Prospectus

Lunch

 

Our lunch runs from 12 noon to 12.30pm each day for all children accessing a full day or afternoon session. It is staffed by qualified practitioners with food hygiene and paediatric first aid qualifications and is overseen by the Pre-school Lead and our office staff.

 

Lunch should be provided by the parent/carer in suitable named containers with ice packs and any cutlery if needed. We can provide water to drink.

 

Rainbow operates a “NO NUTS” policy, and children will be actively discouraged from sharing their food with others which is particularly important for those children who have specific food allergies.

 

For ideas of what to put in your child’s lunch box we suggest a visit to www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes

 

For more information, please refer to our Lunch Club Policy and guidance notes which are included in your Welcome Pack.

 

Absence

 

Parents are requested to telephone the setting within one hour of the time their child would have been expected on every day of absence to inform us of the reason for non-attendance and to keep us updated on their child’s health.

 

In line with our Safeguarding Policy, we are prepared to act if we have concerns about the welfare of a child who fails to arrive at a session when expected. The designated person will take immediate action to contact the child’s parent to seek an explanation for the child’s absence and assurance that the child is safe and well. If no contact is made with the child’s parents, and the designated person has reason to believe the child is at risk of significant harm, the relevant professionals will be contacted immediately and LSCB procedures will be followed. If the child has current involvement with social care, the social worker will be notified on the day of the unexplained absence.

 

Illness

 

Parents are requested to keep their children away if they are suffering with Mumps, Measles, Chicken Pox or any other serious infectious disease and to be guided by their GP before returning. Should your child have conjunctivitis they may return to pre-school 24 hours after treatment has started. Furthermore, parents are requested not to bring into pre-school any child who has been vomiting or had diarrhoea until 48 hours has elapsed since the last attack. Children who have been prescribed medication cannot return to pre-school until 48 hours after first administration to ensure that there are no side effects. Rainbow will assist in this only if the relevant permission forms have been completed.

 

In the event your child is sent home from pre-school when they are unwell, please refrain from returning your child for at least 48 hours to avoid us having to recall you should they relapse.

 

Rainbow Pre-school will refuse admission to any child who has had Calpol, or similar medication administered prior to their arrival at the setting.

 

Admissions

 

It is our intention to make pre-school accessible to children and families from all sections of the local community providing a minimum of 2 sessions per week and offering up to 10 sessions if places are available.

 

Sessions will be offered based on the following criteria:

 

Date of birth, date of entry onto the waiting list, completed paperwork, available sessions, and supply of copy birth certificate and proof of address.

 

Achieving Positive Behaviour

Named Officer: Elaine Marriott

 

We believe that children flourish best when their personal, social, and emotional needs are met, and where there are clear and developmentally appropriate expectations for their behaviour (a high number of staff have been trained in this field).

 

Strategies with children who engage in inconsiderate behaviour

 

We require all staff, volunteers and students to use positive strategies for handling any inconsiderate behaviour; by helping children find solutions in ways which are appropriate for their ages and stages of development.

 

Children under 3 years

 

When children under 3 years behave in inconsiderate ways, we recognise that strategies for supporting them will need to be developmentally appropriate and differ from those for older children. We recognise that very young children are unable to regulate their own emotions such as fear, anger or distress, and require sensitive adults to help them do this.

 

We never send children out of the room by themselves. We believe that children and adults flourish best in an ordered environment where everyone knows what is expected of them and children are free to develop their play and learning without fear of being hurt or hindered by anyone else. We aim to work towards a situation where children can develop self-discipline and self-esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement.

 

Complaints Procedure

 

A parent who is uneasy about any aspect of the groups provision should first talk over any worries and anxieties with the Pre-school Lead, or their child’s keyperson. If this does not produce a satisfactory outcome, or if the problem persists, the parent should put the complaint in writing to the Pre-school Lead and the Chair of the Committee. For parents who are not comfortable with making written complaints, there is a template form for recording complaints which can be completed with the person in charge and signed by the parent.

 

If the parent is not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation, he or she can request a meeting with the Pre-school Lead and the Chair of the Committee. The parent should have a friend or partner present, and the Pre-school Lead should have the support of the Chair of the Committee or a senior member of the Committee present.

 

If an agreement cannot be made an external mediator is invited to help settle the complaint. This person should be acceptable to both parties, listen to both sides and offer unbiased advice. A mediator has no legal powers but can help to define the problem, review the action so far, and suggest further ways in which it might be resolved.

 

The role of the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), Children’s Services and Skills, the Local Safeguarding Children Board, and the Information Commissioner’s Office.

 

Parents may approach Ofsted directly at any stage of this complaint’s procedure. In addition, where there seems to be a possible breach of the setting’s registration requirements, it is essential to involve Ofsted as the registering and inspection body with a duty to ensure that the Statutory Framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage is adhered to.

 

The address and telephone number of our Ofsted regional centre is:

 

OFSTED National Business Unit, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester M1 2WD Telephone No: 0300 123 1231

 

If a child appears to be at risk, we follow the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. In these cases, both the parent and our setting are informed, and our Pre-school Lead will work with Ofsted or the Local Safeguarding Children Board to ensure a proper investigation of the complaint, followed by appropriate action.

 

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can be contacted if you have made a complaint about the way your data is being handled and remain dissatisfied after raising your concern with us. For further information about how we handle your data, please refer to the Privacy Notice given to you when you registered your 14 child at our setting. The ICO can be contacted at: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF or ico.org.uk.

 

A record of complaints against our setting and/or the children and/or the adults working in our setting is kept, including the date, the circumstances of the complaint and how the complaint was managed. The outcome of all complaints is recorded in the Complaints Summary Record which is available for parents and Ofsted inspectors on request.

 

We believe that most complaints are made constructively and can be sorted out at an early stage. We also believe that it is in the best interests of the pre-school and parents that complaints should be taken seriously and dealt with fairly and in a way which respects confidentiality.

 

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Named Designated Officer – Committee Chair

Named Designated Lead – Donna Ellis

Named Designated Deputy – Carla Dabbs

 

Our pre-school will work with children, parents and the community to ensure the safety of children to give them the very best start in life. Any suspicion of abuse will be promptly and appropriately responded to.

 

Staffing and Volunteering

 

Applicants for posts within the setting are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates are informed of the need to carry out “Enhanced Disclosure” checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service before posts can be confirmed.

 

We abide by Ofsted requirements to ensure that no disqualified person, or unsuitable person, works at the setting or has access to the children. Volunteers do not work unsupervised. All visitors to the setting are required to sign the visitor’s book. We take all necessary security steps to ensure that we have control over who comes into the setting.

 

Respond Appropriately to Suspicions of Abuse

 

We acknowledge that abuse of children can take different forms – physical, emotional, and sexual as well as neglect. This may be demonstrated through the things they say, changes in their appearance, their behaviour, or their play. Where such evidence is apparent, the child’s keyperson will make a dated record of the details of concern and discusses what the next steps are with the Pre school Lead.

 

All such suspicions and investigations will be kept confidential, shared only with those who need to know. The people most involved will be the keyperson, the Pre-school Lead and the Committee Chair.

 

Parents are normally the first point of contact, however, if a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents are informed at the same time as the report is made, except where the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board does not allow this.

 

Support to Families

 

The pre-school believes in building trusting and supportive relationships with families, staff, and volunteers. We follow the Child Protection Plan as set by the Social Services Department in relation to the setting’s designated role and tasks in supporting the child and the family, after any investigation.

 

We are obliged to share confidential information without authorisation from the person who provided it, or to whom it relates, if it is in the public interest. That is when:

 

• It is to prevent a crime from being committed, or to intervene where one may have been, or to prevent harm to a child or adult.

• Not sharing it could be worse than the outcome of having shared it.

 

Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child’s parents, or those who have parental responsibility, in accordance with procedure, and only if appropriate under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

 

FEES

 

As of September 2025: £22.50 per session, plus a £10 voluntary contribution monthly for snack and consumables i.e., nappies, wipes, gloves, handwash, paper towels etc

 

Unless prior arrangement has been made with the Pre-school Lead or office staff, fees are to be paid monthly in advance. All parents will be given a ‘pay by’ date.

 

Any parent who has difficulty with fees, i.e. you are receiving benefits or have a change in circumstances, should speak to the Pre-school Lead so that any additional funding sources may be investigated.

 

Please be aware although it is a voluntary contribution for snack and consumables if you choose not to pay this you will be expected to supply the snack and consumables as per the lists attached (snack menu will be advised weekly on the window, and consumables will need to be brought in with your child for each session).

 

If holidays are taken during term times fees must be paid in full to keep the child’s place and cover operating costs. The same applies for illness, with the exception of stays in hospital and the following infectious diseases:- Chickenpox, Mumps, Measles, German Measles (Rubella), and Whooping Cough. In these cases an amendment will be made on the following month’s fees.

 

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

 

From September 2025 we will be offering an After School Club which will run from 3.00pm till 3.30pm daily. This is an optional club to assist parents with work or other school pick up commitments. The cost for your child to attend After School Club is £4.00 per day they are enrolled to attend. The club fee will be included in your monthly invoice. 

 

FUNDING

FEEE 3&4 Year Funding

 

The Government provide 15 hours of funding for 38 weeks representing a school year. This funding becomes available in the term after your child’s third birthday and forms will be provided by us to claim your allowance.

 

If your child attends more than 15 hours per week, either with us or shared with another setting, you will be asked to pay for those sessions for which we are unable to obtain funding at Rainbow’s current sessional rate.

 

30 Hours Extended Funding

 

Parents who feel they may qualify for the extended entitlement of 30 hours funding can check their eligibility via Childcare Choices at: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk or the Childcare Calculator at: https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator Those who could be eligible for Tax Free Childcare will be directed to the digital childcare service to apply.

 

Rainbow Pre-school offers a maximum of 30 hours per week; however, parents are welcome to complete the extended offer with another setting.

 

FEEE 2 Year Funding

 

Where spaces allow, we are registered to take those children who meet the criteria set for disadvantaged two-year funding. Parents should register with Essex Early Years via the link:

 

https://www.essex.gov.uk/Education-Schools/Early-Years childcare/Help%20paying%20for%20childcare/Pages/Two-year-old-Free Early-Education-ntitlement.aspx to make an application.

 

Assisted applications can also be made, please contact the office in order to arrange a time to complete this process.

 

30 Hours Funding for 2 Year Olds of Working Parents

 

The Government provides 30 hours of funding for 38 weeks representing a school year. This funding becomes available in the term after your child’s second birthday and forms will be provided by us to claim your allowance.

 

Parents who feel they may qualify for the entitlement of 30 hours funding can check their eligibility via Childcare Choices at:

 

https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk or the Childcare Calculator at: https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator Those who could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare will be directed to the digital childcare service to apply.

 

Notice Period

 

Please provide a minimum of 21 days’ notice to the Pre-school Lead if your child is leaving the pre-school, or if you wish to alter the number of sessions attended, so that arrangements can be made to offer their place to someone else. If the Pre-school Lead is given less than 21 days’ notice, then fees continue to be due. Failure to pay all monies due before your final day can result in an application to the Small Claims Court.

 

Late Collection of Children from Pre-school

 

When a parent/carer is late picking up their child from pre-school it means that two members of staff must stay beyond their hours to care for that child. Not only does the child become distressed, but the staff work unpaid and obviously they are not able to go about their own business.

 

Rainbow Pre-school operates late pick-up fines on the following basis. In the event of circumstances beyond your control, and provided we are informed before pick-up time, the first 5 minutes following the end of the session may be excused. However, beyond this we will charge £1 per minute that you are late. This enables us to compensate the qualified staff that remain with your child.

 

We would also point out that after a certain period of time; we are required to contact Social Services as the child is considered abandoned.

 

Events Necessitating Closure

 

In the event of any of the following exceptional circumstances, Rainbow Pre school may not be able to open, or may have to close, a daily session early.

 

• Adverse weather conditions

• Power failure

• Burst pipes and/or flooding

• No heating during cold weather

• No hot or running water

• Staff sickness

• Security/safety warnings e.g. fire, gas leak

 • Pandemic, following advice from the Government or relevant authority

• Epidemic, following advice from the Infection Control Unit

 

In the case of Rainbow Pre-school being unable to open the following steps will be followed to keep parents informed of the situation.

 

• Notice on our website at www.rainbowpre-school.com

• Post on our Facebook page – Rainbow preschool Wickford

• www.essex.gov.uk – search emergency school closures

• Telephone/Text/WhatsApp

• Sign on the door

 

In the event Rainbow Pre-school must close a daily session or in the event any of the reasons for closing occur, we will endeavour to:-

 

• Contact all parents using current contact numbers. Please ensure that you advise us of any telephone number changes.

• Use emergency numbers if parents cannot be contacted.

• In the event we are unable to contact either the parent or emergency contact, we will follow our Uncollected Child Policy and Procedure.

 

Please note, due to administrative and running costs we will not be able to offer refunds.

 

Premises and Equipment

 

We are very fortunate that we occupy spacious premises set in the grounds of Wickford Memorial Park. We have 3 separate rooms at our disposal which are laid out as follows: 1) Kitchen/snack, home corner, art and craft room, 2) Malleable, construction, computer, role play 3) Sensory room. Children are encouraged to free flow between all areas inside and out.

 

We have an enclosed soft play and grassed area attached to the Pre-school which children have access to every day, all year round, unless severe weather conditions stop play.

 

Settling In/First Days

 

All children will be invited to an Open Day prior to joining the pre-school. You will then be given a start date. Your first session will last for one hour, this allows your child to play whilst you complete necessary paperwork with your child’s keyperson. Your child will attend on their own for the second session, which will last for two hours to allow you child time to settle in. Their third session will be for one full session of three hours.

 

Parents and staff work together to help the child feel confident and secure in the group. This takes longer for some children than for others, and parents should not feel worried if their child takes a while to settle. Our settling in policy is held at the pre-school, and parents will be given the opportunity to read this, along with the other policies, on their first visit.

 

What To Wear

 

In order to feel free to explore and experiment with all kinds of materials, including messy ones, it is best to send children dressed in clothes which are easily washable or not too new. It is good for children to practice the skills which will make them independent; simple clothing which they can handle themselves will enable them to go to the toilet when they want to, and to put and take off their outdoor clothes without being too dependent on other people’s help. Rainbow Pre-school t-shirts and sweatshirts are available to purchase from the office (but are not compulsory).

 

Our garden area is always accessible, please can we ask you to provide warm wet weather clothing, including raincoat, wellies, hat, scarf, gloves. (Please ensure these are all labelled with your child’s name)

 

During the summer months it would be appreciated if you would send your child to pre-school with the appropriate sunscreen applied and a sun hat. If your child is attending 2 sessions in one day, we would ask you to provide a named bottle of sunscreen (at least factor 30) so that re-application can take place. Please be advised that we would recommend Nivea Sun Babies and Kids Sensitive Protect Factor 50+ as this does not contain nut oil.

 

Rainbow Pre-school cannot accept responsibility for any items lost whilst on the premises.

 

Un-named lost property will be retained until the end of the school year when it will be displayed at the Annual General Meeting. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

 

PLEASE ENSURE EVERY REMOVABLE ITEM OF YOUR CHILD’S CLOTHING, IS LABELLED INCLUDING SHOES, BAGS AND FLASKS

 

POLITE REQUEST

 

We have several parents that bring their dogs to drop off and pick up. As much as we all love our fur babies, one of our children or families might have a severe allergy or fear of dogs, so we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing them to the Pre-school.

 

INFORMATION WE HOLD ABOUT YOU AND YOUR CHILD

 

We have procedures in place for the recording and sharing of information about you and your child that is compliant with the principles of the General Data Protection Regulations (2018) as follows:

 

The data we collect is:

 

1. Processed fairly, lawfully and in a transparent manner in relation to the data subject [you and your family].

2. Collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed for other purposes incompatible with those purposes.

3. Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which data is processed.

4. Accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date.

5. Kept in a form that permits identification of data subjects [you and your family] for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data is processed.

6. Processed in a way that ensures appropriate security of the personal data, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage, using appropriate technical or organisation measures.

 

When you register your child with us, we will provide you with a privacy notice that gives you further details of how we fulfil our obligations with regard to your data.

 

please see the link to the pdf/downloadble prosectus here.