Rainbows Room

Between the ages of 2 and 3 years, children will move into our Rainbows Room. The age range is flexible to meet the needs of the children.

All Rainbows children have the opportunity to experience play in a way that they feel most comfortable.  Staff will provide opportunities for free, structured, gross and fine motor play.

Rainbows has three main play areas. These areas are the Creative area, Construction, role-play, let’s explore, and the book corner area.  All children will have the opportunity to experience all of these areas as well as the large outdoor play area.  Rainbows as a continuous outdoor play area that is separate from the larger play areas. They also have a sensory area, which contains natural materials.

Key Person

Every child will have their own Key Person who will work closely with each child, building relationships with them and their parents. This person will build on each child’s development, get to know their interests and will be available to discuss the child with the parents at open evenings.

Planning

Each area in Rainbows has a long-term planning sheet for that particular area as well as a medium term plan. The staff undertake  planning every two weeks which is based around the children’s individual interests and next steps.  We carry out twelve weekly Characteristics of Learning observations and Learning Journeys on every child and spontaneous observations are done regular.  This is in line with the EYFS Framework.

Observations

Rainbows staff performtake regular observations of all children, these are called spontaneous observations.  The aim of these observations is to capture your child’s on the spot learning.  Learning Journey’s and Characteristics of Learning Observations are also done done within a 13 week block, and involve staff observing your child for a period of 5 minutes.  We then use the findings for planning and development files.

We want to share what your child has done at nursery, therefore we ask Parents/Carers to read and sign the observations.

2 Year Progress Check

The Early Years Foundation Stage states that once children are two, parents and carers should be given a short written summary of their child’s development.

Your child’s key person will complete the form which looks at their everyday skills, knowledge, understanding and behaviour. It will allow parents / carers and those working with your child to get a clear picture of their development, looking at areas that they are doing well in, in addition to spotting any areas your child might need more support.

Please speak to a member of staff for more information.

Parents/Carers Observation

We very much appreciate home observations from parents and carers. Home observation sheets and activity bags are available for parents to use as often as they like.

The home observations are useful for staff to get an insight into what your child enjoys at home and are used in our planning and as a part of involving parents/carers.

Development Mile Stones

In Rainbows, the children start to become more confident and start to develop meaningful relationships with other peers. They also start toilet training and become more independent. We always encourage independence, which includes hand washing or self-feeding as well as toileting. Social activities such as group time, singing, story and music and movement are encouraged daily to help develop their social skills. The children in Rainbows are encouraged to start to make more decisions for themselves, such as whether they would like to play outside or do a craft activity, although all children are encouraged to participate we respect their individual needs and wishes