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