Parents claim they were given just three days notice about the closure of their children's nursery.
A message was sent by Barton Day Nurseries in Halewood on December 20, giving parents warning that the Lichfield Road site would be permanently closed from December 23. The closure was blamed on staffing issues, with the nursery struggling to recruit enough qualified workers.
Parents said the announcement came as a "complete shock". One mum, who did not wish to be named, said: "We didn't expect that before Christmas. It was a very hard time for all parents, not just me, because it's especially hard to find childcare in South Liverpool.
READ MORE: Live updates as paramedics across Merseyside walk out on strike
"We received an email at around 10am on a Tuesday saying it was closing on the Friday so that left a few days to try and sort out other arrangements. Just before Christmas, it was horrible.
The mum, who has lived in Halewood for six years, said: "There's a lot of rumour but they had problems to find the staff. You could tell the staff weren't there. The nursery opened in 2021 before, they were closed for a long time."
Barton Day Nurseries confirmed the closure came as a result of a "national recruitment crisis" but that a second site in Lower Lane, Fazakerley, is still operating. The nursery added staff were given the option to continue working with Barton's if they wished.
The mum, who moved to the UK from Poland ten years ago, added: "Luckily I've been able to find childcare but many others are struggling. I know someone who changed their work routine with part-time work or some now on leave looking for something closer to home.
"It's horrible, stressful times. I spent two days calling everywhere and the waiting list for one nursery was over one year, my child would've been in pre-school by then. I have to start work later now but luckily I'm in a position to do it but some parents aren't.
"I know some who have to get the kid's grandparents to take them to nursery but they are lucky because they have family to help. Some parents are alone.
"I don't have anyone that can drop my child off for me. But the staff were lovely people. Even through a shortage, they did their best to carry on, even with minimum wages. I could tell it was a second home for my child and I'm glad I met them in my lifetime."
Knowsley Council confirmed the decision to close was taken by the manager, adding they would "work with the nursery to support parents to find alternative settings."
A spokesperson for the nursery told the ECHO the decision for closure was due to a national recruitment crisis and there had been "no alternative". They added: "Barton Day Nurseries New (Halewood) Limited opened in September 2021 due to the demand for childcare places in the Halewood area.
"We embedded ourselves in the local community and were determined to make a difference especially for those children and families who were impacted by Covid. The nursery has grown fantastically over the last 12 months with children thriving and parents happy.
"Unfortunately, due to the national recruitment crisis facing the childcare sector we were unable to attract qualified and experienced childcare professionals over the last three months. With the statutory requirements placed on nurseries by Ofsted and staff to child ratios to ensure safety, we had no alternative but to permanently close the nursery at the end of term.
"We are very grateful for the support of the parents and the team at this difficult time. Our Fazakerley nursery is still running, and we have given staff the option of continuing to work with Barton's should they wish to do so."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Read next:
Woman sobs 'I love you' to her family as she's jailed for six years
Man, 22 made £10k selling laughing gas cannisters outside pub
Woman 'ambushed and battered' by three former friends in her own home
What is a 'dodgy box' amid police crackdown on illegal streaming?
Family 'didn't recognise' innocent schoolgirl after she was shot in street
