Chair’s Report
Petts Wood Playgroup for Children with Special Needs AGM 24 September 2025
The 2024/2025 year has been one of significant change and resilience for PWPG.
Following the sudden resignation of our long-serving Manager, Mrs. Larry Simpson, for health reasons, her remarkable 49-year association with PWPG concluded on 31 December 2024. On behalf of the committee, I extend our heartfelt thanks for her extraordinary dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to providing continuous support to vulnerable children and their families in our community. Her legacy lives on.
An interim team - Janet Gloin, Kirsty Edwardes, Carmela Girolamo, and Alison Heath - stepped in immediately to ensure uninterrupted services. In March 2025, substantive appointments were confirmed. Our sincere thanks go to all four for their tireless efforts under challenging circumstances, implementing necessary changes to keep PWPG running smoothly.
Special appreciation also goes to Mrs. Ann Lockwood, former Vice Chair and now Trustee and committee member, for her steadfast support during the transition and her years of selfless service. Thanks are also due to every individual whose contributions enabled a seamless handover. The teamwork displayed was truly outstanding.
New Leadership Team
-
Janet Gloin – Senior Manager (Replacement post)
-
Kirsty Edwardes – Administration Manager / SENCO (New post)
-
Carmela Girolamo – Early Years Educator (formerly Deputy Manager)
-
• Alison Heath – Mentor (Volunteer)
Kirsty deserves particular thanks for continuing her demanding role as Funding Co-ordinator on a voluntary basis.
Our leadership team, together with our volunteers, form the backbone of PWPG. Their work ethic and team spirit are exceptional.
I also wish to thank Sue Gainsford, Lead for the Early Years Inclusion Team, for her expert advice and support during the transition and also other individuals at Bromley Education for the help given to the team.
The team is now confidently steering PWPG forward, making thoughtful changes to ensure we continue delivering high-quality care. PWPG remains
unique in that most of those involved are volunteers - a fact that makes our achievements even more remarkable. Fifty seven years of continuous service is a tribute to all those who have given their time to PWPG.
Our minibus service continues to be an invaluable resource, thanks to Diane, Mike, and Keith for generously sharing the driving duties.
Special thanks to Holly, our Fund-Raising Co-ordinator, for her creativity and dedication, and to Graham Foster for supporting fundraising initiatives. We are especially appreciative of your efforts in today’s challenging financial climate.
We remain deeply grateful to our donors, fundraisers, sponsors, and Friends of PWPG for their ongoing support. The URC and Methodist Churches have long been close partners, and I particularly thank Kat Copley and Hilary Miles for their continued interest and encouragement.
In October 2024, we welcomed The Rt Hon Gareth Bacon, MP for Orpington, who spent a morning touring the playgroup, meeting staff and volunteers, and learning about our work. His genuine interest in our service was much appreciated.
Thank you also to:
-
Richard Clarke – Treasurer, for managing our finances
-
Graham Foster – Vice Chair, for his dedication of time and energy
-
Sue Leonard – Secretary, for her invaluable support
-
All committee members, for their commitment in keeping PWPG on course during a challenging year
This year, we have faced unforeseen challenges and emerged stronger and more resilient. Our mission to provide a high-quality, child-centred service for children with special needs remains at the core of everything we do.
Finally, to the families we serve - thank you for your trust. We will continue working tirelessly to deliver our best and serve our local community.
Dr. Menaka de Silva, Chair, PWPG for Children with Special Needs 24 September 2025
Treasurer’s Report AGM 24 September 2025 Petts Wood Playgroup for Children with Special Needs
After a year of considerable change at the Playgroup, our financial position strengthened over 2024/25. Total income rose to £104k (from £74k), driven mainly by a substantial increase in grant funding alongside higher individual and corporate donations. The work led by Kirsty building our relationship with Bromley is showing significant impact in securing the Playgroup’s present and future. Fundraising income was lower year-on-year, but grew towards the end of the year as the Just Giving platform became a more established part of our practice.
Costs were contained to a moderate increase overall, with total expenditure at just under £100k (2023/24: £94k). Staff and minibus staffing costs rose to £82k (from £77k), with a vacancy saving in the year more than offset by inflation, tax and pension increases. Minibus maintenance costs were also higher, reflecting a couple of significant repairs necessary through the year.
The year closed with a surplus of £5k (2023/24: £21k deficit), moving our net assets to £32k (from £27k). Cash at bank increased to £26k with no outstanding liabilities at year end. This provides a sound platform to sustain services into 2025/26, while we continue to navigate inflationary pressures and the costs of delivering support to our children.
We remain deeply grateful to our donors, grant funders, volunteers and the Church for hosting us. Continued community support is essential to keep our sessions accessible to all families who need them.
Rich Clarke CMIIA CPFA ACFS
Treasurer Petts Wood Playgroup for Children with Special Needs 24 September 2025
Petts Wood Playgroup For Children With Special Needs
Income and Expenditure Account Year ended 31 August 2025
| Income and Expenditure Account Year ended 31 August 2025 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 | |
| Income | ||
| £4,004 | Donations(Individual) | £5,310 |
| £7,382 | Donations(Group/Corporate) | £10,861 |
| - | Legacies | - |
| £56,081 | Grants | £84,995 |
| £6,152 | Fund Raising | £3,398 |
| £77 | Miscellaneous Income | £101 |
| £73,696 | Total Income | £104,664 |
| Expenditure | ||
| (£4,508) | Equipment(Playgroup) | (£2,181) |
| (£228) | Equipment(Office) | (£115) |
| (£221) | Subscriptions | (£401) |
| (£1,500) | Donations To Other Bodies | (£1,500) |
| (£1,337) | Minibus(Fuel) | (£1,463) |
| (£1,968) | Minibus(Maintenance & Repair) | (£4,145) |
| (£76,831) | Employee & Minibus Staff Costs | (£81,872) |
| (£1,502) | Insurance | (£1,592) |
| (£769) | Telephone & Internet | (£835) |
| (£3,547) | General Expenses | (£4,059) |
| (£78) | Bank Charges | (£76) |
| (£1,872) | Depreciation | (£1,337) |
| (£94,271) | Total Expenditure | (£99,575) |
| (£20,575) | Excess of Income over Expenditure | £5,089 |
Petts Wood Playgroup For Children With Special Needs
Balance Sheet As At 31 August 2025
| Balance Sheet As At 31 August 2025 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 31/8/24 | 31/8/25 | |
| ASSETS | ||
| £6,686 | Motor Vehicle(DRC) | £5,349 |
| - | Debtors | - |
| £21,139 | Bank Account | £26,326 |
| £27,826 | Total Assets | £31,675 |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| (£1,239) | Creditors | - |
| (£1,239) | Total Liabilities | - |
| £26,587 | Net Assets | £31,675 |
I have examined the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet of the Petts Wood Playgroup, which are in agreement with the books and vouchers of the Playgroup. In my opinion the Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the Playgroup’s affairs as at 31 August 2023, and of its income and Expenditure for the year ended.
P M Johnstone Accountant
October 2025