Anger as Leamington college nursery to close - The Leamington Observer

Anger as Leamington college nursery to close

Leamington Editorial 30th Jan, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

PARENTS are angry at Warwickshire College’s decision to close its Leamington-based nursery.

A notice has been issued to parents of toddlers who use the nursery at the Warwick New Road college saying the service is set to be axed at the end of the summer term.

The college says increasing competition from some 20 other nurseries in the area and the cost of upgrading the nursery facilities resulted in the decision to close.

Parents – many of whom study at the college and rely on the childcare to be able to continue their studies – have launched a petition in the hope of getting bosses to change their minds.




Hayley Willoughby, whose children attend the nursery, said: “I am still at a loss as no-one within the college seems to be able to advise any further, which for myself and all of the other parents who entrust our children in to the wonderful care of the ladies who work in the nursery, is simply not acceptable.

“We, the parents, feel this is the wrong decision to make, not only for the staff and children who attend, but for the college, its students and the services the nursery provides which will be lost if you close.


Nicola Perrett, Warwickshire College director of student services, confirmed the decision was a reflection of changes to public sector funding and the college group couldn’t justify the cost which would be needed to bring the nursery facilities up to the required standards.

She added: “We are very aware of the impact this will have on both the staff and the children who would have continued at the nursery in September.

“This decision in no way reflects the quality of provision provided, which was judged by Ofsted to be ‘Good’ when last inspected.

“We will be providing information about alternative childcare provision to parents who use the nursery and will continue to provide advice and financial support to the limited number of students who use the nursery, which they can use to secure alternative childcare provision.

The nursery currently has 46 families using the facility, including students and staff.

Students at the college on early years care courses also lend a hand at the nursery for on-the-job training.

Visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-warwickshire-college-nursery to sign the petition.

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