Our Approach

Each and every child is a unique individual and every family has their own way of bringing their children up. Once Upon a Time is small enough to offer a truly bespoke and responsive level of care to best meet the requirements of both the child and their parents.

We offer a flexible child care service and will work in partnership with you throughout your child's time at our nursery. When your child first starts we will discuss the best way of settling them into their new surroundings. This will help overcome any fears you may have and make your child’s introduction to Once Upon a Time easy and enjoyable.

Easy and convenient childcare 

There are 2 sessions a day (morning and afternoon). We'll 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. Our fees are fully inclusive – so there are no hidden added costs*. We also have an open door policy which means you can drop in and visit at any time. In fact everything is geared towards helping make childcare arrangements in your busy life as easy and convenient as possible – right down to helping with an unforeseen last minute change we will do our best to support you.

 

A home from home experience 

We follow this same flexible, bespoke approach with every child and family, taking the time to get to know you and your specific wants and needs. This holistic understanding enables us to deliver a real home from home experience for each and every child at Once Upon a Time. It also allows us to care for your child in the way you want us to and respond to their individual needs.

We find it’s often the little things that count; a favourite nursery rhyme to help them settle into sleep, their favourite yellow teddy to cuddle, a special green fork for lunch, their boggle-eyed frog potty or their beloved Snail and the Whale story to help make them feel safe, calm, happy and loved. 

Our Key Person system 

In order to deliver this bespoke, high quality care for your child we assign them a special 'Key Person' as well as a 'Buddy Key Person'. They will be able to build a lasting relationship with your child, getting to know, understand and care for them and ensuring the best possible home from home early years learning journey.

 

A joined up approach

We also like to know about and work with additional settings, clubs or classes that your child may attend. This may simply be a leisure activity such as ballet classes or swimming lessons but knowing about it enables us to support them in their activities and celebrate their successes. Incorporating these experiences into their daily learning has real benefits. 

 

Keeping you informed 

Through every stage of your child’s development we will keep you informed, communicating with you on a day-to-day basis. We will track and document your child’s development in a formal Learning Journal and we will also share the exciting and fun things that happen in their scrap book, a really great way of keeping you up to date!

* Please note that meals are not included for Grant Funded or Free Early Education places.

What the parents say

“When the children smile and laugh on their way into nursery we are confident that they enjoy going to Once Upon a Time.”

S. Mitchell

“Prachi loves to go to the nursery. She has a great time doing different activities like play dough, building models or making bread and much more.”

Prachi's mum

“We are grateful to the nursery and the staff for their hard work and care. Our eldest son enjoyed preschool at Once Upon a Time and benefited from their support when moving into reception and starting school. We have been delighted with recent improvements; better communication between nursery and home, parents' evenings, and trips to the local park. Our youngest son enjoys his time at nursery and is very happy there, thanks to all the staff.”

R. Watson