More than 100 children were left without care and 22 staff lost their jobs when the registration of Worcestershire nursery chain Rosie's Playcare was cancelled by Ofsted because of issues with the former owner. All three branches of Rosie's Playcare were closed on 16 February.
An Ofsted spokesperson said, 'Ofsted cancelled the registration of Rosie's Playcare because we are of the opinion that the provider is no longer qualified for registration and to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded.'
But Little Angels Nursery in Woodrow, Worcestershire, was re-opened by nursery manager Maura Brown and the four original staff members three months later.
Mrs Brown said that she credited the turnaround to the staff's determination and to support from the Worcestershire early years and childcare service.
She said, 'A development officer from the early years and childcare service was very helpful and arrived with a list of nurseries with staff vacancies and places available for the children. We first talked about re-establishing the nursery a week later.'
Little Angels runs breakfast and after-school clubs as well as a 30-place nursery.
However, last week's ruling by an employment tribunal court in Birmingham does not necessarily mean that the nursery staff will receive the money they are owed. The six former employees will have to take further legal action to secure payment from the nursery's former owner, Mrs Rosie Twoney.
'Actually getting this compensation would be the last thing,' said Mrs Brown. 'The girls have all said that they are not giving up because they are angry at how they've been treated.'