A NURSERY has closed down suddenly leaving families to find new childcare provision.

Daisy Chains Nursery, based in Ramsbottom, has shut its doors, terminating business with immediate effect.

More than 20 families are now trying to find children new places at nurseries in the surrounding area.

The children's centre, based in Kay Brow, provided care for youngsters aged three months to five years.

Ofsted said the provider had requested to resign their registration with the Government regulator.

Michela Ellery, whose three-year-old granddaughter Morgan attended the nursery, said: "It has been an awful ordeal. We're devastated.

"Morgan absolutely loves nursery.

"Having to explain it to her and then watching her little face as she processed it all and realised she wasn't seeing her friends anymore was heartbreaking.

"I feel for all the staff. I've never ever had cause to complain about the nursery. The staff are brilliant and have been amazing. Their priority has been to ensure these children transition into other nurseries."

Morgan had been at Daisy Chains for just under 18 months and had moved up into the pre-school class.

Mrs Ellery said she was called into the nursery on Friday, November 24, by staff who told her the nursery was closing its doors.

The 48-year-old Ramsbottom resident said she had not received a phone call from the owner but understood other parents had been contacted.

Staff who worked at Daisy Chains have organised farewell drinks as an opportunity to say goodbye to parents.

The nursery provided care and education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which sets the framework for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years.

The nursery was rated 'good' following an Ofsted inspection in November 2014.

Since the closure, nurseries in the surrounding area have invited parents to attend open days for the displaced children.

A spokeswoman for Ofsted said: "We have received a request from the nursery to resign their registration which was processed yesterday (Monday 27).

"A provider is not required to give Ofsted a reason for their resignation and we are unable to provide any further information on why they resigned."

Nursery owner Rebecca Christian confirmed the nursery had closed but refused to comment further.