About Rainbow
What makes us special?
What makes us special?
We believe a positive experience at nursery helps create strong and lasting foundations for later in life and our beautiful homely nursery offers a calm and stimulating environment which is a warm and welcoming extension of home. At Rainbow children are given the time and space to wonder and investigate, talk and ask questions, discover, create and learn and develop authentic relationships nurturing them to become resilience, confident and independence.
My name is Gillian, I founded Rainbow Day Nursery School in September 1985 following a career in nursing and teaching, and Rainbow opened one day following my eldest Grandson’s second Birthday! Over the years Rainbow has grown like “Topsy”. Initially we were registered for 20 children aged 2-5 years old, we then extended and increased to 30 children. In 1993 I moved out of my flat and the “Cherubs” unit was formed providing 15 places for babies. In 2000 I was lucky to win a “Sealed Bid” and purchase the WRVS premises! This provided an area for the Pre-school Explorers and a second large garden. We are now registered for 65 children. During the years my youngest daughter and eldest son have both worked at Rainbow I am now working with my youngest Grandson and enjoying the experience!
My name is Gerry, and I am the Finance Director. I joined Rainbow in 2004 after a career in Business Management. I was employed as the Business Manager and took over this role from my mother who remained in the business as an advisor.
In 2008 we formed a limited company with Gillian and I as Directors. My youngest son joined the business in 2019 when we worked closely together until his appointment as Business Manager in 2020 when he took over the daily running of the Business and I now support him from a more remote position. My wife Naomi has worked at Rainbow since 2001 and is qualified as a Nursery Practitioner level 3. My wife and I have just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. Naomi had a 10-year-old daughter when we married, and we have two sons. We have two granddaughters, one of whom is an apprentice at the Nursery, we also have two young Grandsons, the eldest is enjoying his time at Rainbow. The baby will follow shortly.
Since qualifying as an Early Years Practitioner, I have been involved in setting up a number of nurseries in the South of England and helping them to obtain their Good or Outstanding ratings with Ofsted. I am also heavily involved in a charity that help the homeless and local families who are in need of assistance. In my spare time I can usually be found walking the family Weimaraner dog on the beach or in the New Forest.
My name is Edward, I joined Rainbow Day Nursery School in 2019 to assist my father, in developing the Business. In October 2020, I became the Business Manager. I work closely with the Nursery Manager and Directors; we have formed an effective working partnership supporting all aspects of Rainbow’s business.
I studied Business and Management at university; however, I am also fortunate to have my grandmother, Gillian, fully committed to the business and giving me much support as well as my father. I also enjoyed my own early years at Rainbow along with my brother, cousins, and nieces, and we all have many happy childhood memories of the setting. Rainbow has always played an enormous part in our lives.
During this time, I have worked in different settings, assisting them to get Good or Outstanding ratings from Ofsted. I have also worked with many outside agencies and alongside BCP. In my spare time, I am an England FA qualified Football Coach. I have coached all age ranges from under 5’s to under 13’s, 14’s and 15’s. I am now currently Manager of, and coaching a Men’s team, where I am also signed as a player.
I then had the opportunity to join a cruise ship working with young children. Following my return, I have worked in different settings with various roles including working as a 1:1 support worker helping families and practitioners to support children with different additional needs, such as Autism, global development delay and speech and language delays. I am passionate about my job and really enjoy being able to share my knowledge and experiences with my colleagues and families to help further support children’s learning and development.
Our Ethos
Relationships
Strong, positive relationships are the foundation of all learning. We prioritise secure attachments between children, staff, and families to support emotional wellbeing and development.
Achievement
Every child is recognised as a capable learner. We celebrate progress, effort, and individual milestones to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Imagination
Creativity and imaginative thinking are central to learning. Children are encouraged to explore ideas, express themselves, and engage in open-ended play.
Nature
We foster a connection with the natural world, supporting curiosity, care for the environment, and outdoor learning experiences.
Belonging
Every child and family is valued. We create an inclusive environment where children feel safe, respected, and part of a community.
Opportunities
Wellbeing
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