Keep the University Nursery Open!

Due to their desire to cut costs the University of Portsmouth is currently in consultation to close their Nursery with the decision being made on the 5th September. Without this facility, staff and student parents will suffer a huge blow to their University experience while having, or caring for, a child.

  • Petition submitted by on Aug 12, 2022

Failed

This petition has failed. Read the updates below for why it is in this state.

How Will This Idea Benefit Students?

The University of Portsmouth Nursery is one of the reasons some students have chosen the University of Portsmouth over other Universities. The facilities and staff are incredible and the flexibility the Nursery allows makes their University experience entirely seamless. Without this provision, other Nurseries have higher waiting lists, higher costs, less flexibility, and they aren't integrated into the University system, which allows Nursery staff to have an understanding of University operations and how these affect student and staff parents. 

Their decision to consider closing the Nursery shows a troubling trajectory for future University policies and financial decisions. They're less interested in the real Quality of Life for students and appear more interested in making the University look good. With the cost of living going up, the threat to students and student parents is immense. This is another kick in the teeth from institutions that seemingly favour upgrading their library monitors to 4K instead of providing important services to students. With the threats in America of policies which negatively affect childcare provision, and the growth of such wild and troubling views all over the world, it is important that institutions like the University of Portsmouth show actual support for parents (especially young parents) who may be at risk in the future. 

The Nursery is currently working hard on a new framework and provision plan during this brief and sudden consultation that will encourage the University to reconsider their attempt at closing the Nursery.

If you're not a parent, please consider standing with us and supporting the University Nursery, since we were all children once and we may all be parents one day. 


How Can The Union Achieve This?

The University should listen to the needs of students and parents. Through action, the Students Union might be able to support the Nursery by showing the importance the Nursery holds to students, be it directly or indirectly. During the consultation they can encourage the University to consider the Nurseries' own proposals in order to keep the University Nursery open. 

Petition Updates

  • This petition has failed

    The reason for it failing is: This petition has been failed.

  • Have Your Say Petition Response from Natasha Layley - Welfare Officer

    Have Your Say Petition Response from Natasha Layley - Welfare Officer

    Despite the idea not passing I have been working to try and support the students affected. Here is what the Union is currently doing:

    1. We have met with the Nursery consultancy team to understand why and how the decision has been made, We are still lacking some clarity on this and we will continue to work to ensure thorough accountability about the process that led to this decision.

    2. Within our conversations with the consultancy team we have raised the idea of the University of Portsmouth creating a partnership with an external nursery, However due to the legal nature and regulations around this they are not keen for this and instead they are working to encourage students to utilise the list provided by Portsmouth City Council. This can be found here.

    3. Other conversations we have started are around what financial support can be provided from UoP to students affected by the nursery closure. We will continue to look into this. For now students are encouraged to apply for the student hardship fund. Information on this can be found here.

    4. Finally we are looking at best practice at other institutions who have also had nursery closures or changes to provision to see what steps they have taken to make the situation better for those affected.

    5. We will soon be sending out a short feedback survey to the students affected by the closure to identify what individual support they may need so we can tailor our advice and support. We are also looking to host a gathering event at the Union to create a support network for the students affected.

    So far I have liaised with about 1/3 of the students affected and these students are being signposted and supported to appropriate services.

    Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have been affected by the closure and need support.

    Email natasha.layley@upsu.net

    Natasha Layley

    UPSU Welfare Officer

  • Petition moved to a Student Vote

    This petition needs a majority vote and a quorum of at least 10 student voters by 09:13 10th Sep 2022 to pass.

  • Petition needs Backers to Continue

    This petition needs 15 student backers by 10:06 9th Sep 2022 to proceed.

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