Parents have been given the weekend to find childcare after a nursery closed last week 'without any warning'.

An email was sent out to staff and parents from Rainbow House Nursery in Blackburn on Friday (August 5), telling them the provision was closing at the end of the day – with allegedly no prior notice given.

In a letter seen by the Lancashire Telegraph, nursery group Welcome Nurseries, which runs the Blackburn site, told staff that the group was undergoing a “restructure” and they would “not be able to move forward with the nursery".

The York Press has also reported the closure of one of the group's nurseries, the Village Pre School, in Osbaldwick, which parents also claim also closed with no prior warning on Friday.

The Lancashire Telegraph has contacted Welcome Nurseries for comment and will include a response when it has been received.

In a letter received on Friday, the company says: “Unfortunately the nursery at Rainbow House will be permanently closed at the end of business today Friday 5th August.

“You should make sure you collect all your belongings as you will not be able to access the building after today.

“We understand that this will come as a shock to you and we apologise for the short notice and any frustration or inconvenience caused.”

The letter adds that there is another nursery nearby where children can be transferred, with another of their sites being based in Langho.

Recently the chain, which is the UK’s fourth largest nursery group, announced a management buyout, being backed by a private investor.

The buyout saw founder and investor Jonathan Jay exit the business.

Did you child go to Rainbow House nursery? Contact us on abigail.beaney@nqnw.co.uk