Rainbows Preschool and Nursery

Pasta shapes lifted with tweezers and dominoes matched by colour or number give a concrete picture of learning at Rainbows Preschool and Nursery. In July 2023, children could choose their own activities as well as join games led by adults, combining independence with practice in counting and taking turns.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 3 July 2023 inspection. Based at Hersham Youth Trust in Walton-on-Thames, it has 44 places in total; the children attending at that visit were aged two to four.

In July 2023, learning linked practical play with preparation for school. Handling tweezers exercised the muscles needed for writing, while dominoes gave children different ways to participate: counting dots or matching colours. Activities involving numbers, letters and sounds also formed part of the day.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2023 examples included mathematical play, conversations about cultural traditions and opportunities to practise social skills. Children showing henna designs on their hands prompted discussion about differences and similarities between people.

Daily routines mattered too. In July 2023, children helped put resources away together and practised waiting during games. These were opportunities to learn cooperation alongside the more explicit work on letters and numbers.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and positive progress for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with staff learning from speech and language sessions and working alongside parents and other agencies.

In July 2023, practitioners knew their key children’s development and used observations to plan their next learning steps. Parents received updates and ideas for continuing learning at home, connecting nursery activities with family life.

Health routines were practical. In July 2023, parents supplied lunch boxes, staff encouraged children to eat healthier items first, and the manager shared guidance on lunch-box choices. Children also practised washing their hands independently.

The address is Hersham Youth Trust, Arch Road, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 4QT.

In July 2023, attendance followed a term-time pattern, with sessions running from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. At that time, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe the offer at that visit.

• Behaviour guidance. In July 2023, staff used calm conversations about children's actions, but reminders about expectations were inconsistent. More consistent guidance was the improvement priority, making this a useful topic for a visit.
• Term-time planning. The July 2023 sessions followed the term-time calendar. What attendance patterns and funded-hour arrangements would apply to your child now?

Rainbows suits parents interested in practical early learning, with the July 2023 account showing how counting games, hand-strengthening activities and familiar routines supported children's participation. Its term-time sessions at that date provide a useful starting point for families whose childcare needs follow that calendar. The balance is clear: purposeful everyday learning, alongside a specific need for more consistent behaviour guidance.