Rainbow Friend Childcare

About this day nursery

Rainbow Friend Childcare, located in Thurcroft, Rotherham, within the Thurcroft Welfare Community Hall, was registered with Ofsted on 15 October 2025 as a childcare provider on non-domestic premises, catering for children aged 1 to 4. The setting has a capacity for 20 children and operates Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 19:00.

The dedicated staff team strives to provide a stimulating and nurturing environment, ensuring that children, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress in all areas of learning and development. Children are encouraged to develop independence in self-care routines, such as washing hands and using the toilet.

The curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, with babies learning to drink from lidded cups while older children progress to open cups, and communication skills are actively promoted through songs, stories, and conversations. The day nursery benefits from good access to an outdoor area, where children can engage in physical activities like throwing and catching balls, navigating slides, and riding bikes, supporting their physical development and coordination.

The leadership team demonstrates a commitment to understanding the diverse needs of families in the local area, offering support and guidance, including directing new families to health and dental services. They also use additional funding effectively to enrich children's experiences, providing nutritious meals, library sessions, and visits to local attractions like a butterfly house, all aimed at reducing learning gaps and fostering children's interests.

Although the inspection identified areas for urgent improvement concerning safeguarding and mealtime provisions, the setting is committed to addressing these to ensure children's safety and well-being.

What it's like

Children's safety is compromised as leaders do not understand the procedures to follow if an allegation is made, and who they would contact in line with local authority policies and procedures. Staff do not always ensure there is adequate seating for children at mealtimes, particularly when children attend outside of their scheduled hours of attendance. Children's health is not considered when children eat from an unhygienic table. Children benefit from experiences provided by staff that build on what they know and can do. This ensures all children, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who face barriers to their learning, make positive progress from their starting points. Children enjoy the learning experiences that staff put in place for them. They make their own independent choices about their learning. Children grow in confidence as they develop their language and communication skills.