Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield)

I enjoy seeing the different creative projects the kids bring home.

Only minor complaint is the we'd like to see more photos of what they're up to during the days, but understand its not always feasible.

Additionally our child's face is usually dirty from food times when we pick them up.

This nursery and pre school have been amazing with my daughter. I have recommended to friends and family. They are clean, tidy and have all resources that children need. The outside features here are awesome and my daughter has enjoyed being there inside and out. I'm really sad that my daughter will be starting school. I want her to stay here forever if she could. All the staff are kind, comforting and show huge amounts of empathy. My daughter has flourished here and learnt so much. The education here is truly appreciated. They have all been amazing with my daughter especially when being upset leaving her mama. They have emotionally supported her so much. This has been challenging for me as seeing my daughter sad really upsets me. The staff has reassured me and sent photos to let me know she's happy and doing great. My daughter will really miss the staff here and all the bonds she's created. I want to thank each and every one of you. You have all been amazing!!

My daughter attends pre-school and adores it. She loves all of the staff members and they go above and beyond for her. She runs to great staff on arrival and is always excited to go. It will be a very said day when we have to leave.

Wendy and all the team are really lovely and helpful and clearly have the best interest of the kids at heart.

My 3 year old child settled very quickly and has alot of support from his teachers, he absolutely loves it there and is very happy and comfortable, staff are great very good communication, understanding, patience and trustworthy, always organised with updates of my child throughout the day. He has improved alot more since attending this nursery and im happy with his progress and their care plan/observations. Makes me feel more comfortable and confident that my son is safe there. Nursery is amazing enough staff and big enough for children to explore. Nursery is very spacious and clean.

I have seen a lot of improvements in my daughter's speech, potty training, independence, counting, colours and getting along with others. The transitioning to preschool, advice and how happy we all are, I couldn't have asked for a better school. Thank you.

As a mom of a child with extra needs, I know it can be really scary sending your child into education, I was petrified. I can hand on heart say the children are in great hands - they are well looked after with kindness & genuine care from the staff. I will recommend this nursery to anyone that will listen!

The teams go above and beyond to make the children feel happy and special. As my youngest is now in pre-school, I am reminded just how quick time flies. I am so grateful to all the Rathvilly team for all they do day in day out for children to be children and not only learn and progress but thrive on their journey. Thank you x

It's such a comfort knowing my little one is in such caring hands. I couldn't recommend this nursery highly enough!

We joined this nursery in March 2025 and was the best decision we could have made. All of the staff have been amazing, the manager Wendy goes above and beyond to get to know the whole family, is always friendly and welcoming. Special mention to Charlotte, Claire Lisa and Kirsty, always feel comfortable knowing my daughter is well looked after and she is always happy in your care. You all do amazing and can't thank you enough for helping her to learn and grow.

I have been so happy with how the staff have welcomed my daughter to the nursery. She has been there for a few months and has settled in really well. Everyone I have met has been friendly and seem to really show an interest in my daughter. I love hearing about what she gets up to each day, and seeing her come on leaps and bounds is lovely.

Rhea's parents

Rathvilly has been our little one's second home since he was 10 months! All the teachers have been like extended family. We are so so grateful to everyone at Rathvilly for everything they have done for our child to learn, have fun, make friends, grow and thrive - ready for his next adventure as he steps into school! Our child has always enjoyed being a part of the nursery and loves to play with his friends and get into all the wonderful amazing activities the teachers arrange and perfectly organise for the kids every day of every week. We couldn't have found a better nursery and I whole heartedly recommend everyone I know of Rathvilly :) Thank you so so much! You are all superheroes :)

I cannot rate this nursery highly enough! My little boy adores coming here. He has developed so much and they have really built up his confidence, he has made friends and looks forward to attending every day. If we drive past the nursery he will say hi nursery as we go past. The staff are all so lovely and I know that he is going to be well cared for when I drop him off. He loves the activities they do like art work, playing in the sand garden and playing with water which is his favourite. The staff are really supportive with the transition from nappies to pants also. Most importantly he is safe, happy, well fed and being nurtured whilst learning and I couldn't ask for anymore. I'm already thinking I hope they look after him at School as well as they do in nursery because Rathvilly have set the bar so high! Thank you x

But what truly makes this nursery shine is the manager - she is the heart and soul of the setting. As the manager, she knows every child by name, always welcomes families with a warm smile, and creates a truly nurturing atmosphere. My son absolutely adores her! I've recommended this nursery to many of my friends, and now that I'm expecting my second child, there's no doubt in my mind - we'll be coming back here again without hesitation.

I have two children currently at this nursery and couldn't be happier with the care and attention they receive. My older child started later than average at this nursery due to moving house and had been referred to speech and language due to late speech. Since starting here his speech has come on leaps and bounds. He really looks forward to his nursery days and who can ask for more really? The staff are kind and patient and develop real connections with the children and the entire staff create a real family environment.

The new app is very good too, easy to use and we get a lot of updates of what they are up to.

My child really enjoys his time at the nursery. He's well cared for and the teachers do a fantastic job of keeping him engaged in various fun as well as learning activities. The nursery is very well managed and secure and we are kept informed and updated on various things via the app.

I honestly can't thank the nursery staff and management enough for how great they are with my son. He has come on leaps and bounds since starting Rathvilly, especially with his talking. He has a lot more confidence and he's made lots of friends. I never have to worry if he's safe and I know he's always taken care of and well looked after whilst he's there. The range of activities and learning are amazing, he's always doing something new. Thank you to all of the team at Rathvilly!

Overall we've had a really positive experience with Rathvilly Nursery. All the staff have been friendly, lovely and have always gone the extra mile to make our child feel comfortable and happy. Our child was shy, sensitive and our concern was that the nursery was too big for her but she is absolutely thriving and loves going in. She often asks to go which is such a relief as a parent to know she enjoys her time there. All the staff in the baby room and little creators have spent time getting to know our childs personality and meeting all her needs. I recommend this nursery to all our friends. So happy we picked Rathvilly. Wendy has done a great job and staff seem happy and enthusiastic to be there! Thanks to all the staff you make such a difference!