LADYBIRD PLAYGROUP THRIPLOW
Ladybird Playgroup is a playgroup, running on the same site as Thriplow Primary School. It takes children from 2.5 years, operating 5 days a week, term-time only.
Objects
THE CHARITY WORKS FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT HAVING AS ITS OBJECTS THE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR BY:(1) PROMOTING THEIR CARE AND SAFETY;(2) PROMOTING THEIR EDUCATION AND PROMOTING PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT;(3) PROMOTING THEIR HEALTH AND WELLBEING;(4) PROVIDING SERVICES TO SUPPORT THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES AND CARERS;(5) PROVIDING SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS HOLDING MEMBERSHIP OF THE CIO; AND(6) FURTHERING THE AIMS OF THE PRE-SCHOOL LEARNING ALLIANCE.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity navigated financially challenging times with a net expenditure of £3,914, driven by marked increases in staff costs due to minimum wage and National Insurance rises. Unrestricted reserves stood at £130,481, which the trustees describe as covering staff and administration costs without which the charity could not operate. The trustees acknowledge the need to review fees and remain mindful of rising costs and recruitment challenges.
What the accounts disclose
“Reserves fall into three categories: 1. Unrestricted Funds (cover staff costs and those of administration and support without which Ladybird could not operate)”
“Challenges to the Playgroup include increasing costs, including the increases in minimum wage and employer's National Insurance contributions, with a marked increase in staff costs during this period, and attracting new children to join the setting to boost numbers and / or extend their hours spent at Ladybird. The Committee and staff need to be continually mindful of these factors.”
“One trustee, Mrs S McGinty, received remuneration of £29,490 (2024: £28,044) during the year in respect of her role as the Preschool Manager.” — page 19
“One trustee, Mrs S McGinty, received remuneration of £29,490 (2024: £28,044) during the year in respect of her role as the Preschool Manager. The trustee took no part in discussions or decisions relating to the appointment or remuneration. The trustees are satisfied that the terms were at arm’s length and in the best interests of the charity.” — page 19
Policies the charity declares
- Bullying and harassment policy and procedures
- Complaints handling
- Complaints policy and procedures
- Financial reserves policy and procedures
- Paying staff
- Risk management
- Safeguarding policy and procedures
- Safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries
- Serious incident reporting policy and procedures
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (22/04/2021)
Trustees
- Nadia de Wouters d'Oplinterchair
- Camilla Jane Johnstone
- Jasmin Osman
- Jayne Emily Pashley
- Lindsey Jane Crow
- Sharon McGinty
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/08/2025 | £117k | £121k |
| 30/08/2024 | £100k | £92k |
| 30/08/2023 | £101k | £93k |
| 30/08/2022 | £75k | £77k |
| 30/08/2021 | £90k | £96k |
Common questions
Is LADYBIRD PLAYGROUP THRIPLOW financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity navigated financially challenging times with a net expenditure of £3,914, driven by marked increases in staff costs due to minimum wage and National Insurance rises. Unrestricted reserves stood at £130,481, which the trustees describe as covering staff and administration costs without which the charity could not operate. The trustees acknowledge the need to review fees and remain mindful of rising costs and recruitment challenges. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 23/03/2006 | £5k | Improvement of Outdoor Play Equipment |