SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has issued a statement after a Chipping Sodbury nursery closed following a string of poor Ofsted visits.

Raysfield Pre-School which was held in Dodington Parish Hall, closed suddenly on Friday after Ofsted reported a number of safeguarding and welfare concerns surrounding the childcare provision.

The setting had received an inadequate rating from Ofsted in March and had been given time to implement a number of actions set by the Watchdog.

After more concerns were raised to Ofsted, they made another visit and found further failings in the setting.

Parents were made aware of the closure on Friday, earlier in the day after a message was sent to them that said due to the despite working 'tirelessly to bounce back after their inspection, they were to close immediately.

The team said a 'recent monitoring visit and further staff resignations' had led to them making the decision.

A council spokesperson said: “The committee governing Raysfield Preschool has taken the decision to close the facility, which meant it closed on July 8. 

"While this is going to be disappointing for some families, the council is writing to the parents and carers of children not beginning school next year to provide details of alternative nursery providers, so that families can continue to claim their free nursery education entitlement in the autumn term if still required. 

"We have also passed on details of Ofsted registered childminders in the area. Families can find out about providers in their area by visiting our website at www.southglos.gov.uk/childcare under ‘Find Childcare’.”