Applying to Rainbow

You can apply to Rainbow using the application form at the bottom of this page.

Please ensure that you read the notes below before completing your application.

Process & Conditions

To support your application we will require a copy of your child’s birth certificate. This secures a place on the waiting list. Rainbow Pre-school will get in touch with you when a space is available which is usually sometime after your child reaches 2½.

If, when your child reaches 2½, we are unable to offer a place and you do not wish to remain on the waiting list please let us know. We require the commitment that your child will spend a minimum of 2 terms with us and that we will receive half a terms notice of your child leaving pre-school at any time. If your child does not remain with us for the two terms and/or we do not receive half a terms notice, half a terms fees will be charged.

Please also note that as per our admissions criteria, we give priority to children who will not be attending another setting/nursery at the same time.

When you are offered, and you accept a place at pre-school, you will be asked to pay a £25.00 registration fee. This is non-refundable and is used to cover costs such as the photographs used to support your child’s learning journey books.

Please note the term after a child’s 3^rd birthday the sessions are funded by the government and extra sessions are offered if available. In the September, prior to a child being 4 ,Rainbow Pre-school will endeavour to offer your child 5 sessions in preparation for their move to school.

Children are not usually admitted in the summer term unless they are 3yrs or older in that term.

Free Early Years Education Entitlement for 2 year olds

If you /your child are in receipt of any of the following, your child may be eligible for the Free Early Years Education Entitlement for 2 year olds:

• Parent/carer meets eligibility criteria also used for free school meals as set out below:

• Income Support

• Income-based Job Seekers' Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income not exceeding £16,190

• Working Tax Credit 4 week run-on

• Their family receives Working Tax Credits and have annual gross earnings of no more than £16,190

• The child has a current statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an education, health and care plan

• The child (not the parent/carer) attracts Disability Living Allowance

• The child is looked after by their local authority

• The child has left care through special guardianship or through an adoption or residence orders

If this is the case you can either create your own account at the Essex Education Portal: //emsonline.essexcc.gov.uk/CitizenPortal_LIVE/Account/Login or contact Rainbow and we can make an assisted application for you. Please note we will not offer a place until Essex County Council confirms your child is eligible. Please also be aware that 2 year funding is not transferrable or allowed to be shared between settings.