Company Registration No. NI055423 (Northern Ireland)
MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
FILLETED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Company information | 1 |
| Directors' report | 2 - 4 |
| Independent examiner's report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Filleted Balance sheet | 7 - 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 12 |
MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors Jennifer Bell Karen Kinghan Carol McGeagh Laura McIntosh Company secretary Karen Kinghan Company number NI055423 Charity Number XT10117 Registered with The Charity Commision for NIC102173 Northern Ireland Registered office 258 Carnmoney Road Newtownabbey BT36 6JZ Independent accountants Johnston Kennedy DFK Chartered Accountants 10 Pilots View Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE Activity address 258 Carnmoney Road Newtownabbey BT36 6JZ Bankers Danske Bank Limited Abbey Centre 31A Longwood Rd Newtownabbey Co. Antrim BT37 9UH
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
The directors present their annual report together with the unaudited financial statements of the company for the year ended 30 June 2025.
Structure, governance and management
Governing document
Mulberry Bush Playgroup is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. It has been granted charitable status by HM Revenue & Customs, under reference XT 10117 and registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland on 15 October 2015.
Board of directors
The board of directors administer the company. The board meet monthly, and together with the leader in charge, oversee the day to day running of the charity.
As set out in the Articles of Association, the directors are not required to retire by rotation. New appointments to the board are nominated by the members of the charity and then voted on by the members. Induction and training of the new directors is carried out internally after appointment.
Risk Management
The directors have a risk management strategy which comprises:
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an annual review of the risks the company may face;
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the establishment of systems and procedures to manage those risks identified in the plan; and
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the implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the company should those risks materialise.
Principal objectives and activities
The objective of the company is to provide support for families with young children in the local community through the provision of appropriate play facilities and enhance the development and education of children under statutory school age.
Public benefit activities
The Company is established to advance the education of children under statutory school age (hereinafter referred to as the beneficiaries) of the Carnmoney area and its environs without distinction of age, gender, 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: a) to advance the education of the beneficiaries by the provision of safe and satisfying group play, with the right of parents/carers to take responsibility for and to become involved in the activities of the group and b) to support the values and principles of the Early Years Organisation.
Achievements and performance
The company was incorporated in June 2005, and is now a well established provider of pre-school play facilities for children from the local community. Funding has been received from various bodies to facilitate the provision of play facilities by the company. Funding has been recognised as deferred income where it is returnable should the company cease to provide pre school play facilities.
Mulberry Bush Playgroup offers twenty four places for pre-school children and consistently operates at full capacity.
The directors are satisfied with the success of the playgroup and intend to review the operating budget for the coming year and implement measures to achieve a break even position.
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Financial Review
The financial statements show a net deficit of £1,841 which has been deducted from the reserves. The principal source of income in the year under review was fee income.
Reserves policy
The unrestricted reserves of the company at 30 June 2025 amounted to £6,607. Funds in the amount of £10,167 have been designated towards capital expenditure.
The company's reserve policy is to maintain reserves in excess of three months overheads.
Plans for the future
The board plan to continue the current level of operations for the foreseeable future. They will review activities to ensure that the company is able to accumulate reserves in line with the agreed reserve policy.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Jennifer Bell Karen Kinghan Carol McGeagh Laura McIntosh
Directors' interests
None of the directors of the company held a benefical interest in the assets of the company.
There were no emoluments paid to directors during the current year or previous year. Directors did not claim any expenses during the current year or previous year.
Directors' responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the surplus or deficit of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Political and charitable contributions
During the year the company made no charitable donations.
Special provisions relating to small companies
This report has been prepared in accordance with special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
On behalf of the board
Karen Kinghan
.............................. Karen Kinghan Company Secretary
Date: 12 March 2026
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS' REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON THE PREPARATION OF THE UNAUDITED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
In accordance with the engagement letter dated 22 October 2008, and in order to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Companies Act 2006, we have compiled the financial statements of Mulberry Bush Playgroup for the year ended 30 June 2025, set out on pages 6 to 12 from the accounting records and information and explanations you have given to us.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity trustees (and also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied us that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is our responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008
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follow procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
We have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting 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 explanation from you as charity trustees concerning any such matter.
Our role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention giving us cause to believe:
1) That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006
- 2) That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
3) That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the 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
- 4) That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent examiners' statement
We have completed our examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, we have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
James Gage
................................ James Gage FCA For and on behalf of Johnston Kennedy DFK Chartered Accountants 10 Pilots View Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE
Date: 12 March 2026
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| (unrestricted | (unrestricted | ||
| funds) | funds) | ||
| Income and endowments from: | |||
| Income from charitable activities | 45,940 | 42,699 | |
| Income from investments | 4 | 32 | 63 |
| Grant income | - | 1,043 | |
| Other income | 4,732 | 3,505 | |
| Total income and endowments | 50,704 | 47,310 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Expenditure on raising funds | 1,988 | 1,934 | |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 50,557 | 49,460 | |
| Total expenditure | 52,545 | 51,394 | |
| Net movement in funds for the year | (1,841) | (4,084) | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 18,615 | 22,699 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 16,774 | 18,615 |
Incoming resources and resources expended
All incoming resources and resources expended disclosed as unrestricted have not been designated for any specific purpose.
Continuing operations
The Statement of Financial Activities has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
Total comprehensive income
There is no other comprehensive income to report in addition to the net deficit for the financial year.
Historical cost
The results as disclosed in the Statement of Financial Activities and retained funds for the period have been presented on an historical cost basis.
Companies Act 2006
In accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 the above Statement of Financial Activity incorporates an Income and Expenditure Account.
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form part of these financial statements Compiled without audit or independent verification - refer to independent examiner's report
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
FILLETED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 5 Current assets Stocks 6 Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 7 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds |
2025 £ 794 2,078 4,988 7,860 (1,253) |
£ 10,167 6,607 16,774 6,607 10,167 16,774 |
2024 £ 205 425 5,166 5,796 (1,210) |
£ 14,029 4,586 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18,615 | ||||
| 4,586 14,029 |
||||
| 18,615 |
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form part of these financial statements Compiled without audit or independent verification - refer to independent examiner's report
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
FILLETED BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 30 JUNE 2025
Directors' statement in respect of the financial statements
For the financial year ended 30 June 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
These financial statements have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime and the Financial Reporting Standard 102 Section 1A - Small Entities.
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 12 March 2026 and are signed on its behalf by:
| Laura McIntosh | Karen Kinghan |
|---|---|
| .............................. | .............................. |
| Laura McIntosh | Karen Kinghan |
| Director | Director |
Company Registration No. NI055423
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form part of these financial statements Compiled without audit or independent verification - refer to independent examiner's report
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
NOTES TO THE FILLETED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
1 Accounting policies
1.1 General information and basis of preparation
Mulberry Bush Playgroup is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 258 Carnmoney Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 6JZ.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. 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) (second edition - October 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below.
1.2 Fund accounting
The general reserves of the company are unrestricted reserves, which the company may use for its purpose at its discretion in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity, and which have not been designated for any other purpose.
Restricted and designated funds of the company are those on the use of which the donor has imposed restrictions or the Board has applied for a particular purpose. The aim and uses of such funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.3 Incoming resources
The company's income arose solely from unrestricted sources, and may be applied at the discretion of the company directors in furtherance of the organisation's charitable objectives.
1.4 Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered, and has been classified under headings that aggregate all the costs relating to the category.
1.5 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Equipment 20% Straight Line
1.6 Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.
Stocks held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at the lower of cost and replacement cost, adjusted where applicable for any loss of service potential.
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
NOTES TO THE FILLETED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.
1.7 Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Classification of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Operating creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operation from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Operating creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
1.8 Taxation
The company is a registered charity and is not liable to tax on surpluses generated or investment income derived from activities within scope of the charitable exemptions.
1.9 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.10 Revenue grants
Revenue grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which the related expenditure is incurred, unless they relate to a specified future period, in which case they are deferred.
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
NOTES TO THE FILLETED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| 2 | Operating deficit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Operating deficit for the year is stated after charging: | £ | £ | |
| Depreciation of tangible assets | 3,862 | 3,736 | |
| Accountancy fees (net of VAT) | 900 | 851 | |
| 3 | Employees | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Number | Number | ||
| The average monthly number of employees during the year was: | 4 | 4 | |
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Wages and salaries | 38,682 | 38,000 | |
| 4 | Interest receivable | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Bank interest | 32 | 63 | |
| 5 | Tangible fixed assets | ||
| Equipment | |||
| £ | |||
| Cost | |||
| At 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 | 29,639 | ||
| Depreciation and impairment | |||
| At 1 July 2024 | 15,610 | ||
| Depreciation charged in the year | 3,862 | ||
| At 30 June 2025 | 19,472 | ||
| Carrying amount | |||
| At 30 June 2025 | 10,167 | ||
| At 30 June 2024 | 14,029 |
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MULBERRY BUSH PLAYGROUP
NOTES TO THE FILLETED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
6 Stocks
| Stocks 7 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors |
2025 £ 794 2025 £ 1,253 1,253 |
2024 £ 205 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ 1,210 |
||
| 1,210 |
8 Statement of movements on funds
| Unrestricted | Designated | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Balance at 1 July 2024 | 4,586 | 14,029 |
| Deficit for the year | (1,841) | - |
| Transfer from/(to) designated funds | 3,862 | (3,862) |
| Balance at 30 June 2025 | 6,607 | 10,167 |
Depreciation in the amount of £3,862 has been released from designated funds.
9 Capital commitments
The company had no capital commitments as at 30 June 2025 or 30 June 2024.
10 Company status
The company is limited by guarantee and does not have share capital.
11 Control
The directors control the company. The management of the company is carried out through a management committee appointed by the membership.
12 Related party transactions
No remuneration was paid to the directors.
There are no transactions in the year in which any director or related party had an interest.
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