LirrLE ACORNS PLAYGROUP DIREcfoRS' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 The directors (who are also the trustees at the charitable company) present their report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the SORP (FRS 102) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies subject to the small companies, regime. The disclosure requirements of section IA of FRS 102 have been applied other than when additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view. Principal Artivlties The company's objectives are to enhance the development of and advance the education of children under statutory school age among the inhabitants of Castleroe and surrounding rural areas, by the provision of appropriate accommodation, learning experiences and play facilities. The company offers opportunities to all children without distinction of sex, Irace, culture, religion, means or ability. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the activities of the playgroup either through role models in their profession or by joining the committee to assist with running the playgroup and with fundraising activities. Children benefit from a host of resources within a well organised, stimulating and attrartive learning environment. The broad range of interesting activities and experiences provides good opportunities to learn Sn all areas of the pre-school curriculum. Little Acorns have an open-door policy and parents are always welcome. Parents are kept well informed about what is happening in the playgroup through letters, displays and posters. Parents have regularfeedback about their child's progress both verbally and through school reports. Future Plans Little Acorns Playgroup will continue to develop and enhance the learning experiences for our preschool, supporting individual learning to the age and development of each child through a well-balanced and planed curriculum. The staff continue to develop and update their training through online and in-person training. We continue to have strong links with the local primary school and visit each month to help children with transitioning into Pl. The group have an independent Early Years Specialist for the year 2022-2023 as part of the education authority agreement for preschool children. Maintenance Our mobile classroom as been cladded using plastic to ensure the building is waterproof and will last for sometime. Our outdoor slide has been replaced to ensurethat safety of the children is maintained. Organlsatlon Structure The executive committee consists of the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer who are appointed at the AGM. These executive officers may in addition appoint 6 or more other individuals to serve and non- executive committee members. Both executive and non-executive members are trustees of the charity and are also directors of the company for the purpose of company law. The trustees administer the charity and meet regularly to disCUSS the on-going work and commitment of the group. The committee members are from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity.
LIThLE ACORNS PLAYGROUP DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 (CONTINUED) Results Total incoming resources forthe yearwere £42,271 (2022- £39,918) of which 87% {2022- 78%) was generated from Education Authority funding. Total resources expended were £55,175 {2022 - £47,232) of which approximately 81¥ (2022 - 73Y) was expended on wages. At 30 September 2023 the total funds of the charity amounted to £6,563. Reserves Policy The Committee, after advice, consider it prudent to hold monies of £2,500 in reserve in the event of unforeseen circumstances leading to financial difficulties which rnight put the future of its employment capacity, users, well-being and general charity work in jeopardy. Risk Management The committee are aware of the major risks to which the organisation is exposed. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal control risks are minimised through the procedures for authori sation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the organisation. Procedures are also in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers and clients. Statement of Directors ResponsÉbilitles The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors, report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with SORP (FRS 102) 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 for that period. In preparing those financial statements the directors are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; Observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP. Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue business. The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disc105e 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 and relevant charity legislation. They are also responsible for safeguardingthe assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
LIThLE ACORNS PLAYGROUP DIREcfoRS' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 (CONTINUED) Taxation The company is a charity (HMRC Charity Number XR22757) and is recognised as such by HMRC for taxation purposes. As a result, there is no liability to taxation of any of its income. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Art 2006 (FRS 102) and in accordance with the Charity SORP 2015 By order of the board Date: 13 February 2024 Trevor A. Adams Director