Thornton Lodge
St. James Street, Thornton Bradford, BD13 3NR
A safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment where every child can flourish and reach their full potential.
Welcome to Thornton Lodge
Welcome to Thornton Lodge Day Nursery and Pre-School! We're nestled in the picturesque village of Thornton, just off Thornton Road on James Street, near the heart of the village. We're perfectly placed for families in Bradford, Keighley, Halifax and across West Yorkshire - and we're right on the 697 bus route between Bradford and Keighley! Our outdoor play areas are brilliant - complete with a sandpit, our very own garden where children grow their own flowers and herbs, fantastic play apparatus, and full disabled access. Inside, our light and airy nursery provides a warm, welcoming and spacious home-from-home where children can have fun in a stimulating, child-centred environment. We serve up delicious, well-balanced meals from our four-weekly rotating menu - proper fuel for growing adventurers! Our friendly, experienced and qualified team follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, delivering the perfect mix of adult-led activities and child-initiated play with an extensive range of age-appropriate equipment both indoors and out. Safety is always our top priority, with CCTV, electronic entry systems, and a fully vetted team you can trust completely. Come and visit us - we'd love to show you around!
Under 3 months? We may be able to help! Children younger than 3 months can be accepted on a case-by-case basis — book a tour and we can discuss your needs.
Our Facilities
Age Groups & Rooms
Carefully designed environments for every stage of early years development.
Babies
3 months - 2 years
Gentle nurturing care with sensory exploration and bonding
Toddlers
2 - 3 years
Social skills development and independence building
Pre-School
3 - 5 years
School readiness with confidence and resilience building
🎒Out of School Club (OOSC) available by arrangement for children up to 12 years old
What Makes Us Special
Our commitment to excellence in early years education.
Inclusive Environment
Supporting all children regardless of background or ability
SEND Support
Specialized support for children with additional needs
Cultural Diversity
Celebrating different cultures and traditions together
Family Partnership
Working closely with families to support each child
Ofsted Rating: Good(February 2024)
We are proud of our Ofsted rating and our commitment to quality childcare.
Contact Details
📧 Email:
Thornton.Lodge@1stsafari.com📞 Phone:
01757 210333 (Option 2)🕒 Opening Hours:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (early starts available on request)
Monday - Friday
Book a Tour
We'd love to show you around our nursery! Book a tour to see firsthand how we can support your child's development journey.
Book a TourVisit Us
St. James Street, Thornton Bradford, BD13 3NR
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (early starts available on request)
Monday - Friday
3 months to 5+ years
Quick Contact
Meet Our Amazing Team
The passionate people who make Thornton Lodge a wonderful place for children to learn, play, and grow.
Gareth
Thornton Lodge is Gareth's absolute pride and joy - he has been at the helm since September 2010, nurturing both children and staff for 15 incredible years. With a Foundation Degree in Early Years and two decades of dedication to childcare, Gareth's passion shines through every day. He began his journey at just 16, knowing from the start that helping children flourish was his calling. Now, as one of 1st Safari's most experienced managers, he ensures every child receives the best possible start to their early education.
Kalsum
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.
Want to Join Our Safari Family?
We're always looking for passionate early years practitioners to join our adventure.
View OpportunitiesWhat Parents Say About Thornton Lodge
Read reviews from parents who have trusted us with their children's care and development.
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Ready to Start Your Safari Adventure?
Join our Thornton Lodge family today and give your child the best start in life.