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

Rathvilly School, 119 Bunbury Road, Northfield, Birmingham B31 2NB
Submit a Review
9.9 85 Reviews
  • Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield), Birmingham
Ofsted rating for Little Pioneers Rathvilly Nursery is Good (July 2018)

Rathvilly nursery believes that a nursery should be as welcoming for children and parents as possible. That’s why they have an open-door policy, creating a home away from home for your child.

They are big on making children happy and that’s why they regularly visit local care homes, and have areas for growing food and more importantly eating it. The nursery is silver eco schools accredited, meaning the children make little changes that have big environmental differences.

You couldn't ask for a better garden. With an outdoor kitchen and allotment area. Forest school is also offered.

They have 5 Little Pioneers who help share their core values with children and they are big on safety which is why all their staff are paediatric first aid trained. They also have an app, ParentZone, which keeps mums and dads updated on how their child is doing at the nursery, with photos, assessments, meals eaten and even toilet training!

Rathvilly nursery believes you’re your child’s number 1 teacher. That’s why they have lots of parents’ evenings to help you understand the Early Years Foundation Stages and how staff teach these skills to your child.

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

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Wendi Botterill (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 29
  • Total Places for Children
  • 115
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield)

  • (0-2) Full day £73.00 / Half Day £42.50
    (2-3) Full day £69.75 / Half Day £40.50
    (3-5) Full day £67.75 / Half Day £39.50


  • A range of flexible, ethical finance options available.
    Term Time only also offered * subject to availability.
    Short days (8am-6pm) & School Days (9am-3pm) Offered


  • Parking
  • On-site Parking


Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield) Reviews (85)

Total of 85, showing 41-60
9.9

Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.932) out of 10, based on 32 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield) has 85 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 73
  • 11
  • 0
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

85
19
20
32
53
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our son loves coming to nursery and is developing well. The new manager and deputy are excellent and provide consistency after lots of staff changes. The staff are caring and there is a range of activities for the children. Our only suggested improvement would be to reconsider the distribution of fruit
and less carbohydrates which can trigger our son's constipation

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent overall, the staff are kind and caring and have been super supportive, especially during a very difficult period.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our first started at First Steps Rathvilly when he was 12 months old and our second started at a similar age. We have been extremely happy with the care and developmental support our sons have received. All of the staff are approachable and knowledgeable. It is very nice to receive updates and photos
throughout the day on the app and handovers are always well detailed and informative. Both boys come home happy every day (although tired!) and we love hearing all about the fun and learning they have been getting up to with their friends!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are very welcoming every time we arrive. My child has been here since being 8 months old. I am happy as a parent for my child to be attending. I am so happy with the keyworker. She always answers any of my questions and finds an outcome in a positive element, thank you.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My granddaughter has been at this nursery for a number of years and I have found the staff to be very helpful, friendly, engaging and very informative with the development and progress of my granddaughter. On a personal note, I respect the professionalism of the management team. If anything is not quite
right, the speed to correct is key.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Nazreen Yasin, Manager at Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield)

Thank you very much for your kind words. We always strive to ensure the children and Parents get outstanding service. We are extremely pleased both of your children have attended Rathvilly and you have had such a great experience.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Nazreen Yasin, Manager at Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield)

Thank you for your lovely feedback it's nice to hear your son is happy at nursery. Thank you for your ongoing support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Naz, Manager at Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield)

Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate you taking time out to express this. Your review means a lot to us. We endeavour to continue to provide a quality service.


Your thoughts and suggestions are very welcome.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Pros:
Fantastic staff! Very supportive. Good Observations and communication. I have recommended the nursery to my friends. Great facilities.
Cons:
Parking can be a nightmare. Wait times to collect my child can be long. Expensive compared to other nurseries and the accounts/invoicing side can be
messy sometimes.
Overall a fantastic nursery and highly recommended and I am very glad that I send my child to this nursery

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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!

Reply from Naz, Manager at Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield)

Thank you so much for your feedback, great to hear such nice things about the nursery and the staff. It is very much appreciated.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son transitioned from Blue Room to preschool and has settled really well. The staff are very friendly and keep the children distracted/stimulated well.
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!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has attended the preschool room full time and I have been more than happy with the care the nursery has provided knowing he is in safe hands whilst at work.
I would not hesitate to recommend this nursery to anyone.
He has made great bonds with all the staff in his room who are very friendly
and approachable.
Children's learning is always made fun and interesting and my little boy is ready for school with the help of Rathvilly.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.932)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.932) out of 10 for Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 32 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 32 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.932 for Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield) is calculated as follows: ( (360 Excellents x 5) + (20 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 383 Ratings = 4.932

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, Rathvilly (Northfield) is based on 32 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 115 number of registered child places is 23, which has been reached with 32 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

Loading...

Loading

Loading
Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Loading

Meet the Team (2)

Wendi

Wendi Botterill

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Hello, and welcome to Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Rathvilly.


Aimee

Aimee

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Hello, and welcome to Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Rathvilly.