UK universities are grappling with financial pressures, leading to the closure of on-site childcare facilities.

These nurseries are crucial for promoting equality and access, but dwindling demand and government underfunding are forcing institutions to reconsider their viability. Queen Mary University of London recently announced the closure of its Westfield Nursery due to significant financial losses. Other universities, like Leicester and Coventry, have already shut down their nurseries, while Middlesex University narrowly avoided closure after recognising the potential impact on staff and student retention. The closures highlight a broader issue of insufficient childcare support in academia, affecting gender equality and career progression for academic parents.

Imagine trying to balance a career in academia while worrying about finding reliable, affordable childcare. Now, imagine the university that employs you decides to close its on-site nursery, the very lifeline that makes juggling these responsibilities possible. This scenario is becoming all too familiar in the UK, where many universities are shutting down their nurseries in response to severe financial constraints. These closures come at a time when on-site childcare is seen as essential for achieving equality and access goals, and the repercussions are rippling through academic communities.

Queen Mary University of London is the latest to announce the closure of its Westfield Nursery, citing losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds annually. The decision mirrors a trend observed across the sector, with the universities of Leicester, Coventry, Worcester, and Brighton having already ceased their on-site childcare services post-pandemic. Middlesex University narrowly averted a similar fate for its nursery, but its future remains uncertain.

The root of the problem extends beyond individual institutional decisions. Government underfunding has hit the early years sector hard, exacerbating the impact on campus nurseries. The expansion of free childcare hours has not been matched by increased grants, leaving many nurseries struggling to stay afloat. Additionally, widespread staff shortages have forced nurseries to reduce their operating hours or limit the number of available places, making it even harder for working parents to find suitable childcare.

Financial Constraints and Government Underfunding

The financial squeeze on universities is not new, but the pandemic has intensified these pressures. Reduced student numbers, increased operational costs, and a shift towards remote working have all contributed to the financial instability faced by many institutions. For university nurseries, this instability translates to a precarious existence. As Nadia von Benzon, a lecturer in human geography at Lancaster University, points out, government policies have not kept pace with the needs of the sector. The commitment to offering free childcare hours has expanded, but the corresponding funding has not, leaving nurseries to bridge the gap.

Campus nurseries, like other early years providers, are also grappling with staff shortages. Recruiting and retaining qualified staff is increasingly difficult, leading to a reduction in available places and operating hours. Without sufficient staffing, nurseries cannot function effectively, further straining their finances. This challenge is compounded for university nurseries, as academics often have irregular schedules and may not be on campus consistently, reducing the demand for on-site childcare.

Impact on Academic Careers and Gender Equality

The closure of university nurseries has far-reaching implications, particularly for academic staff and students with young children. Access to on-site childcare is a critical factor in supporting the careers of academic parents, enabling them to balance their professional and personal responsibilities. The loss of these facilities can force parents to reduce their working hours or even pause their careers, disproportionately affecting women who still bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities.

Dr Linus Wunderlich, a lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, describes the importance of Westfield Nursery for his family. Initially, sending his daughter to the nursery was daunting due to her separation anxiety, but it soon became a second home thanks to the dedicated staff. The planned closure means that all 19 staff members will be made redundant, and families like Dr Wunderlich’s are left scrambling for alternative childcare arrangements. Finding a new nursery that fits his schedule and budget is proving to be a significant challenge, with no guarantee of availability by September.

The gendered impact of these closures cannot be overstated. Female academics, who often take on a larger share of childcare duties, face additional hurdles in their career progression. Without reliable childcare, many are forced to cut back on their professional commitments, hindering their career development and perpetuating gender inequality within academia. Campaigners have highlighted this issue, emphasising the need for universities to consider the broader impact of their decisions on staff and student retention.

Case Study: Middlesex University

Middlesex University provides a telling example of the consequences of nursery closures and the potential for reversing such decisions. Initially earmarked for closure, the university’s nursery was spared after a concerted effort by staff and students to highlight its importance. Dr Dan Ozarow, a senior lecturer whose children attend the nursery, was instrumental in making the case that shutting the facility would lead to significant financial losses due to decreased student enrolment and staff turnover.

The decision to keep the nursery open was ultimately seen as a strategic investment in the university’s future. However, Dr Ozarow remains cautious, noting that the nursery’s long-term future is still uncertain. The facility currently operates from a temporary location, and ongoing financial pressures mean that its survival is not guaranteed. This precarious situation underscores the need for universities to adopt a more holistic approach to decision-making, considering not just immediate financial concerns but also the long-term benefits of supporting staff and student parents.

The plight of university nurseries in the UK reflects broader issues within the higher education sector and the early years childcare system. Financial pressures and government underfunding have left many institutions struggling to maintain these essential services.

The closure of on-site childcare facilities has significant implications for gender equality, academic career progression, and access to education. As universities navigate these challenges, it is crucial that they recognise the value of supporting staff and student parents and consider the long-term benefits of investing in on-site childcare. The fate of facilities like Queen Mary’s Westfield Nursery and Middlesex University’s nursery serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between financial viability and the need to uphold principles of equality and access.

“Since we heard of the planned closure, we have contacted several nurseries and are on their waiting lists. None of them have been able to confirm that a place would be available by September, and none of them have opening hours flexible enough to allow me to teach until 5pm.”

— Dr Linus Wunderlich

It’s time for universities to take a stand for equality and support their staff and students. Reach out to your institution’s administration and advocate for the importance of on-site childcare facilities. Together, we can ensure that these vital services remain available for those who need them most.