TOBER TINYS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees who have seryed during the year were.. Trustees.. Treasurer Secretary Chairperson Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Emma Forde Jenna Pickering Paula Monahan Paula Glendinning Rachele Glendinning Nicola Higgins Amy Patterson Michelle Shiels Gemma Thompson Public benefits The benefits flowing from the purposes of Tobertinys Community Playgroup are that parents of pre-school children from Tobermore and surrounding areas have an opportunity to be looked after in a safe and stimulating environment undeT the care of suitably qualified play leaders. Their children benefit from being able lo attend such a facility close lo their own homes where there is no fegular public transport. They benefit from the fact that they have access to both education and recreation in safe and secure facilities in an organisation managed by their own parents and local people. The community benefits by securing this facility for local children and therefore being able to offer the service at reasonable prices affordable to local parents. There is no private benefit flowing from these purposes except for the salaries of the personnel employed by the project which is necessary for the running of the project. These benefits are measured by the numbers of children coming to the facility each year. They are also measured by consultations with the Ghildren themselves who Tegularfy evaluate their own aclivilies. Feedback is also obtained by parenls at least twice a year bul most parents gel a daily report on the progress of their child and so the benefits are often measured by the one to one inteNiew with parents which incur on a regular basis. There is no harm flowing from these purposes. Aim of the organisation Tobertinys runs a pre-school facility in the village of Tobermore which is attended by children from Tobermore and surrounding districts. Children are provided with education and recreation facilities and practical assistance for the hildren where necessary. The Group provides and maintains suitable equipment and facilities for the education and recreation of the children subject lo the specifications of social services and DEL. The committee of volunteers manage the team of workers recruit and select them and rnanage all human resource requirements. They also manage the building ensuring that adequate insurance, properly trained volunteers, parents or guaTdians of the children all have an input into Ihe appropriate activities of the childcare group. The committee also carries oul a range of fund raising activities, ensures the financial well-being and management of Ihe organisation. They also ensure a COrdInated integrated and holistic approach to young children's learners Charitable purposes The Group was established to promote play based learning environments for all children under statutory school age. {hereinafter referred to a5 the beneficiaries) of the Magherafelt area and ils surrounding environs in Co Londonderry {hereinafter called the area of benefit) without distinction of age, gender, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, nationality. elhnic idenlity, political or religious opinion by associating the statutory aulhorities, community and voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in a common effort to advance education and in particular lo advance the education of the beneficiaries by the provision of safe and satisfying group play with the right of parenucarers 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 support the values and principles of early years.
TOBER TINYS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Trustees. Report Now as I complete my 3rd temi a5 Chairperson of Tober Tinys I continue lo be fvlfilled and excited for what our community based Tober Tinys Playgroup offers and how they support. listen and engage with the ever growing demand. For the second year running we have been over subsrJibed and had a full competency starting in September again. This year came with a few thanges. as Muriel Mccarroll left lo take up a new post. with Alex Smyih, at the time Playgroup Assistant took position of Deputy Leader. Playgroup Assistanl role remained with Jacqui Mullholland and a newly appointed Playgroup Assistanl came onboard, Erin Moore. Our leader Clare Montgomery, continued to lead this team through these changes and al a time also which was personally challenging with the sad loss of her father and uncle. The strength of the team has been exemplarily over this past year. Further changes occurred with Playgroup Assistant Erin leaving due to ill heallh and Trainee Chloe Patterson after finishing her exams was now qualified to be appointed as Playgroup Assistant. I would like lo congratulate the team for all they have achieved in the 202312024 year and the collective effort from all the slaff. embracing Ihe challenges and working hard to ensure standards were maintained to Ihe high level that exist. Thank you also to Jenna Pickering who joined the learn as a funded place from Ihe EA for a statement child. Each staff member brings their own special trail that makes Tober Tinys the welcoming, exciting and happy place of leaming for each child and promotes confidence to the parents. To Clare, I congratulate you for continuing to lead the team which such focus, determination and kindness and l am confident thal the besl is aayS achieved because of the excellenl teamwork and leadership thal exists. This year has seen u5 slabilise for the first time since the pandemic and whilst its been slightly harder lo manage that we don't overspend, this year was about ensuring that we now have enough to put into the reserves pol, should Ihe worst case scenario ever arise, and this is a positive step in the right direction. I say this with the backup of some great funding opportunities that we have been sucSsful in and namely the Pathway Fund. which without we simply would not be able to function like we have. The Staff Team and committee continue to fundfaise which has helped to modemise Tober Tinys in updating the tables and chairs for the children, the outside play area has had a dean up and general maintenance. I would like to again thank TBD for their donation this year again lo Tober Tiny s and donations from famity of playgroup users for any fundraising opportunities and the subscriptions I voluntary subscriptions being paid by pre-pre and nursery sessions, all assisted in making the efficient running less of a burden. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the managemenl committee for Iheir support this year and their wise council when required, attending meetings and helping with supporting the team. For those that I know are not rejoining, I thank you for giving up your time to play a part in the Tober Tinys Successes over the year or longer. In terms of suSseS we have had. thankfully, a content year with the foll¢Jwing positives to take forward and acknowledge.. Thankful for Pathway fvnding again which aids the running of Tober Tinys financially and allows our team to provide the best educational tools and safe enwronrnent for our children. Funding success for an Interactive Sn for the use of more modem learning tools for the children and for activity based learning Upgrade of the furniture and key important areas for the children to ensure safety is upheld. Conlinued supporting team efforts and appreciation for all the work that goes into the Committee Fundraising coffee morning, quiz sheets, bus runs. Experience gained and confidence secured in supporting sorne children with additional or complex needs. This year comes as our 25 year anniversary and therefore some nice plans will be focused in and around April 2025. Continue to build the already strong foundations of a good team. build in any new members of the committee I management positions (once Ihe reelection has taken place) Continuing strong links with the community - easter bonnet walks, Christmas coffee moming. savings dub. Hoping to secure Pathway Fund for another year
TOBER TINYS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Continue to put the team and children at the heart ofthe community based Playgroup and provide assistance were required and the links with neighbouring schools To promote that we should Smile. Have Fun, Be kind. and talk to one another, lo ensure good mental health for all. Finishing lastly with the erection of a New Tober Tinys Communiiy Playgroup Sign which will be purchased from the funds raised al a recent Summer Charity Ball hosted by myself, Chairperson. Funds of £1000 was raised for Tober finy's and Ihis new sign will help mark Ihe 25 years with a new fresh look for Tobers In closing, I would like to encourage you all to become part of the managemenl committee. New faces will bring new skills, experience and ideas all of which are very welcome. Finally I hope that the staff and management ommittee have a positive start to the year and Ihal this year is a successful one for Tober Tinys Community playgroup. Financial review All the funds administered in grants by the charity are governed by procedures and policies laid down and agreed in advance betsveen the charily and those partners funding the grant schemes. All financial procedures for the group are reviewed annually to ensure that all policies and procedures are updated to conform to any new financial legislation that has been introduced. Slatement of trustees. responsibilities The Constilution requires the trustees lo prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of Tober Tinys Communily Playgroup and of the surplus or deficit for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are reqltired to.. -select suilable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,. -make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., -prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless il is inappropriale lo presume that Tober Tinys Communily Playgroup will continue in business. The Irustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose wilh reasonable accuracy at any lime the finanoial position of Tober Tinys Community Playgroup and to enable the trustees to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assels of Tober Tinys Community Playgroup and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are salisfied Ihat all grants have been used solely for the purposes for which they were provided. By order of the board Chairperson