Information for parents

Here are some key facts about the nursery such as open times, dates and fees. There are also useful links relating to funding options. If you need any more information please give us a call or email your query to us. 

All inclusive fees

After many years of running our successful nurseries we know how to provide a cost effective service that will ensure you top quality, reliable childcare from dedicated professionals. Our fees are all inclusive – so no hidden surprises - and cover;

  • Nappies, creams and wipes
  • Lunch, tea and snacks* - all healthy and organic
  • Trips and outings
  • Visiting specialists in music and drama
  • Our Christmas party in the local church hall

Please note that a registration fee is required to reserve your place.
*Please note that meals are not included for Grant Funded or Free Early Education places.

 

Benefits of using a nursery

  • Government grant scheme for over 3's in Pre-School
  • Cheaper than employing a nanny and no employment issues
  • Our timetable is designed to support working parents
  • Our fees are all inclusive – no hidden extras
  • We give discounts for siblings
  • Child care vouchers are accepted


Once upon a Time opening hours

The nursery's core operating hours are Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00. We operate a breakfast club from 7:30 - 8:00 each morning on a reduced capacity.

We are only closed on bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year (24th December and 2nd January).

There are 2 sessions a day (morning and afternoon). We make every effort to be as flexible as possible on timings to fit in with your busy schedule, for example you can add ‘top-up’ hours if you need extra cover in addition to a standard session. We also have an open door policy which means you can drop in and visit at any time.


Carer to child ratios

We are proud of our carer to child ratios and always endeavour to keep the number of children as low as possible to ensure that each child gets the care and attention that they deserve. At a minimum we stick to a strict ratio as shown below:

Stage Ages Ratio Adult/Child
Caterpillars Under 1s 1:3
Butterflies Under 2s 1:3
Cubs Under 3s 1:4
Lions Pre-school 1:8


Free entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds

All 3 to 4 year olds in England can get 570 hours of free early education or childcare per year. This is usually taken as 15 hours each week for 38 weeks of the year. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs


Free entitlement for 2 year olds

Some 2 year olds in England can get free early education and childcare. For more information and to check eligibility visit: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs


Tax credits

You could get extra tax credits to help pay for some of your childcare costs while you’re working. You can get up to £122.50 extra per week for 1 child, or £210 extra for 2 or more children - it depends on how much you earn. For information visit: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/tax-credit

You can use the tax credits childcare calculator to work out what childcare costs you can claim www.gov.uk/childcare-costs-for-tax-credits


Childcare vouchers

Your employer may be able to help you with childcare costs using childcare vouchers or other schemes. You don’t have to pay tax and National Insurance on:

  • childcare vouchers
  • childcare your employer arranges with a provider (sometimes known as ‘directly contracted childcare’)
  • workplace nurseries

You can get up to £55 a week from childcare vouchers, depending on how much you earn and when you joined the scheme. For information visit: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/childcare-vouchers.

What the parents say

“Isaac has enjoyed his time with you and I am extremely grateful to you and your staff for making him so welcome and settled. He has developed a lot since starting and will be sad to say goodbye. I would be glad to give you a glowing review!”

Nerys King

“The staff are lovely, always very helpful, and my son is very happy there. I have six children (my eldest is now 18) and most of them went to nursery. I can honestly say that Once Upon a Time has been the best.”

Sharon Hahn

“A wonderful friendly home from home environment. I’ve had 2 daughters at Once Upon a Time and they have both been happy every day. They have been there full time for 6 months and I could not have asked for a better place for them.”

R. Wistow