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

Relationships between staff and parents are excellent. They work hard to communicate with parents through emails, the app and phone calls. Relationships between staff and children are excellent. They form great relationships early on because they get to know the children as individuals. The children make excellent progress because they feel happy and safe in their care.

The staff are so friendly and helpful. They know all the children's names and all the parent's and families. My son has attended the nursery since he was 11 months old and is now in preschool. The facilities for all ages are great, with so many activities and lots of outdoor space. My son is also a big fan of the food and I am really impressed with the variety. My son loves attending and I would recommend the nursery to others.

My youngest daughter currently attends First Steps Rathvilly (Northfield) nursery and she absolutely loves going. She has so much fun and I've never had any issues with anything. They are trustworthy, professional and nurturing. My older daughter came here when she was little and they have always offered an outstanding service. Wouldn't want my children to go anywhere else. Thank you for taking such good care of our little ones.

My child has been attending the nursery since he was almost one year old. We have always been happy with the nursery in general overall. There have been a few minor issues that we have encountered along the way but nothing too significant. My child loves attending nursery every day now and that’s the main thing for us is that they are happy there and has made some lovely friends. They will be sad to leave.

I can't rave enough about this nursery. My son has been with them since November, and within a month he settled in brilliantly. I used to worry about him crying at drop-off, but now, as soon as the door is open, he runs in and doesn't even turn back to say goodbye. He has become so attached to the staff there and he asks for them when he's at home, especially his amazing key worker. What I love most about the staff is that they make the most effort to tell you how your child is progressing and developing. They always say the truth without any sugarcoating so you have a realistic idea of how your child is doing. I always end up having long chats with them when I come to collect my son and they're so welcoming and supportive. From management to the staff in the room, they are all absolutely brilliant. Everyone who knows about this nursery, including my health visitor, says it's one of the best and that I never have to worry about my son as he's in the best of hands. Very pleased.

Overall a fantastic nursery and highly recommended and I am very glad that I send my child to this nursery

We have one daughter who started nursery during lockdown it was very daunting as first-time parents anyway but the staff at First Steps Rathvilly (Northfield) have been fantastic. She loves attending and is always excited to go in which is fantastic and puts our minds at ease. She always has a clean nappy and is obviously well cared for. A fantastic experience as a first-time parent. Would recommend!

The nursery staff are wonderful and my little boy absolutely loves going to nursery. I am so grateful that we found such a super nursery for him. They do so many lovely activities with the children and every day he comes home excited to tell me what he has been doing that day. Would definitely recommend First Steps Rathvilly (Northfield) to any of my friends looking for somewhere to send their little ones. Gold star!

This is an absolutely fantastic nursery. My son has attended here for nearly three years and I couldn't have been happier with my decision to place him here as it's by far the best nursery I found in the area. Their facilities are fantastic and they're incredibly engaging with the children and allow them to lead their own activities. They constantly keep parents in the loop via their online portal and I often get photos and detailed observations of my sons daily activities. Their staff are fantastic, my son is currently in preschool and the difference in him is astronomical. You can really tell that they spend so much time teaching them and engaging with them. My son absolutely adores coming here and I drop him off for his sessions knowing he's in safe hands. Couldn't recommend enough.

My son is in the baby room upstairs, staff all lovely, he seems to have settled in really well now, I like how he always has a familiar face or two and I can’t fault the way the baby department is run at all. Comparing it to the nurseries my other children went to, the care and food etc, is good, however, the one thing I would say is security-wise with how people are buzzed in, I have always found not so good, as my last child’s nursery were very good at security and identifying anyone before they even enter the building. I don’t like how people can enter the building, yes the desk is as you enter with one or two people on it. Sometimes people who I’ve never really even seen before just walk straight in and up the stairs. I do think this is something that should really be looked at and is the only thing I can say that I don’t like about the nursery.

I've recently had a few 'hiccups' with my child's behaviour and some moments have been reflected in nursery, which the staff have been honest and open about. I would like to think this is temporary 'typical' three-year-old exploring behaviour and the staff will continue to support and guide him in the right direction and him not become labelled as a 'naughty' child, where staff are expecting this negative behaviour from him as he was golden in Blue Room!

Our son has been in the baby room since January 2019 and his transition into nursery was really well handled. The staff were caring and particularly attentive to his needs. Most importantly, he was greeted with a smile and liked attending and taking part in creative activities and messy play. His key worker was open to feedback and showed a genuine interest to work together in the best interests of my son. A very good introduction into nursery life.

Children's learning is always made fun and interesting and my little boy is ready for school with the help of Rathvilly.

Rathvilly Nursery is amazing! The staff are brilliant with my little boy who absolutely loves going to this nursery. I would recommend this nursery to all.

My little boy has been coming here for the last 2 years and had built strong relationships with staff throughout. Lovely outside facilities available for the children and the food is all home cooked and focuses on healthy eating. The pre school set up is brilliant to prepare the children for school and staff are welcoming and approachable.

Attentive and caring service from all staff members. Could not be happier with our child’s development since he started at nursery.

The nursery is lovely and staff are great. I just wish the parent app was better so I could receive everything, but it is still a great nursery.

Superb nursery, can't fault the staff in any way. My daughter has thrived at First Steps, loves her teachers, and will no doubt be very well prepared to start school in September.

Really happy with the pre-school programme. My child is progressing well and I am well informed. My child loves all the staff and has a great time when there. He is fully engaged and likes all the activities and all his food.

Excellent nursery that strives for the best for the children. They have different activities each day and caring staff that the children love.