Opinion: Editor's view

Over the past year or so, there have been many local press reports about universities and colleges closing their on-site nursery provision. This week, we report on the three latest closures across the country (see News, page 3). There is no doubt that operating a successful college nursery is not easy, whether the college runs its own provision or contracts it out to a third party. The economics are tough, with a high level of subsidy needed for students' fees, and requirements such as irregular hours or term-time only. Some places usually need to be allocated to the...