Rainbows Preschool Consultation
Consultation on a proposal to change the Rainbows Preschool management structure
The school has recently been reviewing the management and operation of the Preschool and after considering different options, we believe there is an alternative model that would enhance the provision being offered to the community in future years.
The options have been discussed with the Governing Board and the school now wishes to consult on changing Rainbows Preschool from a maintained Preschool to a Governor run Preschool under Section 27 of the Education Act 2002. The proposed date for this to be effective is 1st September 2026 and this letter is formal notification of the 5 week consultation period which will run from Tuesday 14th April 2026 to Wednesday 20th May 2026.
What would be the benefit of the proposal?
This proposed move will give the school maximum flexibility to choose the best staffing model appropriate to the children attending the preschool and will ensure that a high-quality Early Years provision continues to be provided.
What will this mean?
A governor led Early Years Preschool provision established by schools under the Department of Education Section 27 powers allows us to operate with a ratio of 1:8 for 3 year olds where at least one member of staff holds the appropriate practitioner qualification. Section 27 of the Education Act 2002 enables maintained schools to set and run community facilities and services whose provision furthers any charitable purpose for the benefit of:
a) the pupils of the school or their families or
b) people who live and work in the area in which the school is situated.
This is the power under which the school governor-run community provision is proposed to be set up.
The governors will ensure that the provision is of a very high quality, properly supervised and run by a qualified nursery practitioner.
The Early Years Foundation Framework sets out requirements that all Early Years providers, including schools, must follow. General guidance on staffing states that the staff must be available to work directly with the children.
We will continue to provide an excellent provision for the children; this will not change. All staff will continue to be employed and managed by the school. The school’s standards, ethos and policies will continue to apply to the Rainbows Preschool and it will continue to share the facilities of the school including the outdoor areas.
Do staff and Governors support this proposal?
Yes, the governing body, the school leadership and the Early Years team at Winslow Church of England School and Preschool positively support the proposal as they believe that it would benefit current and future pupils and the local community.
Will the proposal disrupt the education of the pupils currently at the school?
No, as the provision will continue to run in the same Rainbows Preschool classroom and outdoor areas, this is an administrative change.
Why are we consulting now?
We are keen to understand the views of our parents/carers, stakeholders and local community on this proposal and so, as per best practice recommended by the Department of Education we have incorporated a period of consultation into the decision making process.
Will the proposal have any impact on admission to the school’s Reception Class?
No, current admissions to the school remain unchanged and will not be affected by the proposal. Please see Buckinghamshire Council’s website, or the school’s website for the specific criteria for school admission.
What are the next stages in the process?
Responses will be received throughout the consultation process which ends at 1:00pm on Wednesday 20th May. These will be analysed and discussed with governors. The outcome will be published on the school website and if the governing board decide to proceed with the proposal, the board will plan and publish their final decision.
How can I respond to this consultation?
Please complete the below consultation response form and return it to the school for the attention of The Governing Body of Winslow Church of England School & Preschool. Alternatively, use this link to complete an online form or email the school at admissions@winslow.bucks.sch.uk to share your view or to arrange an appointment to discuss in person.
To summarise, this is an administrative change, there will be no impact on the type of provision being offered and no change to the link with the school.
Thank you in advance for your response.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Samantha Dimbleby
Headteacher and on behalf of the Governing Body