Learning Stages
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The Foundation Stage at Rainbow Nursery
The foundation stage is a period of education from age 3 to 5. It is called the 'foundation stage' because it gives children secure foundations for later learning. Learning in the Early Years is based upon practical, physical experience. It must be fun, needs to be meaningful and linked with play.
Play is the young child's natural and instinctive method of learning. Good nursery staff use play to introduce children to new concepts and there is no place for 'drilling', rote learning and repetitive worksheets.
At Rainbow we want all children to have enjoyable, satisfying experiences. These early experiences affect children's attitude to learning. They create the basis for later learning in school and beyond. This period is a distinct stage with its own learning goals (the end of the Reception Class Year at School). Most children should be able to reach these by the end of the foundation stage. This will prepare them for work on the National Curriculum at Key Stage 1 in primary school. The goals cover the six main areas of young children's development and learning.
Policy regarding children under 3 years of age
Rainbow Nursery provides a safe and welcoming environment for these young children. There is a wide variety of play equipment to stimulate and develop their enquiring minds. The activities are planned so that all children can work to their own level with guidance and supervision, the staff being trained to follow the aspects and approach described in the DfEs 
publication 'Birth to Three Matters: a framework to support children in their earliest years.' The creative activities allow children to experiment with colour and materials producing 'Works of Art' that are individual and meaningful. Sand and water play, song, music and movement make up part of each session, allowing all children the chance to freely express themselves. Our safe and enclosed garden provides space to exercise, run, climb, throw and catch.
The staff are suitably qualified and experienced to meet the needs of the under three's and our NNEB Nursery Nurse will have specific responsibility to oversee their progress. The Children's Act requirement regarding Staff-Pupil ratios for this age group is 1:4 and will be adhered to.
Children can start Rainbow Nursery when they are 2 years old and do not need to be toilet-trained as there are facilities for nappy changing. Any toilet training that is taken place at home will be followed up at Rainbow to ensure continuity and progress. Spare clothes or nappies as appropriate should be sent with your child in a named bag along with a pair of soft shoes/slippers. Any 'cuddlies' or special toys that a child may wish to bring are welcomed and will be kept safe in a 'Home Toy Box' when not in use.
Carers are made welcome should they wish to remain with their child for some or all of the session or until their child feels secure with the staff and other children.
We recommend that visits are made to Rainbow prior to the child actually starting. This will help to familiarise the child with names and faces of staff as well as the layout and routine of the nursery.
Rising 5's
As children gain proficiency in literacy and numeracy through play, they develop a desire to increase their skill. As they near the age of admission to formal education, we achieve this by giving them 'Busy Books' in which they can record some of the skills they have developed during each session. This is carried out on an individual or small group basis, each child working at her/his own pace and to her/his own best ability. We share books together looking at the structure and meaning of the text they are in, and fostering an appreciation of the written word in all its forms. The work in the children's folders is designed to be shared at home and encourage partnership in the children's learning.
We also help these children to develop other important skills needed on admission to school, such as dressing and undressing for P.E., turn taking, choosing and using correctly a variety of tools for art and craft. Co-operation in group activities is actively encouraged so that the children develop a sense of responsibility and concern for others.