Parents fail to save Collegiate Nursery from closure following Sheffield Hallam University decision
The uni said the daycare has run at a loss for years and is only half its places are filled
Sheffield Hallam University shocked parents in April by announcing a consultation to shut its Collegiate Nursery, on Broomgrove Road, with the loss of up to 75 childcare places.
The uni said the daycare has run at a loss for years and is only half its places are filled.
Parents gathered 1,800 signatures on a petition to halt the consultation and keep the ‘Outstanding’ rated nursery open.
But, today, SHU has confirmed it will close the daycare down.
The full statement from Sheffield Hallam University reads: "Following a thorough consultation process, we have taken the difficult decision to close Collegiate Campus Nursery at the end of July.
"We know this news will be deeply disappointing for the families and staff who are part of the nursery community. We recognise the strength of feeling expressed since the proposal was made and we want to be clear that this is not a decision the University has taken lightly.
"We have carefully considered all feedback received and explored a range of potential alternatives to closure. While this reinforced the value of the nursery to the families who use it, no viable option emerged that would address the underlying financial challenges or place the nursery on a sustainable footing for the future.
"The decision follows sustained financial losses at the nursery, which have totalled almost £600,000 since 2020, alongside declining demand. The nursery is currently used by 13 children from the University's community of around 35,000 staff and students.
"Like many universities across the UK, Sheffield Hallam is facing significant financial pressures and must take difficult decisions to ensure its long-term sustainability.
"Our priority now is supporting those affected by this decision. We are working with families to help them identify alternative childcare arrangements and will continue to support nursery staff throughout the transition.”
The Save SHU Collegiate Nursery parents’ group was contacted for a comment.
Since the announcement in April, several parents contacted The Star to say Sheffield stands to lose a “fantastic” SEND provision and a ”warm, nurturing” nursery during a childcare crisis in the city.
They also accused SHU of failing to promote the daycare as open to the public, not just to staff and students, asking how it could have so few children on its books when dozens of other sites in Sheffield are at capacity with lengthy waiting lists.