News: Basford Nursery Closure

In May 2018 the Board at Nottingham College voted 7 to 2 to close the Basford nursery following consistent underperformance against budget.

The nursery has been running at a loss for some time when financial prudence is required. It currently costs the college over £100,000 a year to run.

Occupancy rates are not sustainable and with 14 children leaving the nursery in July 2018 it would leave less than 50 children on role. The number of users does not translate to profitable business due to sporadic sessions, part-sessions and term time usage against fixed costs.

There are a lower number of students using the nursery at Basford compared to other settings due to curriculum provision.

Of the 65 children currently at the nursery, 75% have secured alternative places, seven within the other College provision.

Converting the nursery space at Basford into classrooms equates to teaching space for an extra 100 pupils.

Staff within the nursery have secured alternative posts within the other College settings to provide continuity for children staying; others have taken advantage of the College’s Voluntary Redundancy Scheme.

A College spokesperson said: “We regularly review all parts of our business, especially areas which are not financially viable to ensure we spend as much money as possible on educating students. The College is aware that this is an emotive issue amongst staff and parents and we have not come to this decision lightly. We are talking with affected parents and listening to their concerns as well as helping them find alternative places for their children.”