Perth UHI nursery has been earmarked for closure at the end of term in June 2024.

This is despite assurances coming from Dr Margaret Cook UHI Prinicipal, that nursery management would be given 2 years until 2025 to attempt to turn the finances of the nursery around. 

The closure has been announced "due to continual external financial pressures" but we do not believe that all possibilities have been explored to find a model that can financially sustain the future of the nursery & Dr Cook has not fulfilled her promise of allowing until 2025 to explore the options.

Nursery staff have been given only 2 weeks to decide if they wish to apply for voluntary severance. 

The mismanagement of the affairs at Perth UHI has left staff, students & parents with very little confidence in the senior leadership team at Perth UHI.

Perth cannot sustain the loss of another childcare provision. Our nursery provides excellent care as evidenced by the Care Inspectorate reports and like all other nurseries in Perth, is running at full capacity.

The sudden closure of our nursery is a significant blow to Perth UHI students and staff & also to the wider Perth community. Without access to on-campus childcare facilities, these students face increased challenges in balancing their academic and parental responsibilities. Staff with children currently at the nursery will struggle to fulfil their responsibilities at work & the impact will be felt wider as many families in the surrounding communities use this vital service.

Early years education is such a fundamental stage of a child's development and this fact seems to have been disregarded by the Perth UHI senior leadership team.

We urge UHI SLT to reconsider this decision and keep our nursery open. 

Please sign this petition and support us in preserving the jobs of 12 dedicated team members & keeping this crucial resource for student-parents at our college.