 4GG

Charity Address Thames Valley Adventure Playground for People with Special Needs Bath Road Taplow SL6 0PR

Principal Office Thames Valley Adventure Playground CIO Sheephouse Farm Offices Maidenhead SL6 8UH

Page 2

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

The Trustees present their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 under the Charities Act 2011, together with the financial statements for the year.

The Board confirms that the latter comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the Charity’s Constitution and the Charities SORP FRS 102 (2019).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Entity

Thames Valley Adventure Playground CIO was entered onto the Register of Charities on 16 December 2022 with Registered Charity Number 1201368.

Thames Valley Adventure Playground CIO replaced the former charity Thames Valley Adventure Playground Association (Registered Charity Number 278336) having the same charitable objects, and taking over all its activities, assets and liabilities under an asset transfer agreement with effective date 1 April 2023. This was duly authorised by order of The Charity Commission of England and Wales dated 25 April 2023 under section 105 of the Charities Act 2011.

Governing Document

The governing instrument is the Constitution of Thames Valley Adventure Playground CIO (TVAP), dated 15 December 2022. TVAP is administered, in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution, by the Board of Trustees, who are constituted as the Trustees of the Charity. The Charity registration number is 1201368.

Method of Appointment and Composition of the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees and the officers of the CIO are elected by the members of the CIO in a general meeting to direct and manage the Charity’s affairs. All officers are trustees, and all trustees must be members of the CIO. The Board of Trustees consists of the three offices (Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Treasurer) plus a number of other trustees. The Chair of the CIO is also Chairman of the Board.

Induction and Training of Trustees

Nominations for new Trustees are put forward by the board for election by the members on the basis of eligibility, personal competence, specialist skills and experience, and local knowledge.

Trustees are inducted into the workings of the Charity by meeting with the Chairman and Treasurer who provide them with copies of the Constitution, accounts and other relevant documentation. Trustees are encouraged to attend external training courses.

Organisation

Three sub-committees dealing respectively with operations, finance and marketing meet regularly throughout the year and report directly to the Board of Trustees, which meets formally four times a year or more often as required. The Head of Charity is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Playground and reports directly to the Trustees.

Financial management is tightly controlled, and management financial statements are presented to the sub-committees and Board of Trustees on a quarterly basis. The playground operates a system of staff assessment and staff training. All the salaried staff and voluntary helpers are police-checked in accordance with Safeguarding Legislation (Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006).

Page 3

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Key Management Personnel

The Trustees consider that the Head of Charity, Playground Operations Manager and Community Outreach Coordinator are the key management personnel of the Charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the Charity on a day-to-day basis during the year under review.

The pay of the key management personnel (as with all other staff) is reviewed periodically, with a view to ensuring that it keeps pace with inflation, properly rewards performance and is comparable with pay levels in similar organisations. These factors are assessed in the context of the financial constraints within which the Charity must operate.

OBJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

The objects of the association are to alleviate the needs of children and adults with special needs, and their relatives and carers, by the provision of facilities for adventure play and other appropriate leisure time occupation. In particular, the association aims to:

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The Thames Valley Adventure Playground for People with Special Needs (TVAP) is a very special play facility. More than just a playground, it is no less than a lifeline to many children and their families and is an Ofsted-registered day care facility for the provision of respite care. Pre-Covid, the Playground welcomed over 5,000 adults and children from 33 different counties who made over 15,000 visits in total each year.

The Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults, and expects all staff, visiting staff, volunteers, parents, guardians and carers to share this commitment. It is registered with Ofsted under number EY260 492 to provide full daycare.

TVAP is open to any person with a special need. Its specialist indoor and outdoor play, recreational and learning facilities, are available to all children, teenagers and adults with special needs, whether they have a physical or learning disability, a sensory impairment, behavioural difficulties or autism, or whether they are socially disadvantaged or unable to make meaningful use of alternative mainstream provision. TVAP provides unique support to its service users, siblings, families and carers, including respite and advisory services.

The facilities are run and maintained by a team of 8 salaried staff and approximately 30 sessional staff (on a seasonally variable basis), who are supported by a loyal band of dedicated volunteers. The Adventure Playground offers something for everyone and is somewhere that the whole family can feel comfortable and enjoy the fun, stimulation and freedom of a good day out. The pressures and stress, often associated with accessing mainstream recreational facilities, are removed and each individual is equally valued and positively enabled to enjoy a unique range of play opportunities. From the use of our adapted and specially designed equipment to making and hanging out with friends, TVAP is, for many, the only form of recreation that meets their particular needs, and those of their families. TVAP understands that its service users will play ‘differently’ and, by embracing those differences, creates an environment where everybody has possibilities.

Page 4

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)

TVAP operates from a site comprising two log cabin style buildings on a 2.5-acre purpose-built site in Taplow (owned by Summerleaze Limited), the facilities include a huge interactive soft play area, two contrasting multi-sensory rooms, a music room, arts and craft facilities, a woodwork room and a resources area, as well as two fully equipped playrooms and a games area. Both buildings are fully wheelchairaccessible and have toilet and changing facilities. During term time, TVAP is used by children from special schools. Every Thursday is Youth Club night, Fridays are reserved for special needs adults, and on Saturdays and holiday periods we welcome a mixture of families, individuals, play schemes and parent support groups.

The outdoor playground is equipped with a myriad of adventurous play equipment including a wheelchairaccessible roundabout and swings, and a purpose-built elevated walkway enabling those with mobility difficulties to ‘climb’ in the trees. A special 40-metre runway with bucket seat and harness allows even the most disabled person to enjoy the ride. Together with a wealth of play structures and exciting equipment, sand and water play areas, and a safety surfaced games area (with specially adapted bikes and trikes) there really is something for everyone.

TVAP is supervised and fenced to maintain the safety of the children, enabling them to enjoy a sense of freedom, individuality and self-determination that has been denied them in many other areas of their lives.

POLICIES AND RESERVES

It is the Trustees’ policy to ensure that all money received is used to serve the objects of TVAP and reserves are held to secure its continuing existence. The current policy of the Trustees is to aim to maintain free reserves at a level equivalent to between 6- and 12-months’ core annual expenditure. As at 31 March 2025, free reserves as defined by the Charity Commission (unrestricted funds less any balances not available for spending such as fixed assets and designated funds) were £389,443 (2024: £329,652) . For the year ended 31 March 2025, core annual expenditure (defined by the Trustees as unrestricted expenditure on charitable activities excluding depreciation) was £453,055 (2024: £432,026) .

TVAP places great emphasis on maintaining the quality of the facilities and care it provides. Particular attention is focused on health and safety considerations and on staff training.

The Charity had no reserves with a negative balance. Free reserves at the year-end were in line with the levels set by the reserves policy (between 6- and 12-months’ core annual expenditure) at a level of approximately 10 months’ core annual expenditure ( 2024: 9 months’ ). The breakdown of reserves was as follows:

Funds at 31 March 2025
Free reserves at 31 March 2025		 General
Fund
£
507,032
Free
Reserves
£
389,444		 Restricted
Fund
£
38,895		 Total
£
545,927

Page 5

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

INVESTMENT POLICY

The Trustees’ current investment policy is to hold the charity’s funds as cash, a proportion of which may be in interest-bearing deposits. The Trustees review alternative investments on a continuing basis and may change their policy as and when they consider it safe and worthwhile to do so.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the Charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks.

The Trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:

This work has identified that financial sustainability is the major financial risk for the Charity. A key element in the management of financial risk is a regular review of available reserves and liquid funds to settle debts as they fall due, and active management of expenditure to ensure sufficient working capital is available to the Charity.

Attention has also been focussed on non-financial risks arising from fire, health and safety and child protection. These risks are managed by ensuring accreditation is up to date, having robust policies and procedures in place, and regular awareness training for staff working in these operational areas.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

In furtherance of the Charity’s aims and objectives the Trustees, have complied with their duty in section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s published general guidance concerning the operation of the public benefit requirement under that Act.

FUNDRAISING

TVAP is committed to the highest standards in fundraising. At all times we will ensure that we are respectful, open, honest and accountable to our supporters and the public.

TVAP is a small charity that principally raises funds from Trusts and Foundations, Companies, Individuals, Partnerships and funds from statutory and government agencies. It also raises funds through community events and activities.

Fundraising approaches made by TVAP are personal and targeted on those individuals who have expressed interest in our work and to institutions that support the services we provide. TVAP does not engage in large scale fundraising activities like mass mailings, telephone fundraising or door-to-door campaigns. Under no circumstances will TVAP share personal information of our supporters for the purposes of third party marketing or processing.

The management team, trustees and volunteers all play a significant role in raising and managing funds for TVAP. The Core Finance subcommittee of the Board of Trustees meets quarterly and provides oversight of fundraising strategy and delivery.

Page 6

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

TVAP aims to conform to the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice. This Code was established in 2016 with an aim of setting and maintaining the standards for charitable fundraising while ensuring that fundraising is respectful, open, honest and accountable to the public. Any breaches of the Code or complaints about TVAP’s fundraising activities are taken very seriously. There have been no such breaches or complaints reported in the year to 31 March 2025, or subsequently.

From time to time, TVAP may use third party organisations to help raise funds. This might include, for example, the use of an agency to support the delivery of an event, the use of an agency to run an auction (e.g. Givergy) or the use of an agency to introduce TVAP to customers of the agency who have expressed an interest in learning about supporting charitable work.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

It is my great honour to have been elected chair of Trustees in November 2024 and wish to thank my fellow trustees for their confidence. I would specifically like to commend my predecessors for the work done in sustaining TVAP through the COVID period and rebuilding during the aftermath.

To quote from last year’s report: “we see no diminution in the need for our services, quite the opposite in fact”. This remains as true today as it was last year, and my intent is both to sustain what has been achieved to date and build on it as the needs and concerns of our beneficiaries and the disabled community continue to grow.

Our main objectives and activities are as detailed elsewhere in the annual report and summarised as “Our Purpose”:

“to provide the best life possible” for both the families of disabled people and the individuals themselves. We do this by using Adventure Play as the means to:

We can only do this through the benevolence, altruism and support of many individuals – Staff, Friends, Volunteers, Trustees, Companies and Charitable Trusts, without whom none of this would be possible. Your dedication and your support are deeply appreciated by all our beneficiaries, and I am proud to have been asked to lead such a collective effort.

Achievements and Performance

In the year ended 31 March 2025, we:

In March 2024 we committed to becoming better known in the area – the title “the best kept secret in Maidenhead” to be firmly put behind us.

The community engagement team, led by Lucie Grange, has worked to increase awareness through radio, print media, and social media. They have built solid relationships with local community groups and businesses. The concomitant financial support gained from this awareness drive has been significant in keeping us not only viable but returning us to a cash-positive position.

Page 7

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (Continued)

This work will continue through 2025 as Lucie and the Friends of TVAP , and the trustees will keep our name and work in the public consciousness.

Patron

It gives me great pleasure to announce a new Patron of TVAP – Mr Alex Horne. A well-known TV and radio personality, Alex agreed to join TVAP in this role in May 2025, after a hiatus following the sad passing of the Association’s former President, Tim Brooke-Taylor. We look forward to Alex’s contributions to our future fundraising and awareness efforts.

Investment policy and performance

The cost to TVAP CIO of providing its services and facilities, in terms of core annual expenditure, was approximately £453,000 for the year to 31 March 2025 (up from £432,000 year ending March 2024). Fund-raising effort and charitable giving during this time brought in total unrestricted income of £514,000 enabling us to increase our free reserves which are held in accordance with the investment policy and monitored by the Trustee treasurer.

We anticipate a similar rise in like-for-like costs for 2025/6 – and will be working hard to both raise the requisite funds as well as reduce outgoings wherever possible.

Strategic and tactical aims for 2025 and beyond

Page 8

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (CONTINUED)

We recognise that caregivers' own well-being is crucial to the quality of life of those they care for – this space will provide opportunities of greater interaction with other parents and carers, TVAP staff, and with service providers specialising in disability provision: all aimed at relieving stress and isolation commonly experienced by caregivers. For more details, please contact the trustees.

Access to relevant, timely and accurate information remains an important element of caregiving. As a part of our Hub, we will build and curate that information source, to both share our own expertise and our wide-ranging access to third party information, as well as signpost other relevant expertise and knowledge hubs.

I am pleased to announce that to date we have confirmed support of nearly 60% of the estimated 3-year investment and running costs of this new venture (ring-fenced from our traditional costs). In line with the original timescales, and holding to the principle that without pledged funds, we would not expand beyond our core services, we have given ourselves until November 2025 to secure the remainder, before starting the required refurbishment and recruitment. We are confident in being able to achieve this without affecting our existing funding sources or service provision.

Jim Wilks Chair of Trustees November 2025.

FINANCIAL REVIEW OF THE YEAR

The Statement of Financial Activities, which sets out the Charity’s income and expenditure for the year ended 31 March 2025, appears on page 12 of this report.

Total income for the year (net of fundraising costs) was £534,123 (2024: £419,623) and was principally composed of donations of £299,557 (2024: £260,293) , user contributions and memberships of £187,931 (2024: £150,412) , net fundraising and other income of £25,185 (2024: £3,793) , and interest received of £1,450 (2024: £nil) . Grants and Local Authority funding amounted to £20,000 (2024: £5,125). The Charity’s services and facilities provide a lifeline for thousands of service users coming from many different counties, and, in the absence of any significant funding from local authorities, these accounts continue to demonstrate its total dependence on voluntary income..

Total expenditure on charitable activities for the year was £504,948 (2024: £487,403) . The majority of this expenditure related to staff and pension costs amounting to £369,452 (2024: £351,278). The Trustees consider the Head of Charity and other staff to be the very essence of the Charity’s existence and consider it vital to recognise and properly reward the special skills and commitment they contribute. Thanks to a high level of volunteer help and sponsorship in many areas of its work, the Charity’s administrative costs are kept to an absolute minimum. Included within expenditure on charitable activities is a total depreciation charge of £30,617 (2024: £36,148) , most of which relates to the annual writing-down of the annex.

The above factors resulted in an overall financial profit for the year of £29,175 (2024: deficit £67,780).

Page 9

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Balance Sheet, which records the Charity’s assets and liabilities as at 31 March 2025, appears on page 13.

Reserves are held to allow the Charity to further its objectives. The Trustees consider it prudent and appropriate to aim to maintain free reserves at a level equivalent to between 6- and 12-months’ core annual expenditure. The Charity’s free reserves at the end of the year under review were £389,444 (2024: £329,652). Core annual expenditure for the year was £453,055 (2024: £432,026) . Free reserves were thus equivalent to approximately 10 months’ core annual expenditure (2024: 9 months’) which is within the range set by the Charity’s reserves policy.

The Charity’s total cash funds as at the year-end were £437,887 (2024: £382,581)

The Restricted Fund relates principally to the capitalised cost (less accumulated depreciation) of the Jock’s Cabin annexe, constructed in 2003 from funds given specifically for that purpose. See note 12b) for further analysis of other restricted donations received.

TVAP continues to suffer from a lack of substantial guaranteed funding. As ever, it faces the perennial challenge of generating sufficient income to cover its core annual funding requirement, which is currently running, on the basis of the year under review, at a level in excess of £450,000 per annum.

Approved by the Trustees on 21 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by

J Wilks J Malkinson Chairman Treasurer

Page 10

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions, disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the charity’s constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Page 11

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
Grants & local authority
funding
Fundraising
4
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
4
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds
Fund at 1 April 2024
Fund balances carried forward
12		 General
Fund
£
466,212
20,000
26,990
1,450
514,652
1,805
477,459
479,264
-
35,388
471,644
507,032		 Restricted
Fund
£
21,276
-
-
-
21,276
-
27,489
27,489
-
(6,213)
45,108
38,895		 Total
Funds
2025
£
487,488
20,000
26,990
1,450
535,928
1,805
504,948
506,753
-
29,175
516,752
545,927		 Total
Funds
2024
£
410,705
5,125
4,286
-
420,116
493
487,403
487,896
-
(67,780)
584,532
516,752

All disclosures relate only to continuing operations.

There are no other recognised gains and losses other than the income and expenditure for the year.

The notes on pages 14 to 22 form part of these financial statements

Page 12

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

BALANCE SHEET

31 MARCH 2025

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
9
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS: amounts falling due within
one year
11
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
REPRESENTED BY:
Restricted Funds
12
Unrestricted Funds
12		 31 March
2025
£
£
140,601
25,011
437,887
462,898
(57,572)
405,326
545,927
38,895
507,032
545,927		 31 March
2024
£
171,218
4,935
382,581
387,516
(41,982)
345,534
516,752
45,108
471,644
516,752

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 21 January 2026.

J Wilks J Malkinson Chairman Treasurer

The notes on pages 14 to 22 form part of these financial statements

Page 13

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

CASHFLOW STATEMENT

31 MARCH 2025

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
Depreciation charges
Adjustment to fixed assets
(Profit)/loss on disposal
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash flow from operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Fixed asset additions
Net cash flow from investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash flow from financing activities
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS IN
THE YEAR
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the beginning of the year
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF
THE YEAR		 2025
£
29,175
30,617
-
-
(20,076)
15,590
55,306
-
-
-
-
55,306
382,581
437,887		 2024
£
(67,780)
36,147
3,050
1,377
11,174
18,264
2,232
(16,030)
(16,030)
-
-
(13,798)
396,379
382,581

Page 14

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) BASIS OF PREPARATION

TVAP is a charity registered in the UK (charity number 1201368) with its registered office at Bath Road, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0PR.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) (effective January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a true and fair view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities, preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005, which has since been withdrawn.

The Trustees consider that there are adequate cash resources and sufficient reserves at 31 March 2025 and therefore consider that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity can continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements.

The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) INCOME RECOGNITION POLICIES

Voluntary income received by way of donations and gifts to the Charity is included in full in the statement of financial activities when received.

c) EXPENDITURE AND IRRECOVERABLE VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Expenditure on raising funds comprises the costs of the fundraising team and their associated support costs.

Expenditure on charitable activities comprises all costs relating to the furtherance of the charity’s objectives.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the Charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs comprising facilities, general management, legal and professional, IT and governance costs which support the Charity’s activities.

Page 15

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

d) GIFT AID

Gift Aid is accounted for on an accruals basis and included within donations.

e) TERMINATION AND REDUNDANCY PAYMENTS:

A liability is recognised when a commitment is made to:

A termination benefit is charged to the profit and loss immediately on recognition. The liability is recognised as the best estimate of the cost at the reporting date.

f) PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS

The Charity makes contributions to employees’ personal pension policies. The contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are payable.

g) FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets are capitalised at cost. Playground equipment over the value of £10,000 is capitalised. Other fixed assets over the value of £1,000 are capitalised.

h) DEBTORS

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

i) SHORT TERM DEPOSITS AND CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

Short term deposits and Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

j) CREDITORS AND PROVISIONS

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

k) DEPRECIATION

Depreciation is provided at the following rates so as to write them off over their anticipated useful lives. The cabin and equipment are written off at the rate of 10% per annum on a reducing balance basis. Motor vehicles are depreciated at the rate of 25% per annum on a straight line basis. Expenditure on computer equipment is written off in the year in which it is incurred due to its short useful life expectancy. Expenditure on software is written off at the rate of 10% per annum on a reducing balance. However, from 1 April 2019 the useful economic life of the Charity’s playground equipment has been reviewed and a new rate of 20% on a straight-line basis has been introduced. This has been implemented from that date for all new equipment assets and for existing assets partly depreciated at this date will be moved onto this basis.

l) DONATED ASSETS

Donated assets where significant are capitalised at a value equivalent to market value as at the date of donation.

Page 16

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

m) FUNDS

General funds represent the funds of TVAP that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for the application on the general purposes of the TVAP. The purpose of the restricted funds is shown in Note 12.

n) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

2. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. In the view of the Trustees, no assumptions concerning the estimation uncertainty affecting assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date are likely to result in a material adjustment to their carrying amounts.

3. DONATIONS

General donations
User contributions
& memberships
2024 comparative		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
278,281
187,931
466,212
361,073		 Restricted
Funds
£
21,276
-
21,276
49,632		 Total
2025
£
299,557
187,931
487,488
410,705		 Total
2024
£
260,293
150,412
410,705

4. FUNDRAISING – MAIN EVENTS

Fundraising Events – Income
Fundraising Events – Cost
Fundraising Events – Net		 Year ended
31 March
2025
£
26,990
(1,805)
25,185		 Year ended
31 March
2024
£
4,286
(493)
3,793

All of the fundraising events were principally organised by TVAP and the TVAP Network.

Page 17

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5. COSTS OF ACTIVITIES IN FURTHERANCE OF THE CHARITY’S OBJECTS

Direct cost of adventure play activities
Wages and salaries
Pension costs
Energy and water
Training and subscriptions
Vehicle costs
General expenses
Insurance
Maintenance, supplies and equipment
Publicity
Loss on disposal
Depreciation
Support Costs
Wages and salaries
Pension costs
Stationery, postage and advertising
Telephone
General expenses
Professional services
Bank charges
Subtotal of Direct Costs and Support Costs
Restricted Expenditure
Restricted Project expenditure
Restricted depreciation		 Year ended
31 March
2025
£
327,741
23,238
12,134
3,694
585
403
8,683
44,026
333
-
24,404
445,241
17,250
1,223
967
2,203
80
9,013
1,482
32,218
477,459
21,276
6,213
27,489
504,948		 Year ended
31 March
2024
£
303,103
30,611
10,630
2,688
298
3,474
8,216
37,392
45
1,377
29,106
426,940
15,953
1,611
1,199
1,731
695
10,909
1,602
33,700
460,640
19,722
7,041
26,763
487,403

The Charity’s financial administration is provided on a voluntary basis and by sponsorship.

Total governance costs included above are £5,670 (2024: £5,250).

Page 18

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net movement in funds is stated after charging:
Depreciation of fixed assets
Independent Examiner’s remuneration (including VAT)		 Year ended
31 March
2025
£
30,617
5,670		 Year ended
31 March
2024
£
36,148
5,250

7. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security
Pension		 Year ended
31 March
2025
£
324,971
20,019
24,462
369,452		 Year ended
31 March
2024
£
301,847
17,209
32,222
351,278

Page 19

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8. TRUSTEES AND OTHER EMPLOYEES

The average monthly number of persons employed by the CIO during the year was as follows:

Head of Charity
Site Manager
Operations Manager
Community OUteach Coordinator
Play staff
Sessional play staff
Maintenance
Operational support		 2025
No
1
1
1
1
2
23
1
1
31		 2024
No
1
1
1
1
2
22
1
1
30

The key management personnel comprise the Trustees, the Head of Charity, the site manager, the Operations Manager and the Community Outreach Coordinator.

The cost of employee remuneration and benefits of the key management personnel was £142,041 (2024: £152,434)

No trustees were paid any remuneration during the year. During the year a total of £nil (2024: £Nil) was reimbursed to Trustees in respect of travel expenses.

One (2024: One) employee had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 per annum, in the band £70,000-80,000 per annum (2024: in the band £60,000-£70,000 per annum).

The Charity makes contributions to employees’ personal pensions plans. The contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are payable. During the year contributions of £24,462 ( 2024: £32,222) were paid. There was £511 (2024: £nil) of contributions outstanding at the year end.

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost:
At 1 April 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation:
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
at 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024		 Motor van
£
18,600
-
-
18,600
13,950
4,650
-
18,600
-
4,650		 Building and
equipment
£
940,875
-
-
940,875
774,307
25,967
-
800,274
140,601
166,568		 Total
£
959,475
-
-
959,475
788,257
30,617
-
818,874
140,601
171,218

Page 20

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

10. DEBTORS

Taxation – Gift Aid
Prepayments
Accrued Income
Other debtors
11.
CREDITORS:Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Social security and other taxes
Accruals
Deferred income		 31 March
2025
£
8,182
10,859
5,758
212
25,011
31 March
2025
£
21,702
9,111
12,388
6,439
7,932
57,572		 31 March
2024
£
3,980
820
135
-
4,935
31 March
2024
£
9,880
-
5,387
5,175
21,540
41,982

12a. FUNDS

Analysis of net assets by type at 31 March 2025

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities		 General
Fund
£
117,588
447,016
(57,572)
507,032		 Restricted
Fund
£
23,013
15,882
-
38,895		 Total
£
140,601
462,898
(57,572)
545,927

Restricted funds

£23,013 of the restricted funds relate to the capitalised cost of the annex constructed in 2003 from funds given for that purpose and the refurbishment of the entrance fence and gate constructed in 2023. The remaining amount relates to monies given for the bookkeeping and accountancy fees which were overpaid in the year.

Page 21

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Analysis of net assets by type at 31 March 2024

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities		 General
Fund
£
141,992
371,634
(41,982)
471,644		 Restricted
Fund
£
29,226
15,882
-
45,108		 Total
£
171,218
387,516
(41,982)
516,752

12b. Restricted Income and Expenditure analysis for year ended 31 March 2025

Annexe/Fence & Gate
Donated book keeping services
Kenvue grant		 As at 1 April
2024
£
29,226
-
15,882
45,108		 Income
£
-
21,276
-
21,276		 Expenditure
£
(6,213)
(21,276)
-
(27,489)		 As at 31
March
2025
£
23,013
-
15,882
38,895

Restricted Income and Expenditure analysis for year ended 31 March 2024.

Annexe
Donated book keeping services
Kenvue grant
GoKart		 As at 1 April
2023
£
22,149
90
-
-
22,239		 Income
£
14,118
19,132
15,882
500
49,632		 Expenditure
£
(7,041)
(19,222)
-
(500)
(26,763)		 As at 31
March
2024
£
29,226
-
15,882
-
45,108

13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions to report in the year under review.

14. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

At 31 March 2025, the Charity had capital commitments amounting to £nil ( 2024: £nil).

Page 22

THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

All of the Charity’s monetary assets and liabilities are basic financial instruments.

16. TRANSFER

Thames Valley Adventure Playground CIO was entered onto the Register of Charities on 16 December 2022 with Registered Charity Number 1201368.

Thames Valley Adventure Playground CIO replaced the former charity Thames Valley Adventure Playground Association (Registered Charity Number 278336) having the same charitable objects, and taking over all its activities, assets and liabilities under an asset transfer agreement with effective date 1 April 2023. This was duly authorised by order of The Charity Commission of England and Wales dated 25 April 2023 under section 105 of the Charities Act 2011

17. COMPARATIVE SOFA 2024

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
Grants & local authority
funding
Fundraising
4
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
4
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds
Fund at 1 April 2023
Fund balances carried forward
12		 General
Fund
£
361,073
5,125
4,286
-
370,484
493
460,640
461,133
-
(90,649)
562,293
471,644		 Restricted
Fund
£
49,632
-
-
-
49,632
-
26,763
26,763
-
22,869
22,239
45,108		 Total
Funds
2024
£
410,705
5,125
4,286
-
420,116
493
487,403
487,896
-
(67,780)
584,532
516,752		 Total
Funds
2023
£
367,924
8,600
5,060
897
382,481
1,262
457,590
458,852
-
(76,371)
660,903
584,532

Page 23

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

OF THAMES VALLEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND CIO

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 12 to 22.

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My independent examiner’s work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity, the charity’s members as a body and the charity’s trustees as a body for my independent examiner’s work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements 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 all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the 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 financial statements give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered 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.

Janette Joyce CROWE U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants R+ Building 2 Blagrave Street Reading, RG1 1AZ.

Date: 21 January 2026

Page 24