Thornton Lodge Day Nursery

1st Safari Day Nurseries Ltd, James Street, Thornton, Bradford BD13 3NR
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9.9 157 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.

Care Provided by Thornton Lodge Day Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • 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
  • 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

Funding & Fees Guide for Thornton Lodge Day Nursery

  • 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).


  • 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 (157)

Total of 157, showing 1-20
9.9

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.908) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has 157 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Every time I ring to see how my little boy is, they're always helpful and some occasions, put my little boy close to the phone so he can hear my voice, so it’s a comfort for me to hear his little voice. Staff are very helpful.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is very happy at Thornton Lodge and I know she is in excellent care when she’s there. The Nursery Manager and all the staff are caring, approachable and clearly have the children’s best interests at heart. Would 100% recommend it.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All four of my grandchildren have been to this nursery, two are still there. The manager is absolutely amazing with the children. Staff are really good two. I would recommend 1st Safari to anyone wanting a good nursery. It's given my grandchildren a great start for school.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My middle child has attended Thornton Lodge since September 2022 and is now in the preschool room.
As we moved from another nursery and she'd always been with her older sister, we had a rocky start with tears on a morning. The staff were brilliant with her, welcoming, friendly, and caring and with
their support, she soon began to love it. The staff keep you informed of what meals, play etc your child has had, and we've been invited to a number of parent's evenings to discuss her development. They always have great events/celebration days planned and invite parents along to sessions where they can join in too. The nursery manager is open to feedback and is always striving to improve. He has a brilliant relationship with both us as parents and our daughters. Our youngest has just started also, and the baby room staff have been great and worked hard to understand her routine and requirements.
A great nursery!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a fantastic Nursery. All 3 of my children have gone there and thrived. I still have 2 children there and they love it there and they have come a long way There are great staff there, my son has autism and he’s non-verbal and when he was the most shy person ever. Now he has come out of his shell
he loves the nursery, that is because of the brilliant staff they have there my son has come a long way and is now not the shy boy who wouldn’t make eye contact with you didn’t want to play, didn’t want to eat, not speaking to now such a happy little boy who loves cuddles and playing will eat and now say small words like daddy mummy. I see improvements with my children every day when I come home from nursery and as a parent that makes me so happy. They have a fantastic manager who will help you with information and guide you as a parent too. I would definitely recommend it for any children, even children such as my son with autism and non-verbal.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a parent with a child with autism, finding a nursery that not only meets but exceeds expectations is rare. Our experience has been nothing short of exceptional. The staff show dedication and understanding, especially towards our oldest with autism (yet to be formally diagnosed).
The nurturing environment
provided by the staff has truly become a second home for our children. The staff's ability to accommodate unique needs while fostering growth and development is amazing.
Beyond the norm, the staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels included and supported (i.e. personalised learning), their commitment to each child's well-being is evident in every interaction.
Moreover, the inclusive atmosphere has allowed our children to thrive socially and emotionally (great seeing our little ones make friends - even with the staff!) The level of care, dedication and support provided by the staff truly sets this nursery apart.
Thank you to the manager and team!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My boy loves this nursery. The staff are wonderful and have been so flexible. His speech, behaviour and learning have all improved dramatically in the short time he has attended. I highly recommend.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has been amazing with my little one, she has developed so well in the time she has spent there. She enjoys all the activities and age-specific learning. The staff are just fantastic and look after her so well, we can not be happier as parents. My eldest daughter attended here
also and I couldn't recommend it enough to anyone.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy absolutely loves Thornton Lodge Day Nursery! The nursery is fantastic and he always has a super, fun-filled day. He is achieving and learning so much and that is down to the amazing staff and the hard work and dedication they show each and every child. I would definitely recommend Thornton
Lodge.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thornton Lodge has been outstanding with my daughter. She really enjoys coming and has come on so much in all aspects of her learning and development.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely amazing! The staff can't help enough and my little boy has come on so much!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has/is enjoying his time at nursery. He always comes home telling me about his day and how much fun he's had! The staff are absolutely lovely and so accommodating to all of my and my child's needs! If any time is a good time to say thank you, it's now!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm really satisfied with the nursery and the staff who work here. My little one can be sometimes really naughty and needy but the staff cope with that just perfect.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child loves it at Thornton Lodge, the staff are fantastic with him and he has come on so well since coming. Couldn't recommend enough.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All 3 of my grandchildren have attended Thornton Lodge. The staff have always been supportive of our family as well as amazing with the children.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely setting, daughter settled well and enjoys her days here!
She has come on so much since coming here.
Staff are great and make you feel so welcome.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have attended this nursery it is an amazing place with friendly staff who put children at the heart of everything that they do. My children have been kept safe, thrived and well prepared for school life. the learning environments are high quality and outdoor learning is a priority which
my boys loved. Communication is good and the setting is managed well by the Nursery Manager. There isn't anything that he wouldn't do for you. I highly recommend Thornton Lodge to prospective parents.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two boys who have both attended Thornton Lodge since they were nine months old. My children have loved coming here and are sad that they can no longer attend as they both go to school now. The staff are very caring and committed to ensuring that my children are safe, well and know how to support
their development. Communication is good and staff always give regular feedback on daily activities, including food, which my two boys love! I would highly recommend this nursery to everyone.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A home, not a nursery, warm and consistent. They have helped my son to grow and develop during his time here, and I have used different nurseries before this one, and I would never send my children anywhere else!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery has been amazing, the teaching has helped my child to progress and grow up and learn.
The staff are very helpful and understanding.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.908)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.908) out of 10 for Thornton Lodge Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.908 for Thornton Lodge Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (337 Excellents x 5) + (32 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 370 Ratings = 4.908

  • b) 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 31 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 31 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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

Awards / Recognitions (1)

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Meet the Team (10)

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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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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Katelan Hempsey

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2022

Qualifications


Early Years Educator Level 2 in Children's Learning and Development (EYE)
Food Hygiene Level 2


Additional Information
Toddler 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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Malaika Phillips

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2023

Qualifications


NCFE Cache Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)
Food Hygiene Level 2
QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF) - February 2023


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Maryam Mehmood

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2024

Qualifications
PGCE Education QTS
BA Hons Working with Children and Young People and Families
BTEC Level 3 in Children's Play, Learning and Development (EYE)
Additional Training
Safeguarding Children
Additional Information
Pre-School Practitioner


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Caroline Cantrill

Job Title: Nursery Cook

Joined: 2023

Qualifications


Level 3 Food Hygiene


Frequently Asked Questions about Thornton Lodge Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Thornton Lodge Day Nursery accepts?

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Thornton Lodge Day Nursery Open?

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery is open: 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.

How many Children does Thornton Lodge Day Nursery have capacity for?

Thornton Lodge Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 71 Children.

How far is Thornton Lodge Day Nursery to the centre of Bradford?

4.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.