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Thornton Lodge Day Nursery

1st Safari Day Nurseries Ltd, James Street, Thornton, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD13 3NR
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My granddaughter has developed very well in so many ways thanks to this nurseryKimberely S(Grandmother of Child)
Thornton Lodge Day Nursery, Bradford
A fantastic nursery in every way. My 3-year-old loves it here and has come on brilliantlyRebecca J(Mother of Child)
Thornton Lodge Day Nursery, Bradford
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, 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...  

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Group / Owner

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

Opening Times

  • Monday08:00-18:00
  • Tuesday08:00-18:00
  • Wednesday08:00-18:00
  • Thursday08:00-18:00
  • Friday08:00-18:00

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.

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).

Contact Thornton Lodge Day Nursery to get a personalised quote:

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery Reviews (166)

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9.5

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.489) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has 166 reviews.

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Showing 166 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Katrina G (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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
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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
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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
Overall Experience

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
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My experience has been very positive.

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Review from Gail R (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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Excellent care. All friendly staff.

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Review from Victoria Q (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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My daughter really enjoys coming to nursery she has learnt so much as has become more confident. She constantly speaks about nursery staff and the friends she has gained. I find all the staff are always motivated and focused on the children and are very helpful and understanding towards "home life" situation. I would highly recommend this nursery to other parents and my other child will be attending.

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Review from Claire A (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Fantastic nursery, all 3 of my children have attended. Recommend to all my friends. Lovely staff, very professional. Lots of space for the children to engage with each other. Child supported when needed. All 3 of my children have loved been apart of a great nursery.

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Review from Michelle G (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I am happy with the service that Thornton Lodge Day Nursery provides, I believe they offer and provide the best service. There facilities and outdoor area's for the children are well kept, maintained and clean. They serve the children a variety of different meals and snacks.

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Review from Billie-Jo W (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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My son loves nursery and enjoys every day he is at nursery. Staff are excellent.

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Review from C E (Father of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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Fantastic staff, very friendly. Great location and facilities. Children came on leaps and bounds whilst at Thornton Lodge Day Nursery 10/10.

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Review from R L (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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Amazing nursery, my daughter has done very well.

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Review from Rebecca H (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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The staff are very friendly and helpful. The nursery has been very flexible and accommodating. My child has loved coming here.

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Review from Naseem H (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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I have a 3 year old daughter who attends this nursery and she has settled in really well. She has learnt a lot with her speech, vocabulary and is always exploring new things using her imagination. I am really pleased that she enjoys herself and mixes in well with other children although she can be quiet at times. I would highly recommend this nursery to other parents as it is outstanding.

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Review from Jesamine W (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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The day nursery is flexible and understanding in that they can work on alternative days having my children on a weekly basis. The staff also do a drop off and pick up service from the local school which is extremely helpful for busy parents. I always feel my children are made welcome and safe which is reassurance, the staff are polite and always appear happy and that's the kind of atmosphere you want your child being brought too.

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Review from Amanda C (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2016 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter has been at Thornton Lodge for 2 1/2 yrs since she was 5 mths old. She loves going and I have been very impressed with the staff and environment. All staff have a genuine interest in the children and whoever is there at drop off or pick up will always know details of my daughters day at nursery. There is a wide range of activities and equipment available and my daughter does things she doesn't get to do at home. The manager is always available for questions and is a very 'hands on' manager! Overall I am very impressed and will be keeping my daughter there until she goes to school rather than using school nursery.

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Review from Rachel C (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2016 Submitted via Website
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I am happy with my children's stay at this nursery, they genuinely enjoy going to nursery and are happy and content when they are left there. Staff need to give more feedback to parents when picking the children up

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Review from Julia L (Mother of Child) published on 15 January 2016 Submitted via Website
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My 3 year old son attends this nursery and he loves it. The staff are warm, kind and caring and I can go to university knowing my son is getting the best possible care. Not only this, Thornton Lodge have been unbelievably helpful and flexible to fit with our requirements. A brilliant place :-)

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Review from Sarah E (Mother of Child) published on 13 January 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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My experience of Thornton Lodge is very good. The manager is excellent and very hands on and all the staff are friendly and helpful. They offer a good range of activities, for example baking, painting and model making. Trips have included the park and visiting animals. The new nursery offers good sized rooms, good outdoor play areas and easy access, a double buggy can fit through the door and into the entrance area. I would recommend this nursery without hesitation.

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Review from J M (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2015 Submitted via Postal Card
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The staff are helpful, brill with the children, getting them to try new things. It's always clean, the food is all home made and the children love it.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (0) & Events (0)

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Accreditations

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Meet the Team (2)

Gareth Rider-Smith
Gareth Rider-SmithJob Title:Nursery ManagerJoined: 2010

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.

Kaslum Arian
Kaslum ArianJob Title:Deputy Nursery ManagerJoined: 2025

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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