KILKEEL PLAYGROUP Trustees’ Report for the year ended 30 June 2025
The trustees present their report and unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2025.
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name KILKEEL PLAYGROUP
Charity registration number NIC100143 Registered office The Leisure Centre Mourne Esplanade Kilkeel Co Down BT34 4DB The trustees Mrs Pamela Ballance - Chairperson Mrs Claire White - Secretary Mrs Emily Burden - Treasurer Professional advisors Bankers AIB Bank 42 — 44 Hill Street Newry Co Down BT34 4AU Reporting Accountants Purdy Quinn Chartered Accountants 42 Greencastle Street Kilkeel BT34 4BH Objectives and activities
The object of the group as stated in the constitution is ‘to promote play based learning environments for all children under statutory school age (the beneficiaries) of the Southern and its surrounding environs in County Down (the area of benefit) without the distinction of age, gender, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic identity, political or religious opinion, by associating the statutory authorities, community and voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in a common effort to advance education, and in particular:
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A) To advance the education of the beneficiaries by the provision of safe and satisfying group play, with the right of the parents/carers to take responsibility for and to become involved in the activities of the group; and to promote the preservation of health of the beneficiaries; and
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B) To support the values and principles of the Early Years.
Structure, governance and management
During the process of registration with the Charities Commission Northern Ireland, Kilkeel Playgroup issued a formal Constitution document which was formally adopted on the 3 day of February 2014.
Kilkeel Playgroup is managed by a committee being the Trustees with the help and support of the employees and parents of the children attending. The day to day running of the charity rests with Leanne White the playschool leader.
As required on an ad hoc basis the trustees discuss the appointment of potential new trustees for appointment. Suitable people are approached and if they are willing to serve as a trustee, their nomination is put forward for approval by the committee. The maximum term of office is three years. Induction and training of trustees is provided in house.
KILKEEL PLAYGROUP Trustees’ Report for the year ended 30 June 2025 (continued)
Achievements and performance and results for the year
Kilkee! Playgroup is a long-established care and education provider for children aged 2 years 10 months to 5 years. The staff endeavour to provide a high standard of care and education through a play-based Pre-school curriculum. We encourage parental involvement within our group by having parents run our committee. This ensure that they contribute towards their child’s education. We aim to offer equal access of all children in our community.
We ensure that children who are from all backgrounds develop confidence and self-esteem through a variety of play activities such as art and craft, physical play, construction, storytelling, basic science activities and much more to enhance their overall holistic development. Each year we aim to give each child who attends our Playgroup a high-quality pre-school education in line with the Northern Ireland Pre-school curriculum.
We are also regulated by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust who annually inspect our premises to ensure we are providing a high standard of care for children in their Eariy Years.
Other funding came from the Education Authority Outdoor Learning Project funding of £2,000 and sundry fund raisers of £2,097.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of Kilkeel Playgroup to hold bank reserves of up to £10,000 to sustain the Playgroup through unforeseen circumstances. Kilkee! Playgroup accounts for the year ending 30' June 2025 show cash at the bank and in hand of £16,347 (2024 - £17,452). This is a decrease from 30" June 2023 of £1,106.
Risk Review
The trustees continue to assess the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operation and finances of the playgroup including the challenges around the current funding climate. The trustees are satisfied that the correct systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The trustees consider that an audit is not required under the requirements of the Charities Act (NI) 2008 and Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 and that an independent examination is needed.
The trustees' annual report was approved on _? a Avori | 2 SU Gand signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
Pamela Ballance Chairperson