Business Details
19 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Norwich
Established in 2007 by Julie and John Banbury, Once Upon A Time is a family-owned childcare provider operating three nursery schools in Norwich. Our Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' and 'Good' settings prioritise child-led learning through play, with a focus on developing independence, communication, emotional intelligence, and a love of books. Our team holds Millies Mark accreditation for paediatric first aid excellence, ensuring safety remains paramount. We utilise the Tapestry online learning journal to track progress and maintain transparency with parents.With over 15 years' experience in early years education, our leadership team combines academic qualifications with hands-on expertise to deliver tailored care. We maintain rigorous compliance with EYFS standards while offering flexible funding options and nutritious home-cooked meals. Our commitment to continuous improvement is demonstrated through regular staff training and reinvestment in educational resources.
Services
Day Care
Early Years Education
Outdoor Play
Parental Involvement
Nutritional Meals
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Family-owned business with 17 years' experience in early years education
- Three Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' or 'Good' nursery schools in Norwich
- Hold Millies Mark accreditation for paediatric first aid excellence
- Use Tapestry online journal for transparent child development tracking
- Serve freshly prepared meals with allergy-friendly options available
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Millies Mark
What people say
Outstanding Ofsted ratings
Dedicated staff
Excellent safety record
Engaging activities
Nutritious meals
Services
Day Care
Our full-day childcare service operates 51 weeks annually, offering structured activities aligned with EYFS standards. Children engage in play-based learning while developing social and cognitive skills. Each setting provides age-appropriate resources and qualified staff to ensure safety and educational value.
Early Years Education
We deliver curriculum-based education through imaginative play, focusing on four key development areas: independence, communication, emotional understanding, and literacy. Activities adapt to individual progress while maintaining government framework compliance for children aged 9 months to 5 years.
Outdoor Play
Daily outdoor activities encourage physical development and environmental awareness. Secure garden spaces feature weather-appropriate play equipment. The White House Farm location offers unique access to natural surroundings for hands-on learning experiences regardless of weather conditions.
Parental Involvement
We promote active parental participation through Tapestry online journals, regular progress updates, and collaborative learning approaches. Parents receive daily activity records and can contribute to their child's developmental tracking throughout their nursery journey.
Nutritional Meals
Freshly prepared meals and snacks are provided daily, with allergy-friendly options available. Our menus meet nutritional guidelines while catering to individual dietary requirements. Consumables charges apply for government-funded sessions with optional parent-provided alternatives.
People
Julie Banbury
Director of Care and Education
Founded Once Upon A Time in 2007 after managing Sprowston Nursery Playgroup for over a decade. Holds BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies and oversees care standards across all settings. Specialises in early literacy development.
John Banbury
Director of Finance and Marketing
Co-founder with extensive business leadership experience from TPF Group and Virgin Money. Manages financial operations and strategic development while ensuring regulatory compliance for the nursery group.
Georgia Brooks
Director of HR and Training
Joined the business in 2020, bringing retail management experience from M&S and Majestic Wine. Holds BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Early Years studies. Oversees staff development and family engagement initiatives.
Becky Potter
Nursery Manager
Led Wroxham Road setting since 2020 with BA (Hons) in Integrated Working with Children. Previously managed a preschool for seven years. Focuses on creating stimulating learning environments that balance care and education.
Alex Wells
Nursery Manager
Manages White House Farm location with 13 years' experience across all settings. Specialises in outdoor learning environments and holds Early Years Teacher Status. Ensures consistent delivery of educational standards across age groups.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We care for children from 9 months up to 5 years old across our three nursery schools.
Are your staff qualified?
All team members hold relevant childcare qualifications with 100% completing Ofsted-approved paediatric first aid training.
How do you track child development?
We use the Tapestry online system to record progress and maintain regular communication with parents.
What funding options are available?
We accept government childcare funding including 30 hours provision for eligible families and Tax Free Childcare accounts.
What safety accreditations do you hold?
We maintain Millies Mark accreditation and have multiple Ofsted 'Outstanding' safety ratings.
Do you provide meals?
Yes, we serve freshly prepared meals daily with allergy-friendly options available for all age groups.
