Nursery World - Westminster university to close nurseries

Nursery staff at the University of Westminster face losing their jobs after they were told on the last day of term that they have until the end of the month to come up with a new business plan.

The university's planned closure of its two nurseries will affect eight staff and 40 children, as well as more than 20 student parents. Some students starting on courses next term are now reconsidering whether they can take up a place at the university.

A campaign to save the combined nurseries based at Marylebone Road and Northwick Park, Harrow, is being led by the unions Unison and the Universities and Colleges Union, which represents academics.

Barry Blinko, Unison branch secretary, said, 'Closing the two nurseries would only save around £141,000 a year at a time when the university is planning on spending £1m on upgrading a single reception area. We're calling for an opportunity to sit down with management and look at new ways of generating income from a valuable facility that benefits students, staff and the wider community.'

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