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.
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!
My daughter absolutely loves coming to the nursery she has very good bonds with the staff + her peers. Over the past 9 months of her attending, she has definitely excelled in her learning and she always has a fun filled busy day.
The manager and deputy manager are absolutely brilliant, flexible and always approachable. All the staff are friendly and take any concerns seriously. I know of several others that have since joined after seeing the progress my son has made here. Their kids also love nursery.
They also offer a school collection service which I use for my eldest child and again there has never been any issues. So happy to have sent my children here and will always recommend them xx
I absolutely love this nursery.. the staff are all so friendly and my daughter loves them.. they have helped so much in every day from ditching the dummy to toilet training.. they can not help you enough.
My daughter has attended this nursery for nearly 4 years she now goes before and after school and school holidays, the staff are lovely and very informative. Always take an interest in my daughter and deal with any concerns I have. I've never had any problems. It's a fab nursery.
My son has attended Thornton Lodge since he was a baby, and has clearly enjoyed his time here. All of the staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and genuinely care for the well-being of your child. We will be sad to leave next year when he starts reception, especially after the brilliant nativity the children and staff put on this year!
Staff are fantastic at Thornton Lodge! My little girl absolutely loves going and leaving her at 6 months old, it was made a lot less traumatic by the staff!
The manager is an absolute asset to the nursery! He is understanding and is so caring with the children. The resources in the nursery are good and there is plenty for the children to do. Coming from an Early Years background and working in childcare for over 16 years, I am extremely particular when it comes to providing good, quality childcare and Thornton Lodge certainly provide that. I am extremely happy with the service I receive and the care and attention they give my son.
My son has attended Thornton Lodge Day Nursery since September 2016 and he has been very happy here. He attends 1 day per week and always asks to go every morning. I have noticed his speech is developing more and he has more confidence in social situations than he has before. I am confident I made the correct decision for my son by enrolling him at Thornton Lodge Day Nursery and cannot thank the welcoming and supportive staff enough for making myself and my son so welcome.
I am happy with the service here, my child is always happy to go in and is happy when I collect her.
Excellent experience at Thornton Lodge, very helpful and flexible with hours. My daughter found it difficult to come to the nursery at first but soon settled down thanks to all the staff that helped her along. Would definitely recommend this nursery.
It has been a great experience having my son come to this nursery. I feel with their care and activities they have bought lots of positive changes in my son. He is more confident and happy since coming here. The staff are very helpful and understanding, I am regularly informed about his developments and explained set targets they have for him. Overall I am very happy to have my son come to this nursery.
Very supportive to the children and toddlers.
My son thoroughly enjoys his days here.
Very happy and friendly staff. My daughter is always happy when in nursery and very well looked after. I am always well informed of eating habits and activities done during the day when I pick her up. Overall, I am happy with mine and my daughters experience here.
Very good nursery. They have accommodated my son's dietary needs excellently.
I would recommend this nursery to anyone. My son loves every member of staff and enjoys everyday there.
Excellent nursery. My daughter attended Thornton Lodge and there was never a doubt our son would also. Well run, attentive staff that build relations with parents as well as children. My son is frequently reluctant to leave when picked up! I would recommend the nursery to family and friends.
My child has come on leaps and bounds since starting at Thornton Lodge. His relationship with all members of staff is great and he can't wait to attend. As a parent I could not be happier and would recommend Thornton Lodge to other parents.
I love this place, thank you for all your efforts.
Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
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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.
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