Strategy to Recovery: University Nursery to close and support services at risk.

The nursery caring for the children of staff and student parents is to be shut in September.

The University of Dundee confirmed the closure to The Courier on Wednesday.

This is despite the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) having voted to support the Nursery in March.

The SRC is the highest level of student representation at the university. Calling on the university to maintain the Nursery for the long term, the SRC motion noted that the Nursery has been “vital” in enabling student parents and staff to take part in university life.

The SRC also promoted a public petition for the Nursery to remain open that was launched in January by DUCU, the Dundee branch of the University and College Union. The petition currently has over 500 signatures.

The university told The Courier that maintaining the Nursery, which now has ten children, would not financially sustainable. The university added that the decision has been “exceptionally difficult,” and that it is working with affected individuals and local childcare providers during the transition.

Student support services may be likewise impacted.

On Tuesday, the university’s Strategy to Recovery document (p. 38) says support services would be placed under a new “Education and Student Experience Hub.” Doing so would “deliver sustainable financial savings while supporting key priority activities.”

While the university’s ongoing crisis unfolds, students can be reassured that help remains available over the summer.

As usual, all Dundee students are encouraged to contact the Student Support Team for support. Matriculated students also have access to DUSA Advice & Support.