More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling on a college to reverse a decision to close a nursery that it runs.

In May the board at Nottingham College voted by seven to two to close the Once Upon a Time Nursery in Basford following “consistent underperformance against budget”. The college now hopes to convert the nursery space into classrooms for an extra 100 students.

The nursery, which is open for the children of staff and students from the college as well as the general public, is set to close at the end of the month. The college says the nursery has been running at a loss and costs the college over £100,000 a year to run, but the claims over the financial viability of the nursery have been questioned by parents.

In a statement, campaigners said: “The nursery provides crucial childcare for students and staff while they learn and teach, and its closure would be a massive loss for the community.” 

An ‘emotive issue’

Parents of children at the nursery faced finding a new nursery place before September, but the college says three-quarters have secured alternative places. Some 13 jobs are under threat as a voluntary redundancy process continues.

Nottingham College chief executive John van de Laarschot, who joined the college two years ago after leaving his role as chief executive of Stoke-on-Trent city council, has been invited to a public meeting this evening to discuss the closure.

A college spokesperson said: “We regularly review all parts of our business, especially areas which are not financially viable, to ensure we spend as much money as possible on educating students.

“The college is aware that this is an emotive issue amongst staff and parents and we have not come to this decision lightly. We are talking with affected parents and listening to their concerns, as well as helping them find alternative places for their children.”

The petition can be viewed online here.