Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup
Trustees. Annual Report
and Statement of Receipts and Payments and Assets and Liabilities
For the year ended 31st August 2024
Northern Ireland Charities Number= 101066

Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup
Contents
Page
Charity Information
Trustees, Annual Report
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees
Statement of Receipts and Payments
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Notes to the Financial Statements
9-10

Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup
Reference5 and administrative details
Charity Name:
Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup
Charity Registration Number:
101066
Contact Address:
21 John Street
Rathfriland
Newry
County Down
BT34 5QH
Trustees-
Grace Lynch
Keri Lynch
Clara Monaghan
Victoria Costello
Committee Mernbers:
Natasha Corbett
Aisling Devlin
Melissa Gawley
Suzanne McAlinden
Michelle Mcclean
Danielle Mcconville
Thérèse McQuaid
Tracy Nicholls
Chantal Parsons
Independent Examiner-
S.M. Vint & Co
8 Newry Road
Banbridge
BT32 3HN
Bankers-
Danske Bank
37-39 Bridge Street
Banbridge
County Down
BT32 3JL

Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup Trustee Annual Report
202312024
Charity name: Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup
Charity No: 101066
PRE SCHOOL
st
This report relates to the financial year: I September 2023 to 31st August
2024
Principal Address: 21 John Street, Rathfriland, Co Down. BT34 5QH
The following individuals served as charity trustees on the date this report was approved:
Grace Lynch (Chairperson), Keri Lynch {Vice Chairperson}, Clara Mon3ghan (Treasurer), Victoria
Costello Isecretaryl. Committee members- Natasha Corbett, Ai51ing Devlin, Melissa Gawley, Su23nne
McAlinden, Michelle Mcclean. Danielle Mcconville, Thérèse McQuaid, Tracy Nicholls, Chantal
Parsons.
The following individuals served as charity trustees during the year=
Grace Lynch (ChaiTpersonl. Keri Lynch (Vice Chairperson), Clara Monaghan {Treasurer), Victoria
Costello {Secretaryl, Committee members: Aisling Devlin, Melissa Gawley, Leona Lynch, Michelle
Mcclean, Danielle Mcconville, Thérè5e McQuaid. Tracy Nicholls, Chantal Parsons.
Charitable
ur
oses
Rathfriland Pre-school was established in 1983 to promote and provide access to high quality Pre-
School education to children and families in the Rathfriland area regardless of religion, culture, race
or disability. The children in our care are provided with the opportunity to develop their skills of
communication, problem 501ving while developing confidence. self-esteem along with the ability to
relate to others before their transition to Primary School.
The Pre-school is registered to accept a maximum of 24 children. In the school year 2023/24 we
placed 23 children in funded places. We also placed 2 children in pre Pre-school places over the
year. The sessions run 3 hours each day. from 9am to 12pm.
We have three highly qualified staff who continuously update their training and professional
development to benefit the children. We also employ two relief staff members to cover in cases of
absence etc.
The Pre-school is governed by its constitution and governance documents as an unincorporated
association. The constitution sets out the aims and powers of the Committee. Each year members,
who are also trustees, are elected at an annual AGM. Monthly meetings are held to discuss Pre-
School business and activity, to set admi55ions criteria and to ensure the Pre-school is meeting its
benefit aims to the children and their families.

Throughoutthe year theTrustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Comrriissions Public
Benefit requirement statutory guidance to ensure the activity of the setting has achieved the
Charity's purpose and has benefited the beneficiaries.
Parental participation is extremely valued in the importance of their children's learning. Staff and
parents meet at least twice a year to discuss their child's progress. The settling in meetings took
place as a school report to discuss the children's development. Parents also received a transition
form in June to pass on to their child's Primary One teacher. Feedback is gained from parent via a
questionnaire to help us ensure the beneh'ts are being met in the Pre-school's provision and service.
The Pre-school is a member of Early Years-the organization for young children, who provide advice
and support throughout the year e.g. Online PSEP Forums, Leader's Days and staff training sessions.
Online and onsite monitoring visits from a designated Early Years Specialist also take place to give
support and advice.
The Pre-school is also under the Early Years Team (Southern Area Social Services Trust). This body is
responsible for inspections ensuring that the Pre-school is providing a care and educational sethng
in line with minimum standards. The report we receive including parents comments is used to
improve our service and further benetit the children. Our annual inspection was held on 30th April,
the report showed a continued high standard of service and positive feedback from the parents and
children.
Pre-school is also subject to Department of Education, Education Training Inspectorate inspections.
Our last inspection was in 2016 in which we received the Every School a Good School award in
recognition of the Pre-school having being evaluated as having a high level of capacity for sustained
improvement in the interest of all the learners. Recommendations for improved practice from all
our inspecting bodies are taken on board and amendments made to ensure the best possible
learning outcome5 for the children. All staff participate in 5elf-evaluation assessment processes e.g.
ISEF, PQA documents which ensure staff continue to be reflective of their practice and the setting as
a whole to allow us to identify areas of improvement and make these changes for the benefit of the
child ren.
Maln activities and achievements durin
the
ear
Throughout the year the children are provided with activities and resources to allow learning
through play both indoors and outdoors, while following the Pre-school curriculum. We offer a wide
range of play activities: arts/crafts. sand/water play. writingtable, table top and floor activitie5, home
corner. role play, construction area. book corner. ICT area. 50ngs/rhyme5. mud kitchen. nature areas,
gardening, cookery activities. Staff continuously observe the children and evaluate their use of the
activities to ensure the opportunities given are developing and progressing the children's learning
and skills.
The activitie5 are planned to develop all areas of the children's development to help in their
preparation for Primary School. The areas of learning are divided in to 6 areas: personal, social and
emotional development. language development, physical development, the arts, mathematical
development and the world around us. The activities are implemented to progress the children's
personal value, confidence, communication skills, hand/eye coordination. h.ne/gross motor skills,

concentration along with having a fun h-lled positive Pre-school experience. To benefit the children's
learning and development staff ensure the activities provided are relevant to their interests. This
then determines the topics covered and the activities/resource5 provided.
This year through successful Regional Childcare Partnership Small Grants Scheme funding
application we were very pleased to be able to cover costs of restructuring our playframe to create
a separate climbing frame and playhouse which allowed for greater play and learning opportunities
for the children.
During the year we enhance the children's learning and development through visltors and outings.
We had visits from Primary I teachers of the schools the children will be transitioning to. For our
annual school trip we visited Fort Evergreen, Warrenpoint. This was a great day thoroughly enjoyed
by all.
Throughout the year various fundraising attivities were organized. We held a 'Wear your favourite
colour, day and Picnic with Pudsey to raise money for Children in Need. We fundraised for Pre-
School funds with a pub quiz, shopping trip to Blanchardstown, Christmas raffle, sale of Christmas
cards, Easter raffle and bucket collections in the Milestone and Eurospar in Rathfriland and in Tesco
Banbridge. We also had two Cash for Clobber collections during the year. Our successful fundraisers
has enabled u5 help cover running costs and provide new equipment and activities for the children.
Our annual Graduation Day to celebrate the children's year in Pre-school was held in the Pre~School
with parents in attendance. The children all received an individual learning journey which
documented their year h'lled with photographs, the children's, thoughts and art work as a keepsake
of their tirne in Pre-school. The day was enjoyed by all and was very special for the children, their
parents and staff to have this opportunity to celebrate each of the children and their journey of
learning and development during their time in Pre-school.
The trustees really appreciate the help and support from the parents throughout the year and are
very grateful to the staff for their commitment to the children throughout their Pre-school
experience.
Financial Position 2023
24
The Pre-school is governed by the Education Authority as a PSEO setting. The Education Authority
Funding is our main source of income. They provide funding for the children of Pre-school age over
the course of 10 months. This payment is received on a monthly basis; it is calculated on a flat rate
per place in accordance with the attendance per month.
As we did not fill all the funded places we were able to place 2 pre Pre-school aged children. Cost
per session wa5 £10.LN) per day.
Our PSEP funding and the fee-paying income is further subsidized by fundraising activities
throughout the year e.g. Cash for Clobber collections. Bucket Collections, Raffles, etc. The Trustees
are grateful to the parent for the help and supportthroughout the year and to those local businesses
that helped our fundraising efforts through events and donations.

The Pre-school seek to apply for eligible funding each year to help with the cost of resources for the
children when there is opportunity for such funding. We have been successful in receiving Extended
Services Funding which was used to purchase items to extend our provision with the introduction of
a sensory room. We also used funding form the Regional Childcare Partnership Small Grant5 Scheme
to cover costs of restructuring our playframe to create a separate climbing frame and playhouse.
We were also very kindly donated some lovely art and craft items by Tesco Banbridge.
The Pre-school holds two Bank Accounts. a Current Account and a Savings Account.
The Pre-school has various running expenses including staff wages, rent, resources, etc. The
Committee recognise that a Reserve must be held to ensure a contingency for unforeseen
circumstances and expenses. The Committee can report that the Reserve remains in a healthy
position for this financial year.
SL
Accounts for the year I September 2023 to 31SI August 2024 show receipts totaling £65,034,
payments totaling £66,683, showing a net deficit of -£1,649.
The Current Account bank balance at 31" August 2024 show5 we have £3,910. Total Reserves
£16,071.
There are no funds held by the charity that are materially in deficit.
All payments in the account were for the benefit of the Pre-school.
Signature:
Print name-
Date:
11) IrLI L
On behalf of Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup Committee

Independent Examlner's Report to the Trustees of Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup
I report on the accounts of the charity forthe year ended 31st August 2024 which are set out on pages 7-10.
Respertive responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act
(Northern Ireland) 2008.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Att-
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
under section 6519llbl of the Charities Act- and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's report
I have examined your charity accounts as required undersection 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was
carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under
section 6519llb) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accountinE records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts
presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and
seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe..
l. That accounting records were noi kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
3. That the account5 do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters111 to14} listed above and, in
connertion with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. I have found no rnatters
that require drawing to your attention.
B Magennis FCCA FCA
For and behalf of S.M. Vint & Co
Chartered Certified Accourbtants & Registered Auditors
8 Newry Road
Banbridge
BT32 3HN

Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup
Statement of Receipts & Payments for the year ended 31st August 2024
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
fund5
Prior year
Total funds total funds
Note
Income and endowments from:
Donations
Fundraising
Giants and Funding
Income from Charitable Activities
Other Income
Total income
4.503
54,359
5.888
284
65.034
4,503
54,359
5,888
284
65,034
1,821
41,029
13,947
134
56,931
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds
Charitable Activitie5
Total expenditure
Net income I lexpendilurel resourtes
336
66,347
66,683
336
66.347
66,683
-1,649
388
68,027
68,415
-11,484

Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup
Statement of Assets & LiabilFties- Year Ended 31st August 2024
2024
2023
Reconciliation of funds at 31.08.24
Total funds brought forward
Suiplus/ldeficitl this year end
Total funds carried forward
21,641
-1,649
19,992
33.125
-11,484
21.641
Bank & Cash Balances
Cash at bank and in hand
19,992
19,992
21,641
21,641
Represented by
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total Funds
19.992
21,641
Notes on pages 9 to 10 are an integral part of ihese financial statements.
The financial statements on pages 7 to 8 were appioved by the Board of Trustees on
Ilth December 2024 and signed on its behalf by.-
Grace Lynch - Trustee

Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup
Notes to the financial staternents forthe year ended 31st August 2024
l. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and kèy sources of estimation uncertainty ill the preparation of the financi31
Staternellts are as follows=
a) Preparation of account5 on a going concern basis
The charity generally meets its day to day workiTrg capital requirements from its arnnual income. The Trustees have obtained and
reviewed cash flow forecasts for the coming year and based on these are satisfied that the charity has resources to providÈ a
reasonable expectation that it can cor)tinue to meet Èts financial obligations as they fall due for the foreseeable future. Therefore
these financial statements have been prepared on a going concern ba515
bl Income
Income is accounted for on a cash receipt5 basis as the amount is collerted and are alk)cated as either restricted or unrestricted
funds according to the tefm5 of the donation.
cl Expenditure
Expendituie 15 recognised on a cash payments ba515.
dl Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks. other short-term highly liquid investment5 Wlth
original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts.
e) Funds
Funds are cla55ified as eithei restrirted funds or unrèstricted funds. defined as follows=
Restricted funds are funds subject to specific reqvirements as to their use which may deilared by the donar or with their
authority or created through legal processes, but still within the wider objects of the Club.
Unrestricted fund5 are expendable at the discretion of the trustees in lurtherance of ihe objects of the charily. If part5 of the
unrestricted funds are earmarked at the disciètion of rhe trustees for a particular purwse, they are designated as a separate fund.
This designation has an administrative purpose only and does not legally restrict the trustees, discretion tts apply the fund.
2. Donations
Unrestrlcted
Restrirted
Total 2024
Total 2023
Donation5
3. Fundraising
Unrestrirted
4,207
296
Re5trirted
Toial 2024
4.207
296
Total 2023
1,649
172
Fundraising
Cash for Clobber
Other Fundraising
4,503
4,503
1,821
4. Grants
Unrestrirted
49,235
1,224
3,900
Restricted
Total 2024
49.235
1,224
3.900
Total 2023
33,616
2,912
2.551
1.950
41.029
EA-PSEP Funding
EA-Extended Servi¢e Funding
Other Funding
othèr Grants
54.359

Rathfriland Pr&School Playgroup
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended aist August 2024 Icontlnued)
5. Income from Charitsble A(ti¥iti¢s
Unrestrided Restrlrted
5,360
528
5.888
Total 2024
5,360
528
5,888
Total 2023
12.905
1,042
13,947
Pre-school Fund
Miscellaneou5
6. Other Incomè
Unrtstrirted Restrirted
Total 2024
Totsl 2023
Bank Inieresi Received
Refunds
Early Years- Childcare Recovery Support fvnd
134
134
7. Analy￿5 of Expenditure
Unrestrirted Aestrrded
Total 2024
Total 2023
Raising Fund5
Fundraising costs
P05tage & Stationarv
General
Computer Costs
Bank Fees
276
276
333
60
336
55
388
336
Charitablè Adl¥ltles
Wa8e5 and salaries
Running Costs
Donations
Adrnini5trBtion C05t5
52.614
5.618
126
7.989
66.347
52,614
5.618
126
7,989
66,347
56,549
5,843
S,635
68,027
Total E¥penrfily
66.683
66,683
68,415
8. Taxation
Rathfriland Pre-school Playgroup is recognised as a charity lor the purposes of applicable taxation le8151atioTr and 15 therpfore not
subject to iaxation on it5 charitable activities.
9. Analysis of trustee rernuneratlon andwen5es.
No Trustee received any payments other than for out of pocket expenses incurred.
10