A Broughty Ferry nursery has told parents it will close within days due to a “severe staffing crisis”.

Happitots Nursery, in Belsize Road, sent out letters to parents and guardians advising the nursery will cease operations on Friday.

Marie Kerr, regional manager of Thrive Childcare and Education who operate the nursery said they’ve faced “immense challenges” in recruiting staff.

Within an email sent out on Monday it advised support was being offered to provide alternative nurseries.

‘Difficult decision’

It said: “We are writing to you with heavy hearts to inform you that we have taken the extremely difficult decision to close the nursery from the afternoon of Friday March 31.

“We are very sorry that we are unable to give you more notice, as this decision has been made in light of a severe staffing crisis which, we believe, means we can longer continue to provide the safe, high quality care and education that you rightly expect for you child.

“Along with many other nurseries in Scotland, we have faced challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff, and we have been unable to recruit a permanent manager for the nursery.

“We will work with you to help you identify an alternative nursery for your child.”

Although it’s hoped the nursery may reopen in the future the imminent closure sparked “anger” from parents.

Many are now scrambling to put adequate childcare in place from next week.

One parent who did not wish to named said she was “disgusted” by the lack of notice given.

‘Many parents will be struggling to find adequate childcare’

She said: “It’s such a shame for the young staff who have been struggling to keep the nursery going.

“Whilst I sympathise with them, I’m shocked and disgusted with the lack of notice given regarding the nursery’s closure.

“Many parents will be struggling to find adequate childcare which is extremely hard to get currently.

“This situation must have been on the cards for some time.”

Another parent who shared the letter with The Courier labelled the handling of the closure as a “shambles”.

She said: “They’ve announced to us parents via email today (Monday) that the nursery is to close this Friday.

“It’s an absolute shambles of a nursery, I feel sorry for the staff and the previous management team who have had zero support from the company.

“I am now left with no childcare as of next week.”

Thrive Childcare and Education confirmed they are “committed” to reopening the nursery but admitted it may take months.

A spokeswoman said: “We are committed to re-opening our Broughty Ferry nursery in the future, but we envisage it will take several months to recruit and train a stable new professional team to provide the nurturing and inspiring childcare we are committed to providing.”