A PETITION has been presented to Parliament calling for Coventry University nursery to be saved from closure amid fears about its future.
The petition was presented by Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana in Parliament yesterday (Monday, June 12), with the university’s consultation on the plans ending today (Tuesday).
Campaigners claim the university first announced its plans to close the nursery in a letter to staff in May.
A change.org petition set up by parents has since gained more than 1,500 signatures.
Ms Sultana said: “Coventry University Nursery provides a vital service for our community and with dozens of families on its waiting list this service is clearly desperately needed.
“That’s why I’m campaigning with parents, staff and stakeholders to save the nursery.
“I hope Coventry University will heed our calls and secure the nursery’s future.”
Student and parent, Stephanie Beek added: “The nursery is absolutely vital for me to be able to continue with my degree.
“My son has improved so much socially, made lots of friends and he has made jumps in his speech and learning.
“The staff are always going above and beyond for my son and in trying to accommodate around my placement and uni.”
Other campaign backers include the Coventry University Students’ Union.
A spokesperson for Coventry University said no decision had been made yet but ‘it has fully evaluated the options’ and it’s became clear to them the service has not been financially viable for some time.
The spokesperson added increasing costs meant losses were set to continue and worsen.
“We are currently consulting colleagues and liaising with parents over the future of our Day Nursery, which is currently used by less than 30 of our almost 30,000 staff and students in the city.
“The building used for the nursery is approaching the end of its working life and replacing it would add to the current losses. Colleagues are now being consulted over the potential closure of the site.”
The spokesperson added increasing costs and deficits were not unique to the university’s day nursery.
They also claimed the full impact of price rises was likely to further increase the deficit at the nursery from July.
