The Pre-School is run by three permanent staff members, two who have Level 3 in Child Care and Development and one who has a Level 2 in Child Care and Development.  We also have five relief assistants who come in when extra help is needed. One of the relief assistants holds a Diploma in Pre-School Practice. Two staff hold RIPH level 2 certificates in Food Hygiene and Paediatric First Aid. All qualifications and training are fully OFSTED approved.  All staff attend as many training courses as possible during the school year.  All staff, core committee and regular helpers have been subject to the required CRB checks.  A minimum of one qualified first aider is present at all Pre-School sessions.

The adult to child ratio is - under 3 yrs 1:4.  Over 3 yrs 1:8.

Rainbow offers five morning sessions, five lunch club sessions and four afternoon sessions at present.  Tuesday afternoon sessions are specifically for those children who will be attending school the following September and incorporates visits to Reception Class at Gamlingay First School. These visits help to ensure the smooth transition of the children from Pre-School to School.  As Rainbow is registered for all day care it is possible for children to attend all day Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday subject to availability.

Our latest OFSTED report and Operational folder (which contains our policies and procedures) are by the main notice board inside the setting for you to look through at any time. - Please ask a member of staff if you would like a copy of any information.

We follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum which carries onto the end of the primary

school reception year (age five). The Foundation Stage identifies key skills that most

children will achieve by age six. These cover the following areas: Creative Development, Communication, Language and Literacy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. We use a topic – based curriculum on subjects children can relate to – such as ‘growing’, ‘shapes and colours’ and aim to provide the resources and support so children can learn with enjoyment and challenge.

A committee of parents, which is responsible for finances, employment, general support of staff, fund raising and Pre-School trips, supervises the management of the Pre-School. We encourage parents/carers of the children to join our committee and help with the above responsibilities.

The fees charged for the Pre-School sessions only cover staff wages and the rental and running costs of the building.  The majority of our materials and equipment are paid for by fund raising and social events, therefore it is very important that these are well supported by all Pre-School members.