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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Total of 161, showing 81-100
Review from Bethany T (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has settled very well recently.
The staff are great with him.
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Review from Caroline C (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I'm very happy with Thornton Lodge Day Nursery.
My son has come on leaps and bounds while being here.
The staff are all lovely and understanding of my son's complex needs.
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Review from L L (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter seems to enjoy coming to nursery now she has settled in.
The staff are always friendly on drop off and pick up and answer any questions I may have.
Reply from Gareth Rider-Smith at Thornton Lodge Day Nursery
Thank you for your comments and scores. Thornton Lodge is working hard to improve all areas of you have identified. We hope that you will notice the changes been made across the nursery.
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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant! The staff at Thornton Lodge have been amazing! They really get to know each individual child and pay them the right amount of attention.
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Review from Christopher B (Father of Child) published on 10 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thornton Lodge is a fantastic nursery. My daughter has been going for just over 1 year now. The staff are brilliant and very friendly. My daughter has developed so much in just a short space of time and I believe this is down to the professionalism and caring staff at the nursery, from the management
to the nursery workers. I would recommend this nursery to anyone who wishes to have the best care possible for their child.
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Review from Christopher J (Father of Child) published on 5 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
A fantastic nursery, the staff are always happy and welcoming. It is a safe setup with plenty of activities for the children.
My child always comes back with a clean nappy and a smile. He loves going and when I pick him up, he comes back as happy as I left him.
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Review from C R (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy enjoys nursery and runs to the door in a morning. He always takes part in a large range of activities that he loves. He always enjoys meals and snacks, having a big variety of meals.
He quickly developed a bond with staff and is comfortable around them, going to them for help and support.
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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thornton Lodge is a really nice nursery for my child. She loves it here, it's very warm and welcoming, staff are great.
Her learning is outstanding for her age, very happy with her progress.
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Review from Sarah (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children attend Thornton Lodge and both enjoy it. All the staff are so friendly, caring and help me feel confident in leaving my children in their care. The staff interact in a loving caring way with the children and take time to get to know them as individuals. The Manager is amazing he ensures
the nursery runs well and is committed to making it the best place for the kids.
I love hearing about the children's day and receiving artwork that they have made. The facilities are good and the staff are very creative when changing the rooms around to encourage play (this is done regularly).
The nursery is at the heart of the village go above and beyond with extra activities from the nativity and summer fête.
I would highly recommend this nursery for anyone searching for a secure, loving, caring and developing environment where their children will thrive.
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Review from Zoi G (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff team at Thornton Lodge, always making improvements to children's experiences. All staff are well involved and committed to the care the children receive each and every day. My son has come on so much over his time at Thornton Lodge, he is encouraged academically and this is noted every
day he comes home. Both of my children have attended this nursery and the nursery team have always provided exceptionally high standards for them both.
The recent OFSTED report for Thornton Lodge highlights how well the team work with the children they care for.
I would highly recommend the nursery to anyone.
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Review from Nada S (Mother of Child) published on 5 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son thoroughly enjoys attending Thornton Lodge Day Nursery. He always comes home in a fantastic mood even though he has been at school and nursery all day. He loves to tell me what he's been doing and his talking and interaction skills have progressed significantly since he started.
I feel happy
leaving him at Thornton Lodge knowing he is very well looked after and having lots of fun learning while I am at work.
When I collect my son in the evening, I receive an explanation of what's he's been doing, how's he's been and how he's eaten. I am more than happy to recommend Thornton Lodge.
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Review from Sabiha K (Mother of Child) published on 4 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son started nursery in January 2017. It was the first time he had attended any institution so you can understand my apprehension. The nursery allowed me to settle my son in the way that I felt comfortable. That took just one week. Thereafter my son loved attending nursery, he has picked up his phonics
very well and he gained greater social awareness.


My son participated in the nativity play which helped us to appreciate how much he enjoyed drama and singing. The staff at this nursery have always been understanding, provided with weekly updates through the Facebook page and informed me every step of the way.

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Review from Paula W (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 18 month old looks visibly excited when he sees where he is going. Every member of staff is deeply caring and makes the environment one of fun and learning.
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Review from Michelle H (Mother of Child) published on 29 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 17 month old daughter has been attending Thornton Lodge since she was 9 months old and she loves it. The staff are really friendly and the children who attend clearly adore them, my little girl included. I love how the children make things to take home for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas etc.
I also like that there are age appropriate play rooms nicely decorated by the staff and that my little girl brings home a sheet each time she attends so I know what she’s been doing whilst she was there. The staff do a brilliant job and if my daughter is happy so am I!
Reply from Gareth Rider, Nursery Manager at Thornton Lodge Day Nursery
Thank you for your kind comments. On Food and Nutrition we are rolling out brand new menus and we have a new cook starting in January 2018, so the Food and Nutrition standards of the nursery is an…read more
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Review from V H (Mother of Child) published on 29 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff. Always helpful. Tends to child's needs as and when needed. Communication is excellent. Points that are raised by parents are addressed. Safety is excellent.
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Review from Graham J (Father of Child) published on 29 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thornton Lodge is a fantastic nursery. The staff are so helpful and caring and my 4-year-old and 1-year-old love going. The manager is very helpful with ensuring you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.
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Review from J B (Aunt of Child) published on 28 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery. My niece attends and loves it. Very friendly staff too. She's come on loads since september
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Review from Paul K (Father of Child) published on 28 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little lad loves going to this nursery and the staff are all jolly and helpful would 100% recommend to anyone thinking about joining this nursery
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Review from Emma T (Mother of Child) published on 28 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 2 sons come to the nursery ..they love coming they have made lots of friends and bonds with the staff .. I feel they are developing well ..learning new things all the time
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Review from Gem W (Mother of Child) published on 28 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thornton Lodge is a wonderful nursery! I have recommended them many times over and will continue to do so, my kids love it there! My son has attended since he was 1 - he had life-saving heart surgery at just 5 days old and as such he has been a little behind in reaching his developmental goals, the
nursery is great with him and have been from day dot - I now love watching my son laugh and run in to greet the special people that work there! They have also done lots of work with my 3-year-old daughter, who has come on leaps and bounds and we’re so lucky that she is able to attend in school holidays. The manager and all the hard working team there need a massive pat on the back, it takes a great person to work with kids and has the patience and understanding required to truly care! Well done and a massive thank you to each and every one of you!
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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.