Another college nursery faces axe

Parents have been told that Redcliffe Nursery is likely to close in July 'solely for financial reasons'. The college is also cutting up to 25 jobs to cope with slashes of 19 per cent in Government funding for adult learners at the college.

In a statement, Martin Peat, the college's interim principal and chief executive, said, 'As a result of Government-led funding cuts, Bexley College are in the position of having to address a substantial financial deficit and, following a review, are proposing to make a number of changes, including restructuring parts of our organisation and closing Redcliffe Nursery.

'The proposal to close the nursery has not been taken lightly and is in no way a reflection on the fantastic quality provided by the staff. But it is a harsh reality that colleges simply cannot afford to run loss-making activities due to the funding cuts.'

The college confirmed that the 54-place nursery had incurred losses ranging from £20,000 to £80,000 a year.

Fees have been kept low to make childcare affordable for students and staff and there are also a number of community places.

A three-month consultation period is now taking place.

Redcliffe Nursery is in a large Georgian house owned by the college, which would be sold off if the plan goes ahead.

Mr Peat added, 'The nursery has been making a loss for a number of years, being subsidised from the core funding. We have worked with the staff to explore and implement a variety of changes to try to reach a break-even position.

'Unfortunately, these have not proved successful and with the impact of the funding cuts, we regret that we are unable to continue this provision.

'In addition, the sale of this property will generate significant and much-needed income to help reduce the deficit and help safeguard against further job losses to the organisation.'

He said that students at the college would continue to be able to apply for the Learner Support Fund to help with their childcare costs.