Little Acorns Playgroup
Charity No. NI101552
Company No.
Trustees’ Report and Unaudited Accounts
31 August 2025
Little Acorns Playgroup Contents
| Pages | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trustees' Annual Report | 2to 4 | |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 | |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 | |
| Summary Income and Expenditure Account | 7 | |
| Balance Sheet | 8 | |
| Statement ofCash flows | 9 | |
| NotestotheAccounts | 10to | 15 |
Page 1
Little Acorns Playgroup Trustees Annual Report
The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of theCompanies Act 2006, present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Company No.
Charity No. NI101552
Principal Office
20A Derrymore Road
Gawleys Gate Craigavon Co. Armagh BT67 OBW Registered Office
20A Derrymore Road Gawleys Gate Craigavon Co. Armagh BT670BW
Directors and Trustees
The Directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law. The following Directors and Trustees served during the year:
N. Moore
A. McCarron
F. Hanna
P. Haire
E. Burns
S. Bustard
L. Baker
F. Creaney
P. Neill
Company Secretary
F. Hanna
Key Management Personnel Chairperson Nuala Moore Vice Chairperson Avni McCarron Treasurer Paula Neill
Page 2
Little Acorns Playgroup Trustees Annual Report
Bankers First Trust Bank 18-20 Scotch Street Dungannon BT66 6AQ
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The purpose ofthe charity is to provide a safe and stimulating environment to learn through play for all children (the beneficiaries) in our rural area. We provide activities both planned and unplanned based on our ethos of ‘Learning through Play’ set out in the curricular guidance for preschool education. The charity has a close relationship with the local primary school enabling us to ease the transition from preschool to primary school with minimum impact for the child.
Little Acorns was established to provide quality Early Years education & personal development for preschool children aged between 2 years 10 months and 4 years 11 months for the Gawley's Gate and neighbouring areas, in an inclusive & diverse environment. We strive to ensure that the individual needs and abilities of the child are recognised and developed. We offer a safe and stimulating environment for all children, regardless of race, religion or gender.
The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to guidance produced by the Charity Commission's benefit requirement statutory guidance.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The 2024/25 year presented a number of ongoing challenges for Little Acorns Playgroup and Afterschool. One of the most significant developments was the closure of the Breakfast Club. This decision was not taken lightly but was necessary due to a consistent decline in attendance, which had rendered the service financially unsustainable. While it was once a popular and valuable offering, the closure helped prevent further financial losses for the setting.
The physical condition of the playgroup's mobile unit continues to be a major concern. The building required considerable maintenance over the year to ensure it remained safe and fit for purpose. These essential works have placed a heavy burden on the setting's finances.
To help offset some of these costs, the Committee organised an end-of-year fundraiser focused specifically on raising funds for repairs and maintenance. This event was well-supported and demonstrated the commitment and resourcefulness of the current Committee and playgroup community.
Unfortunately, voluntary donations from parents have continued to decline this year. This trend is believed to be linked to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and wider economic pressures affecting families. As a result, the setting remains heavily reliant on fundraising and careful financial planning to sustain its operations.
Despite these challenges, the dedication of staff, Committee members, and volunteers has been unwavering. Their hard work ensures that Little Acorns continues to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all children in its care. The Committee remains focused on exploring sustainable ways forward and looks ahead to 2025/26 with cautious optimism.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The financial results for the year ending 31 August 2025 reflect another challenging year for Little Acorns Playgroup, driven largely by continued sector pressures and the broader Cost of Living Page 3
Little Acorns Playgroup
Trustees Annual Report
Crisis. Total income for the year was £88,245, which represents a small increase on the previous year (£86,770 in 2023/24), primarily due to higher income from other trading activities.
Despite this, the charity recorded a net deficit of £16,099 (compared with £9,612 in 2023/24). The deficit was largely driven by increased expenditure on charitable activities, which rose to £103,845 (up from £95,302). This reflects significant maintenance costs associated with the ageing building, as well as rising operational expenses.
Income from donations and legacies declined significantly from £5,388 to £2,962, continuing a downward trend that is believed to be linked to the ongoing cost-of-living challenges faced by many families. In contrast, income from other trading activities increased to £6,250 (from £3,594), suggesting that efforts to explore alternative income streams had some positive impact.
The charity continues to operate a reserves policy to ensure sufficient funds are ring-fenced to cover winding-up costs if ever required. As at year end, total funds carried forward were £41,587, comprising £40,587 in unrestricted funds and £1,000 in restricted funds, ensuring that reserves remain within policy thresholds.
Looking ahead, while the results show a deepening deficit, the organisation remains focused on careful financial management and strategic fundraising. The closure of the Breakfast Club during the year was a necessary step to prevent further financial loss, and targeted fundraising efforts— such as the end-of-year event—provided essential support for urgent costs.
The current Committee continues to explore sustainable ways to generate income and control costs, and there is cautious optimism that 2025/26 may bring a more stable financial picture.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The type of governing document is by constitution and is constituted by unincorporated association.
Trustees are nominated and voted onto committee, by those attending. Those who are nominated need to be seconded to become a committee member. Office bearers must have held a vice role where possible before taking an office bearing role.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of[the] charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The above report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime as set out in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
Signed on behalf of the board
N.Moore Trustee 22 September 2025
Page 4
Little Acorns Playgroup Independent Examiners Report
independent Examiner’s Report to the trustees of Little Acorns Playgroup
| report to the charity trustees on my examination ofthe[financial][statements][of][ Little][ Acorns][Playgroup][for] the year ended 31 August 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, | report in réspect of my examination of your charity's financial statements as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination | have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
| have completed my examination. | can confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
« the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
-
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements under section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the financial statements give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
| 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 financial statements to be reached.
Michelle Harbinson
2 Colane Road
Aghagallon Co. Armagh BT67 9JT 22 September 2025
Page 5
Little Acorns Playgroup
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 August 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Total|Total|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Funds|Funds|
|Notes|Funds|Funds|2025|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Income|and|endowments from:|
|Donations|and|legacies|4|2,962|2,962|5,388|
|Other trading activities|5|6,250|6,250|3,594|
|Charitable|activities|6|76,677|1,000|77,677|76,473|
|Investments|7|1,357|1,357|1,315|
|Total incoming resources|87,245|1,000|88,245|86,770|
|Expenditure|on:|
|Charitable|activities|8|101,845|2,000|103,845|95,302|
|Governance|costs|9|500|500|1,080|
|Total resources expended|102,345|2,000|104,345|96,382|
|Net|income/(expenditure)|(15,099}|(1,000)|(16,099)|(9,612)|
|Total|funds|brought forward|55,686|2,000|57,686|67,298|
|Total funds|carried|forward|40,587|1,000|41,587|57,686|
----- End of picture text -----
Allincoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
The company has no recognised gains or losses for the year other than the results above.
Page 6
Little Acorns Playgroup
Summarv Income and Expenditure Account
for the year ended 31 August 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Income|86,888|85,455|
|Interest|and|investment income|1,357|1,315|
|Gross income for the year|88,245|86,770|
|Expenditure|104,345|96,382|
|Total expenditure for the year|104,345|96,382|
|Net expenditure|for the year|(16,099)|(9,612)|
----- End of picture text -----
Page 7
Little Acorns Playgroup Balance Sheet
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Notes|2025|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Fixed|Assets|
|Tangible Assets|11|3,704|2,475|
|Current Assets|
|Cash|at|Bank|and|in|Hand|38,868|60,778|
|Debtors|1,771|50|
|Net Current Assets|40,639|60,827|
|Total|Assets|less Current|Liabilities|44,343|63,302|
|Accruals and|deferred|income|12|(690)|(5,616)|
|Liabilities:|amounts falling due|after more than one year|
|Deferred|Capital Grants|13|(2,066)|
|Net Assets|41,587|57,686|
|Funds|
|Restricted|Funds|14|1,000|2,000|
|Unrestricted|General|Funds|14|40,587|55,686|
|Total Funds|41,587|57,686|
----- End of picture text -----
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
For the year ended 31 August 2023 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of theCompanies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
Approved by the board on 22/09/2025
And signed on its behalf by:
N. Moore
Trustee 22 September 2025
Page 8
Little Acorns Playgroup Statement of Cash flows
for the year ended 31 August 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Cashflowsfrom operatingactivites | ||
| Netexpenditure perSOFA | (16,099) | (9,612) |
| Adjustments for: | ||
| Dividends, interest and rentsfrom investments | (1,357) | (1,315) |
| Depreciation | 1,510 | 825 |
| Amortisation ofcapitalgrants | (685) | |
| Increase intradeandother receivables | (1,721) | (50) |
| Increase intradeandotherpayables | (4,926) | 3,149 |
| Net cash used inoperationactivities | (23,278) | (7,003) |
| Cashflowsfrom investingactivites | ||
| Purchase ofequipment | (2,739) | (3,300) |
| Capitalgrantreceived | 2,751 | |
| Dividends, interstand rentsfrom investments | 1,357 | 1,315 |
| Netcash from investingactivities | 1,368 | (1,985) |
| Net cash from financingactivities | - | - |
| Netdecrease incashand cashequivalents | (21,910) | (8,988) |
| Cashand cashequivalents atthe beginningoftheyear | 60,778 | 69,766 |
| Cashand cashequivalents attheend of theyear | 38,868 | 60,778 |
| Compenents ofcashand cashequivalents | ||
| Cash and bankbalances | 38,868 | 60,778 |
| 38,868 | 60,778 |
Page 9
Little Acorns Playgroup
Notes to the Accounts
for the year ended 31 August 2025
- 1 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts
There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years.
| Fund accounting | |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds | Theseareavailablefor use atthediscretion ofthetrustees in furtheranceof the |
| general objects ofthe charity. | |
| Designated funds | These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. |
| Revaluation funds | These are unrestricted fundswhich include a revaluation reserve representing the |
| restatement of investment assets at their market values. | |
| Restricted funds | These are available for use subject to restrictions imposed bythedonororthrough |
| terms ofan appeal. | |
| Income | |
| Recognition of | Income is included in theStatement ofFinancial Activities (SoFA)whenthe charity |
| income | becomes entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income andtheamount of |
| the income can be measured with sufficient reliability. | |
| Incomewith related | Whereincomehas relatedexpendituretheincomeand relatedexpenditure is |
| expenditure | reported gross in the SoFA. |
| Donations and | Voluntaryincome received byway of grants, donations and gifts is included in the |
| legacies | theSoFA when receivable and onlywhen the Charity has unconditional |
| entitlement to the income. | |
| Tax reclaims on | Income from tax reclaims is included in the SoFA atthesame time asthe |
| donations and gifts | _gift/donation to which it relates. |
| Donated services | Theseare only included in income (with an equivalentamount in expenditure) |
| and facilities | where the benefit to the Charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and |
| material. | |
| Volunteer help | Thevalue ofanyvolunteerhelp received is not included in the accounts. - |
| Investmentincome | This is included in the accounts when receivable. |
| Gains/(losses) on | ‘This includes any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value |
| revaluation offixed | at the end ofthe year. |
| assets | |
| Gains/(losses) on | This includes any gain or loss on the sale ofinvestments. |
| investmentassets |
Page 10
Little Acorns Playgroup
Notes to the Accounts
----- Start of picture text -----
Expenditure
Recognition of Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which
expenditure cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it
relates.
Expenditure on These comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income, fundraising
raising funds trading costs and investment management costs.
Expenditure on These comprise the costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and
----- End of picture text -----
Charitable activities services in the furtherance of its objects, including the making of grants and governance costs. Grants payable All grant expenditure is accounted for on an actual paid basis plus an accrual for grants that have been approved by the trustees at the end of the year but not yet paid. Governance costs —_These include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity, including any audit/independent examination fees, costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity, together with a share of other administration costs. Other expenditure These are support costs not allocated to a particular activity.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Trade and other debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the company's cash management.
Trade and other creditors
Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
Page 11
Little Acorns Playgroup Notes to the Accounts
Pension costs
The charity operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution planisa pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payments obligations. The contributions are recognised as expenses when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals in the balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered funds.
Receipt of donated goods, facilities and services
All donated goods, facilities and services received are recognised within incoming resources and expenditure at an estimate of the value to the charity.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of the asset as follows: Fixtures, fittings and equipment 25% straight line Computer equipment 25% straight line
- 2 Company status
The company is a private company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital.
Page 12
Little Acorns Playgroup
,
3
Notes to the Accounts
Statement of Financial Activities - prior year
| Unrestricted | Restricted | TotalFunds | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Incomeand endowments from: | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 5,387 | 5,387 | |||
| Charitable activities | 78,067 | 2,000 | 80,067 | ||
| Investments | 1,315 | 1,315 | |||
| Totalincomingresources | 84,770 | 2,000 | 86,770 | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Charitable activities | 95,302 | 95,302 | |||
| Governance costs | 1,080 | 1,080 | |||
| Totalresourcesexpended | 96,382 | - | 96,382 | ||
| Netincome/(expenditure) | (11,612) | 2,000 | (9,612) | ||
| Totalfundsbroughtforward | 67,298 | 67,298 | |||
| Totalfunds carried forward |
55,686 | 2,000 | 57,686 | ||
| 4 | incomefrom donationsand legacies | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Donations | 2,962 | - | 2,962 | 5,388 | |
| 5 | ActivitiesforGeneratingFunds | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fundraisingefforts | 6,250 | - | 6,250 | 3,594 | |
| 6,250 | - | 6,250 | 3,594 | ||
| 6 | Incomefrom charitable activities | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fees | 20,544 | - | 20,544 | 28,954 | |
| OtherIncome | 462 | - | 462 | 1,028 | |
| Education Authority&Other Grants | 55,670 | 1,000 | 56,670 | 46,491 | |
| 76,676 | 1,000 | 77,876 | 76,473 | ||
| 7 | Incomefrom investments | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Bank interest | 1,357 | - | 1,357 | 1,315 | |
| 1,357 | - | 1,357 | 1,315 |
Page 13
Little Acorns Playgroup
Notes to the Accounts
| 8 | Expenditure on charitable activities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Wages and related expenses | 83,609 | 83,609 | 69,224 | ||
| Insurance | 1,742 | 1,742 | 1,504 | ||
| Professional fees | 830 | 830 | 3,300 | ||
| Resources | 1,652 | 1,652 | 3,384 | ||
| Snacks | 2,349 | 2,349 | 3,174 | ||
| Repairs & Maintenance | 2,896 | 2,000 | 4,896 | 1,980 | |
| Rates, electricity, phone&broadband | 2,841 | 2,841 | 4,633 | ||
| Training | 143 | 143 | 274 | ||
| Uniforms | 748 | 748 | 1,408 | ||
| Printing, Stationery& Postage | 874 | 874 | 69 | ||
| Bank Charges | 550 | 550 | 434 | ||
| Other Expenses | 2,103 | 2,103 | 5,093 | ||
| Depreciation | 1,510 | 1,510 | 825 | ||
| OB | BO | OP | |||
| 9 | Governance Costs | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Independent examiners fees | 500 | - | 500 | 1,080 | |
| a | 080 | ||||
| 10 | Staff costs | ||||
| No employees received emoluments in | excess of£60,000 | ||||
| 11 | Tangible fixed assets | ||||
| Fixtures, Fittings | Computer | ||||
| Cost | & Equipment | Equipment | Total | ||
| At 31 August 2024 | - | 3,300 | 3,300 | ||
| Additions | 2,000 | 739 | 2,739 | ||
| Disposals | - | - | - | ||
| At 31 August 2025 | __ 2,000 | 4,039 | 6,039 | ||
| Depreciation | |||||
| At 31 August 2024 | - | 825 | 825 | ||
| Depreciation charge forthe year | 500 | 1,010 | 1,510 | ||
| Depreciation on disposals | - | * | - | ||
| At31 August2025 | 500 | 1,835 | 2,335 | ||
| Net book value | |||||
| At 31 August 2024 | - | 2,475 | 2,475 | ||
| At31August2025 | 1,500 | 2,204 | 3,704 |
10 Staff costs
11 Tangible fixed assets
Page 14
Little Acorns Playgroup Notes to the accounts
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|12|Creditors|
|amounts falling due within|one year|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Other|taxes|and social|security|-|-|
|Accruals and deferred income|690|5,616|
|690|5,616|
|13|Deferred|Capital|Grants|
|Grants|Released|to|
|Description|Balance|b/f|Received|Income|Balance c/f|
|Outdoor Equipment|-|2,001|(500)|1,500|
|ICT Equipment|-|750|(185)|565|
|-|2,751|(685)|2,066|
|14|Movement|in funds|
|Ati|At 31|
|September|Incoming|Resources|August|
|2024|resources|expended|2025|
|£|£|£|£|
|Restricted funds:|2,000|1,000|(2,000)|1,000|
|Unrestricted funds:|55,686|87,245|(102,345)|40,587|
|Total funds:|57,686|88,245|(104,345)|41,587|
|15|Analysis of net assets|between funds|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|
|funds|funds|Total|
|£|£|£|
|Net current assets|40,587|1,000|41,587|
|40,587|1,000|41,587|
|16|Reconciliation|of net debt|
|At1|At31|
|September|August|
|2024|Cash flows|2025|
|£|£|£|
|Cash and cash|equivalents|60,778|(21,910)|38,868|
|60,778|(21,910)|38,868|
|Net debt|60,778|(21,910)|38,868|
----- End of picture text -----
17 Related party disclosures
The trustees have confirmed that there were no related party transactions during the reporting period (prior year: none)
Page 15