A high adult/child ratio is essential in providing good quality pre-school care.

 In Rainbow Pre-School:

·        We have at least one member of staff to each eight children and more if there are younger children present.

·        Regular staff meetings provide opportunities for staff to undertake curriculum planning and to discuss the children’s progress and any difficulties.

·        We work towards an equal opportunities employment policy seeking to offer job opportunities to both woman and men, with and without disabilities, from all religious, social, ethnic and cultural groups.

·        At least half of our staff hold the Diploma in Pre-School practice or an equivalent qualification.

·        Regular in-service training is available to all staff, both paid and volunteer members, through Pre-School Learning Alliance.

·        Rainbow Pre-School budget includes an allocation towards training costs.

·        We support the work of Rainbow staff by means of regular monitoring/appraisals.

·        We are committed to recruiting, appointing and employing staff in accordance with all relevant legislation.

 

STUDENT PLACEMENT POLICY

 We recognise that the quality and variety of work which goes on in a pre-school makes it an ideal place for students on placement from school and college childcare courses as well as those on the diploma in Pre-School Practice or Tutor Fieldworkers courses.

 Students are welcomed into Rainbow Pre-school on the following conditions:

·        The needs of the children are paramount.  Students will not be admitted in numbers which hinder the essential work of Rainbow Pre-School.

·        Students must be confirmed by their tutor as being engaged in a bona fide childcare course which provides necessary background understanding of children’s development and activities.

·        Students required to conduct child studies will obtain written permission from the parents of the child to be studied.

·        Any information gained by the students about the children, families or other adults in Rainbow Pre-School must remain confidential.

Unless registered as fit persons, students will not have unrestricted access to children.