An Oxford nursery has been closed for six weeks while an education watchdog investigates “concerns about safeguarding.”

Parents with children at ABC Nursery in Headington received a message on Friday, July 14, to say Ofsted had suspended the early education provider.

Some felt left in the lurch by the closure as they frantically searched for alternative childcare.

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One parent said: “We have had no more communication from the nursery. It left us in a huge predicament with childcare. Fees have already been paid and no childcare given.

“Appalling communication from the nursery and many parents left devastated and concerned.”

Another added that it had left “many families feeling concerned and worried about their children's welfare.”

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“This incident has left many families without childcare and the brief report has left us all worried,” they continued.

Oxford Mail: ABC Nursery is located on Sandfield Road in Headington

Oxford Mail: Stock image of a nursery child

The nursery declined to comment when approached by the Oxford Mail.

Ofsted confirmed it would be looking into the safeguarding concerns alongside other relevant agencies.

A spokeswoman said: “We suspend settings for an initial period of six weeks which can be lifted or extended if needed. We will always write to parents registered with the setting to make them aware.

“We will suspend an early year’s provider’s registration if we reasonably believe that the continued provision of childcare may expose children to a risk of harm. Suspension gives us, and other agencies, the time to look into concerns. It also gives time for us or the provider to take steps to remove any risk to children.”

To find out more about Ofsted's enforcement policy, visit: https://bit.ly/3DltTUL