A nursery at the University of Greenwich, rated outstanding by Ofsted, has been threatened with closure.
The University of Greenwich has proposed to close Avery Hill Day Nursery at the end of the academic year, 31 July, following a review of their finances.
The nursery, which is registered to provide care for 28 children, is also running under capacity with just 21 children.
Staff were told about the possible closure of the nursery last Friday and parents were sent letters on Tuesday informing them that a decision about the nursery will be made on 9 July.
If the nursery closes, the nine members of staff will be given preferential treatment for redeployment within the university.
A spokesperson for the University of Greenwich said, ‘The university is consulting with staff regarding a proposal that its nursery should close at the end of this academic year, 31 July 2012, and not re-open in September.
‘This proposal follows a review of university’s finances and priorities in this challenging economic climate and the changing higher education environment. No final decision has been taken.’
‘We’re at an early consultation stage. No decisions have been taken and no jobs have been identified as being at risk.
‘In any situation where staff are identified as being at risk (and as I say, we’re not in that situation here) the university’s redeployment procedure applies.’
Avery Hill Nursery opened in 1994 and moved to its current premises, a ground floor purpose-built block of flats, in 2006.
The setting supports children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language. It is open to staff and pupils at the university and the local community.
In 2011, the nursery was graded as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.
A nursery campaigner said, ‘The announcement of the possible closure of the nursery was a big shock. A lot of work has gone into raising the profile of the setting this year.’
The nursery, which is registered to provide care for 28 children, is also running under capacity with just 21 children.
Staff were told about the possible closure of the nursery last Friday and parents were sent letters on Tuesday informing them that a decision about the nursery will be made on 9 July.
If the nursery closes, the nine members of staff will be given preferential treatment for redeployment within the university.
A spokesperson for the University of Greenwich said, ‘The university is consulting with staff regarding a proposal that its nursery should close at the end of this academic year, 31 July 2012, and not re-open in September.
‘This proposal follows a review of university’s finances and priorities in this challenging economic climate and the changing higher education environment. No final decision has been taken.’
‘We’re at an early consultation stage. No decisions have been taken and no jobs have been identified as being at risk.
‘In any situation where staff are identified as being at risk (and as I say, we’re not in that situation here) the university’s redeployment procedure applies.’
Avery Hill Nursery opened in 1994 and moved to its current premises, a ground floor purpose-built block of flats, in 2006.
The setting supports children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language. It is open to staff and pupils at the university and the local community.
In 2011, the nursery was graded as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.
A nursery campaigner said, ‘The announcement of the possible closure of the nursery was a big shock. A lot of work has gone into raising the profile of the setting this year.’
