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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Total of 161, showing 121-140
Review from Marc C (Father of Child) published on 27 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I love this place, thank you for all your efforts.
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Review from Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff were friendly and approachable and always helpful, the nursery was always clean and I have had both my children attend Thornton Lodge, they encouraged her to try new things before starting school.
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Review from Shameen S (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care is very good, the staff are good and very friendly and approachable. The manager is very good and helpful. I would recommend the nursery my little girl has been going since she was 10 months old. She done really well and pleased with her progress.
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Review from Chantelle D (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter made huge progress when at Thornton Lodge, she was safe and secure while in their care, and loved attending nursery.


The staff were approachable and friendly and they provide a healthy and balance food, the nursery was clean and tidy.

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Review from F L (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery. The manager is amazing. My son has developed brilliantly in his care. He loves it and I'm happy with his care.
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Review from Stephaine B (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery in April 2016. Since then my son enjoys coming and has learnt so much so far from his time at Thornton Lodge. I am really pleased I picked the nursery and I am really pleased that my son is having fun and enjoying himself.
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Review from Victoria W (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would recommend Thornton Lodge unreservedly. My two daughters have been at Thornton Lodge for over 4 years and I can honestly say that at times I don't know what I would have done without them.


The staff are always kind and caring towards my girls and go above and beyond for them. I go to work

in the knowledge that they are safe and are being well looked after.


The manager is at the heart of the nursery and is always on call to answer any query and offer advice. He is always professional and is dedicated to the children in his care. He is someone who has offered so much support and kindness over the years and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for our little girls.


If you're looking for a nursery that is well- run, with kind, caring and professional staff; a supportive, well resourced environment, then I would most definitely recommend Thornton Lodge.

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Review from Mary K (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff, very friendly. My daughter loves everybody. Very efficient clean and professional. Over all 10/10.
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Review from B A (Mother of Child) published on 30 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing place for kids, all staff are fab.
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Review from Lindsay C (Mother of Child) published on 30 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Have always found all the staff very friendly and approachable. My son has enjoyed his time here.
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Review from C J (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Thornton Lodge since 2 months old, she is now 4 years old. Fantastic staff and overall a fantastic place to be. Understanding and welcoming in all aspects. The children could do with more activities for outside but at the moment my daughter is happy and that is what's important.
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Review from K W (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had a really good experience at the nursery since starting in October 2015. All the staff are very friendly and helpful. When we are aware of what he has eaten, the meals do seem to be very good. My son is always happy when we pick him up from nursery. All the staff are approachable if I do
have any questions.
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Review from Lauren D (Mother of Child) published on 20 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am pleased with Thornton Lodge as they have helped my children come along the best they can.
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Review from Jade T (Mother of Child) published on 20 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I think my daughter has developed on loads of things since she started nursery. Her talking and understanding has improved. My daughter has a problem with sharing and playing with other children, now she is brilliant. Since starting the nursery she now eats a whole new range of food which she wouldn't
even try before. She now knows her alphabet, numbers and various others.
I especially want to thank the nursery nurse, as I feel my daughter wouldn't be where she is now without her continued support. Thank you Thornton Lodge my baby has now formed into a grown girl.
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Review from Naomi M (Mother of Child) published on 20 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Nursery is really helpful towards my little boy, the staff are always pleasant and my little one is loving it and coming on a lot with his talking.
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Review from Katrina G (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has come on so much since starting Thornton Lodge Day Nursery. All the teachers are friendly and helpful. My sons sicills have all improved, fantastic and I'm very pleased.
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Review from Emma R (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everything is fantastic. My son loves coming.
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Review from Nicola B (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started in January and I find the entire school environment absolutely fantastic.
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Review from K J (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff are always welcoming and engaging with my child. They always discuss events relating to my child, as well as being friendly and approachable. My child loves coming to nursery and enjoys the facilities especially the outdoor play.
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Review from L G (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience has been very positive.
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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.