Hundreds left scrambling for childcare after Monkey Puzzle nursery in Glasgow closes without notice

Hundreds of families have been left scrambling for childcare after a popular nursery closed its doors without warning.

Monkey Puzzle Glasgow Central confirmed on social media that it would be closing for good on March 24, leaving over 20 staff out of work.

Service operator Choice Start Ltd was ordered to be wound up by the Court, and a liquidator was appointed on February 23.

The families of around 35 children due to be picked up for after-school care on March 25 were given less than 24 hours’ notice that they would not be collected.

An official announcement was then made on March 24, stating that the service would cease trading at 6.30pm that day, leaving at least 90 families looking for alternative childcare arrangements.

A statement on social media said that the Monkey Puzzle Glasgow Central team was “deeply saddened” by the closure and would miss the children and families “beyond measure”.

Parents say they have been caused “significant anxiety and disruption” by the unexpected closure.

One concerned parent said: “To close a nursery with such little notice is not only deeply distressing, but also demonstrates a serious lack of consideration for the families who rely on this service.

“Parents and carers have been left scrambling to make urgent childcare arrangements, placing significant strain on working families and causing unnecessary anxiety and disruption. It is extremely concerning that no prior indication or contingency planning appears to have been communicated.

“While I appreciate that businesses can encounter financial difficulties, the absence of transparency, planning, and timely communication is wholly unacceptable.

“In addition, my thoughts are with the staff, who have now suddenly lost their jobs due to what appears to be extremely poor planning and an irresponsible owner. They have shown dedication and care to our children, and it is unfair that they have been put in this position without warning.

“Financial difficulties of this nature do not occur overnight, and it is clear that the owner must have been aware for some time that closure was a likely outcome. Despite this, no meaningful communication, warning, or contingency planning was shared with parents or staff, which is wholly unacceptable.”

Another added: “I’m really shocked and confused by how this has happened. I picked my son up at 3pm today and everything seemed completely normal, and by 6.30pm the nursery had closed.

“I completely appreciate this isn’t the staff’s fault at all, but for families to find out like this, with no warning and no time to make arrangements, is incredibly difficult and worrying.”

A spokesperson for Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries said: “We are aware of the announcement made regarding Monkey Puzzle Glasgow Central and understand how upsetting and unexpected this news will be. We are very sorry to the children, families and team members affected.

“Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries operates as a network of individually owned and operated nurseries under a franchise model. While we provide brand, operational guidance and ongoing support, each nursery is owned and managed independently by its franchisee.

“We can confirm that we have been in ongoing discussions with the franchisee of Monkey Puzzle Glasgow Central regarding matters relating to their franchise agreement. However, the decision to close the nursery was taken solely by the franchisee and was implemented without prior notice to us. As such, we had no involvement in, or control over, the decision to cease operations or the timing of the closure.

“Our immediate priority is to support the affected children, families, and team members as much as we possibly can. We recognise how important stability and continuity of care is for young children and appreciate how difficult this situation will be for families. We are actively exploring ways to provide guidance and support during this time.”