Rainbow Day Nursery Croston

Textured books, songs and balance bicycles give Rainbow Day Nursery Croston’s October 2022 nursery day its character: close adult interaction indoors, with opportunities to practise physical skills outside. At its 3 October 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall, with strengths in relationships and language development, while asking for better questioning and more carefully pitched activities.

The nursery has capacity for 40 children aged 3 months to 5 years. Its address is 6b Station Road, Croston, Leyland, PR26 9RJ.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care. For parents, that means the nursery day combines learning with children’s physical and emotional needs, rather than treating care and education as separate jobs.

In October 2022, staff introduced vocabulary through shared books, singing and conversation during play. Children could choose activities that interested them, while adults encouraged them to remember story events and take part. These were practical opportunities to use language, rather than simply listen to it.

Outdoor play had a clear physical purpose. In October 2022, toddlers rode balance bicycles around obstacles in the garden, practising movement and control. Babies also had tummy-time activities to develop strength. Small responsibilities, including putting toys away before lunch, gave children opportunities to participate in the daily routine.

At the October 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described trusting relationships between children and staff. That dated judgement is an important part of the nursery’s care picture.

In October 2022, adults helped children recognise feelings and respond to them, including the youngest children. Parents received ideas for games to play at home, and an app shared daily routines and information about children’s eating. The communication connected care at nursery with life at home.

Meals in October 2022 included hot food and snacks, with dietary needs accommodated. Eating together also gave children opportunities to practise feeding themselves and using cutlery.

Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates throughout the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In October 2022, the nursery occupied an upstairs space above a grocery shop, reached by stairs; an external staircase led to the outdoor area. This layout matters for families managing a baby alongside bags or other children.

Funded early education for children aged two, three and four formed part of the October 2022 offer.

• Stair access. The October 2022 layout involved stairs both to the nursery and to outdoor play. At a visit, discuss how this arrangement works for your child’s mobility and your family’s practical needs.
• Learning challenge. In October 2022, adults sometimes asked successive, narrow questions and activities did not consistently match individual abilities. Giving children thinking time and an appropriate next challenge were the two improvement priorities.
• Funding arrangements. Funded early education was offered in October 2022. How would a funded booking work for your child now, including attendance and charges for meals and consumables?

For Croston families seeking weekday childcare, the early opening and year-round operation offer practical value. The October 2022 picture combines attentive relationships, shared reading and active garden play. The balance is clear: those strengths sit alongside specific improvements needed in questioning and the level of challenge offered to individual children.