Business Details
16 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Childcare Centre in Exton & Oakham
Rainbow Childcare Centre was established in 2010 with a vision to provide children with a nurturing environment that fosters growth and learning. Our setting, located within Exton & Greetham Primary School grounds, offers a secure and stimulating space for children aged 6 months to school-starting age. With over 26 years of experience in managing nurseries, owner Mary Darlington combines professional expertise with a personal commitment to creating a legacy of quality childcare. We maintain an Ofsted-registered capacity for 21 children, prioritising individual development through play-based learning. Our team of qualified professionals implements diverse pedagogical approaches, including Reggio Emilia and Steiner philosophies, to create rich learning experiences.We operate extended hours from 7:45 AM to 5:15 PM, Monday to Friday, serving families across Stamford, Lincolnshire, Oakham, and surrounding villages. Our inclusive approach accommodates children with special needs and offers flexible admission policies. We maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and digital platforms like Famly and EYLOG. Our rural setting provides unique opportunities for outdoor exploration while maintaining rigorous safeguarding standards. Through continuous staff development and curriculum innovation, we ensure children develop confidence, creativity, and social competence. Our fees structure balances affordability with quality provision, including government-funded places for eligible children.
Services
Early Years Education
After-School Care
Special Educational Needs Support
Parent Partnership Programme
Outdoor Learning Activities
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- 26 years of nursery management experience from our owner
- OFSTED-registered with capacity for 21 children
- Specialist early childhood education pedagogies implemented
- Dedicated SEN support from experienced practitioners
- Secure rural setting with extended operating hours
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted Early Years
What people say
Experienced staff
Secure environment
Excellent communication
Creative activities
SEN support
Services
Early Years Education
Our structured curriculum combines Reggio Emilia and Steiner principles to develop foundational skills through play-based learning. Qualified staff deliver individualised educational plans that prepare children for school transition. Daily activities include creative arts, literacy development, and outdoor exploration in our secure rural environment.
After-School Care
We provide supervised childcare before and after standard school hours, featuring homework support and recreational activities. Our facilities accommodate children from local primary schools with flexible drop-off and collection times around our core operating hours.
Special Educational Needs Support
Our experienced team implements individualised support plans for children with additional needs. We maintain close parent collaboration and adapt our environment to ensure full accessibility and inclusion within all daily activities and learning opportunities.
Parent Partnership Programme
We utilise digital platforms like Famly and EYLOG for real-time progress updates. Regular parent-teacher consultations and home-learning resources strengthen the connection between nursery education and family involvement in child development.
Outdoor Learning Activities
Our rural setting provides extensive outdoor play areas designed to develop physical coordination and environmental awareness. Children engage in structured gardening projects, nature walks, and seasonal discovery activities that complement classroom learning experiences.
People
Mary Darlington
Owner
With 29 years' experience in childcare, Mary holds a BA (Hons) in Childcare and Education. She established Rainbow Childcare Centre to create a family legacy of quality early years provision, combining academic expertise with practical leadership.
Leanne Murphy
Manager
Holding a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, Leanne brings extensive management experience. She focuses on creating nurturing environments and staff development while maintaining safeguarding priorities and educational standards.
Jodie Smith
Deputy Manager
A childcare professional since 2013 with SEN expertise, Jodie combines practical experience with parental perspective. She specialises in adapting environments to meet diverse developmental needs while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Hannah Greig
Play Leader
Qualified since 2012 with Level 3 childcare certification, Hannah specialises in creative play activities. She integrates her passion for educational entertainment into daily programming while supporting children's social development.
Paige Rowan
Play Leader
As an experienced early years practitioner, Paige delivers age-appropriate activities that balance structured learning with free play. She maintains current paediatric first aid qualifications and participates in regular safeguarding training.
Questions
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday to Friday from 7:45 AM to 5:15 PM, including school holidays but excluding bank holidays.
Do you accept government-funded places?
Yes, we offer government-funded childcare places for children aged 9 months to 4 years between 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
How do you support children with special needs?
Our SEN-trained staff create individualised support plans in collaboration with parents and external specialists when required.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Exton, Oakham, Stamford, and surrounding Rutland villages with convenient access from local primary schools.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use the Famly app for daily updates and maintain regular face-to-face communication through scheduled parent-teacher meetings.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff maintain current paediatric first aid certifications with management holding BA (Hons) degrees in relevant childcare fields.
