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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Reviewer Connection to Thornton Lodge Day Nursery
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Review from Emma (Mother of Child) published on 28 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is an excellent nursery, highly recommend!! The manager and his team work so hard and do such a brilliant job.
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.
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Review from Jodie M (Mother of Child) published on 28 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Thornton Lodge enough. My son absolutely loves nursery and since he started has come on so much. He has made lots of friends there and he adores all the staff.
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
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Review from Nikki (Mother of Child) published on 28 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from Michala F (Mother of Child) published on 28 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from Lucy H (Mother of Child) published on 28 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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!
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Review from K L (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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!
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Review from Sam L (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Thornton Lodge since February 2017 and he has settled so well. He loves coming to nursery and has formed some outstanding relationships with the staff. He is well cared for and nothing is ever too much for the staff. They are all very welcoming and I am always greeted into
nursery with a big smile.
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.
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Review from Sophie K (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from Sophie M (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am happy with the service here, my child is always happy to go in and is happy when I collect her.
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Review from Kayleigh C (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from Fatima S (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from R P (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Good team.
Very supportive to the children and toddlers.
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Review from Carrie T (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son thoroughly enjoys his days here.
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Review from Eleesha W (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good nursery. They have accommodated my son's dietary needs excellently.
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Review from J K (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would recommend this nursery to anyone. My son loves every member of staff and enjoys everyday there.
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Review from S P (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from D M (Father of Child) published on 27 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from H W (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery, no concerns.
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Review from D K (Father of Child) published on 27 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience has been very good. I am extremely happy to have my child at this nursery.
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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.