Sheffield nursery for staff and students of Sheffield Hallam University announces it could close this summer
Sheffield nursery announces it could close this summer
A Sheffield nursery says it could close its doors by July after revealing it has been running at a loss for years.
Sheffield Hallam University’s ‘Collegiate Nursery’, on Broomgrove Road, wrote home to parents on April 13 announcing it will soon begin a consultation process over possibly shutting its doors for good “at the end of the summer term”.
The Outstanding-rated preschool for children under five and open to university staff and students says it has struggled with declining demand and financial challenges for years.
The letter by director of student futures & support Esther Kent reads: “It is important to be clear that this proposal is not about the quality of care, which we know is excellent.
“In recent years, the number of children attending the nursery has steadily declined, and it has been operating at a financial loss for some time.
“More broadly, smaller nurseries are increasingly facing challenges as larger providers expand, and demand for workplace-based nurseries has been falling across the university sector.”
Ms Kent added SHU has already explored whether it could sell the nursery to another provider, but found this “is not a viable option.”
The letter promised parents a decision no later than the second week of June.
One parent wrote to The Star to say: “As parents we’re shocked and extremely unhappy about this decision.
“From my perspective, some parents started to leave due to price hikes and reduction in provision last year.
“Honestly it seemed that what they were doing didn’t seem to make business sense.”
SHU was contacted for comment on how many students are on the nursery’s roll.
A spokesperson said: “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.
“We are engaging with staff, parents and stakeholders, and expect to communicate a final decision in June.”
Inspectors wrote at the time: “Children thrive at this caring and nurturing nursery. They thoroughly enjoy the activities and experiences that are on offer to them.”
It comes amid numerous nursery closures in Sheffield in recent years amid changes to free childcare hours, staffing costs, rent, and many settings feeling forced to put up fees.
Meanwhile, in February 2024, Dr Sipra Deb, the managing director of eight nurseries, including Sheffield’s Seeds to Stars Nursery and Frecheville Children’s Nursery, warned the battle against underfunding, rising costs and declining staff retention would lead to provisions closing “left, right and centre”.