## **Nippers Alley Playgroup – AGM Tuesday 20[th] September 2022** 

## **Secretary’s Report (April 2021 – March 2022)** 

## **Administration** 

The Playgroup is administered by the Executive Committee, along with the support of the wider committee. 

This year, committee meetings took place bi-monthly, firstly via Zoom, due to continuing Covid-19 restrictions. Then March 2022 saw a long awaited return to face-to-face Committee meetings. 

All of those sitting on the outgoing committee have provided ongoing support, knowledge and assistance to the playgroup on a voluntary basis. Contributions of all committee members are greatly appreciated and are pivotal to the success of this excellent playgroup. 

## **Playgroup Staff** 

The year began with two of our permanent staff - Danielle Quinn & Charlene Corr on maternity leave. Vicky O'Neill led the playgroup, alongside the other team staff, Tressa Meenagh and temporary staff - Tanya Kelly and Jade Frost. 

When Danielle and Charlene returned from maternity leave, Vicky stayed on as a Playgroup Assistant and 1-1 staff member to a child with additional needs. Aine McGinley joined the team in Feb 2022 as Playgroup Assistant. 

Bernie O'Brien continues to play an important role as a trusted member of relief staff and provided more regular cover this year, which was a great help. 

Thank you to all our playgroup staff for providing a safe and happy environment for all the children who attend. Nippers Alley is an excellent playgroup because of your enthusiasm, dedication to the children and your interest in furthering your knowledge, by attending the courses and training available to you all. Your hard work is very much appreciated. 

## **Fundraising** 

This year April 2021 to March 2022 

1. Forest School Funding provided training for all staff. 

2. ESB grant used to cover some of the outdoor play equipment. 

3. Engage 2 Funding (WELB) used to cover the cost of Pro Soccer. 



4. EA Funding covered outdoor resources. 

5. ASDA Bucket Collection. 

6. FODC Summer Scheme grant 2021 

## **Operational Matters** 

The playgroup operated at full capacity in 2021/22 and an additional place was secured, bringing the total number of children to 27 for the 2021-22 year. 

Various valuable training events/courses have been attended by the playgroup staff. 

The playgroup underwent a Social Services Inspection in Oct 2021 which received positive feedback. Thanks to Vicky and all the staff for your hard work in preparing for the successful inspection. 

Play, Promote and Prepare ran very successfully again this year at maximum capacity. The following year looks to be at maximum capacity numbers also. 

Following two disrupted years due to Covid-19, it was good to see a gradual return to the "norm" for both the children and staff of Nippers Alley Playgroup in the 2021-22 year. Due credit has to be given to all the playgroup staff for continuing to provide a safe and enjoyable playgroup setting and experiences for the children, whilst navigating the various challenges that came with a global pandemic. 

Many thanks, 

Colleen McGaughey. 

(Secretary)