Rainbow Day Nursery

In May 2026, secure relationships and play on a garden obstacle course stood out at Rainbow Day Nursery, alongside a clear challenge: making older children's learning conversations more consistent. At its May 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged inclusion and behaviour, attitudes and routines to be at a strong standard, the remaining education and care areas at the expected standard, and safeguarding standards met.

Based at Torbay Hospital Annexe in Torquay, the nursery has capacity for 54 children aged three months to five years. Full-day care is offered. For parents, the important distinction is between the strengths in relationships and the work still needed to extend learning.

In May 2026, the curriculum covered the early years foundation stage: children developed language, social skills, movement and early mathematical understanding through play and everyday routines. Babies explored books with adults and practised climbing and sliding on soft-play steps. These experiences combined attention, communication and physical coordination.

Two-year-olds made an imaginary train from chairs, while preschool children explored herbs through scented play dough. Counting and language about size also featured in preschool activities. In the garden, an obstacle course gave children opportunities to climb, balance and jump, with encouragement from their friends.

The limitation was adult follow-through. In May 2026, opportunities to take two-year-olds' and preschool children's ideas further were sometimes missed, leaving them practising familiar skills rather than developing new ones. Quiet children were not consistently drawn into discussions during play, and staff did not consistently support conversation at mealtimes. These are practical issues for families to weigh alongside the engaging activities.

At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that key-person relationships supported children's emotional security and that children with SEND benefited from tailored plans, specialist equipment and collaboration with other professionals, making positive progress.

In May 2026, settling arrangements could adapt to individual children, and staff stayed nearby as children went to sleep. Room changes were supported by familiar relationships and attention to personal care routines. Signing and visual prompts helped children communicate, including those whose speech was developing more slowly; familiar songs in French introduced another language.

Healthy, balanced food was served in May 2026, with adults seated alongside children to supervise eating. Mealtime conversation needed more consistent attention. Families also received information about dental care and nutrition, while staff encouraged children to practise dressing and other everyday tasks themselves.

The address is Torbay Hospital Annexe, Newton Road, Torquay, TQ2 7AB. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with year-round operation and bank holiday closures.

Full-day care is an attendance option. The opening window gives families a useful starting point for planning work and childcare, but should be kept distinct from a booked session.

• Extending older children's learning. In May 2026, two-year-olds and preschool children did not consistently receive help to develop their ideas further. Ask how staff now build on children's play and include quieter children in conversations.
• Individual settling arrangements. Flexible settling and close relationships supported children in May 2026. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how that approach would fit your child's sleep and communication needs.
• Full-day planning. The nursery opens from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and closes on bank holidays. Which booked hours and funded or paid arrangements would fit your family's week?

Rainbow suits families seeking full-day childcare across the year who place weight on relationships, emotional development and support tailored to individual needs. The May 2026 picture combines practical, engaging play with uneven support for older children's language and next steps in learning. That teaching consistency deserves close attention when choosing.