Business Details
16 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Childcare and Early Education in Exton
Rainbow Childcare Centre was established in 2010 by Mary Darlington, who brings over 26 years of experience in managing successful nurseries. Our centre operates within Exton & Greetham Primary School grounds, offering a secure and stimulating environment for children aged 6 months to school-starting age. We are registered with Ofsted Early Years and maintain a capacity of 21 children. Our approach combines pedagogical theories from Piaget, Steiner, Vygotsky, and Reggio Emilia to create a rich learning experience.We prioritise individual development through play, with dedicated baby areas and tailored support for children with additional needs. Our team includes qualified professionals with extensive experience in early childhood education. We operate Monday to Friday from 7:45 am to 5:15 pm, welcoming families from Stamford, Lincolnshire, Oakham, Exton, and surrounding villages. Our mission ensures every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Services
Early Years Education
After-School Care
Special Educational Needs Support
Parent Partnership Programme
Outdoor Learning Activities
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have over 26 years of experience in early childhood education leadership.
- Our team includes staff with BA degrees in Childcare and Education.
- We implement a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to child-led learning.
- We offer flexible hours from 7:45 am to 5:15 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Our setting prioritises individualised support for children with additional needs.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted Early Years
Services
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Education programme follows Ofsted-registered curricula combining Reggio Emilia principles with Steiner and Vygotsky theories. We provide child-led learning through play-based activities that develop cognitive, social, and motor skills. Our qualified staff create individualised learning journeys for each child aged 6 months to school-starting age.
Special Educational Needs Support
Special Educational Needs Support includes tailored interventions for children requiring additional assistance. Our staff collaborate with parents and specialists to create inclusive learning environments. We maintain small group ratios and have experience supporting children with various developmental requirements while ensuring all children's needs are met.
Parent Partnership Programme
Parent Partnership Programme utilises the EYLOG system for real-time updates on children's progress. Parents receive regular observations, photographs, and learning assessments while contributing to curriculum planning. This two-way communication ensures continuity between home and nursery environments through shared educational goals.
Outdoor Learning Activities
Outdoor Learning Activities utilise our rural setting overlooking fields to develop physical coordination and environmental awareness. Children engage in structured and free play across natural landscapes, developing risk assessment skills and appreciation for nature through supervised exploration and discovery-based learning.
After-School Care
After-School Care extends our provision beyond standard hours, offering supervised activities for working parents. This service includes breakfast provision from 7:45 am and snacky tea sessions until 5:15 pm, maintaining educational continuity through creative play and homework support for older children.
People
Mary Darlington
Owner
With 29 years' experience in childcare, Mary holds NNEB, ADCE, Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) qualifications. She established Rainbow Childcare Centre in 2010 after managing successful nurseries, combining academic expertise with practical experience to create nurturing learning environments.
Leanne Murphy
Manager
Leanne has worked in childcare since 2013, progressing from practitioner to manager while completing her BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies. She specialises in creating homely environments that support children's emotional development and staff well-being through effective leadership.
Jodie Smith
Deputy Manager
Jodie has worked in childcare since 2013 with experience across all age ranges, including special educational needs. As a parent herself, she understands family needs and combines professional expertise with practical parenting experience in her deputy management role.
Hannah Greig
Play Leader
Hannah has worked in childcare since 2012 with a Level 3 qualification. She brings enthusiasm for creative play and Disney-themed learning activities, combining her professional experience with personal interests to engage children in imaginative development.
Paige Rowan
Play Leader
Paige serves as Play Leader, delivering age-appropriate activities that stimulate cognitive and social development. She works closely with senior staff to implement curriculum objectives while maintaining warm, supportive relationships with children in her care.
Questions
Do you accept government-funded childcare places?
Yes, we offer government-funded places for children aged 9 months to 4 years between 9:00 and 15:30 Monday-Friday.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday from 7:45 am to 5:15 pm, with funded places available between 9:00 and 15:30.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes staff with NNEB, ADCE, Foundation Degrees and BA (Hons) qualifications in childcare and education.
How do you support children with additional needs?
We provide tailored support through individual learning plans, small group ratios, and staff trained in special educational needs provision.
How do you involve parents in their child's learning?
We use the EYLOG system for real-time updates and encourage parental contributions to curriculum planning and assessment processes.
What areas do you serve?
We welcome children from Stamford, Lincolnshire, Oakham, Exton and surrounding villages in Rutland.
