Sion Mills Primary School Parent, Teacher and Friend Association Charity Registration Number: **108309** WESTVIEW TERRACE Sion Mills Co Tyrone BT82 9HP **Annual Trustees Report Financial Year: 1/09/23 – 31/08/24** The purpose of the Sion Mills Primary School, Parent, Teacher and Friend Association is the advancement of Education for the benefit of the pupils, parents and the local community connected with Sion Mills Primary School. ## **Events** During the period indicated above there were a number of events run by the PTFA which were open to the public and advertised through school social media channels. These included The Halloween costume swap shop and disco in October 2023 (Raising £595), The May Mega Raffle (Raising £3470), and the Summer fair in June 2023 (raising £3435). The Benefits that flowed from these events were direct to the pupils as money raised was used to fund equipment and resources for their use (which will be further outlined below), but there was also the indirect benefit to parents and the local community who attended these events and benefited from the social aspect enhancing their own personal well-being through social interaction and forging better parent/teacher relationships which benefits communication and school experiences. Pupils were able to attend and enjoy activities at the Summer Fair and Halloween Disco and this acted as a social event for them as well. The Costume Swap shop aimed to support parents financially as they did not have to purchase new ones if they wished. To further benefit pupils' self-expression the PTFA ran an Easter Bonnet Competition, raffle and Parade in school with the direct benefit of pupil enjoyment and well-being. This event raised funds (£955) which directly benefited pupils in the purchasing of resources and equipment for their use as well as visits from external agencies (as outlined below). Further fund raising included the Smartie tube challenge (Raising £1214) and the Tuck Shop which was offered once a month as a treat to students in school (Raising £268). ## **Service Provision & Benefits** An identifiable, positive, direct educational benefit to pupils from PTFA fundraising efforts was the continued payment of a Twinkle Subscription (£501.76) for staff in Sion Mills Primary school. This provided a direct educational benefit to students in the school as it enabled staff to develop high quality teaching and learning resources for use in the classroom. This also had a direct positive benefit to teaching staff, reducing their time spent on resource development which could be spent in more productive ways with pupils, fulfilling our goal to advance quality education. Pupils were treated to a visit from “Wee bugs and beasties” which advanced their educational knowledge and also allowed for the development of new skills. This may be an activity which is inaccessible to pupils of social disadvantage outside of a school setting, therefore further supporting our local community and parents. The Santa’s Grotto at Christmas was another free activity for pupils and parents to attend. Providing a free alternative to many expensive Christmas outings, with all children receiving a free selection box. While at Easter every pupil received an Easter Egg. Therefore having a direct positive financial benefit to local parents and the local community. The PTFA provided funding for Sion Mills Primary to take part in the Eco-schools initiative and purchased further outdoor play resources. This has the direct positive benefit to students of experiencing outdoor education and the health benefits associated with it. It also has the indirect long term benefit of making more ecologically aware young people who will care for their planet and environment. Funds were also used to paint the external seats and benches in the school grounds to maintain them for pupil and public use. A buddy bench was also purchased with PTFA funds to encourage the mental health and well-being of students in school. The PTFA donated funds to create the Nemo Nook, a sensory room for students with additional needs. Items included a TV & fittings as well as sensory play items. This has the direct positive benefit to students of experiencing appropriate stimulation and play and enhancing their educational experience, which is in line with our charitable purpose. It also has the indirect benefit to parents of providing their children with coping mechanisms for their various needs, reducing frustration and leading to improved mood and interaction in home settings. In line with our charitable purpose to promote education, the PTFA have funded several initiatives to reward achievement and promote a love of learning throughout the year, these have included: prizes for Accelerated reading and Mathletics, Ice-cream van visits, a christmas movie morning and a bouncy castle fun day. To promote healthy lifestyles and the physical wellbeing of pupils, the PTFA have purchased sports equipment and After School Club resources with a direct health and educational benefit to the pupils. The provision of After School Club equipment also has the indirect financial and social benefit to parents of providing quality after school childcare at a reduced cost. ## **Risk of harm and private benefit** There is no harm flowing from any of the purposes or activities which the PTFA have undertaken. The beneficiaries are the pupils who attend the school as their education is enhanced by the purchasing of resources that help their education. Parents also benefit as they are given the opportunity to get involved in their children’s school and social aspects of wider community events. The only private benefit perceived through our activities is the fee paid to external educational service providers which is incidental and necessary for the achievement of the Charity’s purposes. In addition to advertising activities and events on Facebook throughout the year, many are also signposted on the website for additional information and through the Seesaw app for parents and carers. At all times the trustees have had regard to the NI Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance to ensure that the activities entered into during the year have helped to achieve the PTFA’s objectives and provided public benefit. In regard to the financial position of the Sion Mills PTFA, the charity began the financial year with a balance carried over of **£2,392.68** . During the period (01/09/2023-31/08/24) the organisation's income totalled **£11,176.39** and had expenditures totaling **£6,332.87** resulting in a balance of **£7,236.20** at the close of the financial year. At no time has the organisation been in deficit during this period. Further details of the Sion Mills PTFA finances are available in the end-of-year receipts and payments report. This report and the year’s accounts was compiled retrospectively with historical data following the change of trustees and treasurer in August 2025. For this reason not all accounting information was available to the current Trustee team and we are aware that records are not up to the standard required for complete verification by the independent examiner. We have taken on board their recommendations which will take effect from the financial year 2025/2026 when the new Trustees were appointed and the advice was given. This report has been prepared by the trustees of the charity: Leanne Speak, Sara Stewart, Kristel Cunningham, Catherine Harkin, Lindy Millar & Ruth Brolly.