THE sudden closure of a nursery which ‘always put children first’ has been described as a ‘huge loss’ to the community.
Tamalder Childcare based at Meadow Road in Whitehaven announced that it would be closing its doors with immediate effect in an email sent to parents last week.
The email says that Cumbria Childcare Ltd - the company behind the nursery - had been served with a winding up notice and receivers had informed staff that the setting must close.
A statement published on the Tamalder Childcare Facebook page following the announcement said staff were ‘devastated’ by the closure.
The post said: “Thank you to all our families for their kind words. All the staff are devastated about the closure, especially not being able to say goodbye to you all and giving you time to find another setting.
“We were an amazing team who always put the children first and would treat them as we would want our own children and families to be treated. Nursery has been a massive part of our lives and we'll miss you all so much.”
Courtney Todd, whose young son also attended, said: “It’s such a sad situation all round for the staff and the children.
“I struggled in the beginning leaving my little boy and the thought of having to start again at a new nursery is upsetting me all over again.
“My son was in the baby room. He was only eight months when he started. He is 16 months now. He absolutely loved going to nursery and the girls were fantastic with him. I felt like I was leaving him with family.
“It was really sudden. I’ve had to take leave from work until I can find Teddy a suitable nursery. All the other surrounding nurseries say they’re trying their best to accommodate everyone but I’m still yet to find a nursery for my son.”
Emma Boughton, who used the nursery for her young daughter, said: “Although my daughter had only been attending Tamalder for just under a year, it didn't feel like it.
"All of the staff have been so wonderful, accommodating and caring, it felt like dropping her off with family every day, and she loved it too. You would be hard pressed to find a more nurturing environment.
“To close with no notice was a complete shock. It came completely out of the blue for us and we're very fortunate to have family around us that can help with childminding while we scramble for another place.
“However upset we are about losing out on such an amazing resource though, I can't even imagine how the staff must feel. Not even getting to say goodbye to the kids they've looked after every day for years can only be described as cruel, and my heart goes out to all of them.”
Jenesse Cox, whose two children attended the nursery, said: “Tamalder was an excellent nursery, which provided outstanding care for my two children. The staff were caring, nurturing and loving.
“The nursery created a stimulating environment to learn in a safe environment - it's a huge loss for all the children, staff and community. Good luck to all the staff.”
The setting which was registered in 2004, provided early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. It had been rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted following an inspection in June last year.
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