Confusion among parents is rife after a Portishead nursery was suddenly closed.

Lighthouse Nursery, in Nore Road, has had its registration suspended and is under investigation by the watchdog due to ‘safeguarding concerns’.

The nursery closed under a cloud on January 23.

The allegations and the future of the nursery both remain unclear, but Ofsted is investigating.

The watchdog has vowed to ‘take steps to ensure children are safe’ if required after reviewing the circumstances.

A statement from the nursery was posted on Facebook last week, but the page has since been deleted leaving parents confused and scrambling for alternative arrangements.

It is understood the suspension will last at least six weeks.

An Ofsted spokesman said: “We can confirm we have suspended this nursery’s registration due to safeguarding concerns.

“The suspension is to allow time for the circumstances to be fully investigated and, if necessary, for steps to be taken to ensure children are safe.”

Lighthouse received a ‘good’ rating from the watchdog at an inspection in the autumn which raised no safeguarding concerns, but something has since gone awry.

September’s report said: “There is a highly stimulating and well-thought-out learning environment for children to explore confidently, make discoveries and choose where to learn.

“Key persons know children well and plan effectively for their learning, consistently valuing their ideas and offering choices. Children make good progress from their starting points.”

The nursery opened almost two years ago at the base of the former Coach House Nursery – which closed after being slated by Ofsted in 2016, but the two businesses are not linked.

The Times approached the nursery to comment on the situation, but did not receive a reply at the time of going to press.