Thornton Lodge Day Nursery

1st Safari Day Nurseries Ltd, James Street, Thornton, Bradford BD13 3NR
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9.9 161 Reviews
  • Thornton Lodge Day Nursery, Bradford
Thornton Lodge Day Nursery is situated in scenic surroundings and part of a pleasant village environment, where children can enjoy learning in extensive indoor and outdoor play facilities.

The facility supports healthy eating alongside sound education and has been awarded a five-star kitchen rating.

A great deal of expertise and care has gone into creating a stimulating and child-centred environment, with a blend of child-led and adult-led activities. All staff are carefully vetted and there are CCTV and electronic entry systems in place.

The nursery was inspected by Ofsted on 13/02/2024 and was graded Good across all areas.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Gareth Rider-Smith (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 71

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Sessions: 8am to 1pm & 1pm to 6pm are charged at £38/session.
    8am to 6pm is charged at £66/session.
    Early starts can be arranged from 7:30am, please call to discuss your requirements.

  • Free Hours/Places for children 2-4 years (Subject to criteria), we also offer a Before and After School Care to Local Primary School and Holiday Club in School Holidays.
    Please contact us for the latest prices.
    We have a number of Sessions available to meet/match our parent's requirements.
    We do not charge for Bank Holidays or any defined days that we are closed (Normally around Christmas).

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays only

Parking

  • Unfortunately Thornton Lodge doesn't have any car parking facilities on site, however all Visitors and Parents can use King Edward Road to park above the nursery, to ensure free access up and down James Street in peak times, parking outside the nursery on the main road is available, but advise the use of King Edwards Road.

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery Reviews (161)

9.9

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.924) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has 161 reviews.

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Date Published
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Review from N R (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't fault this nursery,my daughter recently left preschool here for big school,my little boy is in toddlers and had had a difficult time settling back in after the holidays without his sister there.
Staff are caring and attentive to him at drop off and always tell me about his day at pick up.His
speech and learning have come on loads recently and I know nursery plays a big part to this too,so im very thankful to them.He eats well and is provided a good healthy balanced diet.The nursery is always kept clean and tidy also.Would 100% reccomend to any family looking for a good local nursery.
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Review from Chloe S (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Been using Thornton lodge since 2020 when my little boy started now my little girl goes staff are so lovely and helpful both of my children love it there they always try to help with whatever is needed I feel at ease leaving my daughter in there care while I work it's a lovely clean and tidy nursey
and the children always look to be having so much fun
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Review from C K (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thornton Lodge has seen my eldest through her younger years, she's now a teenager!
My youngest does not stop talking about her Nursery, she's happy, thriving and enjoys every second with her friends and the amazing staff.
The Nursery Manager is supportive, understanding and very patient..accommodates
when he can! We cannot ask for much more!
We are always grateful for the hard work, commitment and dedication from the team, my daughter is smiling every day! That is all parents could want... Thank you All!
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Review from Teagan T (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very good nursery. My son loves it and all of his teachers. Would definitely recommend to any parents. My son is the happiest when he's there, from when I drop him off to when I pick him up him up. I don't know what they do, but I do know they do a great job !!
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Review from Katie F (Mother of Child) published on 11 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since starting with the nursery one little boy has grown so much in his skills + abilities he has an excellent bond with the staff and its lovely to see. The daily care, support and enthusiasm is amazing. He loves his time at nursery and as a parent feel assured + safe when hes there. He starts school
in Sept and we will miss the team incredibly. I couldn't of wished for a better nursery for him after being at home with me.
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Review from Nimra R (Mother of Child) published on 11 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thank you Thornton Lodge for all you have done so far. Both my children are at Thornton Lodge Nursery and it was the best decision I've made. The staff genuinely care about each child and as a mum that's all I want. My children to feel safe and happy. The nursery has friendly staff and management who
put children at the heart of everything that they do. My daughter can relay on staff and peers. Communication is great, every time I've phone for my children the staff are helpful and give feedbacks on activities, food, change and sleep. I observed first hand development within a short duration which assured me I had made the best decision. All the staff are amazing a special thanks to Nafeesa and Layla, you are amazing at what you do and thank you for being my children's comfort zone.
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Review from Jozef D (Father of Child) published on 22 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Every time I ring to see how my little boy is, they're always helpful and some occasions, put my little boy close to the phone so he can hear my voice, so it’s a comfort for me to hear his little voice. Staff are very helpful.
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Review from N T (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is very happy at Thornton Lodge and I know she is in excellent care when she’s there. The Nursery Manager and all the staff are caring, approachable and clearly have the children’s best interests at heart. Would 100% recommend it.
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Review from Julie C (Grandmother of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All four of my grandchildren have been to this nursery, two are still there. The manager is absolutely amazing with the children. Staff are really good two. I would recommend 1st Safari to anyone wanting a good nursery. It's given my grandchildren a great start for school.
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Review from Michaela H (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My middle child has attended Thornton Lodge since September 2022 and is now in the preschool room.
As we moved from another nursery and she'd always been with her older sister, we had a rocky start with tears on a morning. The staff were brilliant with her, welcoming, friendly, and caring and with
their support, she soon began to love it. The staff keep you informed of what meals, play etc your child has had, and we've been invited to a number of parent's evenings to discuss her development. They always have great events/celebration days planned and invite parents along to sessions where they can join in too. The nursery manager is open to feedback and is always striving to improve. He has a brilliant relationship with both us as parents and our daughters. Our youngest has just started also, and the baby room staff have been great and worked hard to understand her routine and requirements.
A great nursery!
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Review from Samantha H (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a fantastic Nursery. All 3 of my children have gone there and thrived. I still have 2 children there and they love it there and they have come a long way There are great staff there, my son has autism and he’s non-verbal and when he was the most shy person ever. Now he has come out of his shell
he loves the nursery, that is because of the brilliant staff they have there my son has come a long way and is now not the shy boy who wouldn’t make eye contact with you didn’t want to play, didn’t want to eat, not speaking to now such a happy little boy who loves cuddles and playing will eat and now say small words like daddy mummy. I see improvements with my children every day when I come home from nursery and as a parent that makes me so happy. They have a fantastic manager who will help you with information and guide you as a parent too. I would definitely recommend it for any children, even children such as my son with autism and non-verbal.
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Review from T B (Father of Child) published on 15 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a parent with a child with autism, finding a nursery that not only meets but exceeds expectations is rare. Our experience has been nothing short of exceptional. The staff show dedication and understanding, especially towards our oldest with autism (yet to be formally diagnosed).
The nurturing environment
provided by the staff has truly become a second home for our children. The staff's ability to accommodate unique needs while fostering growth and development is amazing.
Beyond the norm, the staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels included and supported (i.e. personalised learning), their commitment to each child's well-being is evident in every interaction.
Moreover, the inclusive atmosphere has allowed our children to thrive socially and emotionally (great seeing our little ones make friends - even with the staff!) The level of care, dedication and support provided by the staff truly sets this nursery apart.
Thank you to the manager and team!
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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My boy loves this nursery. The staff are wonderful and have been so flexible. His speech, behaviour and learning have all improved dramatically in the short time he has attended. I highly recommend.
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Review from B R (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy absolutely loves Thornton Lodge Day Nursery! The nursery is fantastic and he always has a super, fun-filled day. He is achieving and learning so much and that is down to the amazing staff and the hard work and dedication they show each and every child. I would definitely recommend Thornton
Lodge.
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Review from David K (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thornton Lodge has been outstanding with my daughter. She really enjoys coming and has come on so much in all aspects of her learning and development.
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Review from Melissa P (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing! The staff can't help enough and my little boy has come on so much!
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Review from Laura E (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has/is enjoying his time at nursery. He always comes home telling me about his day and how much fun he's had! The staff are absolutely lovely and so accommodating to all of my and my child's needs! If any time is a good time to say thank you, it's now!
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Review from Monika V (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm really satisfied with the nursery and the staff who work here. My little one can be sometimes really naughty and needy but the staff cope with that just perfect.
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Review from Dawn J (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child loves it at Thornton Lodge, the staff are fantastic with him and he has come on so well since coming. Couldn't recommend enough.
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Review from Jennifer C (Grandmother of Child) published on 27 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All 3 of my grandchildren have attended Thornton Lodge. The staff have always been supportive of our family as well as amazing with the children.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.924)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.924) out of 10 for Thornton Lodge Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.924 for Thornton Lodge Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (231 Excellents x 5) + (17 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 249 Ratings = 4.924
  2. 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 Thornton Lodge Day Nursery is based on 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 71 number of registered child places is 14.2, which has been reached with 21 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (8)

Gareth

Gareth Rider-Smith

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2010

Qualifications:


Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies 2012

QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid 2021

Lead Practitioner Safeguarding Training 2023


Additional Roles:


SENCO


Safeguarding Lead Practitioner


Named First Aider


Health and Safety Officer

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Kaslum Arian

Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager Joined: 2025

Qualifications


- NCFE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People Services
- Diploma in Nursery Nursing (NNEB)
- MCR Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid - April 2022
- Food Hygiene Level 2
- Designated Safeguarding Lead Practitioner


Additional Training


- Safeguarding Children
- Understanding Babies
- Blossoming Babies
- Attachment
- Safer sleeping


Additional Information


Baby Room Leader

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Nafeesa Hussain

Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2023

Qualifications


NCFE Level 3 Cache Diploma for Early Years Workforce ( Early Educator)
ICT Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid - April 2022
Food Hygiene Level 2


Additional Training
ICT Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid - April 2022
Food Hygiene Level 2
Safeguarding Children


Additional Information
Room Leader 3-5 Room

Jesicca

Jesicca Osins

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2020

Qualifications
NVQ Level 3 in Children's Learning and Development
QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid


Additional Training
Safeguarding Children


Additional Information
Baby Room Practitioner

Sarah

Sarah Brooks

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2017

Qualifications


Cache Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education 2009


Additional Roles


Baby Room Practitioner

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Layla Cordingley

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2023

Qualifications


NCFE Cache Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)


Additional Training
Safeguarding Children Level 2
Food Hygiene Level 2

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Debra Theaker

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2018

Qualifications


NVA Level 3 Nursery Nursing
Cache Level 3 Diploma in Home Based Childcare


Additional Roles


Toddler Room Practitioner

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Saffiya Patel

Job Title: Apprentice Joined: 2025

Qualifications


- Working towards Level 3
- Food Hygiene Level 2


Additional Training


- Food Hygiene Level 2
- Safeguarding Children


Additional Information


Pre-School Practitioner

Frequently Asked Questions about Thornton Lodge Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Thornton Lodge Day Nursery accepts?

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Thornton Lodge Day Nursery Open?

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Thornton Lodge Day Nursery have capacity for?

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 71 Children.

How far is Thornton Lodge Day Nursery to the centre of Bradford?

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Thornton Lodge Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.