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THE RAINBOW CENTRE (MARHAM)

Elm Road

Upper Marham

Kings Lynn

Norfolk

PE33 9NF

Phone: 01760 446161

Or Ext 6161

PROSPECTUS

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The Rainbow Centre (Marham) A Company limited by Guarantee, registered in England and Wales, No 6580163

A registered charity, No 1126581

E-mail: dee@marhamrainbow.co.uk

Our Address: The Rainbow Centre (Marham)

Elm Road

Upper Marham

Kings Lynn

Norfolk.

PE33 9NF

Telephone: 01760 446161 Civilian line or

Military Ext 6161

Officer in charge/ Sqn Ldr Max Haywood

Chair person:

Centre Manager: Mrs Dee Gent BEM EYPS

Deputy Managers: Mrs Maureen Buchanan

Mrs Dawn Taylor

Mrs Adele Smith

Opening hours: 7.00 am to 18.00 pm

Monday to Friday

(Excluding Public/Bank holidays)

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The Rainbow Centre (Marham) is an all-inclusive Centre who will identify, understand

and break down barriers to enable participation and belonging, no matter what race,

disability, gender reassignment, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity or physical

appearance. We recognise, respect and value diversity.

We would like to welcome you and your child to The Rainbow Centre (Marham).

Detailed within this prospectus are topics that we feel are important to reassure you of

our commitment as a high quality child care facility. We encompass the five outcomes

as derived from “The Every Child Matters” Document, to ensure holistic learning and

development is offered to children in our Centre, whilst safeguarding and promoting

their welfare. These are as follows:

• Helping children to be healthy

• Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them to stay safe

• Helping children enjoy and achieve

• Helping children make a positive contribution to the provision and the wider

community

• Organisation

If there are areas that you wish to have further information on then please telephone or

come in to see us.

The Public Sector Equality Duty (Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010) which came

into force on 05 April, 2011, requires us to have due regard to the need to:

1. Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other

conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010.

2. Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected

characteristic and those who do not.

3. Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and

those who do not.

Our objectives to meet the above 3 duties will be:

Through visual posters, our environment, our working practice, clear communication,

mutual trust and respect, openness and honesty, we will strengthen and develop our

partnerships with the families who use our Centre.

To do our utmost to ensure everyone has the same chances to use the services we offer,

responding to different needs in different ways and focusing on the particular need of

the individual. We will embrace people’s diversity and ensure their backgrounds and

circumstances is appreciated and valued.

To give our families opportunities to tell us whether times available for Open Days,

Families’ information weeks, Workshops etc., are appropriate or not and give them the

option to offer alternate solutions.

To ensure any advances or promotion in the staffing structure is not hindered due to

having Protected Characteristics, but based solely on appropriate qualifications,

competence and capability.

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To encourage interaction between parents/carers/families whilst attending our Story

Cafés, Open Days, Events Days, etc.

OUR AIMS ARE:

• To enhance the development and education of children under

statutory school age in a parent involving Centre

• To provide a safe and secure environment; where parents are happy

in the knowledge that their children have top quality care

• To advance the education of children in our After School Club, by

offering a supportive, challenging and encouraging environment;

where children can relax, have fun and be with friends

• To work within the guidelines of The Early Years Foundation Stage,

including those children who attend mainstream school and are part

of the Before and After School Club

• To provide reliable and consistent service

• To work within a framework which ensures equality of opportunity

for all children and families

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CENTRE STAFF:

The Centre is run by a Manager with Early Years Professional Status and 30 years

experience working with children; the staff have relevant qualifications such as NVQ

level 2, 3 and 4, MA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies, BA (Hons) degree in

Childcare, Foundation degree, the DPP, NNEB, BTEC or equivalent. Most staff hold a

certificate in First Aid and Basic Food Hygiene. We are committed to ongoing training

programmes and regularly update with workshops and courses.

The facility is registered with OFSTED and as such is inspected every 2 – 4 years

dependant on the outcome of each inspection. Our last inspection was May 2016 and we

had an ‘outstanding’ outcome again. We are also members of the Pre-School Learning

Alliance and Action for Children (formerly known as 4children).

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

The Policies and Procedures of the Centre are available for parents to read, these

include Safe Recruitment, Promoting Good Health, Special Educational Needs,

Promoting Positive Behaviour, Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities & Protecting &

Safeguarding Children; these and others are available for parents to read.

RATIO:

We adhere to adult/child ratios as laid down by OFSTED:

1 adult to 3 children aged 0-2 years.

1 adult to 4 children aged 2-3 years.

1 adult to 8 children aged 3 - rising 5’s.

REGISTRATION:

Children may be registered at any age. They may begin in the Babies Rooms from 3

months, Nursery Rooms from approximately 12-14 months and Pre-School from

approximately 2 years dependant on individual abilities to school age. In Pre-School

priority is determined by the date of birth; places in all other areas are offered on a first

come first served basis. All offers are determined by availability of places; these are

offered as required but parents are asked to use the same places each week, i.e. every

Monday and Wednesday. A month’s notice is required to change days; additional days

can be added if there are spaces.

Day-care places are available to parents who work and every effort is made to

accommodate your child. A contract will be given and you will be asked to detail the

days and times you require, these will then stand either, for a term time place only or for

a place throughout the year. You will be expected to pay for that place whether your

child attends or not. A month’s notice would be required to change days; additional

days can be added if there is space.

The staff will deal with toilet accidents in such a way so as not to undermine the child.

Children with special needs are welcome and parents together with the Centre Manager

will discuss an acceptable way to help with their care and educational requirements.

Children should attend sessions in suitable clothing to allow for messy and outdoor play

etc. Also for those that are able, please dress to ensure that they can go to the toilet

without being unduly hindered. Protective aprons are provided for painting etc, but

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accidents can occur, so please bear this in mind. We provide paper towels for the

children to dry their hands on. Mid morning snacks are given and they vary from

assorted fruit, cheese and grapes, veg sticks and dips etc. Milk is provided; if your child

does not drink milk, then water will be provided.

FEES:

The fees from April 2019 (payable by the 10th day of each month) are:

Under 2’s

Sessions 9.00-12.00 or 12.00-3.00 £11.07 per session

Before or after sessions £4.17 per hour

Over 2’s under 3’s Nursery

Sessions 9.00-12.00 or 12.00-3.00 £9.94 per session

Before or after sessions £3.55 per hour

Over 2’s under 3’s Pre-School

Sessions 9.00-12.00 or 12.00-3.00 £9.94 per session

3’s and up Pre-School

Sessions 9.00-12.00 or 12.00-3.00 £8.45 per session

Day Care

Before or after pre-school sessions £3.55 per hour

Before & After School Club

Sessions 3.00-5.00 £7.10 per session

Breakfast and after 5.00 pm £3.55 per hour

Holiday Play Schemes (9.00 – 12.00 or 12.00 – 3.00)

Pre-school and school aged children £8.45 per session

Other areas as normal

Hot lunches £2.73

Tea £1.75

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Concessions will be given to families with more than 1 child (cheapest rates) at 25%

discount of the regular rate for those using the Centre a minimum 3 days per week full

care consistently throughout.

100% retainer will be charged for a place.

Fees are reviewed annually in April.

STARTING SCHOOL:

We liaise directly with the local infant school (Cherry Tree Academy) and work closely

to ensure seamless transition for children starting school. During the summer term prior

to your child’s transfer to mainstream schooling, he or she will have the opportunity to

visit their new class and meet the teacher. We also invite the teachers from this and

from other Schools to which children may be going to, to come and visit to familiarise

with the children.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE:

In the event of a parent/carer being unhappy about any activities, staff member or any

incident that takes place in the Centre, the complaint or grievance can be brought to the

attention of the Manager. The Manager will discuss the matter and take appropriate

action to ensure that a satisfactory outcome is reached.

In such circumstances that this is still unsatisfactory a formal complaint can be made in

writing to the Officer in Charge, (Chairperson of the Board of Directors), The Rainbow

Centre (Marham) marked ‘private and confidential’. After careful consideration the

Chairperson will notify in writing, all those involved of any decision or the action

necessary to resolve the issue.

If a parent/carer is still unhappy with the outcome, OFSTED Complaints &

Enforcement can be reached on 0300 123 1231 or can be written to at:

OFSTED

COMPLAINTS

Piccadilly Gate

Store Street

Manchester M1 2WD

Website: – www.Ofsted.gov.uk

AUTHORISED PERSONS:

We will not allow your child to leave the premises unless it is a person you have

authorised. Please inform us if someone else is collecting your child.

ILLNESS:

Should a child be on prescribed/non prescribed medication it is the responsibility of the

parent to notify the centre and to give full instructions regarding dosage etc to allow a

member of staff to administer the medicine.

Pre-printed authorisation/information sheets for medication are available from the

Centre. Parents of children who require inhalers will need to write a letter giving clear

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instructions for their use and sign it. In

the case of sudden illness/emergency

and where we are unable to contact

parents, circumstances may dictate that

staff will have to use their own

judgement about medical treatment and

will contact the Station Medical Centre.

Parents will continue to be traced to

notify them.

FUND-RAISING:

The Centre holds one main event each

year, a wonderful Christmas Fayre

which is open to all areas of the community and surrounding villages. We always

welcome parent’s contribution and it is greatly appreciated.

PRE-SCHOOL AND NURSERY FRAMEWORK:

The Rainbow Centre (Marham) Pre-School/Nursery is committed to introducing current

Pre-School/Nursery educational policies.

Activities in the classroom/rooms are planned, based on children’s interests and next

steps in their development guided by the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage

Framework. Individualised plans are devised to ensure children’s interests and abilities

are taken into consideration, for their educational, emotional, social, spiritual and

physical development.

Play is vital for the well being and development of young children. Children learn

through many day to day experiences in the Pre-School/Nursery; ‘play’ is a child’s

work. Children learn by doing, emphasis being placed on the ‘process’ of the activity

rather than the final ‘product’ that is produced.

Your children’s paintings, collage etc. will be displayed by the staff around the centre.

Please feel free to look at your child’s work in the classrooms.

At our Centre the children are given the

opportunities to:

• Build with bricks and construction toys.

• Make models with junk material, dough and

clay.

• Investigate whilst playing with water and

sand play learning to pour, measure and

make predictions.

• Take part in role play areas such as ‘home

corners’, space stations, vets, baby clinics etc enabling the children to be

imaginative

• Dress up in costumes and use props to introduce children to other cultures and

religious events in the world.

• Be creative through paint, collage and “messy play” activities

• Use the large hall for movement and dance sessions

• Sing and play musical instruments.

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• Listen to stories and poems, handle

books, and partake in discussions.

• Cook, especially to celebrate other

cultural and religious events

• Use ICT equipment; i.e. computers,

tablets, tape recorders, electronic

games and telephones.

• Visit places on the RAF Camp and

nearby facilities i.e. shopping

complex, post-office, library,

recycling bins etc.

• We will invite visitors to the Centre

to enhance the children’s

learning, such as Police & Firemen

(with their vehicles), pilots, dental nurse, musicians etc. and develop what

children already know.

The outdoor area has been developed to include trim trails, a Road Safety Awareness

bicycle track with petrol station, gazebo, basketball court, 5 a-side football pitch,

outdoor story telling classroom, a gardening project, a giant sandpit, a cave, a

bridge/tunnel, a water feature, a musical bus, mud kitchen’s and a wraparound veranda.

Displayed outside each room are weekly plans showing the activities, equipment etc

that your child will be taking part in during the week.

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PROGRESS BOOKS:

A confidential record of each child’s development will be maintained throughout their

time here at the Centre in books called ‘My Learning Story.’ These are based on the

Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. Staff in each respective class/room will

monitor each child’s progress through ongoing observations. The achievements and

observations will be dated and entered into the record book as they happen, with

photographs and other evidence of their work. Through discussions with parents we

learn information about children’s experiences and activities away from the Centre and

add to the Learning Story, thus enabling a holistic picture of their children’s learning

and development.

We ask that parents inform us of any circumstances that may affect their child’s

progress, i.e. parent away etc. Any problems that may arise concerning a child’s

development will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

Parents are always welcome; the Centre holds a special Themed Parent’s week every

term, and parents are invited in to make objects relevant to the themes with their

children. We also ask parents to take this time to peruse through their child’s record

books and discuss their child’s work, progress or anything pertinent to their child’s

development. These books enable parents to see targets that their child has met and

what targets are being set for them to achieve next.

As we strive to maximise children’s learning opportunities we ensure their horizons and

experiences are extended by offering play indoors and outdoors.

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FREE PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION:

In line with current legislation, from the term after a child’s 3rd birthday children are

entitled to 38 weeks of 3 hours free Pre-School sessions am or pm. Parents are able to

claim up to 10 hours in one day a maximum of 15 hours in one week, or if both parents

work and earn a minimum of £120 per week 30 hours weekly. More information on

how to apply for this is available when you enrol your child with us. As parents you

have a choice as to which Pre-School to send your child; our aim is to provide excellent

quality education in a caring, secure environment. All children within the Pre-school

will be in groups with a ratio of approximately one adult to six children. They will be

given the opportunity to learn through play and pre-planned educational activities based

on the EYFS Framework. Together with the staff, other children in the setting, outside

visitors and most of all parents, the children will receive the necessary Pre-School

education to enable them to reach the Early Learning Goals by the end of their

foundation year.

DAY CARE FACILITY

Day care is an extension of the Pre-School/Nursery

for parents who work, have appointments or just

need some extra time without their children for

many reasons.

The Pre-School will continue as normal from

9.00am until 12pm and 12pm until 3pm.

Children not attending the Pre-School can use the day-care facility i.e. from 0700 –

0900 and in the afternoon from 12/3pm - 1800 during term times and all day during

holiday periods.

Throughout the day we offer integrated care and learning whether in Day Care, Nursery

or Pre-School. Children are given the opportunity to rest if necessary within a safe,

caring environment. They will be given opportunities to explore the outdoor area and

take part in numerous exciting activities that will promote their development and

learning through play.

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At breakfast we offer healthy cereals, toast and milk for free. Our extended kitchen

enables us to provide freshly cooked well balanced meals at lunch and tea time. Meat,

vegetables, fruits and fish are locally sourced and are offered at a cost of £2.73 for lunch

and £1.75 for tea. This includes a main course, dessert, yogurt and a choice of fruits.

There is also facility to store packed lunches (home cooked food can be reheated for

those of you who do not want our meals). A free afternoon snack is provided which

consists of crackers and spreads, wraps, etc.

Staff will always inform you about your child’s day verbally and you will be given a

slip to inform you what your child has eaten throughout the day.

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ATTENDANCE:

Parents will be asked to complete registration forms and sign a contract detailing

the terms and conditions of attendance to the sessions held throughout the Centre.

OFSTED INSPECTION:

Government legislation dictates that all Childcare

Organisations are inspected to ensure that the

highest quality teaching and care is maintained.

The Centre is inspected by OFSTED and our last

inspection took place on 24th May 2019. We are

delighted with our outcome of ‘Outstanding’ in

every category. This grade reflects the very high

standard and quality care and education promoted

throughout the Centre. A copy of the report is

available from the Centre Manager, outside each

room or via the internet.

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BEFORE AND AFTER

SCHOOL CLUB

We offer a “Before and After School club” facility for children aged between 5-12 years. The

service is primarily for parents who need child care because of work commitments, but we are

available for those of you who are studying or have appointments etc.

The facility is open all year, excluding Bank holidays and some station stand-downs.

During term time we are open 7:00 – 9:00 am

Then 15:00 – 18:00pm (if required)

During school holidays/half terms we are open 7:00-18:00pm (if required)

During term-time we only offer a minimum of a 2 hour session 3-5pm, after this time half-

hourly bookings until 6.00pm are accepted.

Your child will be escorted to and from the Infant school in the morning and afternoon. Staff

members will escort the children down to the village school and will collect them after school.

We offer a safe, secure and fun environment for your children. The qualified enthusiastic staff

will give all children opportunities to be creative, imaginative and “physical” to enjoy their

time spent here.

They will be provided with a snack when they arrive from school such as toast with various

toppings, crumpets, fruits, veg sticks, etc.

We have a wide range of equipment to suit all ages and interests; these include games such as

Disney Trivial Pursuit, Junior Scrabble and Chess to name just a few.

Numerous craft activities including painting and collage, construction sets, books and dressing

up clothes are also available. On the more physical side we have a 5 a-side football pitch,

basketball court, climbing frame activity centre, bats and balls and skipping for outdoor play.

Inside we have a computer with speakers and printer, a football table and a Wii games console

with HD TV. Children will also have the chance to do their homework if they wish.

We will strive to ensure all children are happy here. It is their Club and they will be encouraged

to be involved in the planning of activities. The Policies of the Rainbow Centre (Marham)

where applicable will apply to the After School Club; in addition we have a separate statement

relevant to the Club which parents are encouraged to read, please see next page. Parents will be

required to complete registration forms and sign a contract detailing Conditions of Attendance.

For further information or to book a place please phone 01760 446161 or Ext 6161

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MODIFYING UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR

To achieve our aims of respect for other children, adults and equipment, we will not allow

behaviour that will distress or hurt others. This will include bad language, spitting, verbal

bullying, hitting, biting, pushing or kicking. Children are encouraged to report any incidents of

bullying to staff.

A good positive attitude by staff who will note and praise good behaviour will be important in

eliminating unacceptable behaviour.

Staff who observe any unwanted behaviour, will quietly in a non threatening or humiliating

way, explain to the child/children that such behaviour is unacceptable and work with them to

find a constructive solution. Where necessary, staff will redirect children to play areas

encouraging appropriate activities to suit relevant cases.

Staff will be caring and sensitive when dealing with unacceptable behaviour, giving children

time to talk to them about the situation and listen. The child’s age, understanding and maturity

will be respected and taken into consideration.

Children who persist in displaying unacceptable behaviour will be brought to the attention of

the Manager who will have a chat with them. The parents of these children will be invited to

the Centre to discuss the situation with the Centre Manager. It is hoped that a joint strategy can

then be worked out between parents and Centre staff to eliminate this behaviour. In extreme

cases indefinite exclusion may be deemed necessary.

Corporal punishment will never be used in the Centre.