## **TINY TOTS CORNER PLAYGROUP 10a Esker Park Killylea Co Armagh BT60 4LT (Charity No: 103231)** **ANNUAL REPORT for year ended 31[st] August 2017** 1 ## **TINY TOTS CORNER PLAYGROUP** ## **TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31[st] August 2017** ## **LEGAL STATUS** The Charity Trustees present their Report for the period 1[st] September 2016 to 31[st] August 2017. Tiny Tots Corner Playgroup is registered with the Charity Commission number 103231. The Playgroup was originally set up in 1985 and the Constitution which was formally adopted on 2[nd] February 2011 remains in force. The Playgroup is a non-profit making organisation where any profits made are used to extend and develop the range of activities offered by the Playgroup. ## **ORGANISTION** The Playgroup is administered by a Management Committee. It is registered with the Southern Health & Social Care Trust to provide pre-school education for 24 children on a part time basis. It receives funding for these places under the Department of Education PEAGS Programme. The Playgroup is supported by an Early Years Specialist and Social Services Link Worker. ## **PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY AND OBJECT OF THE PLAYGROUP** The principal activity and object of Tiny Tots Corner Playgroup is to promote a learning through play environment for all children of a pre-school age in the local area without distinction. The Playgroup works closely with Early Years and the various statutory authorities to advance pre-school education through the provision of safe and satisfying group play, the recognition of rights of parents/carers to take responsibility for involvement of all activities of the Playgroup, the promotion of the health of the children at all times and lastly to adhere to the values and principles of Early Years. A wide range of activities provides experiences across the whole Early Years’ curriculum. We expect our staff to ensure that every child matters and activities are planned to cater for every child’s needs. There is clear emphasis on children enjoying their learning and we monitor the provision and resources so that the children have good quality learning experiences. We look upon Playgroup as the first stepping-stone to school and school life. ## **BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY** Tiny Tots Corner Playgroup has been educating children and benefitting the local community for thirty years. We welcome all children in the local community from every back round. Our work with pre school children means we help children learn and develop important social skills they will take with them into school and beyond. We lay 2 important foundation in skills such as turn taking, staying safe, communication and language development, teamwork and conflict resolution. All these skills enable our children to be a responsible member of their local community. As outlined above, Tiny Tots Corner Playgroup is run by a Management Committee made up of parent volunteers. This is another way in which we benefit the community as we provide our parents with the opportunity to contribute to the development and running of our Playgroup through this voluntary work. ## **OUR PRESCHOOL TEAM** We have three full time staff working in our Preschool: Leader – BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies Deputy Leader - BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies Preschool Assistant – Level 3 in Childcare and Education And have a relief worker and two volunteers. ## **MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE** The Management Committee is responsible for the overall running of the Playgroup. They have not taken any remuneration or expenses during the year but volunteer their services in the interests of ensuring first class preschool provision for the children around the Killylea and surrounding areas. The Management Committee work in partnership with the staff, parents/carers, our Early Years Specialist and the Social Services link worker to ensure all children have the best possible pre-school experience. The Management Committee have kept an eye on financial matters and discuss the development plans, staffing and other general business at committee meetings generally held every six weeks. During the year Trustees also carried out support, supervision and appraisals for the leader and staff. It also ensures that the Playgroup operates in line with the requirements set out by the Education Training Inspectorate, Early Years and Social Services. The Committee Members for 2016/2017 were elected at the Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 28[th] September 2016. Chairperson Heather Robinson Secretary Jennifer Murphy Treasurer Christine Lester Staff Liaison Officer Karen Maguire Members Ruth Murphy, Ruth-Ann Murphy, Victoria Gillespie, Janine Houston 3 ## **REVIEW OF PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS** The Playgroup ran at full capacity for the majority of the year. We had sixteen full time Peags places and eleven part time Non-Peags places. We recognise the need for regular fundraising as government funding for children’s sessions are currently not sufficient to cover costs. We have been extremely successful with fundraising events that have taken place through out the school year which include: - Christmas Extravaganza - £1351.75 - Pamper Night - £284.00 - Grandparents Day Cake Sale - £150.74 - Sponsored Trike - £1035.22 - And our chosen charity for 2016/2017 was Children in Need were the children had a ‘Wear Your Spots Day’ and raised a brilliant £577.70. We were fortunate to receive £800 funding from EYDF that was used to purchase wet suits and out door play equipment to enhance our outdoor area. During the year the children attended various events, which included: - Christmas Cinema Trip - Christmas Concert at Killylea Primary School - Christmas Concert & Party for Parents - Easter Party - Pensioners Walk in which small hampers were given to pensioners around the Killylea village - Visit from Armagh Council to talk about litter - Teddy Bears Picnic at Killylea Primary School - End of term trip to Hugglebugs - Graduation Morning for Parents We have had tremendous support from the Management Committee and parents through out the year. The management committee always make sure that all staff training is up to date and this year training attended included: Leaders Day – (Leader) Designated Child Protection – (Leader) Taking Planning to the next level – (Leader & Deputy Leader) Supporting Planning – (Leader & Deputy Leader) Level 2 Health & Hygiene – (All Staff) Paediatric 1[st] Aid – (All Staff) Level 2 Health & Hygiene (Assistant) 4 Approved by the Trustees 16[th] June 2017 and signed on their behalf: Heather Robinson Chairperson Christine Lester Treasurer 5