A nursery has announced it will be closing – giving parents and staff just a few days' notice.

The Sunflower Nursery in Jenkins Dale, Chatham, which is owned by Harp Nurseries, is closing its doors tomorrow (Tuesday).

The daycare, formerly Kidstreet Nursery, helped around 48 families, who are now left with a frantic search for a new nursery. It also employed seven members of staff.

A letter sent to parents said the decision was made with "deep regret and sadness".

It added it was becoming an "increasing struggle" to provide high quality care and education for children due to recruitment difficulties which would leave it not compliant with Ofsted regulations.

The letter revealed a number of staff recently resigned, but did not disclose why.

It continued: "As a company we have actively tried to fill these positions but unfortunately, no success.

"We understand this will come as a shock to you, and we apologise for the short notice and any frustration or inconvenience caused..."

"We have enjoyed watching your children grow and develop into the wonderful little people they are today. We are sure they will shine bright in their future.

"We hope you understand the decision was not made lightly and we apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and the upset this will bring to the children, parents and staff.

"We understand this will come as a shock to you, and we apologise for the short notice and any frustration or inconvenience caused."

The nursery group said any monies which will need to be refunded will be done "in due course".

One anonymous mum, who works as an emergency worker, slammed the group.

She said: "Disgusting company and as a full-time working single mum who works for the emergency services I am absolutely screwed.

"Staff being made redundant, and us parents being told last minute we're without childcare with three days notice."

Another parent added: "Imagine giving parents three days' notice to find a new nursery.

"Harp Nurseries should be ashamed with themselves the way they have treated staff, parents and the children. Appalling to be completely frank."

Cllr Vince Maple, leader of the Medway Labour Group and member for Chatham Central, said: "Like most Chatham residents I was very surprised to hear the unexpected announcement by Harp Nurseries about the closure of Sunflower Nursery, which many local residents still know as Kidstreet.

"I want to place on record my thanks to the local team who have delivered amazing nursery services for nearly two decades, led by the fantastic leadership team of Rachel and Vicky who themselves have been at the nursery collectively more than 30 years.

"Speaking to local parents they are saddened at this rapid closure.

"I'm concerned that being the only Harp Nursery in Kent may have meant the support and investment by the owners hasn't been at the level required.

"It is very disappointing that Harp Nursery have explicitly requested I don't attend the site to offer support to local residents in the Chatham Central community following this news."

Cllr Maple said the Family Information Service was supporting families and urged anyone needing assistance to call 01634 335566.

A recent inspection of the nursery by Ofsted in September last year rated it as Good.

Harp Nurseries has been approached for comment.