We are proud of our high ratio of adults to children, which we aim to maintain at one adult to six children for children over the age of 3, and one adult to four children for under 3s. This ensures individual attention to the needs and development of each child.Our Rainbow pre-schooler sessions are limited to a maximum of 24 children, while we limit our Sunbeams sessions to 16 children.
We have 10 permanent members of staff, all of whom are qualified and experienced in nursery education or are working towards a suitable qualification.
All staff regularly attend training courses as part of their continuing professional development. In accordance with OFSTED regulations, all of our members of staff are employed subject to all of the relevant checks.
Who's Who at Rainbow:
Manager: Allison Tomlin
Allison joined Rainbow in 1997, taking a year out at one point to enjoy being a grandma. She is an experienced mum with three boys who attended Shelford School. Allison has a Diploma in Pre-school Practice (DPP) and NVQ level 3 in Early Years Education and Childcare. Allison is the Health and Safety Officer and a First Aider at Rainbow. Allison has a natural ability to communicate with children on their own level and firmly believes that learning should be a fun and exciting experience. She believes that children of a pre-school age “have minds like sponges, ready to soak up the rich environment and activities around them”.
Deputy Manager: Caroline Kingman 
Caroline has been working at Rainbow since May 2003, and has completed an Early Years Foundation degree (level 5). Caroline’s twins went to Shelford Primary School, where Caroline also works as a part-time teaching assistant. At Rainbow, Caroline is the Equal Opportunities Co-ordinator and a First Aider. Caroline enjoys getting active with the children in the P.E. sessions.
Senior Practitioner: Lisa Humphray
Lisa joined Rainbow in September 2015. She has a Level 3 Diploma in Preschool Practice. Lisa is our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at Rainbow and has several years of experience providing 1:1 support for children with special needs. She is especially interested in food allergies and intolerances as well as encouraging healthy eating.
Practitioner: Julie Nicholas
Julie joined Rainbow in 2013. Before this, Julie was a familiar face around Shelford, working as a registered childminder. Julie enjoys arts and crafts activities with the children, and is a keen gardener, who looks after our plants, and gardens.
Practitioner: Peggy Emmerson
Peggy started at Rainbow in 2016, and works as a Practitioner as well as 1:1 practitioner with our SEN children. Peggy is currently studying for her NVQ Level 3 in childcare. Peggy is trained in Makaton sign language, and has attended the Positive Parenting Programme (PPP).
Practitioner: Sarah Bullock
Sarah began at Rainbow in 2017. A former Chair of the Rainbow Committee, Sarah brings a wealth of experience to Rainbow, where she is currently working as a Practitioner as well as 1:1 Practitioner with our SEN children. Sarah has a Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma.
Practitioner: Jenna Gage
Jenna began at Rainbow in 2018, and is a wonderful addition to our Sunbeams room in the mornings and our Pre-school room in the afternoons. Jenna has NVQ Level 3 qualification, and is very much enjoying her time with the children.
Practitioner:Clare Smyth
Clare started at Rainbow in February 2019 and has worked in both the Rainbow and Sunbeam rooms. Clare loved the warm, home from home care her two boys had enjoyed when they attended Rainbow, and wants to help to offer all children the same experience. Clare especially enjoys messy play and reading to the children.Practitioner:Holly Gregory
Holly joined Rainbow in 2020. Before this,Holly volunteered as a playground supervisor at Shelford School and was a parent helper and the committee treasurer when her daughter attended Rainbow. Holly enjoys reading to the children and small world play.