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Thornton Lodge Day Nursery

1st Safari Day Nurseries Ltd, James Street, Thornton, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD13 3NR
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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...  

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

Opening Times

  • Monday08:00-18:00
  • Tuesday08:00-18:00
  • Wednesday08:00-18:00
  • Thursday08:00-18:00
  • Friday08:00-18:00

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.

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:

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery Reviews (166)

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9.5

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.489) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has 166 reviews.

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Review from Melissa P (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

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•
Overall Experience

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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Review from Jennifer C (Grandmother of Child) published on 27 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

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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Review from Paula D (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Lovely setting, daughter settled well and enjoys her days here!
She has come on so much since coming here.

Staff are great and make you feel so welcome.

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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

Both my children have attended this nursery it is an amazing place with friendly staff who put children at the heart of everything that they do. My children have been kept safe, thrived and well prepared for school life. the learning environments are high quality and outdoor learning is a priority which my boys loved. Communication is good and the setting is managed well by the Nursery Manager. There isn't anything that he wouldn't do for you. I highly recommend Thornton Lodge to prospective parents.

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Review from B M (Father of Child) published on 22 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

I have two boys who have both attended Thornton Lodge since they were nine months old. My children have loved coming here and are sad that they can no longer attend as they both go to school now. The staff are very caring and committed to ensuring that my children are safe, well and know how to support their development. Communication is good and staff always give regular feedback on daily activities, including food, which my two boys love! I would highly recommend this nursery to everyone.

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Review from Rachel A (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2023 Submitted via Website•
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A home, not a nursery, warm and consistent. They have helped my son to grow and develop during his time here, and I have used different nurseries before this one, and I would never send my children anywhere else!

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Review from Mohammed Q (Father of Child) published on 8 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
The nursery has been amazing, the teaching has helped my child to progress and grow up and learn.

The staff are very helpful and understanding.

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Review from Ellie B (Mother of Child) published on 3 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
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Fantastic service, staff very friendly, nursery very flexible. My child has loved his time at Thornton Lodge and made many friends.

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Review from Kelsey C (Mother of Child) published on 3 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
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Thornton Lodge has been beyond amazing for my son. They've gone above and beyond to make sure he's happy and content. He loves coming to nursery to learn and play. I'd recommend this nursery to anyone.

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Review from Zaynah H (Sister of Child) published on 2 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
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Great experience, looked after my sister, well taught her vocabulary that I thought she would never learn, she's very intelligent for her age.

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Review from N P (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
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Lovely staff, my son enjoys playing outside in the playground, messy play. He has learnt manners, writing, and being a caring, thoughtful little boy. He would come to nursery on a weekend so that speaks volumes to the staff.

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Review from P P (Grandmother of Child) published on 2 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
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My granddaughter has loved her time at this nursery. The staff have been brilliant, and they, and their leader, always go above and beyond to make it a happy and caring place. Their affection and care for the children is a joy to see, all carried out with a warm sense of humour.

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Review from Linda W (Grandmother of Child) published on 2 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
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My grandchildren have thrived at this nursery - I am impressed with their learning, enrichment experiences, life skills. They have become good little people with everything they need to progress to big school.
Thank you so much.

Highly recommend.

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Review from K S (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
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All three of my children have attended Thornton Lodge and have loved it.
They've grown and developed so much due to the amazing staff.

Highly recommend.

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Review from Callum H (Father of Child) published on 2 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
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Exceptional nursery, all staff go above and beyond for all the children.

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Review from S D (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
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An amazing nursery, looked after my child for many years, any problems I have had would be noted and taken care of. Staff are lovely. Really engage with the children, no matter of their abilities.

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Review from Daniel B (Father of Child) published on 2 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
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Great nursery. My son has loved every minute of it. Thank you to all the staff for making his time at nursery amazing.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (0) & Events (0)

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Accreditations

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Meet the Team (2)

Gareth Rider-Smith
Gareth Rider-SmithJob Title:Nursery ManagerJoined: 2010

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
Kaslum ArianJob Title:Deputy Nursery ManagerJoined: 2025

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.

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