MPs unite against closure of university nursery

All three of Bradford's MPs have backed a campaign to keep a nursery on the city's university campus open.

About 120 families who use the Laisteridge Lane nursery were told by the University of Bradford that it could no longer afford to fund the service as it needed to make £13m in savings.

More than 1,200 people have signed a petition to save the service, which is due to close on 31 July despite being rated as outstanding by Ofsted.

Bradford West MP Naz Shah has called for the university to meet her and fellow Bradford MPs Judith Cummins (Bradford South) and Imran Hussain (Bradford East).

Ms Shah has already met university vice-chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon to discuss the nursery closure as well as proposals to shed about 200 jobs.

A series of consultation meetings with staff, students and parents began on Monday and runs until 7 May.

Ms Shah said: "Understandably, these proposals have raised significant concerns among staff, students, and the wider community, particularly regarding the impact on livelihoods and childcare availability.

"It is important that the consultation process is transparent and genuinely considers the voices of those affected."

She urged the vice-chancellor to arrange a meeting to discuss the nursery's future with the MPs "as a matter of urgency".

Ms Cummins said the closure was "concerning for parents".

She added they were worried about the impact it would have on their children's development and also on their ability to pursue their academic and professional duties.

She added: "I have written to the university to urge them to work with parents and staff to explore all possible solutions."

Mr Hussain said it was "deeply disappointing" that the university planned to close the nursery.

He said: "This is in the wider context of proposed job and course cuts at the university, which is also concerning for such a large and valued employer in the city.

"The petition against the nursery closure shows that there is widespread support for continuing this service for parents.

"I urge the university to take all actions and meaningfully negotiate with staff and parents to avoid such a move."

The nursery was set up in 1992 for staff and students and later opened up to the wider community.

Half the current users are members of the public, while 34% are students and 16% employees.

A University of Bradford spokesperson said it was in a period of formal consultation.

The spokesperson said: "During this period, we are receiving and considering a range of options from staff, our campus trade unions as well as parents and carers who use the nursery, including exploring the possibility of a new provider running the nursery.

"We are also considering extending the proposed date of closure to 31 August following feedback received from nursery staff and parents/carers. A final outcome will be given in June."

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