THE DECISION on whether Coventry University’s nursery will close has been delayed.
The university had previously said the decision on whether it would close the nursery would be announced on Friday (June 23) but it will now be revealed next Tuesday (July 4.)
A spokesperson for the university said the announcement has been delayed to ensure they gave ‘full and proper consideration’ to all feedback as well as alternative proposals.
The consultation period on the future of the university’s nursery ended on June 13.
Campaigners said the university first announced its plans to close the nursery in a letter to staff in May.
On Thursday, around 50 parents alongside staff, councillors, trade unionists and Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana marched from the council house to the university’s vice-chancellor’s office to hand in a petition urging them to save the nursery.
The petition was launched by parents and has gained almost 2,000 signatures.
Joel Busher, the parent who started the petition, said: “We have been really moved by the level of support – almost 2000 signatures and so much encouragement from university staff, students and the wider community.
“We are however disappointed that the university has not adopted a more transparent and inclusive process.
“It would have been better for everyone if they had engaged with the wider stakeholder community sooner.”
A spokesperson for Coventry University said it was clear the nursery has not been financially viable for some time with increasing costs meaning losses are set to continue to worsen.
“The temporary building used for the nursery is approaching the end of its working life and replacing it would add to the current losses.
“We have consulted colleagues and liaised with parents over the future of our Day Nursery, which is currently used by less than 30 of the more than 30,000 colleagues and students we have in the city.
“The consultation period around the future of the nursery has now closed and there have been several submissions received. Senior leaders have met with affected parents, Coventry City Council and MPs to discuss the future of the nursery as part of exploring all available options.”
