2025-07-31-accounts

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This is our first ever annual report — and to be honest, it still feels a bit surreal to look back on how far we’ve come in just one year.

We started with an empty building that hadn’t been used in years. It was cold, tired, and full of potential. There was no team, no children, no funding — and no guarantee it would work. But we had a clear aim: to bring a Welsh-medium early years setting back to life for the local community.

It wasn’t easy. We hit obstacles at every turn — from getting registered and securing insurance, to fixing the space, buying equipment, and finding the right people to join the team. But slowly, bit by bit, it started to come together. One year later, we’re proud to say we have a setting that’s busy, welcoming, and full of energy.

The children are learning and playing through Welsh, building confidence and friendships, and having the kind of early years experience we hoped for from the start. The playground is being used again. Parents tell us they feel supported and listened to. And staff feel proud of where they work — which matters just as much.

We’ve made a real effort to invest in our team. Everyone has had access to training and support — from safeguarding and ALN, to Welsh language development and first aid. We want our staff to feel confident, valued, and able to give their best every day.

We’ve also relaunched Ti a Fi, brought in grant funding to support families with free and subsidised hours, and made sure the setting is inclusive, safe and consistent.

Has it been hard work? Absolutely. But it’s also been worth it — every bit of it.

Thank you to everyone who’s helped us get here. Whether you’ve been involved as a parent, trustee, staff member, funder, or just someone cheering us on — we appreciate you. You’ve helped turn a closed-down building into a space full of laughter, learning, and life again.

Geraint Turner

Chair of Trustees

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

01

Objectives and Activities

Charitable Purpose

Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen is a registered charity dedicated to advancing early years education through the medium of Welsh. We provide high-quality, inclusive childcare and learning opportunities for children aged 2 to 4.

Public Benefit

In accordance with section 17 of the Charities Act 2011, the Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance. Our services promote child development, community cohesion, and Welsh language revitalisation.

About Us

Who We Are

Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen is a Welsh-medium early years setting based in Clydach, offering childcare and early education for children aged 2 to 5. We provide a play-led, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children are supported to develop socially, emotionally, physically, and linguistically.

Our Vision

To create a safe, welcoming and inspiring Welsh-medium space for children to thrive — building confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

Our Mission

To provide affordable, high-quality childcare through the medium of Welsh, support children’s early development, and strengthen community ties through language, culture and care.

Our Activities in 2024–2025

Childcare & Early Education

We operated five days a week, delivering the Curriculum for funded non-maintained settings curriculum through structured play and bilingual immersion. We welcomed over 38 children across the year, including those with additional learning needs.

Ti a Fi

Our parent and toddler group was relaunched and grew steadily, offering early socialisation and gentle Welsh language exposure for babies and toddlers.

Outdoor Play

The playground has been revitalised and is now a key part of our daily routine, supporting physical development and active learning.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

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Food Provision

Healthy snacks and light meals were provided each day and we secured grant funding to ensure families facing hardship were not excluded from access to food.

• Training & Development

All staff undertook training in safeguarding, Welsh language development, ALN awareness, and first aid. This commitment to staff investment is part of our core ethos.

• Community Engagement

We hosted seasonal events, open mornings, and worked closely with local schools and families to ensure smooth transitions for children starting primary school.

Impact and Outcomes

• Children built strong language foundations in Welsh, many with no prior exposure at home.

• Parental feedback indicated improved wellbeing, confidence, and satisfaction with early learning experiences.

• Staff reported increased confidence and clarity in their roles following regular supervisions and access to CPD.

• Families expressed reduced financial pressure through our subsidised childcare and food provision.

• The Ti a Fi programme engaged new families, supporting early language development and social connection.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is at the heart of our work. All staff and volunteers are fully DBS-checked and have completed safeguarding training appropriate to their roles. We follow a comprehensive safeguarding policy, reviewed annually by the Board, and have a designated safeguarding lead on staff and at board level. All concerns are recorded, escalated, and acted upon in line with CIW and local safeguarding board guidance.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

03

“Our little girl has settled in really well to Cylch. The staff are brilliant really approachable and helpful. We feel confident leaving her in their care knowing she is well looked after and kept busy with all the lovely activities on offer to her each day. I'd highly recommend this lovely little setting"

— Parent feedback, January 2025

"I am very pleased with the level of care staff provide to my child. I feel confident and happy leaving her knowing she is in good hands."

— Parent feedback, March 2025

"My son has been attending for a while now and I couldn't be happier with our experience. He absolutely loves going in and always tells me about the fun activities he does there. I get regular photos which are really nice to see. The staff there are brilliant with both myself and my son. Highly recommend Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen."

— Parent feedback, May 2025

Structure:

Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen is a registered charity governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees. Our constitution sets out our governance framework, decision-making responsibilities, and eligibility for board membership.

Administrative Details:

1208782

Address:

Gellionnen Road

Clydach Swansea SA6 5HE

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

04

• Achieved CIW registration as a brand-new setting — building our governance, staffing and policies from the ground up.

• Established a functioning and skilled board with trustees bringing expertise in finance, safeguarding, early years education and charity governance.

• Reviewed and implemented a full suite of core policies — from safeguarding and health & safety to finance and GDPR — ensuring the setting met regulatory and best practice standards. Introduced structured trustee oversight, including monthly board meetings, safeguarding checks, and strategic planning sessions.

• Set clear expectations around accountability for staff and board members, creating a culture of openness and professionalism from day one.

Staff and Volunteers

Our Team

We are proud to have built a small, passionate team of early years practitioners committed to the values of play, inclusion and bilingualism.

• 4 paid staff members

• All staff supported through induction, supervision and training

• 100% of staff completed mandatory safeguarding and first aid courses

• We pay staff at or above Real Living Wage

05

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

We have worked closely with:

• Mudiad Meithrin – for training, support, and resource development Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) – to ensure full compliance and quality Bevan Buckland LLP – for financial reporting and independent examination Swansea Council – as part of grant programmes for Capital, Revenue and early years

• programmes

This year we focused on opening our doors and creating a genuine sense of welcome — not just for the children, but for families and the wider community too.

We hosted regular coffee mornings, giving parents a chance to chat, connect, and feel part of the setting.

Our open days were well attended and gave new families the chance to see what we’re about in a relaxed, informal way.

We’ve also worked hard to create a culture where parents feel able to speak openly, ask questions and be part of their child’s early years journey.

Environmental Responsibility

Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen is committed to embedding environmental responsibility into daily practice, recognising the importance of sustainability not only for the planet, but also for the children in our care. We believe that early years settings have a unique opportunity to model and teach respect for the environment in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

Throughout 2024–2025, we made a conscious effort to reduce waste, promote sustainable habits, and use natural resources wisely:

We introduced reusable tableware across the setting, significantly reducing our reliance on single-use plastics.Our snack and craft areas now include recycling and composting systems, which staff and children use together as part of everyday routines. Where possible, we source food, materials and cleaning products locally, supporting community suppliers and cutting down on packaging and transport-related emissions. We encourage daily outdoor play in all weathers, reducing energy use indoors while helping children build resilience and a strong connection to the natural world. Natural and repurposed materials are regularly used in our learning environment — from wooden blocks to real-life items and recycled packaging — supporting creativity while promoting environmental awareness.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

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Looking ahead, we are committed to developing a formal Sustainability and Eco-Play Policy during 2025–2026. This will guide our ongoing efforts and ensure environmental values are fully embedded across our setting — from curriculum planning to procurement and premises management.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen, inclusion isn’t an add-on — it’s at the heart of how we work. We believe every child should feel they belong, no matter their background, language, ability, or family circumstances. From the moment families walk through the door, our aim is to create a setting that feels safe, welcoming and genuinely accessible.

We’ve supported children with a wide range of additional needs, working closely with families and professionals to offer the right help at the right time. All staff have received training in inclusive practice and ALN, and we continue to build our team’s confidence and skills in this area through supervision and reflective discussions.

We’ve made sure that families accessing funded or subsidised places are treated with the same respect and care as everyone else — removing stigma and ensuring full inclusion in everything we do. For families who don’t speak Welsh, we offer reassurance, clear communication, and opportunities to learn alongside their children. Many of our families come from non-Welsh-speaking households — and we’ve shown that doesn’t need to be a barrier.

Inclusion is a constant process, not a one-off achievement. We review our practice regularly, listen to feedback from families, and are always looking for ways to make the Cylch more accessible, responsive and representative of the community we serve.

As a newly established charity, managing our finances carefully has been essential — not just to stay afloat, but to build something that’s sustainable, fair, and fit for purpose. Income

Our income this year came from a combination of parental fees, targeted grant funding, and local fundraising efforts. We’ve made a conscious effort to keep fees affordable, and we’re proud to have secured grant support that allowed us to offer funded and subsidised places to families who needed them most.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

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We’re especially grateful to:

• COAST Swansea, for helping fund our holiday provision

• Swansea Council and local funders, for supporting core costs and community access Parents, trustees and supporters who contributed time, donations and goodwill to help

• us grow

Spending

We’ve invested in the things that matter most:

• Staffing and training – our biggest cost, and our most important one. We’ve prioritised

• fair pay, CPD, and building a strong, skilled team.

• Resources and learning materials – to make the setting vibrant, inclusive, and

• developmentally rich.

Safety and compliance – ensuring the building, systems and policies meet regulatory standards and give families confidence

We also made significant one-off investments to bring the setting up to operational standard — from fire safety work and cleaning to furniture, signage and insurance.

Approach

All financial decisions are overseen by the Treasurer and Board of Trustees, with monthly reporting and annual independent examination provided by Bevan Buckland LLP. We aim to maintain reserves equal to at least six months’ running costs and are on track to meet this by mid-2025.

As we look ahead, developing diverse, long-term funding streams — including grants, partnerships and community income — will be key to building financial resilience.

Acknowledging Our Funders

We are grateful for the support of:

Mudiad Meithrin

• Swansea Council (COAST Fund, ALN Fund, Early Years Fund)

• Community Foundation Wales

• Individual donors and parents who contributed time and resources

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

08

Reserves

We aim to maintain reserves equal to at least six months’ operating costs. As of year-end, reserves stand at £36,289, which is in line with this policy.

As a newly established charity, we’ve been realistic about the challenges of running a small early years setting — and proactive in identifying and managing the risks that come with it.

We maintain a live risk register , which is reviewed quarterly by the Board of Trustees and updated as new issues or opportunities arise. This helps us stay ahead of potential problems and ensures trustees are fully informed.

Key risks we’ve managed this year include:

• Staffing continuity – recruiting and retaining qualified, Welsh-speaking staff is an ongoing challenge across the sector. We’ve mitigated this by investing in staff development, offering regular supervision, and ensuring clear policies are in place for induction, training and cover.

• Reliance on grant funding – a significant portion of our income currently comes from short-term or project-based grants. We’ve worked to build stronger relationships with funders, explore new income streams, and maintain appropriate financial reserves.

• Operational costs and inflation – rising costs of food, resources, and utilities have put

• pressure on the budget. We’ve responded by improving procurement practices, using local and recycled materials where possible, and carefully monitoring spending.

• Regulatory compliance – being a newly registered CIW setting brought a high compliance

• workload. We’ve mitigated this through a strong governance structure, regular policy reviews, and close working relationships with regulators and advisors.

Our approach is simple:

Plan ahead, communicate clearly, and stay responsive. We know risks will continue to evolve as we grow, but we’ve laid strong foundations for managing them confidently and transparently.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

09

Starting a new charity from an empty building wasn’t just a project — it was a leap of faith. And while there’s a lot to celebrate, we’ve had to learn quickly, adapt constantly, and overcome more than a few bumps in the road.

• Starting from zero meant everything had to be built — from policies and payroll to insurance, risk assessments, recruitment, and cleaning cupboards. It took more time and more money than we expected, and it tested our patience and our problem-solving skills. Recruiting the right staff was tough , especially with limited hours and a need for Welsh language skills. But we learned that investing in support, training and clear communication helps people settle, stay, and grow into their roles.

• Balancing affordability with sustainability is an ongoing challenge. We want to keep fees fair — especially for families who need support — but we also need to plan for rising costs, fair wages, and growth. This is something we’ll keep revisiting with honesty and care.

• The CIW registration process was complex — but going through it from the beginning has helped us put in place strong, lasting systems. We’re now confident in our compliance, and proud to be running a safe, well-regulated setting.

• Most importantly, we’ve learned that people matter more than anything — the right team, the right support, and a community that believes in what we’re doing. That’s what has got us through the hard bits.

Looking Ahead

After a successful first year, we’re not slowing down. 2025–2026 will be about consolidating what we’ve built, deepening our roots, and planning for long-term impact — with children, families and community at the heart of it all.

We’re committed to delivering not just more of the same, but better: better environments, better opportunities for our staff, and better outcomes for the families who trust us.

Our priorities for the year ahead include:

• Transforming our outdoor space into a more engaging, nature-connected play area that supports physical development and environmental learning.

• Strengthening our governance , with training and a skills audit for trustees — ensuring our board can grow with the organisation and meet future challenges with confidence.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

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• Deepening community partnerships by collaborating with local schools, family services,

• and cultural organisations — making sure our work is joined-up, inclusive, and part of a wider local offer.

• Investing further in our staff team , including ongoing CPD, reflective practice sessions, and wellbeing support — because quality care starts with a confident, valued workforce. Exploring sustainable income models , including traded services, partnerships, and longterm grants — reducing reliance on short-term funding and increasing financial resilience.

We’ve proven we can turn an empty building into a thriving, fully compliant, community-led setting in under 12 months. With the right support, we’re ready to grow — and to ensure that Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen becomes a lasting, embedded part of the early years landscape in Swansea.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

11

“I have worked in early years for many years-Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen is a breath of fresh air. I enjoy working in this beautiful place. The flow of the setting is amazing. My work colleagues are absolutely fabulous and I feel so happy going to work every day. As for the management team they are so supportive and anything you need they are happy to help, I’m honoured to be part of this fabulous team” - Laura Thomas, Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen

“Working at Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen is genuinely a joy. There’s a special kind of warmth here, the kind that comes from being part of a close-knit, caring team who truly put the children first. Every day feels meaningful. Whether it's supporting a child through their first steps in Welsh, helping them navigate friendships, or just sharing in their daily discoveries, you know you’re making a difference. What makes Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen stand out is the ethos: nurturing, inclusive, and focused on wellbeing. Not just for the children, but for the staff too. There’s room for professional growth, mutual support when things get tough, and laughter in the little moments. It’s a place where your voice is heard and your work is valued. I feel proud to be part of something so special” - Catrin Watkins, Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen

Working at Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen means being an integral part of a warm and welcoming community. It’s more than just a place of work—it’s a shared space where children, families, and staff come together to support one another and create a nurturing environment. Being surrounded by familiar faces and working closely with the school allows for strong relationships to form and gives a sense of continuity and shared purpose. It’s incredibly rewarding to support each child as they begin to discover new skills and take their first steps on their Welsh language journey. Through the power of songs, stories, and meaningful play, we can spark curiosity and help children develop confidence in using the language in a natural and joyful way. Every day is an opportunity to enhance a child’s wellbeing by truly listening to their voice, encouraging them to express themselves, and ensuring that every child feels included and valued. I feel genuinely proud to be part of a team that is not only passionate about early years education but is also deeply committed to making a positive” difference in the lives of the children we care for. - Emili Cowles, Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

12

“I am a Trustee of Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen because I believe passionately in the importance of the Welsh language and giving children the best start through early immersion. The Cylch plays a vital role in supporting Ysgol Gymraeg Gellionnen by boosting nursery intake and helping keep the Welsh language alive in our village for future generations” - Aimee Jenkins, Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen Trustee

“I agreed to be a Trustee because I believe in the importance of giving children the best start through high-quality early years education. Supporting a Welsh language setting helps strengthen the language and culture in our community. I want to help ensure a smooth and confident transition for children into Ysgol Gellionnen that they’ll grow and thrive in” - Nia Edwards, Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen Trustee

“Being a Trustee of Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen is a real privilege — it’s a way to give something back, to support Welsh-medium early years education, and to help create a caring, joyful space where local children can grow up feeling confident, curious, and connected to their community and culture” - Bethan Turner, Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen Trustee

We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this first year such a success. From families and funders to trustees, volunteers, and community supporters — your belief, time, and kindness brought Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen to life.

We’re especially grateful to:

• Our funders, for investing in children’s futures

• Our staff, for their dedication and care

• Our families, for their trust and partnership

• The local community, for welcoming us so warmly

This has been a year of foundations — not just physical ones, but cultural, financial, and operational. From an empty building, we’ve built a thriving, bilingual early years setting rooted in care, community, and purpose.

We’ve delivered high-quality, play-based learning to local children, created jobs, supported families, and opened our doors to a wider community. Behind the scenes, we’ve put robust systems in place to ensure that our governance, safeguarding, and financial oversight are strong and sustainable.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come — and even more excited about what’s ahead

Diolch yn fawr iawn.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNT JUNE 2024 - JULY 2025

13

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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Report to the trustees

Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen

On accounts for the year 31st July 2025 ended

Charity no 1208782 (if any)

Set out on pages

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31st July 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees, 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 all 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

Independent come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me examiner's statement cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130

• •• of the Charities Act; or

• the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did 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.

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.

Signed:

Date: 21st August 2025

Name: Henry Lloyd-Davies

Relevant professional ACA (ICAEW) qualification(s) or body (if any):

Address: Bevan Buckland LLP, Cardigan House, Castle Court Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9LA

1

Oct 2018

IER

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Section B Disclosure
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Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

We also attach a copy of the charity’s Trustees Annual Report.

2

Oct 2018

IER