A Fulwood nursery has permanently shut, giving parents and carers just one day’s notice to find alternative childcare.

Little Rascals in Oliver’s Place blamed increasing costs and staff shortages for the closure.

Nursery staff were informed of the reasons for the decision on Wednesday (14 December).

Those with children due to be at Little Rascals on the Thursday or Friday were contacted by phone.

In a message later sent to all parents and carers, the nursery apologised for the short notice and said they had ‘exhausted every avenue to avoid this situation’ and were ‘extremely upset’.

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The message, signed by Matt, said: “This year has been a difficult year for a large number of businesses coming out of COVID, and the early years and childcare industry is no different.

“Amongst other things, we have seen a huge increase in costs to the business, not to mention a shortage of qualified staff in the industry making recruitment really difficult.”

The message revealed that a firm will shortly be appointed to manage the winding down of the company via liquidation.

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The news triggered messages from parents and carers needing to find childcare.

One who posted in the Your Longridge Facebook group said: “Last night, completely out of the blue and with no notice we have received a message saying the nursery will be shut for good from today. I’m in desperate need of childcare from the 9th Jan… I’m absolutely speechless and don’t know what to do as I work full time and I have nobody to look after my little one.”

Meanwhile a fundraiser has been set up to help Little Rascals staff who are will allegedly not receive their December wages, in addition to losing their jobs.

Danielle Morrison, one of the parents affected, has created the Go Fund Me.

Danielle said: “All money raised will go to the genuine staff who nurtured children in this setting going above and beyond their role.

“The staff are still supporting parents and their children despite the awful circumstances this company has left them in.

“We all know how hard things can be in the current economy and I know they would appreciate whatever people could donate during this difficult time.”

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