My granddaughter has developed very well in so many ways thanks to this nurseryKimberely S(Grandmother of Child)
A fantastic nursery in every way. My 3-year-old loves it here and has come on brilliantlyRebecca J(Mother of Child)
The manager of the nursery has always helped and supported us during the time my child has attendeG K(Father of Child)
My granddaughter has developed very well in so many ways thanks to this nurseryKimberely S(Grandmother of Child)
A fantastic nursery in every way. My 3-year-old loves it here and has come on brilliantlyRebecca J(Mother of Child)
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 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
8am to 6pm is charged at £66/session.
Early starts can be arranged from 7:30am, please call to discuss your requirements.
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 yearFull days available
YesHalf day sessions offered
YesGroup/Owner
- 1st Safari Day Nurseries Ltd
- Private Owned
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
NoConsumables provided
NoOpening 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)
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.
Loves to come every day.
The staff are great with him.
My son has come on leaps and bounds while being here.
The staff are all lovely and understanding of my son's complex needs.
The staff are always friendly on drop off and pick up and answer any questions I may have.
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.
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.
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.
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.
He quickly developed a bond with staff and is comfortable around them, going to them for help and support.
Her learning is outstanding for her age, very happy with her progress.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 area we have been working hard to improve, and hopefully, you will see the changes over the next few weeks.
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.
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.
Brilliant nursery. My niece attends and loves it. Very friendly staff too. She's come on loads since september
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
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
Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Thornton Lodge Day Nursery.
There are no upcoming events for Thornton Lodge Day Nursery.
Awards / Recognitions (1)
- Recipient: Thornton Lodge Day NurseryDate: Thursday 01 Mar 2018
Meet the Team (2)
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.
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.
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.