The head of Paisley’s college has said even the “most optimistic” proposals to save the on-campus nursery would not have stopped the closure plans.
Staff, parents and union representatives were left devastated last week when West College Scotland announced that the Renfrew Road nursery would shut permanently on June 17.
College bosses stated that budget cuts meant that the
Now, a letter from Liz Connelly, principal and chief executive of West College Scotland, says that despite the thorough counter proposal from staff in a bid to save the facility, there was no other option.
In a letter sent to Labour MSP Katy Clarke, Ms Connelly said: “In these extremely challenging times of reduced funding, we therefore have no option but to take the tough decisions necessary to secure our long-term financial sustainability and fulfil our primary obligation to provide further and higher education and learning to the communities we serve.
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“We, have therefore decided that the College has no alternative but to implement the nursery closure decision, approved by our Board of Management.
“The counter proposal put forward by staff during the constructive consultation has been thoroughly modelled financially.
“It is with regret that even at its most optimistic the outcome remains an unviable loss-making service.”
Thirteen staff are set to be impacted by the closure, however West College Scotland has said no staff will be forced to take redundancy.
A long campaign was carried out by the union Unison alongside staff and parents, which saw them carry out demonstrations, petition campaigns, political lobbying and constant representations through a heavily contested collective consultation process.
West Scotland MSP Katy Clark submitted a motion in Scottish Parliament calling for a proper equality impact assessment to be carried out by college bosses.
Ms Clark also called for the Scottish Government to reverse cuts to college funding, including a projected further cut of £52 million announced in the recent Scottish Budget for 2022-23.
The Labour MSP has expressed her anger and disappointment after it was confirmed the nursery would close.
She said: “It is deeply disappointing the College has chosen to close these nurseries, which have been much loved for generations.
“I fully understand that colleges in Scotland face considerable funding pressures and will continue to call on the Scottish Government to provide a better settlement.
“But it is clear this was not an action that needed to be taken. Staff came forward with serious proposals that identified alternative savings, which have been dismissed out of hand.
“Indeed, the initial decision to close the nurseries was made without much consultation of staff, and no consultation of parents or students at all, which is very troubling.
“This is a great loss that will affect students who require on-site childcare and may see some parents leave further education entirely.”
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