Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton

Houghton Road, Houghton le Spring DH5 9PG
Submit a Review
9.9 84 Reviews
  • Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton, Houghton le Spring
Refurbished in 2022, Little Pioneers Hetton has a comfortable and encouraging environment that's safe for the development of your child. Their experienced nursery practitioners provide personalised childcare in a play-based learning environment, developing your child's social skills through exciting, interactive activities.

Little Pioneers Hetton have a silver eco schools accredited, a programme which sees children lead the way in making a difference in the environment. They also have 5 Little Pioneers to help share their core values with their children such as encouraging them to be independent to expressing their feelings.

They have an app for parents and carers, ParentZone, which keeps them updated on how their little ones are getting on in nursery with photos of their day, assessments, meals eaten and even toilet training!

They are also big on happy children as they have growing areas for food (and eating it), regular visits to their local care home and focus on taking care of each other and the world.

At Little Pioneers Hetton, they believe play-based learning builds strong social and communication skills. Rest assured, every child at Hetton receives personalised attention from their reliable and experienced practitioners during the learning sessions.

Care Provided by Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Korinne Armour (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 37
  • Total Places for Children
  • 73
  • 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, Hetton

  • (0-2) Full day £64.50 / Half Day £36.75
    (2-3) Full day £61.50 / Half Day £35.00
    (3-5) Full day £55.25 / Half Day £31.50


  • Parking
  • Parking Available


Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton Reviews (84)

Total of 84, showing 1-20
9.9

Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.932) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton has 84 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 79
  • 5
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

84
16
16
22
62
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We've had my daughter in this nursery from the age of 1 and she will be here until she is 4. From day one we were reassured that our daughter was well looked after and having fun with constant updates on the app. She has absolutely thrived and developed so much in the 3 years she has been here. We could
not recommend the this nursery enough.

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

Both of our children have attended the Little Pioneers in Hetton, our little boy since June and then our little girl since September/October and it's the best decision we've ever made for our children. They've come on so much since they started, our little boy comes out with words he can only have learnt
at nursery and our little girl is a bubbly, talkative little girl. They've helped to encourage our children to try new things (including food, our son is fussy with food yet he's trying everything here!) and supported them giving them all the tools they could need to help them progress. I can't recommend this nursery enough. We looked at a childminder and opted for here instead and wow; we are so glad we did!! The staff are amazing and you couldn't ask for better staff, the whole nursery team are fantastic! Thank you Hetton Little Pioneers.

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 daughter has attended this nursery since she was 9 months old and I wouldn't have her anywhere else! It's a fantastic nursery and my daughter has developed amazingly in this environment. The staff are amazing at recognising a child's strengths and where they aren't so comfortable/confident. The staff
work with them to develop those areas where they are less confident and work at their pace and comfort level. What a brilliant 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

Friendly staff and very stimulating environment. The app is great for daily updates. My little boy settled here straight away and made bonds with the staff very quickly after starting 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

Wonderful nursery, compared to other nurseries we viewed this one seemed the most welcoming and engaging for little ones and were so glad we sent our son here as he absolutely loves it! Staff are so friendly and accommodating too!

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 daughter has come on leaps and bounds since attending here. Staff are so attentive and supportive with the additional needs she requires. My child absolutely loves attending and has a special bond with the majority of staff.

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 are so grateful to the warm & helpful staff who gave our daughter a wonderful start to her nursery journey. She is always doing something new & exciting when she is there.
The menu is great and has really broadened her palette!

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 been attending the nursery for 15 months now. The staff are amazing and supportive towards my child and myself. My child has come on leaps and bounds whilst at the nursery and I can't wait to see how much more she learns throughout her time there. Additionally, the staff have been incredibly
accommodating when it has come to needing to change days and times of sessions. They have also been great with allergies.

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

Both of my children currently attend this nursery. The staff are amazing they are all brilliant at their jobs so attentive and caring towards the children, the nursery has really helped with the development of the children through their monthly observations and next steps. They give frequent updates
and help me feel at ease when leaving the children for the days they attend. Couldn't recommend this nursery enough!

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

Absolutely amazing nursery. My son has come on leaps and bounds and receives such amazing support. I get regular updates and an in depth assessment of him monthly so I can see how he is progressing. He absolutely loves coming to nursery so I couldn't recommend this place enough.

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 daughter has been attending since may 2024 and my son since Jan 2025, and I have nothing but praise for the nursery and the staff working there. They are fab with both my children, and both enjoy going to nursery and are comfortable and happy around the staff working there. We are always kept up
to date with anything going on with our children, but also within the nursery in general and staff always try to accommodate wishes as best they can.

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 is fantastic. The staff go above and beyond to help, they're so caring and kind. My son has developed so much still starting and has a brilliant relationship with all the staff. My son always has a great time and I love hearing about all the friends he's made along with all the activities
he's been up to. Would highly recommend!

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 have made our daughter feel so welcome and at home since she joined. You can feel the warmth and the dedication from the members of staff who work with her on the days she is in nursery. The opportunities and the facilities provided are outstanding and because of this, the development we have
seen since she joined has been incredible. We couldn't recommend the nursery and each of their staff members highly enough.

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

Both my children absolutely thrive at this nursery, and the girls are amazing with them. We've seen them progress so amazingly in this environment, and they love their time there! We couldn't be happier with the care and love they receive, and could not recommend this nursery more! A true extension
to our family, we wouldn't trust anyone else!

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

Hetton nursery is a really good nursery and always so many opportunities for the children to get involved in daily. My son loves coming to nursery everyday and the staff are all so welcoming and makes him feel so comfortable within the nursery environment.

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 are so supportive and keep you up to date with everything. His key worker ensures she goes above and beyond for him as well as all the other staff, the office staff are amazing they also are a key part of our son's journey. They support you through appointments and help you gain an understanding
for more. They have been so helpful and supportive with our sons journey.

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 have nothing but positive praise to give the nursery. The communication is brilliant and I am fully up to date with my child's development and I get updates on his next steps. I honestly feel like all staff are aware of my child's needs, including office staff, and they take a big interest in his
interests and our interests as a family. They are so welcoming and always have time to talk to me and my husband.
I feel reassured that my child is in safe hands with the girls and he has blossomed. My child has developed so much during his time in nursery. The transition was outstanding from the baby room to the under-two room, the staff were aware that my child was emotional and we felt reassured that this was done in his best interests. The same is currently happening during his transition to the next room, staff are making the transition smooth and truly want the best for my child.
I could not recommend this nursery any more and I feel lucky that my child attends.

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

Key worker is fantastic and has taken time to build a great relationship with my child. The regular staff in my daughter's room also have a good relationship with her. The staff build a caring and nurturing learning environment which promotes holistic development for my child.

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

Hetton Little Pioneers is a fantastic nursery, set in a beautiful environment, with such an amazing set of staff that are so welcoming. My little girl has come on leaps and bounds since she started and is so confident in herself now too. The staff are always friendly and positive which is lovely to
see, they provide outstanding care of the children, placing the children first in everything they do. They are just a fantastic nursery and you know your child is in safe hands, and will be having so much fun when they are there.

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 daughter has progressed so much since starting this nursery. Absolutely fantastic staff always happy to help and are amazing! Nothing is ever a problem and if you need reassurance your child is okay if they have gone in a little upset they are always on hand updating the app with pictures or say
you can call them to check in. Couldn’t recommend this nursery enough. Thank you.

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, Hetton 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 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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, Hetton is calculated as follows: ( (248 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 263 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, Hetton is based on 22 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 73 number of registered child places is 14.6, which has been reached with 22 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 (10)

Loading...

Loading

Loading
Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Loading

Meet the Team (2)

Korinne

Korinne Armour

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2021

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


Emma

Emma

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2019

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


Frequently Asked Questions about Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton

What is the Age Range of Children that Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton accepts?

Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton Open?

Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton is open: 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.

How many Children does Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton have capacity for?

Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton has capacity for a total of 73 Children.

How far is Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-school, Hetton to the centre of Houghton le Spring?

1.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.