The Rainbow Centre (Marham) has received its third-in-a-row ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted inspection report. The absolutely glowing report rates the childcare setting as ‘Oustanding’ across all areas.
Staff, parents and children have been congratulated by RAF Marham’s Station Commander, Gp Capt ‘Cab’ Townsend upon receipt of the latest outstanding report. The report describes the nursery as ‘creating a highly positive culture filled with stimulating and varied activities’ and a centre ‘that inspire children’s curiosity and desire to learn’.
The Rainbow Centre (Marham) was originally a pre-school operating in a Barrack Block beside the Sandringham Centre and a Creche in a double house opposite. In 1996 the manager, Dee Gent, realised there was a need for extended childcare and started the move to offer full day care for children aged 2 and over. The take up was outstanding and the numbers started to grow. By 1998, Dee had opened Before and After School Clubs and in 2002 she was asked to take over the creche, incorporating all areas of childcare under one set up. It wasn’t long before the centre was bursting at the seams, so an application was made to the RAF Benevolent Fund for a grant to build purpose-built facility. The application was successful and in September 2003, the Rainbow Centre was completed and ready for its grand opening.
Since then Dee has continued to pursue various developments and improvements to the Centre, all of which have resulted in the amazing facilities that the Centre has today. Offering 10 rooms and 2 halls, a huge veranda and a plethora of outdoor space for exciting activities including fixed assault courses, bike track, sand pits, climbing frames and safe outdoor spaces. The Centre caters for children aged 3 months up to 12 years and operates Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, throughout the year.
This latest Ofsted inspection report heaps praise on Dee for her ‘inspirational management’ and praises the positive attitudes of her staff who ‘use every opportunity to enrich and add depth to children’s learning’.
It goes without saying that Dee and her staff are passionate and committed to offering the highest quality childcare, enabling every child to have the best start in their life.
Dee said: “I am so utterly proud of my team for their outstanding achievement and am thrilled that Ofsted have awarded us a third consecutive Outstanding grade. We will all continue to provide the very best care and learning environments for the children and look forward to supporting Station and local families for many years to come.”
