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Thornton Lodge Day Nursery

1st Safari Day Nurseries Ltd, James Street, Thornton, Bradford BD13 3NR
1st Safari Day Nurseries Ltd Logo
Thornton Lodge Day Nursery logo
My granddaughter has developed very well in so many ways thanks to this nurseryKimberely S(Grandmother of Child)
Thornton Lodge Day Nursery, Bradford
A fantastic nursery in every way. My 3-year-old loves it here and has come on brilliantlyRebecca J(Mother of Child)
Thornton Lodge Day Nursery, Bradford
The manager of the nursery has always helped and supported us during the time my child has attendeG K(Father of Child)
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...  

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).

Contact Thornton Lodge Day Nursery to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Gareth Rider-Smith (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 11

Total Places for Children

  • 71

Age Range

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

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

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 (162)

9.0

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.0 (9.009) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has 162 reviews.

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Showing 162 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from A C (Father of Child) published on 19 May 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Our daughter has been at the Nursery since September and she absolutely loves it. No tears (usually) on arrival and lots of smiles on departure.
ALL the staff are great with her and great with us.
I have changed jobs whilst she's been there and my partner has changed her hours, meaning our daughter has changed days/hours a couple of times since being there, this is never a problem for Gareth and he's always 100% accomodating with it.

Can't find a single fault in the 9 months she's been there.

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Review from N R (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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
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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
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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
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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
Overall Experience

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (0) & Events (0)

News

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (2)

Gareth Rider-Smith Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2010
Gareth Rider-Smith

My Name is Gareth. I am the Nursery Manager at 1st Safari - Thornton Lodge.

I qualified in 2008 with a CACHE Diploma Level 3 in childcare. I then went on to complete my Foundation degree in Early Years in 2012.

I started working at the 1st Safari in 2010 as Nursery Manager. I have since been a manager at Sandpit Nursery for 18 months, part of the 1st Safari Group alongside running Thornton Lodge, and then, most recently, after leaving Sandpits Nursery, I have become the Manager of Dracup Lodge.

I work across all rooms in the nursery to support the staff and children with their learning and development and encourage the staff team to embed our learning and development programmes to get the best learning opportunities at home. I love my job, and I’m passionate about working with children.

My other roles within the nursery are safeguarding officer and health and safety officer. I have carried out many training courses, including EYFS, food hygiene, First Aid, and behaviour management.

Kaslum Arian Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager Joined: 2025
Kaslum Arian

With an incredible 25 years in childcare under her belt, Kalsum joined 1st Safari in February 2025, bringing a wealth of experience and an infectious passion for early years development. As Deputy Manager and Baby Room Leader, she works alongside Gareth to ensure Thornton Lodge remains a nurturing, safe, and fun environment where children can truly excel and reach their full potential. Her journey began with an NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing, and she's never stopped growing - progressing to achieve her Level 5 in Early Years and Management. After a quarter of a century in childcare, Kalsum firmly believes you should never be afraid to better yourself, and she continues to learn every day with guidance from her mentor, Gareth.

Ask Kalsum where her heart truly lies, and she'll tell you it's in the Baby Room. There's something magical about being part of those precious early milestones - helping little ones learn to sit up, stand, crawl, and take those wobbly first steps. She adores watching babies discover their voices, from adorable babbling to their very first words. Every single day brings new joy as she watches children learn, develop, and grow, eventually moving on to school and the big, wide world beyond nursery. For Kalsum, there's no greater privilege than giving children the best possible start to their early education journey.

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.