Rainbow Pre-School | Ofsted Rated Outstanding

Rainbow Pre-School has been operating in the Baptist Church Hall since 1987 as an initiative of Bookham Baptist Church. It is a non-profit making organisation, owned by the Church which is a Registered Charity. It is registered with OFSTED and is registered for Nursery Education Vouchers and FEET funding. (Free Early Education for Two year olds is an offer of up to 15 hours a week, further details on http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/).

The hall has is a securely accessed unit. It has a self-contained, purpose built children's toileting and changing area.

Sessions for children of 2 years old to school age are: 9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m. Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri. We design our sessions to accommodate children who are only just 2 years old as well as older children. Some children are happy to be left for the full sessions and others may need to be gradually introduced, please contact the Manager to help pace your child's introduction to Rainbow Pre-School.

Aims of Rainbow Pre-School

To provide a safe, caring environment with qualified staff
To help pre-school children enjoy learning through play away from home.
To promote each area of development, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social and physical within a stimulating framework of play, enabling children to reach their full potential.
To prepare children for school and to ease their transition from home into full time education.

We do our best to develop a close partnership with all parents and carers, so that we can work together to encourage, develop and support your child.

We acknowledge the individuality of children, each child being respected as important and precious in their own right. We aim to provide a nurturing and loving environment, with a high ratio of staff. This is particularly of benefit to any child needing extra help and support. The Church values the work of Rainbow Pre-School and gladly endorses its aims.

Management Information

Style of management

The Pre-School is owned by the Church, which provides resources and organisational support. This in no way conflicts with the equal opportunities policy of the group. The day to day running of the sessions, including curriculum planning, is carried out by the staff team, led by the Manager, who is accountable to the Pre-School Committee and the Board of Trustees of Bookham Baptist Church.

'Children are well-supported by knowledgeable and thoughtful staff who ensure their individual needs are met‘. (Ofsted)

Committee

The Pre-School is overseen by a committee currently consisting of: Rachael Underwood ( Chair), Moira Allen (Secretary), Rev Rob Stevens (Church Trustee Representative), Rachel Hall (Treasurer)

Staffing

We are registered for a maximum of 26 children per session. We always operate at the legally required adult : child ratio’s, however, if we feel that the special needs of a particular child require more one to one attention, we always increase our number of staff to make sure that all children are receiving the support and supervision they need to flourish at Rainbow. Please feel free to talk to The Manager or the Deputy Manager, about any concerns or queries you may have.

Key Person

We operate a system which means that every child in the setting will have a nominated member of staff specifically responsible for them, called the 'Key Person'. This person is ideally placed to be the first point of contact for you, as a parent or carer. It is useful to let them know of any concerns you may have, or any useful information, e.g. the death of a pet, which could affect the way your child feels at Rainbow. If your child's Key Person is unavailable or you would rather speak to the Manager please feel free to do so.

'Parents are pleased with their children’s progress and development, and in particular their social skills. Most parents are familiar with their child’s key person and complete useful information sheets to enable them to set starting points for the children’s learning journeys. Children benefit from continuity of care as staff work closely with outside agencies and therapists’ (Ofsted )

Admissions Policy

OFSTED registers us to take children from the age of two years. In this age-group the staff ratio is always 1:4. A ratio of 1:8 is maintained for our three and four year olds, although we prefer to operate with a ratio of 1:4.

In principle, we offer children the possibility of attending Rainbow 5 mornings per week, however, this depends on availability of spaces.

Our policy stipulates that children attend a minimum of three sessions per week to help them settle in and make friends, unless formally agreed with the manager/committee.

To register your interest please contact Bookham Baptist/Rainbow Reception on 01372 811 313 to arrange a tour with your child and a chat with The Manager. You will then be asked to complete and submit a waiting list form, which is included in the prospectus. If a space becomes available you will be contacted during the half term before your child is due to start and you and your child will be invited to a short play session where registration forms will be issued for completion.

Fund Raising

Fees only cover some of the costs of running the playgroup. Fund raising activities and kind donations from Bookham Baptist Church enable us to provide the facilities and resources made available for the children. We welcome fund-raising initiatives from parents so if you have some ideas and suggestions please let us know.

Fees Structure

Fees are currently £18.00 per session. They are reviewed annually. Fees are to be paid half termly in advance; alternative arrangements may be possible with agreement. Half a term's notice is required of your child leaving Rainbow Pre-School, or the fees are to be paid in full. Payment must be made for all sessions that are missed for whatever reason.

Behaviour policy

We aim to encourage Rainbow children to behave in socially acceptable ways and to understand the needs and rights of others. We believe that by focusing on the positive aspects of a child's behaviour, challenging behaviour can be minimised. We seek to work sensitively alongside parents/carers to offer support and guidance on any behaviour issues both at the pre-school and in the home.

Throughout Rainbow there are a few rules that are enforced for your child's safety and those of others.

'Staff is trained in behaviour management issues.

'They speak to the children kindly. They help them to understand about sharing and taking turns. Children make friends and play together.’ (Ofsted)

Equal Opportunities

We endeavour to create a positive attitude towards the multi- cultural society in which we live. All children and staff at Rainbow are treated equally, irrespective of gender, race, religion, language, culture or ability.

Special Needs

We aim to provide equal opportunities to all members of our group and this includes any child with special educational needs. Our staff is experienced in working with children with special needs and a number of them hold recognised qualifications in this field.

'Staff are very aware of children’s individual needs, and the children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. A one to one worker is available to support children when required.’

(Ofsted)

Educational Programme Activities and types of play

At Rainbow Pre-School we plan for and support play and learning using the guidance provided by the Early Years Foundation Stage. We offer the children free-flow access to our own custom-built out-door play area. We also organise outings for the children so that they can experience day to day life in the village as well as outings to Bookham common and the local school's playgroup and natural play area. Most of all, we seek to allow our children to inspire the curriculum, based on their own interests and learning needs. If you would like to know more please ask us, we love to talk about this!

Children play with a wide choice of resources. They help themselves to equipment from storage racks and boxes… The learning environment helps children to progress towards early learning goals, as they make choices about their activities and find their favourite activities as they arrive.

'Children are eager to take part in activities and join with their friends… ' (Ofsted)

Personal social and emotional development (Prime Area 1 - EYFS)

We enable children to develop a positive attitude to learning, and to learn to play and co-operate with others, to share and respect other cultures and beliefs. It is important that children learn how to behave appropriately and treat their environment with care are also important. We use our snack-bar time to encourage social skills as we reflect on life at Rainbow and share news from home. Here, the children learn to self-select and pour drinks independently, practice turn taking and enjoy the happy, chatty environment.

‘ Children’s personal, social and emotional skills are developed through encouraging independence and choice.’ (Ofsted)

Physical Development (Prime Area 2 - EYFS)

We use activities to promote strength, coordination and manipulative skills. We make sure that gross and fine-motor skills are developed using equipment such as the climbing frame, ladder, slide, tunnel and construction toys such as Lego, Stickle Bricks, Brio, straws and play-dough.

Communication and Language (Prime Area 3 – EYFS)

We tell stories from books, or use a story board. Music is introduced using instruments cd’s. Finger rhymes, songs and our small group times also encourage listening and language.

'Children develop many skills for the future. They communicate their needs. Makaton sign language is used as a communication tool and small group work is used to improve development.’(Ofsted)

Literacy (Specific Area 1 - EYFS)

We read books in small groups, tell stories using the story boards, toys and puppets. Actually, we tell and share stories with whatever children want to bring into the story, whether that’s while they’re dressing up, playing with water or scooting about.

Mathematics (Specific Area 2 -EYFS)

We begin counting, sorting, sharing and understanding the language behind simple mathematical ideas.

Understanding of the World (Specific Area 3 - EYFS)

We explore and recognise features of living things, and become aware of the environment. We introduce technology and have the opportunity to talk about our lives, experiences wishes and understanding. We also help children to begin to understand that there are many different beliefs and customs and cultures. We mark a variety of different cultural and faith events in the year calendar which reflect our diversity.

Expressive Arts and design (Specific Area 4 -EYFS)

Activities involve painting, sewing, threading, drawing, collages, modelling clay, play dough, sand and water, junk modelling. It is not the end result but the doing that is important and it is OK to get messy and have fun. Dressing up clothes, playhouse, dolls, garage, cars and trains, are other activities, which encourage role play and self- expression. Music happens a lot in Rainbow especially to help children through transition times.

'Choice and independence is encouraged at the creative play area. Children help themselves to paper and equipment from the well-stocked storage rack. They also choose whether to paint, draw or glue. A wide range of materials is available’ (Ofsted)

Procedures

Arrival

Children may not be left in the care of pre-school staff before 9.15 a.m. as they will be preparing for the session and putting out equipment. Also your child will not be covered by the insurance policy until the session begins. Children should arrive by the front glass doors, and may wait in the foyer with their carer until invited into the hall.

Absence

Please advise us if your child is going to be absent from pre-school. We regret that we cannot refund fees for missed sessions and unfortunately you will not be able to make up the sessions on other mornings.

Parental Involvement

The pre-school is dependent on the support of the parents. All parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s activities and progress with the supervisors or key person. Should you have any queries or ideas to enhance the home to pre-school links we would be happy to hear your thoughts and try out new ideas. We also host a one to one session with each parent / carer at the end of every term to discuss the child’s ‘end of term summary’ The Child’s allocated Key person initiates this to discuss progress and learning and developmental goals.

'Parents take part in the evaluation process and their contributions are valued.’ (Ofsted)

Departure

At the end of the session the children gather for a closing 'pre-school prayer'. Parents are asked to wait in the foyer and children are reunited with their parents by staff one by one so that leaving is a calm and stress-free event. Please make sure that you are on time when coming to collect your child as they may think they've been forgotten and become distressed. Each child is only covered by insurance during the session time as stated. Please inform the Manager if someone else will be collecting your child. In the interests of security we will not allow your child to be collected by anyone else without your permission. We operate a special password system to ensure that children are only sent home with people you have deemed ‘safe‘.

Parent's Rota

We are always grateful for extra support and will from time to time ask for your help e.g. with an activity or outing. Please let the staff know if you can support us in any way.

Outings

These are arranged during term time and usually within normal session hours. You will be invited to come along on our Rainbow outings because we know that children love to have a shared experience with parents and friends all together! Past visits have included Bookham common, the local shops, the library and the playground and natural play area at the nearby school we have links with.

Confidentiality

We keep two kinds of records on children attending our setting: Developmental records (observations of children, photographs, video clips and samples of their work and summary developmental reports.) These can be freely accessed, and contributed to, by staff, the child and parents. When Rainbow is closed, they are stored in a locked cupboard.

Personal records (application, registration and admission forms, signed consent forms, and correspondence concerning the child or family, reports or minutes from meetings concerning the child from other agencies, and any confidential matter such as developmental concerns or child protection matters.) These confidential records are stored in a lockable cabinet and are kept secure by the pre-school leader. Parents have access to records of their own children but do not have access to information about any other child. Staff will not discuss personal information given by parents with other members of staff, except where it affects planning for the child's needs. Staff induction includes an awareness of the importance of confidentiality in the role of the key person at all times. We retain children’s records for three years after they have left the setting. These are kept in a secure place.

Communication

The notice board in the hall, displays the pre-school registration form and insurance certificate. There is also a display board in the reception area to highlight the term’s curriculum as well as copies of relevant letters to parents and information produced throughout the year. Permission slips, invoices, receipts etc, will be placed in your child’s bag or given to you by hand. We hope that parents will always feel free to talk to staff when dropping or collecting their child, but alternative times can always be arranged, so please do not hesitate to ask.

There is a closed group for parents of Rainbow on Facebook.

Health

If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them at home. It is unfair on them and other children to bring them to the pre-school. Please advise us if your child contracts an infectious disease, so that we can advise other parents and keep them at home until they are no longer infectious and feel well enough to return. If your child is suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea please keep them at home for at least 48 hours after symptoms have ceased. You should advise the pre-school of any specific health problems on the base-line information form. You are requested to sign an emergency consent form in case your child has a serious accident while at pre-school.

Any accidents at pre-school are recorded in an accident book, which we ask you to countersign once you have been informed of the accident/injury involving your child. You will also be asked to sign an Existing Injuries form if your child arrives at pre school with, for example, ANY bruise, graze, scratch or other injury at all.

Refreshments

We have a snack bar system in order to encourage independence and social development. We ask that each child brings a piece of fruit or a vegetable to share each day. Rice cakes and breads are also welcomed; we ask that NO items such as cakes/biscuits/crisps/chocolate or fizzy drinks are brought to Rainbow as we operate a healthy eating policy.

Visitors to Pre-School

Occasionally we arrange for a Police Officer, Doctor, Nurse, Optician or Veterinary Nurse to visit Pre-School to talk to the children and parents. These visits are based on the learning curriculum as well as children’s own interests and the current topic in pre school at the time. Parents are encouraged to share any interesting careers or hobbies, please speak to the Manager about the possibility of coming to share your wisdom and joy with the children. We’d also love to know of any cultural or faith festivals that would be good for the children to find out a little more about.

Clothing

Please dress your child in comfy clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. We supply overalls for painting and wet play. We ask that your child does not attend wearing jewellery, especially earrings and chains which can get caught on equipment or be broken during play. Hoop earrings are not to be worn at pre school by any child.

Flat soft soled shoes should be worn to avoid injuries to your own or another child. We would prefer your child not to wear ‘CROCS’ to pre-school.

Please always ensure that your child has suitable clothing for outdoor play e.g. wellingtons (named) when it's raining.

Complaints

In the event of having a complaint, please contact the Manager Heidi who undertakes to act promptly and to the best of her ability. The Chairperson of the pre-school can help with any problem that cannot be dealt with within the pre-school. Further to this you may contact the Church leadership followed by, The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) which is our registration body tel: 0300 123 1231

Staffing

All staff do mandatory training in:

Safeguarding Children and Food safety in catering

Paediatric First Aid for all staff is being arranged

When your child starts at Rainbow, you will be given a welcome pack containing information relating to policy documents.

Cheques to be made payable to BOOKHAM BAPTIST CHURCH and sent to
Rainbow Pre-School, Lower Road, Bookham, Surrey, KT23 4DH

The fees for next term are £18 per session.