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
  • 161
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Reviewer Connection to Thornton Lodge Day Nursery
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Total of 161, showing 61-80
Review from Kimberely S (Grandmother of Child) published on 10 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughter has developed very well in so many ways thanks to this nursery. She absolutely loves coming to see her friends and staff.
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Review from Z D (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son has been going to the nursery since he was eleven months old, he is now three years old. He has progressed massively, all thanks to his key workers. The manager of the nursery has always helped and supported us during the time my child has attended. Great staff and environment. My smallest child
will be starting the nursery and I know the staff will be excellent with him too.
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Review from Nicole (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy attended from the age of 10 months old up until September 2019. I can not express how amazing all the staff were with him, he loved going and seeing all of his friends and when he was in preschool class he was always coming home telling me what he learnt in phonics. He made so many friends
and is such an outgoing happy boy and I believe a lot of that is down to the great staff. He had a great bond with all the staff too.
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Review from C R (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience of putting my son in nursery for the 1st time has been made very easy for me as it is a big thing letting go. The staff have been fantastic and my son is loving it, he looks forward to going. He has come on leaps and bounds and my childs happy and well cared for. I couldn't ask for more.
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Review from V R (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The girls are really settled in nursery and love attending. They have good relationships with the staff and are developing well in the environment.
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Review from Rebecca J (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son has settled in really well and enjoys his time here. Since starting nursery his skills in lots of areas have improved, he's learning to write his name, drawing and colouring skills are amazing for his age, and really loves the messy activities that he may be not able to do at home. I feel comfortable
leaving him at the nursery and increasing his hours slowly over time as I know how much he gets from his time here. The staff are all friendly and fab with the children. Thank you.
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Review from D M (Father of Child) published on 24 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves going to Thornton Lodge, all the staff are helpful and friendly. Her development has really come on during her time at the nursery with the help of all the staff.
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Review from Ellie H (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son loves coming to nursery. He loves the activities which he takes part in and often talks about the staff and nursery when at home.
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Review from Nuala S (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I feel since starting nursery, my child has come on so much. The staff are so friendly and approachable, they always have time to talk and let you know how things have gone that day.
There's always a range of activities which my daughter loves, she's always bringing home her lovely pictures and things
they've planted. She enjoys attending nursery so much. I think she would go on a weekend if she had the chance.
Thank you so much, everyone. You've made one little girl very happy indeed.
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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic nursery in every way.
My 3-year-old loves it here and has come on brilliantly since starting in September 2018.
Her speech has improved massively. As for the learning aspect of the day, there are both individual activities as well as group ones organised every day.
Plenty of outside play
including learning activities are available.
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Review from Tracy M (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly staff.
My daughter is always happy and never wants to leave.
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Review from Zara E (Mother of Child) published on 9 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Has helped build my child's confidence. He now talks loads at home now, whereas before he hardly communicated.
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Review from Charlotte M (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl loves coming to Thornton Lodge. She has lots of friends and have made close bonds with all the staff. She has learnt lots of new things since starting nursery eg days of the week, numbers, colours etc/.
Her talking has really come on since she started nursery and she can have a full
conversation.
She has picked up toilet training really quicklty and is only 2. The manager and the girls are all very helpful and deal quickly with any queries we have.
My husband and I are very happy with Thornton Lodge and our little girl is very happy here. I would definitely recommend Thornton Lodge to friends and family.
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Review from Sadie B (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves this nursery. Every single one of the staff are very friendly and I have never felt so comfortable leaving my child in any other setting as here.
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Review from Sally B (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have absolutely no doubts with this nursery and I've always thought they were exceptional.
My daughter loves her nursery "pals" and of course the staff. I think the manager should be given the recognition he deserves as he is what has made this place exceptional. He has a heart of gold and would
do anything for the children. I also thank the deputy, a great addition to the team. It's recognisable that they genuinely care for the children and what more could I want.
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Review from Cathryn C (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am extremely satisfied with my child's care. All the staff are very helpful and very caring.
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Review from Sara B (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter really enjoys going to Thornton Lodge Day Nursery all the staff are really lovely, helpful and deal with any issues great.
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Review from Danie K (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has come on loads since the start of the year! She enjoys coming.
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Review from Angela B (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my daughters have been to Thornton Lodge.
They both enjoy it and I know they are well looked cared for.
I would highly recommend this nursery.
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Review from Robyn W (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one is extremely happy.
Loves to come every day.
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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.