BARBICAN PLAYGROUP AND MOTHERS AND TODDLERS GROUP
Awarded charitable status in 1977, the Barbican Playgroup provides a pre-school playgroup for up to 28 children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 5 who live or work in the City of London. Playgroup sessions run parallel to normal school terms, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1.00pm, with extended afternoon sessions to 2.45pm for older children on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for older children.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a deficit of £5,412 for the year ended 31 August 2025, primarily due to decreased attendance and increased reliance on casual staff. However, unrestricted reserves stood at £118,161, which the trustees note represents 84% of their agreed Emergency Operating Reserve objective. The charity remains dependent on fluctuating fee income and has no endowment funding.
What the accounts disclose
“Details of all income and expenditure are outlined in the attached financial statements.” — page 4
“At the end of the period unrestricted reserves were £118,161. These reserves represent 84% of the agreed objective-EOR” — page 5
Trustees
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £64k | £69k |
| 31/08/2024 | £68k | £79k |
| 31/08/2023 | £95k | £81k |
| 31/08/2022 | £65k | £69k |
| 31/08/2021 | £97k | £70k |
Common questions
Is BARBICAN PLAYGROUP AND MOTHERS AND TODDLERS GROUP financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a deficit of £5,412 for the year ended 31 August 2025, primarily due to decreased attendance and increased reliance on casual staff. However, unrestricted reserves stood at £118,161, which the trustees note represents 84% of their agreed Emergency Operating Reserve objective. The charity remains dependent on fluctuating fee income and has no endowment funding. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.