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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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Review from Helen H (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2015 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

My daughter has a key worker assigned to her which was done on the first day so i know who to go to if I need anything. I know she has someone who knows her well as its a large nursery. Every week she brings home a book to read. She also has a journal of what she's been doing every day which I also write in and we both use it to get to know my daughter's likes and dislikes. Her key worker is lovely and my daughter has a good relationship with her. When she doesn't want me to go she gives her a cuddle. Its lovely. She's learnt new songs and her name and has improved her counting. It's a lovely nursery and I would recommend it to anyone.

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Review from Lyndsey G (Mother of Child) published on 21 December 2015 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

I have seen a big improvement in the development of daughter, I can go to work knowing I don't have to worry about my child as she is safe and secure at Thornton Lodge. The staff are approachable and friendly and I can ask anything, the food is healthy and well balanced and she is happy. The nursery is clean and tidy.

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Review from Olivia H (Mother of Child) published on 21 December 2015 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

I used to be a nursery nurse myself 15 years ago and I always said that I would never let my children go to a nursery that I didn't work at. I then joined the Police!! When I had my little boy he needed to go to nursery due to our shifts. I looked at Thornton Lodge and fell in love with it! The manager is absolutely fantastic, my son a 4 months old loved him and that bond came so naturally to both of them. He is great, very caring and knowledgeable, nothing is too much trouble. Doing the job that we do we see a lot of things as you can imagine, my child would go nowhere other than Thornton Lodge. I know he is looked after, safe and cared for!

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Review from Katie K (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2015 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

Thornton Lodge has provided excellent childcare for my 3 year old son. The staff are friendly, helpful and informative. They are excellent with the children, caring, kind and friendly. I am really happy with all aspects of the provision and very grateful for the care and support they have provided.

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Review from Sharon (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2015 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

This is my one and only experience/dealing with a nursery following recommendation I chose Thornton Lodge. I was worried about leaving my youngest in a nursery as she has never been apart from me. My worries were promptly forgotten she has developed immensely since going to nursery, thoroughly loves going and is bored to death when she spends the day with me! A very good cosy, caring nursery, all staff lovely in every way and the manager is highly professional and extremely hard working.

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Review from Gemma (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2015 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Thornton Lodge is an outstanding nursery. My daughter has so far attended Thornton Lodge for 6 months and has flourished in her time with them. Her progress particularly with her speech has been fantastic. Her confidence and social skills have also improved greatly. The food provided is excellent, my daughter happily eats things at nursery that she won't touch at home!

The dedication of the staff and the love for their job is very clear to see, my daughter is very happy and settled with them. I cannot praise the staff enough. I can leave my daughter with them and be safe in the knowledge that she is in excellent hands and will have a fun and educational day.

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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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