The University of West of Scotland, which was formed after a merger lastyear of Paisley University and Bell College, is considering closing thenurseries in Hamilton, Lanarkshire and Paisley, Renfrewshire, as part areview of its childcare provision.
But critics say that the plans are simply cost-cutting measures thatcould leave over 100 children without childcare and 30 staffredundant.
More than 60 parents and children attended a demonstration on Wednesdayto show their support for the nurseries.
Andrea Hassan, whose three-year-old daughter and three-month-old sonattend the Hamilton nursery, said, 'If they close the nursery I will notbe able to continue my degree next year, as there is a waiting list forevery nursery in this part of Lanarkshire. The university is not lookingat what a fantastic institution the nursery is. I have known the staff along time now and I trust them wholeheartedly. I don't know if I wouldwant 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 allhave waiting lists of between nine and 18 months so it will be very,very difficult for parents to get places for their children. Theuniversity is looking at providing vouchers that parents can use atother nurseries, but if there are no spaces the vouchers will beworthless. It's terrible for the staff as well, who have the threat ofredundancy hanging over their heads.'
A university spokesman said, 'Contrary to recent publicity, there is noplan to withdraw support for childcare. All options under theuniversity's childcare review include retaining support, eitherfinancially or through the provision of daytime nurseries.
'One option under consideration is replacement of the existing daytimenurseries with a funding scheme which would make childcare supportavailable to many more students across all campuses - not withdrawal ofsupport but a different way of providing it.'
