We, a group of parents and carers with children attending Sheffield Hallam University Nursery, are urgently calling on Sheffield Hallam University to reconsider its proposal to close the on-campus nursery, utilised by staff, students and members of the wider community. 

The nursery, which has 21 members of childcare staff and places for 70 children aged 0 to 5, originally opened in 1979. The nursery is well regarded by those who attend it and received an Ofsted rating of outstanding in 2023 https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50224612. It is particularly rated by parents and carers of children with SEND and has significant expertise in supporting these children.

The university announced a change in funding model just last year which increased costs to parents. Prior to this time there was a waiting list for places. The rationale of reduced demand is now being used to justify closure.

This decision has tremendous implications not just for the university community; staff, parents, students and children but also for the wider community across Sheffield. Parents and carers will be left struggling to find suitable childcare at what is already a difficult time for the sector. 

We are urging the university to reconsider its proposal, ensure parent views are taken into account in any decision, and to ensure transparency in consultation processes. We ask for the university processes to take in to account long term economic effects, equality impact assessments and social impacts, not just immediate cost savings.