PlaySchule
Report and Accounts
for the year ended 31 August 2025
| PlaySchule | |
|---|---|
| Reports and accounts | |
| Contents | |
| Trustee Committee and Other Information | 2 |
| Trustee Committee’s Report | 3 |
| Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities | 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Accounting Policies and Notes to financial statements | 9 |
PlaySchule
Trustee Committee and Other Information
Trustees Committee
Dana Rice (Chairperson) Alan McCay (Treasurer) James McCartney
Bankers
Lloyds Bank Birmingham OSC 4, Ariel House Sheldon B26 3JW
Independent Examiner
Stephen Cox 32 College Glen Derry BT48 8PX
Registered office
St Columbs Park House 4 Limavady Road Derry BT47 6JY
Charity Number
107244
PlaySchule Trustee Committee’s Report
for the year ended 31 August 2025
The Trustees' committee presents their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Objectives
Our aim is to foster activities within Derry City and its adjacent areas in the North West of Ireland by providing and maintaining resources dedicated to enhancing social skills among the youth and raising awareness across the community, without regard for disability, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic background, or political and religious beliefs, intending to better life conditions. Specifically, our objectives are: (1) To educate and support individuals aged 11 to 25 within the designated area through physical and mental activities, focusing on developing and enhancing their social skills to foster awareness and understanding. (2) To cultivate emotional intelligence among these individuals through activities and collaborations that span different communities, emphasising the growth of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills, thereby aiding them in maturing fully as individuals and contributing citizens to better their living conditions.
Public Benefits and What We Do
The tangible benefits arising from our mission encompass an enhanced self-awareness, encapsulating an understanding of one’s strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivations, and emotions; the fostering of positive, mature, and meaningful relationships; an elevated appreciation and respect for diverse communities; active engagement in community outcomes; and a diminished sense of isolation among “at-risk” youths. These benefits are verified through feedback from participants, instructors, and community welfare experts, alongside regular evaluations of our services conducted by independent entities. In delivering resources and services to our beneficiaries, we must remain aware of any unintended consequences from our activities, ensuring that the positive impact significantly surpasses any potential harm. Our primary recipients are young individuals aged 11 to 25 residing in Derry City and its neighbouring regions in the North West of Ireland.
Results
The deficit for the year amounted to £8,492 (2024 - £10,502 deficit). While the Trustees are encouraged that the deficit has reduced by 19.1% compared to the previous year, we acknowledge that consecutive annual deficits present a significant financial challenge that requires immediate and sustained attention.
Financial Challenges and Response Strategy
The Trustees recognise that the current financial position is not sustainable in the long term and have undertaken a comprehensive review of our operations and financial management. We have identified several key factors contributing to these deficits, including:
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Reduced funding from traditional sources post-pandemic
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Increased operational costs due to inflation
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Limited diversification in our income streams
Strategic Action Plan for Financial Recovery
To address these challenges and ensure the charity's long-term sustainability, the Trustees have approved the following strategic measures:
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Income Diversification: We will actively pursue new funding opportunities including grants from local authorities, community foundations, and European funding programmes specifically targeting youth development in Northern Ireland.
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Partnership Development: We are establishing strategic partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community organisations to create sustainable funding relationships and reduce operational costs through resource sharing.
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Service Efficiency Review: A comprehensive review of our programme delivery costs is underway to identify areas where we can maintain service quality while reducing expenditure.
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Reserve Building Strategy: Once operational balance is achieved, we will implement a policy to build appropriate reserves equivalent to 6 months' operating costs to provide financial stability.
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Enhanced Financial Monitoring: Monthly financial reviews and quarterly forecasting have been implemented to ensure early identification of any variance from budget.
The Trustees remain confident in the charity's mission and are committed to ensuring PlaySchule continues to serve the young people of Derry City and the North West of Ireland. We will monitor progress against these measures closely and provide regular updates to stakeholders on our financial recovery progress.
The committee members are determined to restore financial stability while maintaining our high-quality services and will continue to work diligently toward this goal in the next financial year.
Trustees Committee Membership
The following people served on the Trustee Committee during this year:
Dana Rice (Chairperson) Alan McCay (Treasurer) James McCartney
This report was approved by the Trustee Committee and signed on its behalf by: ……………………………... ……………………………... Qh Dana Rice (Chairperson) Alan McCay (Treasurer) Date: 15/09/2025
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Alan McCay (Treasurer)
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PlaySchule Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The charity's trustees are responsible for preparing an annual trustee's report and financial statements in line with relevant legislation and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). According to the charity's constitution, the trustees must compile financial statements annually. These statements must accurately and fairly reflect the charity's financial condition, as well as detail the incoming resources and how they are applied, encompassing both the income and expenditure of the charity for that specific period.
In the process of preparing the financial statements, the trustees must:
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Choose appropriate accounting policies and apply them consistently throughout the financial statements.
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Adhere to the guidelines and principles outlined in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).
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Make judgements and estimates that are both reasonable and prudent in the context of the charity's operations and financial status.
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Declare any UK accounting standards that have been adhered to, noting any significant deviations which must be disclosed and justified within the financial statements.
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Compile the financial reports under the assumption of a going concern, except in cases where it becomes reasonable to believe that the charity will not continue its operations.
The trustees hold the duty of maintaining accurate accounting records that, at any point, reasonably reflect the charity's financial status and ensure the financial statements are in accordance with applicable laws and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Their responsibilities also extend to protecting the charity's assets and implementing adequate measures to prevent and identify fraud and other irregularities. Furthermore, trustees are accountable for preserving the integrity of the charitable and financial information on the charity’s website. It is important to note that the legal requirements governing the preparation and distribution of financial statements in the United Kingdom may vary from those in other jurisdictions.
Statement as to disclosure to the independent reviewer:
In so far as the trustees are aware at the time of approving our trustees' annual report:
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there is no relevant information, being information needed by the independent examiner in connection with preparing their report, of which the independent examiner is unaware, and
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the trustees, having made enquiries of fellow trustees and independent examiners that they ought to have individually taken, have each taken all steps that they are obliged to take as trustees to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information.
By order of the board of trustees
…………………………… (iw ... Dana Rice (Chairperson)
Date: 15/09/2025
Independent Examiner's Report
to the Trustees of PlaySchule
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustee Committee of Playschule
I report on the accounts of PlaySchule for the year ended 31 August 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 13.
Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for preparing the accounts in alignment with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
My duties entail:
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Conducting an examination of the Accounts under Section 65 of the Charities Act.
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Adhering to the procedures established in the general directions provided by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under Section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
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Reporting whether specific matters have been brought to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's Report
I have examined your charity's accounts to ensure they comply with Section 65 of the Charities Act, following the general directions issued by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under Section 65(9)(b).
My examination involved reviewing the charity's accounting records and comparing the financial statements against these records. I also assessed any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and sought explanations from the trustees where necessary.
My role is to identify whether any material matters have come to my attention that would suggest the accounting records do not comply with Section 63 of the Charities Act, that the financial statements do not match the accounting records, that the accounts do not meet the required accounting standards, or that additional information is needed for a proper understanding of the accounts as referenced in CCNI ARR07 - supporting document dated 11 August 2016.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Based on my examination of the charity's records and financial statements, I have found no material issues or discrepancies that would cause concern. The examination procedures I conducted have provided sufficient evidence to support my conclusion that the financial statements present a true and fair view of the charity's financial position as at 31 August 2025. No matters requiring further attention have been identified during this examination.
_______ Stephen Cox
32 College Glen Derry BT48 8PX
15 September 2025
PlaySchule
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 August 2025
| Note Income Donations 5 Gift Aid 6 Grant Administrative Expenses Expenditure Facilities Telephone & Internet Admin and office costs Equipment and electronics 8 Travel and subsistence Printing, postage and stationery Professional and consultancy fees Staff training Project-related costs 2 Wages and salaries 7 Bank Charges Sundry expenses Loan repayments 3 Net (expenditure) and net movement in funds in year Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward All amounts relate to continuing operations |
Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds - - - 46,156 - 2,000 - 48,156 - 2,799 - 396 - 1,410 - - - 1,155 - 214 - 500 - 1,200 - 30,504 - - - 48 - 816 - 17,606 - 56,648 - 56,648 - (8,492) - 8,726 - 234 |
2025 £ - 46,156 2,000 48,156 2,799 396 1,410 - 1,155 214 500 1,200 30,504 - 48 816 17,606 56,648 56,648 (8,492) 8,726 234 |
2024 £ 20,545 35,602 2,500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58,647 | |||
| 2,288 360 1,525 3,887 1,569 611 300 3,390 48,510 4,227 37 835 1,610 |
|||
| 69,149 | |||
| 69,149 | |||
| (10,502) 19,228 |
|||
| 8,726 | |||
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
PlaySchule Balance Sheet
| PlaySchule Balance Sheet |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| as of 31 August 2025 | ||||
| Note | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | |||
| Current assets | ||||
| Cash at the bank and in hand | 4 | 234 | 8,726 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | - | (17,346) | ||
| Net current (liabilities)/assets | 234 | (8,620) | ||
| Net (liabilities)/assets | 234 | (8,620) | ||
| Fund Account | 234 | (8,620) | ||
| Total Funds | 234 | (8,620) |
On behalf of the Trustee Committee, we endorse these financial statements and affirm that all pertinent records and information have been provided for their preparation. The trustees have compiled the accounts in compliance with Section 130(1) of the Charities Act 2011.
……………………………... Dana Rice (Chairperson) (Ww Date: 15/09/2025
PlaySchule Accounting Policies and Notes to financial statements
for the year ended 31 August 2025
1. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The entity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
b) Reconciliation with the previous Generally Accepted Accounting Practices
In preparing the accounts, the trustees have considered whether, in applying the accounting policies required by FRS 102 and the Charities SORP FRS 102, no material restatement of comparative items was needed.
c) Preparation of accounts on a going concern basis
The trustees believe that the ongoing monitoring of income and measures taken after year-end to manage operating costs and focus on income recreation have secured the immediate future of the entity. The entity also maintains high levels of goodwill from the local community, having secured funding from various sources and currently has a number of fundraising activities planned for the coming twelve to eighteen-month period.
Cash flow statement
The entity has availed of the FRS 102 Section 7 exemption from the requirement to produce a cash flow statement. Income comprises the various income streams detailed in the Statement of Financial Activities and is recognised when received.
Government Grants
Grant income is recognised in income when received.
PlaySchule
Accounting Policies and Notes to financial statements
for the year ended 31 August 2025
2. Project Costs
| Project - Front Matter Project - Inside Out Programme Project - Spring To Sports |
2025 £ 11,485 14,663 4,356 30,504 |
2024 £ 19,183 21,551 7,776 48,510 |
|---|---|---|
The reduction in project costs from £48,510 in 2024 to £30,504 in 2025 reflects the trustees' strategic response to the financial challenges outlined in this report. As part of the comprehensive review of operations and financial management, the trustees implemented a service efficiency review to identify areas where the charity could maintain service quality while reducing expenditure.
This 37% reduction in project costs was achieved through careful programme delivery cost analysis while ensuring that PlaySchule continued to serve young people in Derry City and the North West of Ireland effectively. The trustees remain committed to delivering high-quality services that foster social skills development and emotional intelligence among participants, while operating within the charity's reduced income streams.
The cost reductions across all three projects - Front Matter, Inside Out Programme, and Spring To Sports - demonstrate the trustees' determination to restore financial stability without compromising the core mission of enhancing self-awareness, building meaningful relationships, and reducing isolation among at-risk youth in the community.
3. Creditors
| Creditors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Government Bounce Back Loan | 2025 £ - - |
2024 £ 17,346 |
| 17,346 |
The full repayment of the Government Bounce Back Loan during the year ended 31st August 2025 represents a significant milestone in the trustees' strategic action plan for financial recovery. The outstanding balance of £17,346 disclosed in the prior year has been eliminated, demonstrating the charity's commitment to reducing its financial liabilities as part of the comprehensive review of operations and financial management outlined in the trustees' report.
This repayment was completed in accordance with the Government Bounce Back Loan Scheme terms, including the applicable interest rate of 2.5% per annum calculated monthly after the initial twelve-month interest-free period. The successful elimination of this debt reflects the enhanced financial monitoring measures implemented by the trustees, including monthly financial reviews and quarterly forecasting to ensure early identification of variances from budget.
With no amounts remaining under this facility as at 31st August 2025, PlaySchule has reduced its financial obligations and strengthened its position as the trustees continue working toward operational balance and the eventual building of appropriate reserves equivalent to six months' operating costs.
4. Fund Account
| Fund Account | ||
|---|---|---|
| Surplus/ (Deficit) for the financial year Opening Total funds Closing Total funds |
2025 £ (8,492) 8,726 234 |
2024 £ (10,502) 19,228 |
| 8,726 |
The deficit for the financial year of £8,492 represents a 19.1% improvement compared to the prior year deficit of £10,502, demonstrating early progress in the trustees' efforts to address the charity's financial challenges. However, the trustees acknowledge that consecutive annual deficits present a significant challenge requiring immediate and sustained attention, as outlined in their strategic action plan for financial recovery.
The reduction in total funds from an opening balance of £8,726 to £234 reflects the cumulative impact of operational deficits over recent years. While the trustees are encouraged by the reduced deficit, the closing fund balance of £234 emphasizes the critical importance of the income diversification strategy, partnership development, and enhanced financial monitoring measures currently being implemented.
The trustees remain confident that the ongoing monitoring of income and measures taken to manage operating costs will secure the immediate future of the charity. The strategic action plan approved by the trustees, including the pursuit of new funding opportunities and establishment of partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, is designed to restore operational balance and ultimately build appropriate reserves equivalent to six months' operating costs to provide long-term financial stability.
5. Donations
The absence of donations during the year (2024: £20,545) reflects the challenging fundraising environment identified by the trustees. As part of the income diversification strategy, the trustees are actively working to rebuild donor relationships and establish new fundraising initiatives to restore this important income stream.
6. Gift Aid
Gift Aid income of £46,156 (2024: £35,602) includes all outstanding Gift Aid claims for the prior four years, which have now been submitted and received in full. This comprehensive claim recovery was undertaken as part of the trustees' income diversification strategy to maximize available funding from existing donation sources. The charity has now established processes to ensure Gift Aid claims are submitted on a timely basis going forward, supporting improved cash flow management as outlined in the enhanced financial monitoring measures.
7. Staff Costs
Staff costs were eliminated during the year as part of the trustees' strategic response to financial challenges. The prior year wages and salaries of £4,227 related to part-time staffing arrangements that were discontinued as the charity transitioned to a volunteer-led operational model. This change contributed significantly to the reduction in the annual deficit while maintaining service delivery through enhanced volunteer coordination and trustee involvement.
8. Equipment and Capital Expenditure
No equipment purchases were made during the year (2024: £3,887) as part of the service efficiency review. The trustees implemented a capital expenditure moratorium while focusing resources on direct service delivery. Existing equipment continues to meet operational requirements, and future capital expenditure will be considered once operational balance is achieved.