Noah's Ark Developmental Playgroup Charity Accounts

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: SC247699

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: SC021525

Noah's Ark Developmental Playgroup

Company Limited by Guarantee

Unaudited Financial Statements

31 March 2025

Noah's Ark Developmental Playgroup

Company Limited by Guarantee

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2025

	Page

Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report)	1

Independent examiner's report to the trustees	4

Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account)	5

Statement of financial position	6

Notes to the financial statements	7

Noah's Ark Developmental Playgroup

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)

Year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 .

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name	Noah's Ark Developmental Playgroup

Charity registration number	SC021525

Company registration number	SC247699

Principal office and registered	Balnageith Road
office	Forres
	Moray
	IV36 2SX

The trustees

	Kevin James Gibson	(Appointed 16 January 2025)
	Angela Mackay
	Janice Murray
	Angela Porter
	James Gibson	(Resigned 6 November 2024)
	Alexander Dow
	Stuart Allan
	Emma McCartney
	Douglas Gordon

Company secretary	Alexander Dow

Independent examiner	Alison Fionda, CA Ritsons Chartered Accountants
	103 High Street
	ELGIN
	Moray
	IV30 1EB

Objectives and activities

The aim of the playgroup is to advance the education of pre-school children so that they may take a constructive place in the community.

The playgroup provides facilities for children with developmental delays or disorders in physical, mental or behavioural terms or with social difficulties. The age range of children is from early infancy up to primary school age. Children are helped towards integration into specialised playgroups or schools depending on each child's particular needs and progress. The playgroup also aims to support the parents of the children.

Noah's Ark is working in partnership with Moray Council to provide the above facilities and were approved and registered under the Childrens Act 1989.

The trustees have paid due regard to the guidance issued by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

The year ended 31st March 2025 was another year of change for Noah's Ark. After 15 years on the board Jim Gibson retired as Chairperson in November 2024. This was a planned event and the post was taken up by Kevin Gibson. During the year to March 2025 our managers Emma McCartney and Jodie Derrick continued their studies towards attaining their degrees in Childhood Practice. Post year end Emma has successfully completed the degree course and Jodie is in her final year. The board are very pleased with the commitment of the management team in their efforts to further their experience and education and are acutely aware of the commitment required to complete this while managing the day to day operations of the nursery.

The number of children attending the nursery with developmental needs remains constant at five. The board consider this to be the maximum number of spaces available based on the current structure and resources available.

The Board continued with our policy of rewarding our staff and included an increase in employer pension contributions as part of the pay increases in March 2025. The board are committed to continuing this where it is deemed financially prudent to do so.

During the year we have continued to upgrade elements of the building that were beginning to need attention. This is planned to continue into 2025.

The management team have continued to improve parent engagement throughout the year. They are using social media as a very effective communication tool as well as inviting parents in to the nursery throughout the year to observe and interact with the children.

Financial review

The past year shows a net surplus of £56,639 (2024 - £43,208) after depreciation of £28,408 (2024 - £28,135). The unrestricted funds at the year end were £719,468 (2024 - £646,269), restricted funds were £86,580 (2024 - £103,140).

Once again our results were consistently strong.

The Trustees policy is to maintain cash reserves at around 6 months of normal running costs in order to meet commitments and cover any unexpected expenditure. Cash reserves at year end were £141,947 (2024 - £171,608), which is well above the required rate.

Structure, governance and management

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 11 April 2003 and registered in Scotland with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (Charity number SC021525 ).

The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

The directors of the charitable company ('the charity') are its trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the trustees. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Board are elected to serve for a period of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.

Working with pre-school children means that the charity's work also includes all family members, i.e. parents, siblings, grandparents etc. The trustees seek to ensure that the needs of all these groups are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the trustee body.

All trustees are familiar with the practical work of the charity and are encouraged to visit the playgroup at any time. All trustees are recruited from the local community and contain a mix of local business people, staff members and past or current parents. In addition, new trustees attend a short induction course where they are made aware of their obligations, the operational framework of the charity, its current financial position and any future plans and objectives.

The trustees form a Board of Directors, which administers the charity. There are sub-committees covering day to day management and fundraising.

Angela Mackay was previously employed as playgroup leader and Emma McCartney has been employed as playgroup manager. The payment of trustees is permitted under clause 23(i) of the company's Articles of Association.

Trustees are not remunerated for their duties as trustees.

The playgroup relies on charitable donations and Local Authority funding in order to finance its activities, the major cost of which is staff remuneration. Noah's Ark has established a separate fund-raising committee to ensure potential funding sources are identified.

Small company provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 8 December 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Kevin James Gibson

Trustee

Noah's Ark Developmental Playgroup

Company Limited by Guarantee

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Noah's Ark Developmental Playgroup

Year ended 31 March 2025

I report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025, which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account), statement of financial position and the related notes.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (a) to (c) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1)(a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and

- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations

have not been met, or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Alison Fionda, CA Ritsons Chartered Accountants

Independent Examiner

103 High Street ELGIN Moray IV30 1EB

8 December 2025

Noah's Ark Developmental Playgroup

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Activities

(including income and expenditure account)

Year ended 31 March 2025

	2025			2024
	Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Total funds	Total funds
Note	£	£	£	£

Income and endowments

Donations and legacies	4	1,000	–	1,000	250
Charitable activities	5	302,825	–	302,825	271,503
Investment income	6	15,708	–	15,708	11,957
Other income	7	229	–	229	913
		---------	----	---------	---------
Total income		319,762	–	319,762	284,623
		---------	----	---------	---------

Expenditure

Expenditure on charitable activities	8,9	246,563	16,560	263,123	241,415
		---------	--------	---------	---------
Total expenditure		246,563	16,560	263,123	241,415
		---------	--------	---------	---------

	---------	--------	---------	---------
Net income and net movement in funds	73,199	( 16,560)	56,639	43,208
	---------	--------	---------	---------

Reconciliation of funds

Total funds brought forward	646,269	103,140	749,409	706,201
	---------	---------	---------	---------
Total funds carried forward	719,468	86,580	806,048	749,409
	---------	---------	---------	---------

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

Noah's Ark Developmental Playgroup

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Position

31 March 2025

	2025	2024
Note	£	£

Fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets	15	149,136	153,299

Current assets

Debtors	16	39,886	32,655
Investments	17	483,993	402,185
Cash at bank and in hand		141,947	171,608
		---------	---------
		665,826	606,448

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	18	( 8,914)	( 10,338)
		---------	---------
Net current assets		656,912	596,110
		---------	---------
Total assets less current liabilities		806,048	749,409
		---------	---------
Net assets		806,048	749,409
		---------	---------

Funds of the charity

Restricted funds		86,580	103,140
Unrestricted funds		719,468	646,269
		---------	---------
Total charity funds	20	806,048	749,409
		---------	---------

For the year ending 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

- The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476 ;

- The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements .

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 8 December 2025 , and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Kevin James Gibson

Trustee

Noah's Ark Developmental Playgroup

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2025

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland and a registered charity in Scotland. The address of the registered office is Balnageith Road, Forres, Moray, IV36 2SX.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least the next 12 months and they have not identified any material uncertainties. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The trustees consider that there are no estimates and underlying assumptions which have significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received. Cash donations and fundraising income is recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Investment interest is recognised in the year in which it is receivable. Nursery fee and snack fee income is recognised on an accrual basis, in line with the term periods. Grant income is recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected.

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset's use.

Charitable expenditure is incurred in direct pursuance of the charity's principal objects. Direct charitable costs comprise staff costs, depreciation, snack costs and group activities.

Support costs, included as part of expenditure on charitable activities are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include governance costs. These are incurred in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity.

Governance costs comprise all costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including constitutional and statutory requirements. These costs include statutory accounts and legal and professional fees.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially and subsequently measured at cost, net of any depreciation and any impairment losses. The heritable property was donated and the valuation at that time has been taken as cost.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Freehold property	-	4% straight line
Plant and machinery	-	6.66% - 33% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand and deposits held at call with banks.

Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments' and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues' of FRS 102 to all its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments, which include debtors, bank balances and deposits held at call with banks, are measured at transaction price including transaction costs. The charity holds current asset investments which represent fixed rate bond issues and these are carried at amortised cost less impairment. Basic financial liabilities, including creditors are recognised at transaction price. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less.

Defined contribution plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund. When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

4. Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Funds	Total Funds 2025	Unrestricted Funds	Total Funds 2024
£	£	£	£

Donations

Donations and gifts	1,000	1,000	250	250
	-------	-------	----	----

5. Charitable activities

	Unrestricted Funds	Total Funds 2025	Unrestricted Funds	Total Funds 2024
	£	£	£	£
Nursery fees	15,092	15,092	12,092	12,092
Snack fees	3,410	3,410	3,455	3,455
Local authority income	284,323	284,323	255,956	255,956
	---------	---------	---------	---------
	302,825	302,825	271,503	271,503
	---------	---------	---------	---------

6. Investment income

	Unrestricted Funds	Total Funds 2025	Unrestricted Funds	Total Funds 2024
	£	£	£	£
Interest receivable	15,708	15,708	11,957	11,957
	--------	--------	--------	--------

7. Other income

	Unrestricted Funds	Total Funds 2025	Unrestricted Funds	Total Funds 2024
	£	£	£	£
(Loss)/Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets held for charity's own use	(934)	(934)	(59)	(59)
Other income	1,163	1,163	972	972
	-------	-------	----	----
	229	229	913	913
	-------	-------	----	----

All other income in the current and prior year relates to unrestricted funds. Other income includes income from the nursery milk scheme, photography income and feed in tariff.

8. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type

	Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	Total Funds 2025
	£	£	£
Playgroup activities	212,034	16,560	228,594
Support costs	34,529	–	34,529
	---------	--------	---------
	246,563	16,560	263,123
	---------	--------	---------

	Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	Total Funds 2024
	£	£	£
Playgroup activities	186,070	16,560	202,630
Support costs	38,785	–	38,785
	---------	--------	---------
	224,855	16,560	241,415
	---------	--------	---------

9. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type

	Activities undertaken directly	Support costs	Total funds 2025	Total fund 2024
	£	£	£	£
Playgroup activities	228,594	29,704	258,298	237,176
Governance costs	–	4,825	4,825	4,239
	---------	--------	---------	---------
	228,594	34,529	263,123	241,415
	---------	--------	---------	---------

Analysis of Playgroup Activities

	2025	2024
	£	£
Staff costs	197,920	171,736
Depreciation	28,408	28,135
Other costs	2,266	2,759
Share of support costs	29,704	34,546
	---------	---------
	258,298	237,176
	---------	---------

10. Analysis of support costs

	Support costs	Governance costs	2025	2024
	£	£	£	£
Heat and light	3,386		3,386	7,415
Insurance	5,614		5,614	5,131
Telephone and fax	791		791	942
Repairs and maintenance	10,931		10,931	11,423
Printing and stationery	1,075		1,075	1,233
Subscriptions	547		547	539
Bank charges	278		278	498
Legal and professional	847		847	797
Other expenditure	6,235		6,235	6,568
Independent examination		2,375	2,375	2,184
Legal & professional fees		2,450	2,450	2,055
	--------	-------	--------	--------
	29,704	4,825	34,529	38,785
	--------	-------	--------	--------

11. Net income

Net income is stated after charging/(crediting):

	2025	2024
	£	£
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets	28,408	28,135
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets	934	59
	--------	--------

12. Independent examination fees

	2025	2024
	£	£

Fees payable to the independent examiner for:

Independent examination of the financial statements	2,375	2,184
	-------	-------

13. Staff costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:

	2025	2024
	£	£
Wages and salaries	183,573	161,504
Social security costs	8,942	5,699
Employer contributions to pension plans	5,405	4,533
	---------	---------
	197,920	171,736
	---------	---------

The number of trustees whom retirement benefits are accruing under the defined contribution scheme is 1 (2024: 2).

The average head count of employees during the year was 9 (2024: 10 ).

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024: Nil).

14. Trustee remuneration and expenses

During the year Angela Mackay , trustee, was paid remuneration of £nil (2024 - £11,025) and pension costs of £nil (2024 - £331) for her role as playgroup leader.

During the year Emma McCartney was paid remuneration of £36,250 (2024 - £31,370) and pension costs of £1,088 (2024 - £941) for her role as playgroup manager.

Trustees are employed as employees to deliver the services provided by the charity users. The payment of trustees is permitted under clause 23(i) of the company's Articles of Association. Trustees are not remunerated for their duties as trustees.

Bookkeeping fees were paid to AP Bookkeeping Services of £2,451 (2024 - £2,070). Angela Porter , trustee, is the proprietor of AP Bookkeeping Services.

No further trustees or key management personnel has received or is due to receive any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses for the year directly or indirectly from the charity's funds.

15. Tangible fixed assets

	Freehold property	Plant and machinery	Total
	£	£	£
Cost
At 1 April 2024	439,094	108,643	547,737
Additions	6,960	18,219	25,179
Disposals	–	( 11,050)	( 11,050)
	---------	---------	---------
At 31 March 2025	446,054	115,812	561,866
	---------	---------	---------
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024	316,006	78,432	394,438
Charge for the year	17,749	10,659	28,408
Disposals	–	( 10,116)	( 10,116)
	---------	---------	---------
At 31 March 2025	333,755	78,975	412,730
	---------	---------	---------
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025	112,299	36,837	149,136
	---------	---------	---------
At 31 March 2024	123,088	30,211	153,299
	---------	---------	---------

Freehold buildings include the purpose built property at Balnageith Road, Forres. This property was built for the playgroup by a local businessman. The title deeds were transferred to Noah's Ark Developmental playgroup for the sum of £1. The property was valued for insurance purposes in March 2005 at £375,000 and this was deemed to be the cost of the property. In the event that the playgroup ceases to operate, the building will become the property of the Forres Common Good Fund.

16. Debtors

	2025	2024
	£	£
Trade debtors	26,782	26,527
Prepayments and accrued income	13,104	6,093
Other debtors	–	35
	--------	--------
	39,886	32,655
	--------	--------

17. Investments

	2025	2024
	£	£
Fixed term deposits	483,993	402,185
	---------	---------

18. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

	2025	2024
	£	£
Trade creditors	505	3,663
Accruals and deferred income	3,956	3,423
Social security and other taxes	3,043	2,160
Other creditors	1,410	1,092
	-------	--------
	8,914	10,338
	-------	--------

19. Pensions and other post retirement benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £ 5,405 (2024: £ 4,533 ).

20. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds

	At 1 April 2024	Income	Expenditure	At 31 March 2025
	£	£	£	£
General funds	646,269	319,762	(246,563)	719,468
	---------	---------	---------	---------

	At 1 April 2023	Income	Expenditure	At 31 March 2024
	£	£	£	£
General funds	586,501	284,623	(224,855)	646,269
	---------	---------	---------	---------

Restricted funds

	At 1 April 2024	Income	Expenditure	At 31 March 2025
	£	£	£	£
Building	103,140	–	(16,560)	86,580
	---------	----	--------	--------

	At 1 April 2023	Income	Expenditure	At 31 March 2024
	£	£	£	£
Building	119,700	–	(16,560)	103,140
	---------	----	--------	---------

Building - This was a building donation to the playgroup by a local businessman. If the playgroup ceases to operate the property will be transferred to the Forres Common Good Fund. The fund is reduced for depreciation each year.

21. Analysis of net assets between funds

	Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	Total Funds 2025
	£	£	£
Tangible fixed assets	62,556	86,580	149,136
Current assets	665,826	–	665,826
Creditors less than 1 year	(8,914)	–	(8,914)
	---------	--------	---------
Net assets	719,468	86,580	806,048
	---------	--------	---------

	Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	Total Funds 2024
	£	£	£
Tangible fixed assets	50,159	103,140	153,299
Current assets	606,448	–	606,448
Creditors less than 1 year	(10,338)	–	(10,338)
	---------	---------	---------
Net assets	646,269	103,140	749,409
	---------	---------	---------

22. Contingent liabilities

The grant of £19,336, in 2019 receivable from Moray Council in relation to the outdoor education project, would be proportionately repayable should the charity breach any of the conditions attached. The conditions are in place for 5 years from the date the grant was received.

23. Related party transactions

During the year £2,451 (2024 - £2,070) was paid AP Bookkeeping Services, of which, trustee, Angela Porter , is the proprietor.