Council working to support families after sudden closure of nursery

We are working to support families affected by the sudden closure of a nursery in Marham. 

The Rainbow Centre, on the RAF based, has been unable to open after the Christmas holidays because its registration has been suspended by Ofsted. 

The suspension could be in place for up to six weeks and is affecting about 400 children in the area. 

The setting provides nursery care, wrap-around care for school aged children, and stay and play sessions for families. 

Ofsted want to assure that children at the nursery are safe and are carrying out an investigation. 

We do not run the nursery but are working to support families to find alternative childcare. 

Parents and carers can contact our Family Information Service if they need support. 

We are also looking at setting up some stay and play activities for families whilst the suspension remains in place. 

Cllr Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "Parents and carers have my sympathy at this sudden closure. I know how much families rely on childcare and I really hope that the nursery can reopen soon, so long as it is safe to so. 

"In the meantime, we are doing all we can to try to support families to find alternative places, including wraparound at the schools in the area. We are doing this as quickly as we can and we are grateful for the support we are receiving locally." 

Cllr Jim Moriaty, county councillor for Marham, added: "The Rainbow Centre is a popular nursery and this is a difficult situation for families locally. Children's wellbeing must come first but I hope that the investigation can happen quickly and the nursery can reopen as soon as Ofsted are assured it is safe to do so. 

"If parents need help with finding other childcare, then I would urge them to contact our Family Information Service, where they can get some support." 

We are also working with the nursery to help review its policies and procedures.