In a letter sent to parents, Sheffield Hallam University revealed that they are consulting on the proposed closure of the collegiate campus nursery at the end of the summer term.
This move could see a number of parents having to make alternative arrangements for childcare and has left parents confused and upset.
This has led to parents coming together to create a petition to reconsider the decision to consult on the closure of Sheffield Hallam’s collegiate nursery.
Crookes and Crosspool Councillor Minesh Parekh said: “I’m really concerned about Sheffield Hallam University’s proposals to close their nursery and the extremely short notice they have given to parents and staff.
“I’ve been contacted by several parents with children at the nursery who are alarmed by the news and concerned by the approach taken by SHU.”
He also shared the petition on Facebook to express his concern.
Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) have said that the reason for the consultation is ‘falling demand, ongoing financial challenges, and wider changes across the early years sector.’
A spokesperson from SHU said: “In recent years, the number of children attending the nursery has steadily declined, and it is currently used by just 13 people from our community of 35,000 staff and students.
“Since 2020, the nursery has recorded an operating loss of nearly £600,000, with rising costs meaning this is expected to continue.
“Given the well-documented financial pressures facing universities across the second; unfortunately, this position is not sustainable.
“If the proposal goes ahead, we will work closely with parents to support them, including signposting to alternative local childcare provision, and we are supporting our staff through this process.”
However, some people have expressed disbelief towards this, including Cllr Parekh.
He said: “I have concerns about the figures the university is making public to say that it is not financially viable, which I understand include costs incurred during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“I have serious concerns about whether the nursery is actually financially unviable, or if the university is simply seeking to asset strip and sell the building to cover for its own wider financial mismanagement.
“Parents, children, and workers should not be made to suffer because of university management failure. They should look to alternative solutions to keep it running and slow down this hasty consultation.”
Sheffield Hallam University are expected to communicate their final decision in June.
The featured image is a composite made using images from SHU’s website and the petition made by parents.