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 an hourly consumables charge is used when Government Funded hours are taken. In line with Government guidance, this charge covers the provision of 'non core' services, which are often referred to as enrichment activitities. This covers costs such as classes, visits, snacks etc. It is a non voluntary charge and allows the nursery to continue to provide a top quality level of service.
Benefits of using a nursery
- Government Funding for children over 9 months
- 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, Tax Free Childcare and most payment methods 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 (starting midday on 24th December and reopening on the first working day of January).
There are 2 sessions per day (morning 8am - 1pm and afternoon 1pm - 6pm). 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 if there is capacity.
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:
| 0-12m |
1:3 |
| 12m-24m |
1:3 |
| 24m-36m |
1:5 |
| 36m+ |
1:8 |
Free entitlement for children over 9 months
The UK Government has made huge changes to the provision of childcare, and we fully support their increase of funded childcare for all children from 9 months of age upwards. For more information and to check eligibility visit: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs.
Tax Free Childcare
Most UK citizens are eligible for Tax Free Childcare. What is means in practice is if you pay £100 in to your Tax Free Childcare account the Government will top it up by 20% so you will have £120 which you can pay directly to the nursery. It is a very good scheme used by many and we encourage all parents and carers to explore it online.
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.