Campus nurseries under threat
Student parents who are studying at a Scottish university may be forced to drop out of their courses because of plans to close two campus nurseries.
The University of West of Scotland, which was formed after a merger last year of Paisley University and Bell College, is considering closing the nurseries in Hamilton, Lanarkshire and Paisley, Renfrewshire, as part a review of its childcare provision.
But critics say that the plans are simply cost-cutting measures that could leave over 100 children without childcare and 30 staff redundant.
More than 60 parents and children attended a demonstration on Wednesday to show their support for the nurseries.
Andrea Hassan, whose three-year-old daughter and three-month-old son attend the Hamilton nursery, said, 'If they close the nursery I will not be able to continue my degree next year, as there is a waiting list for every nursery in this part of Lanarkshire. The university is not looking at what a fantastic institution the nursery is. I have known the staff a long time now and I trust them wholeheartedly. I don't know if I would want to place my children somewhere new.'
A source close to the Hamilton nursery, who asked to remain anonymous, said, 'It's absolutely scandalous - the other nurseries in the area all have waiting lists of between nine and 18 months so it will be very, very difficult for parents to get places for their children. The university is looking at providing vouchers that parents can use at other nurseries, but if there are no spaces the vouchers will be worthless. It's terrible for the staff as well, who have the threat of redundancy hanging over their heads.'
A university spokesman said, 'Contrary to recent publicity, there is no plan to withdraw support for childcare. All options under the university's childcare review include retaining support, either financially or through the provision of daytime nurseries.
'One option under consideration is replacement of the existing daytime nurseries with a funding scheme which would make childcare support available to many more students across all campuses - not withdrawal of support but a different way of providing it.'
