Norfolk County Council has begun coordinating closely with families in the Marham area following the unexpected closure of a local nursery, which has been unable to reopen after the Christmas break.
The Rainbow Centre, located on the RAF base at Marham, remains closed after Ofsted suspended its registration. The suspension can last for up to six weeks and is affecting around 400 children across the area.
The nursery provides a range of services, including early years provision, wraparound childcare for school-aged children and stay and play sessions for families. Ofsted has said the suspension is in place to ensure children are safe and that an investigation is currently under way.
Although the council does not operate the nursery, it is supporting parents and carers to secure alternative childcare arrangements while the suspension remains in force. Norfolk County Council is also exploring options to provide temporary stay and play activities for families impacted by the closure.
Parents and carers who require assistance are being directed to the council’s Family Information Service, which can offer guidance on available childcare options. Support is available by calling 0344 800 8020 or by emailing fis@norfolk.gov.uk.
Cllr Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Parents and carers have my sympathy at this sudden closure. I know how much families rely on childcare and I really hope that the nursery can reopen soon, so long as it is safe to so.
“In the meantime, we are doing all we can to try to support families to find alternative places, including wraparound at the schools in the area. We are doing this as quickly as we can and we are grateful for the support we are receiving locally.”
Local county councillor Jim Moriaty said the situation was challenging for families in Marham but stressed that safeguarding must remain the priority. “The Rainbow Centre is a popular nursery and this is a difficult situation for families locally. Children’s wellbeing must come first but I hope that the investigation can happen quickly and the nursery can reopen as soon as Ofsted are assured it is safe to do so.
“If parents need help with finding other childcare, then I would urge them to call the council on 0344 800 8020, where they can get some support.”
Alongside supporting families directly, Norfolk County Council is also working with the nursery to review its policies and procedures during the suspension period.
