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.
My experience has been very good. I am extremely happy to have my child at this nursery.
Excellent nursery, no concerns.
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.
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.
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.
Brilliant nursery. The manager is amazing. My son has developed brilliantly in his care. He loves it and I'm happy with his care.
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.
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.
Excellent staff, very friendly. My daughter loves everybody. Very efficient clean and professional. Over all 10/10.
Amazing place for kids, all staff are fab.
Have always found all the staff very friendly and approachable. My son has enjoyed his time here.
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.
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.
I am pleased with Thornton Lodge as they have helped my children come along the best they can.
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.
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.
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.
Everything is fantastic. My son loves coming.
My child started in January and I find the entire school environment absolutely fantastic.
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.
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.
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