A NURSERY in Padgate which was blasted in its latest Ofsted inspection has texted parents to say it has closed with immediate effect.

The education watchdog gave Bright Futures Day Nursery, based on Orange Grove, the lowest rating possible of four for its leadership, quality of teaching, personal development and welfare and outcomes for children.

In the damning report it states staff do not make checks so they know what children are able to do already, or what they need to learn next.

Parents were shocked to receive a text late on New Year's Day, when all direct debit payments for January had transferred to the nursery account, stating the nursery would no longer be opening.

This was following a temporary closure before Christmas due to a gas leak.

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One grandparent said: "My granddaughter had been to nursery on the day of the 'gas leak' and no concerns had been raised.

"We pass the nursery on a daily basis and over the Christmas break we saw no evidence of any gas repairs.

"When my daughter sent a couple of texts requesting an update she received a response about council access and assurance that things were being sorted. Despite a number of requests to refund the payment for January no response has been received."

Owner Paul Twigg and David Parker opened the nursery after applying for planning permission to transform the former Golden Gates office into a day care centre.

The nursery's phone number has since been disconnected.

A spokesperson for Warrington Borough Council confirmed the nursery had closed.