Here are some of the questions we're most frequently asked, and our answers…
Q. How many childcare places are available at Once upon a time?
A. We have a maximum of 34 places available - six in the baby care room, 12 in the pre-nursery for the two year olds and 16 in the nursery for the over three year olds.
Q. What hours are you open?
A. We're open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year. We are closed on bank holidays and for one week over the Christmas holiday period.
Q. When is the earliest drop-off time?
A. Our doors open at 8am, on the dot.
Q. When is the latest pick-up time?
A. We ask that you arrive at nursery 10-15 minutes before you're due to pick up your child, so you have a few minutes to talk to a member of the team, find out what's been happening at nursery during the day and catch up on any news and events that may be taking place. Our doors close at 6pm. If you're going to be late, please let us know as soon as possible as we have to arrange for two members of staff to stay behind. There may be a fee to pay as set out in our policies. If your child is frequently picked up late, you may lose your child's place at nursery and it will be offered to someone else on our waiting list.
Q. What will my child do at nursery?
A. Children learn through play, so our daily activities are primarily designed to develop your child's intellectual, social, emotional and physical needs - all of which helps them build confidence and independence. They will be surrounded by toys, games, musical instruments, dressing up clothes, art materials and other equipment designed to inspire them and stretch their imagination. They'll also be some all-important rest time built in too.
Q. How do I know my child is safe and secure?
A. Your child's safety is our top priority. All of our external doors are always kept locked and monitored by cameras. Ofsted has also approved our premises and policies in terms of meeting its strict health and safety standards. And for everyone's peace of mind, the recruitment of our staff follows a strict selection process, including checks with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the local Police.
Q. What government childcare benefits am I entitled to?
A. We supply information leaflets at the nursery outlining what the most up-to-date funding is available from the government. You can also find information at this website: www.direct.gov.uk/parents/childcare
Q. What food do you provide at nursery?
A. All meals are provided and included within our fees. Our cook prepares everything on the premises in our well-equipped and hygiene-friendly kitchen.
We encourage healthy eating and drinking at all times. All of our meat, dairy products, fruit and vegetables are bought fresh from local suppliers. Special dietary requirements can be catered for. Fresh drinking water is available at all times.
If your child feeds from a bottle, we ask that you bring in enough pre-prepared bottles to last the day. We'll then warm them up and supervise the feed.
Q. Do you supply nappies?
A. We normally ask that you supply a day's worth of nappies if your child wears them. We can supply them, but there will be a charge to cover the cost.
Q. Where should I park?
A. Please use the car park at the front of the house when dropping off and collecting your child. It is important that you do not park on the road outside the nursery or reverse out of the car park onto Wroxham Road. People using the car park do so at their own risk. Once upon a time accepts no responsibility for injury, damage, or loss to persons, vehicles or property in the car park.
Q. Does my child have to wear a uniform?
A. Parents may buy a nursery sweatshirt and/or polo shirt for their child, but these are not compulsory. The nursery cannot be held responsible for any clothing items soiled or damaged, although clothing will be protected as much as possible at meal times and during art activities. Your child's clothing and personal property must be marked clearly with their name. All items are left at the owner's risk.
Q. Can my child bring in any personal belongings?
A. We understand that some children need to bring in a comforter from home, and we'll work with you to support your child in this area. Other belongings may be brought in, but this should be discussed with your child's key person. The nursery cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to toys, books etc. brought in from home.