Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees Charity Name Woodchester Playgroup On accounts for the year 31/07/2024 Charity no 292714 ended (if any) Set out on pages 7 pages (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
Report to the trustees
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/07/2024.
Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report 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.
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me 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: 20/05/2025 ~~fe~~ Name: Karen Wilson Relevant professional Previously: ICAEW qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 29 Geralds Way, Chalford, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 8FJ
Oct 2018
1
IER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the None. examiner wishes to disclose .
Oct 2018
2
IER
Executive Summary
Woodchester Playgroup For the year ended 31 July 2024
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Cash | |
| Cash received 99,405.87 |
|
| Cash spent 87,468.28 |
|
| Cash surplus (deficit) 11,937.59 |
|
| Closing bank balance 90,671.66 Profitability |
|
| Income 99,722.73 |
|
| Direct costs - |
|
| Gross profit (loss) 99,722.73 |
|
| Other income - |
|
| Expenses 86,045.11 |
|
| Profit (loss) 13,677.62 Balance Sheet |
|
| Debtors 298.50 |
|
| Creditors (81.04) |
|
| Net assets 92,224.19 Sales |
|
| Number of invoices issued 112.00 |
|
| Average value of invoices 523.22 Performance |
|
| Gross profit margin (%) 100.00 |
|
| Net profit margin (%) 13.72 |
|
| Return on investment (p.a.) (%) 14.83 Position |
|
| Average debtor days 1.10 |
|
| Average creditor days - |
|
| Short term cash forecast 379.54 |
|
| Current assets to liabilities (1,122.53) |
|
| Term assets to liabilities - |
20 May 2025 Page 1 of 7
Management Report Woodchester Playgroup
Cash Summary
Woodchester Playgroup For the year ended 31 July 2024
| Cash Summary Woodchester Playgroup For the year ended 31 July 2024 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| YEARLY | |||
| 2024 | AVERAGE | VARIANCE | |
| (YTD) | |||
| Income | |||
| Accounts Receivable | 1.50 | - | - |
| Donations | 577.50 | - | - |
| Fees | 18,447.25 | (52.50) | 35,237.62% |
| Fundraising | 1,171.60 | - | - |
| Grants | 75,333.65 | - | - |
| Hall Hire | 3,300.00 | - | - |
| Other Revenue | 180.00 | - | - |
| Registration Fee | 210.00 | - | - |
| Stay & Play | 255.23 | - | - |
| Total Income | 99,476.73 | (52.50) | 189,579.49 % |
| Less Expenses | |||
| Accounts Payable | 241.25 | - | - |
| Bad Debt Write Off | 127.50 | - | - |
| Bookkeeping | 3,260.00 | (240.00) | 1,458.33% |
| Cleaning | 1,255.08 | - | - |
| Consumables | 1,352.70 | - | - |
| DBS Checks | 62.98 | - | - |
| Gifts | 18.37 | - | - |
| Insurance | 2,732.97 | - | - |
| Light & Heat | 1,189.13 | - | - |
| NIC Payable | 3,087.41 | - | - |
| Office Salaries | 71,914.74 | - | - |
| Other Staff Costs | 383.99 | - | - |
| Pata Payroll | 582.40 | - | - |
| PAYE Payable | (7,077.88) | - | - |
| Pension Contributions - Neste | 919.87 | - | - |
| Pensions Control - Neste | (3.00) | - | - |
| Phone and Broadband | 487.38 | - | - |
| Premises | 1,679.97 | - | - |
20 May 2025 Page 2 of 7
Management Report Woodchester Playgroup
Cash Summary
| YEARLY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | AVERAGE | VARIANCE | |
| (YTD) | |||
| Printing, Stationary, Postage | 266.26 | - | - |
| Professional Fees | 1,870.37 | - | - |
| Refreshments | 543.13 | - | - |
| Repairs and Maintenance | 769.83 | - | - |
| Subscriptions | 701.70 | - | - |
| Total Expenses | 86,366.15 | (240.00) | 36,085.90% |
| Surplus (Deficit) | 13,110.58 | 187.50 | 6,892.31% |
| Plus Other Cash Movements | |||
| Fixed Assets | (1,172.99) | - | - |
| Total Other Cash Movements | (1,172.99) | - | - |
| Plus Movements in Equity | |||
| Retained Earnings | - | 78,546.57 | -100.00% |
| Total Movements in Equity | - | 78,546.57 | -100.00% |
| Net Cash Movement | 11,937.59 | 78,734.07 | -84.84% |
| Summary | |||
| Opening Balance | 78,734.07 | - | - |
| Plus Net Cash Movement | 11,937.59 | 78,734.07 | -84.84% |
| Cash Balance | 90,671.66 | 78,734.07 | 15.16% |
20 May 2025 Page 3 of 7
Management Report Woodchester Playgroup
Profit and Loss
Woodchester Playgroup For the year ended 31 July 2024
| Profit and Loss Woodchester Playgroup For the year ended 31 July 2024 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | YEAR TO DATE | |
| Trading Income | ||
| Donations | 577.50 | 577.50 |
| Fees | 18,394.75 | 18,394.75 |
| Fundraising | 1,171.60 | 1,171.60 |
| Grants | 75,333.65 | 75,333.65 |
| Hall Hire | 3,300.00 | 3,300.00 |
| Other Revenue | 180.00 | 180.00 |
| Registration Fee | 510.00 | 510.00 |
| Stay & Play | 255.23 | 255.23 |
| Total Trading Income | 99,722.73 | 99,722.73 |
| Gross Profit | 99,722.73 | 99,722.73 |
| Operating Expenses | ||
| Bad Debt Write Off | 127.50 | 127.50 |
| Bookkeeping | 3,020.00 | 3,020.00 |
| Cleaning | 1,255.08 | 1,255.08 |
| Consumables | 1,428.10 | 1,428.10 |
| DBS Checks | 62.98 | 62.98 |
| Gifts | 18.37 | 18.37 |
| Insurance | 2,732.97 | 2,732.97 |
| Light & Heat | 1,189.13 | 1,189.13 |
| NIC Payable | 3,087.41 | 3,087.41 |
| Office Salaries | 71,914.74 | 71,914.74 |
| Other Staff Costs | 383.99 | 383.99 |
| Pata Payroll | 582.40 | 582.40 |
| PAYE Payable | (7,077.88) | (7,077.88) |
| Pension Contributions - Neste | 919.87 | 919.87 |
| Pensions Control - Neste | (3.00) | (3.00) |
| Phone and Broadband | 524.52 | 524.52 |
| Premises | 1,679.97 | 1,679.97 |
| Printing, Stationary, Postage | 266.26 | 266.26 |
| Professional Fees | 1,918.04 | 1,918.04 |
| Refreshments | 543.13 | 543.13 |
| Repairs and Maintenance | 769.83 | 769.83 |
| Subscriptions | 701.70 | 701.70 |
| Total Operating Expenses | 86,045.11 | 86,045.11 |
| Net Profit | 13,677.62 | 13,677.62 |
20 May 2025 Page 4 of 7
Management Report Woodchester Playgroup
Balance Sheet
Woodchester Playgroup As at 31 July 2024
| Balance Sheet Woodchester Playgroup As at 31 July 2024 |
Balance Sheet Woodchester Playgroup As at 31 July 2024 |
|---|---|
| 31 JUL 2024 31 JUL 2023 |
|
| Assets | |
| Bank | |
| 09015110138309 90,476.86 78,664.94 |
|
| Petty Cash 194.80 69.13 |
|
| Total Bank 90,671.66 78,734.07 Current Assets |
|
| Accounts Receivable 298.50 52.50 |
|
| Total Current Assets 298.50 52.50 Fixed Assets |
|
| Computer Equipment 1,172.99 - |
|
| Total Fixed Assets 1,172.99 - |
|
| Total Assets 92,143.15 78,786.57 Liabilities |
|
| Current Liabilities | |
| Accounts Payable (81.04) 240.00 |
|
| Total Current Liabilities (81.04) 240.00 |
|
| Total Liabilities (81.04) 240.00 |
|
| Net Assets 92,224.19 78,546.57 Equity |
|
| Current Year Earnings 13,677.62 - |
|
| Retained Earnings 78,546.57 78,546.57 |
|
| Total Equity 92,224.19 78,546.57 |
20 May 2025 Page 5 of 7
Management Report Woodchester Playgroup
Aged Receivables Summary
Woodchester Playgroup As at 31 July 2024
Ageing by due date
| CONTACT | CURRENT | < 1 MONTH | 1 MONTH | 2 MONTHS | 3 MONTHS | OLDER | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfia Wilkins | - | - | (1.50) | - | - | - | (1.50) |
| Alice Gillingham | 30.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 30.00 |
| Amos Walker-Tims | 30.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 30.00 |
| Bo Pietrantonio | 30.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 30.00 |
| Elodie Walker | 30.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 30.00 |
| Elsie Wood | 30.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 30.00 |
| River Evans-Thirlwell |
30.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 30.00 |
| Romy Boswell | 30.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 30.00 |
| Rupert Dowden | 30.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 30.00 |
| Seth Brigstocke | 30.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 30.00 |
| Vidar Bei | 30.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 30.00 |
| Total | 300.00 | - | (1.50) | - | - | - | 298.50 |
| Percentage of total |
100.50% | - | -0.50% | - | - | - | 100.00% |
20 May 2025 Page 6 of 7
Management Report Woodchester Playgroup
Aged Payables Summary
Woodchester Playgroup As at 31 July 2024 Ageing by due date
| As at 31 July 2024 Ageing by due date |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CONTACT | < 1 MONTH | 1 MONTH | 2 MONTHS | 3 MONTHS | OLDER | TOTAL |
| Aged Payables | ||||||
| Avensure Limited | 47.67 | - | - | - | - | 47.67 |
| Early Years Resources | 75.40 | - | - | - | - | 75.40 |
| Edf Electricity & Gas | (68.81) | - | - | (94.00) | (78.44) | (241.25) |
| XLN - Daisy Communications | 37.14 | - | - | - | - | 37.14 |
| Total Aged Payables | 91.40 | - | - | (94.00) | (78.44) | (81.04) |
| Total | 91.40 | - | - | (94.00) | (78.44) | (81.04) |
| Percentage of total | -112.78% | - | - | 115.99% | 96.79% | 100.00% |
20 May 2025 Page 7 of 7
Management Report Woodchester Playgroup
Trustees' Annual Report for the period
Period start date 01 08 2023
From
Period end date 31 07 2024
To
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name Woodchester Playgroup
Other names charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) ~~—~~[292714 ]
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for a whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Rachel Jane Lee | Chair | 01.10.20 - Present | |
| 2 Erin Windless | Treasurer | 28.05.2022 – Present | |
| 3 Will Humphries | Secretary | 02.10.2024 - Present | |
| 4 Alex Wheeler | Member | 02.10.202 - Present | |
| 5 Megan Boswell | Member | 02.10.2024 - Present | |
| 6 Bethan Samuel | Member | 02.10.2024 - Present | |
| 7 Steve Williams | Member | 02.10.2023 – Present | |
| 8 Jo Hindle | Member | 02.10.2024 - Present | |
| 9 Joana Esteves | Member | 02.10.2024 - Present | |
| 10 Sam Hart | Secretary | 02.10.2022 – 02.10.2024 | |
| 11 EmilyBirch | Member | 25.11.21 – 02.10.2024 | |
| 13 Menna Jenkins ~~——~~ |
Member ~~——~~ |
02.10.2022 – 02.03.2024 ~~——~~ |
~~——~~ |
Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
Name Dates acted if not for whole year
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Type of adviser Name Address ~~—~~ Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) TAR 1 2024
2024
Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Constitution adopted 17 April 1985 as amended 9 November 2000, 10 Type of governing document June 2008 and October 2019 (eg. trust deed, constitution)
Association How the charity is constituted
- (eg. trust, association, company)
The Trustees are elected at the annual AGM Trustee selection methods
- (eg. appointed by, elected by)
Additional governance issues (Optional information)
Woodchester Playgroup is a member of PATA, a membership You may choose to include organisation with member groups drawn from the childcare sector in additional information, where Gloucestershire. relevant, about:
-
policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
-
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
The Committee Handbook is annually reviewed to enable a complete handover of information and an in-depth introduction to the roles and responsibilities of the Committee.
PATA Training is also made available for members to undertake throughout the year.
-
relationship with any related parties;
-
trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.
Section C Objectives and activities
To enhance the development, care and education of children primarily under statutory school age and children and young people of school age by encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community (voluntarily managed) groups and by
(a) offering appropriate play facilities and training courses, together with the right of parents to take responsibility for and become involved in such Summary of the objects of the groups' activities, ensuring that such groups offer opportunities for all charity set out in its children, whatever their race, culture, religion, means or ability. governing document
(b) encouraging the study of such needs of such children and their families and promoting public interest in and recognition of such needs in the local area.
- (c) instigating and adhering to and furthering the aim of PATA.
TAR
2
2024
| Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit) |
Preschool children between the ages of 2 years, 9 months and 4 years can learn through play at the playgroup. The playgroup helps children learn essential communication, problem-solving, and social interaction skills. It also allows children to make friends and develop a sense of community. It provides parents with a safe and supportive environment for their children to learn and grow. Playgroup sessions are held five days a week during term time in Woodchester and the surrounding villages. All decisions are made with due regard to the guidelines on public benefit. Furthermore, these sessions are designed to positively impact the local community, fostering a safe and supportive environment for families. |
|---|---|
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
-
policy on grantmaking;
-
policy programme related investment;
-
contribution made by volunteers.
TAR
3
2024
Section D Achievements and performance
Over the past year, despite the challenges faced by many playgroups Summary of the main across the country, we have continued to provide a safe, fun, and achievements of the charity enriching environment for children and their families. Our weekly during the year sessions have remained a source of comfort and learning. The playgroup has continued to foster an environment where children can explore, socialise, and develop essential early childhood skills. One of the highlights of my term has been seeing our playgroup grow in numbers. This year, we welcomed 20 new families and we do hold a awaiting list of families waiting to join. It has been heartening to see so many new faces and to witness the relationships that form, not just among the children, but also among parents and caregivers. Our toddler group continues to be held in the school holidays, and the sessions continue to be an excellent success and very popular. Section E Financial review £30,000 (a term's running costs) is reserved to cover any Brief statement of the significant unforeseen costs. This amount would comfortably cover charity’s policy on reserves statutory redundancy payments for all staff. Details of any funds materially in deficit Further financial review details (Optional information) The bank balance at the yearend was comfortably more than the You may choose to include required reserves. Detailed cash flow forecasts are maintained, and we additional information, where are confident that the playgroup remains sustainable going forwards. relevant about: • the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising); • how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity; • investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
Section F Other optional information
TAR
4
2024
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Rachel Lee |
Signature(s) Full name(s) Rachel Lee Erin Windless ~~PWR~~ ~~rs)~~ |
Signature(s) Full name(s) Rachel Lee Erin Windless ~~PWR~~ ~~rs)~~ |
|---|---|---|
| Position (eg Secretary, | Position (eg Secretary, Chair |
Treasurer |
| Chair, etc) | ||
| Date21/05/2025 | 21/05/2025 |
TAR
2024
5
Playgroup Chair Report for the Annual General Meeting
Date: 1st October 2024
Location: Woodchester Playgroup
As I sit to write my final report as Chairperson, it’s hard to believe that four years have passed since I first took on this role. It has been an incredible journey, full of learning, growth, and countless moments of joy shared with all of you. Today, I am both proud and humbled to present my final report to you at this AGM.
Highlights of the Past Year
1. Playgroup Activities and Programs
Over the past year, despite the challenges faced by many playgroups across the country, we have continued to provide a safe, fun, and enriching environment for children and their families. Our weekly sessions have remained a source of comfort and learning. The playgroup has continued to foster an environment where children can explore, socialise, and develop essential early childhood skills.
2. Growth in Membership
One of the highlights of my term has been seeing our playgroup grow in numbers. This year, we welcomed 20 new families and we do hold a awaiting list of families waiting to join. It has been heartening to see so many new faces and to witness the relationships that form, not just among the children, but also among parents and caregivers.
3. Staff Support and Committee Dedication
I am deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of the staff and committee members. The time and energy they have invested have been instrumental in the success of the playgroup. From organising events to managing the logistics of our sessions, the contributions of each member have been invaluable. Without your efforts, none of this would have
been possible.
Challenges Faced
Like any organisation, we have faced challenges. Ensuring sufficient funding and managing the administrative load has required patience and collaboration. However, I am proud of how we have navigated these hurdles with resilience and determination. Looking ahead, one of the significant challenges our playgroup will face is the changing landscape of funding for early years childcare. As government policies and funding allocations shift, many playgroups and early childhood programs, including ours, may find it harder. Reduced financial support could impact everything from staffing to the materials and activities we offer. It is essential that we remain proactive, exploring alternative funding streams, fundraising initiatives, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of our playgroup. Navigating these changes will require creativity, advocacy, and continued collaboration from everyone involved. Looking Forward
As I step down from the position of Chairperson, I am confident that the future of this playgroup is bright. I have no doubt that the incoming committee and leadership will continue to nurture and grow this incredible setting. My hope is that the values of inclusiveness, play-based learning, and parental support will remain at the heart of everything the
playgroup does.
While my term may be ending, I will continue to support the playgroup in whatever way I can. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in this role, and I will always cherish the memories and friendships formed here. Closing Remarks
In closing, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the staff, committee members and parents for your trust, support, and friendship over the past four years. Whether you were a parent attending your first session, a volunteer lending a hand, or a fellow committee member working behind the scenes, you have all played a part in making this playgroup the thriving, supportive setting it is today.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as Chairperson. I look forward to seeing how the playgroup continues to flourish in the years to come.
Rachel Lee
Chairperson, Woodchester Playgroup Term of Service: 2019 - 2024
*Term extended by 1yr during meeting, due to no volunteers for Chair Role
TAR
6
2024
Woodchester Playgroup - Treasurer's Report 2023/24
The accounts to 31 July 2024 are currently being finalised and will be examined by an independent accountant after the AGM.
The bank balance as at 31 July 2024 was £90,566 (2023: £78,665).
Draft annual income 2024: £99,290 (2023: £99,296) Draft annual expenses 2024: £84,564.90 (2023: £100,885)
Draft profit of £14,725.99 (2023: £1,589 loss)
Based on a revised reserve fund of £30,000, to reflect staff changes in the year and inflationary increase to running costs, available funds at 31 July 2024 we’re healthy at £60,665.
The rising rate environment provides opportunity for reserves to be held in an interest earning savings account.
Reserves were held for a term’s running costs plus estimated redundancy costs are held in reserve to cover any unforeseen costs or events. It is important that required reserves are recalculated regularly as the amount will increase as running costs increase and as staff lengths of service increase. Reserves will be reviewed again in due course and will need to account for the impact of new 30 hours childcare allowance.
Given the age and condition of the playgroup building, before any significant one-off expenditure is considered, a detailed building survey should be undertaken, to ensure that sufficient funds are retained to cover any building works that may be required in the short-to medium term. This is essential to safeguard the future of the playgroup.
Income:
Income remained flat year on year.
Grant income decreased slightly from £79,242 to £75,333. Grant income varies year on year dependent on the proportion of children eligible for funding compared to those paying fees and we expect this to make up a greater proportion of income when 30 free hours is fully rolled out.
Fee income increased this year from £13,091 to £18,394 although this is reflective of age mix and free hours funding entitlement.
The Playgroup also benefited from over £527 of donations this year and £969 was raised through fundraising, with our fun run being a great success.
Income from hall hire this year was £3,300 vs £2,860 last year as Woodpeckers use the playgroup for after school club.
Costs:
Employment costs increased this year by £9,205. At £71,914 (2023: £62,709) employment costs make up the vast majority of the playgroup’s running costs. This is to be expected in an early years setting where appropriately qualified and experienced staff are key to the stated objectives of development, care and education of children. Staff wages are benchmarked using data provided by PATA and the committee is comfortable that the hourly rates are appropriate.
The main expenditure of note this year was £1018 for Playgroup Leader and Playgroup Treasurer Laptops.
If you’d like more details or to see copies of the accounts, I would be happy to provide you with them.
TAR
2024
7