PARENTS have been left in the lurch after a Cheney Manor nursery suddenly closed its doors for the final time on Wednesday.

Raindrops Childcare Ltd owner Lynn Mayneord said she was devastated at having to take the decision to close the nursery on October 21 after it proved financially unviable.

The closure has disappointed staff at the day nursery, which was open every weekday between 8am and 6pm for 51 weeks of the year, who had worked hard to make significant improvements to the nursery after receiving a damning Ofsted report in October last year.

The report criticised Raindrops' poor teaching and ineffective leadership and called children's' safety into question.

Ms Mayneord said: "The decision to close the nursery was made for financial reasons.

"As the director of the company I am devastated that I have had to make this decision and have fought long and hard to keep the nursery up and running, unfortunately it was beyond my control.

"The staff and parents were informed of our closure on Wednesday evening and a full and frank explanation was given to them all personally.

"The staff have worked hard to turn the nursery around after our Ofsted Inspection in February having worked closely with the Swindon Borough Councils Early Years team who were very happy with our progress and we were awaiting our next inspection. I wish to thank the staff for their hard work and dedication to the nursery and also thank all the parents

"I am currently working closely with Swindon Borough Councils Early Years Team and the landlord to secure a new tenant in order that the nursery can be up and running again in the very near future and also to ensure that the children are found new places within existing settings as soon as possible."

Swindon Borough Council confirmed it was working with Raindrops and all staff and the parents of the 38 children affected by the closure had been informed.

A spokesman said: “On Wednesday, October, 21 it was brought to our attention that Raindrops Childcare, which runs a nursery in Cheney Manor, was ceasing to operate with immediate effect.

"Working with the business owner, all staff and parents affected were contacted that day and informed of the situation.

"Staff have been advised of other nursery vacancies and parents of the 38 children concerned were signposted to other options in the vicinity.

"Some alternative placements have already been organised and we’re supporting those parents who have yet to decide.”