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.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Review from Jimmy N (Father of Child) published on 14 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Thornton Lodge day nursery are very welcoming from the minute you arrive at the nursery. They tailor the day to your child's requirements and always provide you with feedback each day about what your child has been up to.
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Review from Bethany C (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Thornton Lodge in January and already I've seen a massive difference in her, she absolutely loves going and speaks so highly of all the members of staff, I couldn't be happier and think the manager and team do an amazing job!
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Review from Jodie T (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children attend Thornton Lodge, one of which has attended from 5 months old. Both children look forward to going to nursery and my eldest can’t wait to tell me about her day when she gets home. Staff are lovely and cater to every individual child’s needs. My children have come on leaps and bounds
since attending.
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Review from Angela K (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
100% recommend Thornton Lodge Day Nursery, we couldn’t have chosen a better nursery for our children. All staff and facilities are definitely a 10/10, all staff are absolutely amazing with my children. They weren’t very sociable before starting nursery, due to lockdowns, but Thornton Lodge has definitely
helped them shine, grow and come out of their shell. Thank you, Thornton Lodge.
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Review from Michelle B (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves attending Thornton Lodge Day Nursery. She has made lots of friends and always talks about her experiences and the activities she completes with the adults. All the staff are extremely friendly and approachable. Nothing is too much for them. Their flexibility has meant that
we can work around my other half's shifts which has enabled us to spend more time together as a family. Now my son attends too and enjoys it just as much. I cannot recommend Thornton Lodge enough (and do to all my mum friends!).
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Review from Emma B (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended nursery since she was about 11-months-old (she is now 2 and a half). She has always been very happy, has made friends and enjoys going. The outdoor and indoor provision for play and learning are both great, and the nursery works hard to improve and build upon what they have
to offer. The staff that I have had contact with have always been professional, friendly and caring.
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Review from Leigh C (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thornton Lodge is a fantastic nursery, all the staff are so friendly and caring. The manager, in particular, is brilliant with the kids and works so hard. I have had 3 kids go here and have never had any complaints. They have decent meals, spend loads of time outside and have made loads of friends.
Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a safe, happy environment for their kids to learn and develop.
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Review from G M (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has been attending this nursery for a little while now, and she absolutely loves it! The staff are just lovely and obviously care a lot about the children in their care. The facilities are great, and the menus are varied and nutritious. Just a great nursery all-around.
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Review from F H (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my son has been at this nursery, we both have loved coming. I feel the staff are always happy and polite. My son's confidence has grown and he gets excited about coming. He really does love this nursery.
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Review from Tamara D (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience so far has been brilliant, nothing is too much trouble! My child has additional need and is no-verbal, the nursery have exceeded my expectations, the way they care for him I could not ask for anything better! I have noticed a change already in my son, he is becoming more confident and
learning every day.
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Review from Augustine B (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I like bringing my daughter into the nursery. Staff are very helpful, and always give you information and ready to help. My daughter is very happy there; she has learned a lot and has made friends. She is very happy.
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Review from Kirsty H (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl had attended Thornton Lodge from the age of 9-months. She loves attending and has a great bond with the team, which are fantastic. Always happy to help and so approachable. Could not be happier with the help and support they have provided my little girl.


10/10 for me!

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Review from Claudia L (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Thornton Lodge since he was 9-month- old. It has been great seeing him progress from the baby room to the toddler room and then to pre- school.
He has learnt so much and always brings home little craft projects and chatters away what he did that day.
I especially, loved the
space theme last autumn!
All throughout lockdown, the nursery put strict procedures in place without losing its personal touch, so I felt it was a safe place for him to be.
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Review from Jessica K (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends here, and she has come on so well since she started. She loves the staff as well. Her speaking and learning are good for her age. She is very independent now and loves going every day.
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Review from Leila C (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Thornton Lodge since September 2020, and the differences I have seen in her are amazing. The staff are warm and welcoming towards both children and parents. Both indoor and outdoor facilities contain everything a child needs to get an excellent start in education as well as
learning through play through the use of creative and imaginative areas.
The children are constantly provided with fun and educational tasks to do, get the chance to learn about different countries and cultures (for example celebrating Chinese New Year like many other things) as well as having little tea parties for events such as Valentine's day. Throughout the day, the children are provided with an amazing selection of food and snacks with a menu that alternates on a weekly basis, which gives children the opportunity to be introduced to new foods. On picking up your child, you are told in detail about your child's day. Overall amazing nursery with an excellent team!
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Review from Kelly S (Grandmother of Child) published on 12 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughter has come on lots since being at this nursery. The manager is fantastic, couldn’t get anyone better. The staff are very good also. My granddaughter loves coming to nursery. I would recommend this nursery to anyone of my friends.
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Review from Christian O (Father of Child) published on 8 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had our son in Thornton Lodge since he was 7-months-old. He is now a year old. We cannot praise the team at Thornton Lodge highly enough. They are well led by the manager, and he is well supported by a dedicated team.
Our son is happy, well looked after and is doing more and more things as
his development is encouraged and supported by his carers.
Communication from nursery is top class, just enough, not too much or too little. The manager is always available to help when we need it and is often far more flexible than we have the right to expect.
I highly recommend Thornton Lodge.
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Review from Emma C (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I did actually recommend the nursery to a friend who’s child does go to the nursery. I cannot give them enough praise for how they have helped with my son. He now eats fruits and veg, thank you to them, his talking has come on so much since he started there, and he now sings all the time. He is extremely
happy to go and runs to nursery in a morning! The staff are amazing with him, and amazing at communicating with me about any concerns or even just potty training, which they have also helped with! Keep doing what you are doing guys; you are amazing!
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Review from Zoey T (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started here at the start of January, and he is one of the youngest there. When I went to look around the nursery, I had lots of questions, and all were answered perfectly. The staff at Thornton Lodge have made the transition to the nursery so easy for myself and him. We get a daily report
with what he has been doing and further information about his eating/feeding and sleeping whilst there, which is so helpful. I cannot thank the manager and the team more highly for the care they provide. Thank you very much.
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Review from M F (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery. My son adores coming and loves all the nursery staff. 5 Stars.
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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

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.