1

Introductions

Margaret Greenwood opened the meeting and welcomed all those present. She introduced herself and the other Trustees to the meeting and then itemised the items on the Agenda. 

2

Minutes of the Previous Meeting (14July 2009)

The minutes of the last AGM Meeting were circulated to all present. Margaret highlighted the list of actions/items.

Margaret thanked Lesley Watts for her leadership and to everyone involved in the organisation. TEYP early years services was comparable to the best in the local area. The recent training week was highlighted as a key accomplishment and Margaret thanked Kim White for all the training delivered.

3

Project Update (Presented by Lesley Watts)

Lesley Watts advised that on 1^stApril 2010, TEYP had taken over sole responsibility for PALS.  It was recognised that PALS are now receiving referrals from Birchington and Margate, however the main area of focus for PALS referrals remain within the Ramsgate/Newington, Whitehall and Northwood areas of Thanet. In the last 12 months PALS have received 132 referrals and have worked with 120 families. Lesley advised that the future may be uncertain as the PALS service is now awaiting confirmation of Tender. In addition PALS had secured 3 years of lottery funding in 2010.

Explorers Nursery

Moved into the Children's Centre in June 2010 and was subsequently inspected in December 2010 and was judged as Outstanding. The nursery is located within the top 30% of deprivation.

Hand in Hand Nursery

Received a Good Inspection rating in April 2011 with an outstanding judgement for its Safeguarding procedures.

Growing Together

It was noted that the many staff changes had affected morale however, the staff have worked hard to ensure these changes have not had an adverse impact on the children and outcomes for children remain good.

Smarties

The Lease has been renewed for a further 2 years with no rent increase.  It was noted that this establishment was struggling financially, however positive steps have been made by the manager to promote the nursery and build up the business.

Creches

Remain good business for TEYP and are going from strength to strength.

Volunteer Reduction

The numbers of volunteers had reduced to 3. The reduction was partly due to the fact that vetting and sifting of applicants is now completed more stringently.

Analysis Data - Schemas

Following the recent "Schemas" training TEYP were on track to meet every child's need to allow every individual to meet their full potential. The feedback from staff and parents had been extremely good.

Overall Summary

Lesley Watts confirmed the total number of childcare places for the period from 1^stApril 2010 to 31^stMarch 2011 as 1,122 Children (Total of 982 families)

It was noted that the total number of childcare places two years ago was 560 and it was therefore acknowledged that this increase was a massive achievement. More Agencies are now using TEYP and the popularity via word of mouth and networking had contributed.

The turnover of staff over the past 12 months has been noted as 22% overall - even with this turnover, the childcare has continually been maintained at an extremely high level. This was mainly achieved by the Managers of the Settings and the Induction Training of new staff.

4

Reports and Accounts

The accounts were signed off by Margaret Greenwood and Becky Land. At the end of the year, the total reserves held by TEYP is £492,033.

Income for year ending 31/03/2011 is £1,013,779. This has resulted in a surplus of £116,373. It was noted that this was down by £10,000 on last year. 

The Trustees agreed to Lesley Watts request to increase the reserves held for staff salaries from three months up to six months. The reasoning behind this was because of the uncertainty of the future, in particular because core funding from KCC has now been withdrawn. This is a loss of £77,000 KCC funding for TEYP. Furthermore, two of the Nurseries are due to go out for Tender in the next 12 months.

It was agreed that the aim for the end of this financial year is to break even.

5

Annual Review of Budgets

The Trustees reviewed the forecast (budget) for the next 12 months and were satisfied that the Company had sufficient funds in place (by way of income generated by services provided and reserve) to ensure the sustainability of the business.

6

Auditors

TEYP will continue to use the Chartered Accountants Spurling Canon Limited. It was noted that they have a good understanding of the needs of the organisation. 

7

Appointment of Trustees

Margaret Greenwood explained the voting system. Only Trustees were eligible to vote for these appointments.

Appointment of Trustee - Lisa Manning

Lisa Manning joined as a Trustee in October

Lisa Hunt Proposed

Isobel Tittensor Seconded Proposal

Appointment of Chairperson

To appoint the continuation of this role to Margaret Greenwood

Lisa Hunt Proposed

Isobel Tittensor Seconded Proposal

Appointment of Company Secretary

To appoint the continuation of this role to Becky Land

Isobel Tittensor Proposed

Lisa Hunt Seconded Proposal

The role of Treasurer to be discussed at the next Trustee Meeting to be held on Thursday 15^thSeptember 2011.

8

Any Other Business

No other business items were discussed

The meeting closed at 6.20 p.m.