PARENTS and staff say they are “devastated” after a nursery suddenly shut down down this week.

Little Clacton Pre-school closed with immediate effect on Tuesday.

The pre-school received the news eight months before its scheduled closure, leaving nine staff redundant and parents having to look for new places for their children.

Parent Chelsea McGowan said she was “absolutely devastated” about the closure.

She said: “My little girl Rosie started at the age of two and her dad went there when he was little.

“He is devastated that our son won’t get to join the preschool now – I know this is the same for a lot of other families.

“We chose the preschool not because of where it is but because it was run by a family.

“We knew the staff and knew that my Rosie would be loved and cared for.”

She added: “It is the worst timing, leading up to Christmas and so close to the children’s last couple of terms before starting school.

“The preschool is very much part of the Little Clacton community and has been for the last 28 years, I really feel that this will have a big impact on so many people and their children.”

A member of staff, who asked not to be named, said: “It has come as such a shock that we have closed down with immediate effect."

The nursery is based at Engaines School in the village.

In a statement, Engaines said: “Engaines School hereby announce the sad news that the Little Clacton Pre-School has closed.

“Whilst Engaines School is not affiliated with Little Clacton Pre-School, the premises that the pre-school operated from are on the Engaines School site and are owned by Engaines School.

“We are seeking urgent legal advice as to ascertain what action we as a school are able to take to enable us to support the children and parents affected by this sudden closure.”