University closes nursery despite union opposition

The University of Westminster has chosen to close its nursery this week, despite the efforts of campaigners from Unison, the National Union of Students and the University and College Union.

The unions launched a national campaign in the summer after growing concerns that a number of universities and colleges were considering doing away with childcare for students in an effort to cut budgets.

The university had been in consultation since July over the future of its provision. The consultation was extended to allow Unison and the nursery staff to work on a new business plan for the nursery. The consultation ended on 30 October, and the closure was announced three days later.

Carole Mainstone, secretary and registrar at the University of Westminster, said: "This is a challenging time financially. Above all else, the university's role is to provide higher education to adult students, and we must conclude with deep regret that we cannot afford to run our own nurseries – particularly as the number of students using the service is so low. She added that the new business plan did not stand a realistic chance of success."

According to the university, the plan proposed a 20 to 25 per cent rise in fees, an increase in families from the surrounding community using the service, and an impracticable contribution from the university’s fundraising and marketing teams.

"I think it is a political decision. The university did not see the nursery as a priority," said Denise Bertuchi, national officer for Unison. "The business plan presented lots of good options for extending services to the wider community. It was done in consultation with the students so fees would have been affordable and viable for them."

Meanwhile, Unison Glasgow City branch is organising a mass rally on Monday 9 November 2009 to protest against proposals to close down a nursery at the Nautical College.